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Jun 23, 2018PimaLib_ChristineR rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Having just finished the disappointing Court of Frost and Starlight, it's a pleasure to go back and review this book and remember that Maas can actually write. There are some obvious points. I had a major plot point... that isn't revealed until book three... figured out 30% of the way into the book. The teaser for the book really plays on "Celeana Sardothien was Adarlan's most notorious assassin"....etc...etc and how the prince has released her from her incarceration in the salt mines to act as his entrant in the competition to name the King's Champion. If you wanted the book to focus on the competition, you'll likely be disappointed. Instead, Maas focuses on developing Celeana as she regains her attitude and strength after a year of beatings and starvation. She also develops the love triangle between Celeana, the Prince and the prince's best friend and head guardsman, Chaol. Behind the character development, Maas develops a murder mystery. Someone, or something, is killing the contestants. Magic has been outlawed, but it seems there's still magic left and someone may be using it but not controlling it very well. Celeana's snooping and the court intrigue keep this book interesting.