Crown of Midnight (2013) is the second novel in the bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. This one books the most selling book we Following the explosive start in Throne of Glass (2012), this installment dives deeper into the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin caught between loyalty, love, and destiny. With its gripping twists, rich world-building, and unforgettable characters, Crown of Midnight is often hailed as one of the strongest entries in the entire series.
About the Author: Sarah J. Maas
The second book of thrown series Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times bestselling fantasy author, famous for creating lush, character-driven worlds filled with romance, danger, and magic. She is the writer of three beloved series:
- Throne of Glass
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
- Crescent City
Crown of Midnight was published in 2013 and solidified Maas’s reputation as a powerhouse in young adult fantasy literature.
Crown of Midnight By Sarah J. Maas
- Title: Crown of Midnight
- Series: Throne of Glass (Book 2)
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
- Published: August 27, 2013
- Publisher: Bloomsbury
This sequel continues Celaena’s story as she navigates dangerous political intrigues, dark secrets of the glass castle, and her own hidden past.
Crown of Midnight Summary
The story picks up after Throne of Glass, where Celaena Sardothien has won the title of the King’s Champion. Her job is simple yet deadly: eliminate anyone the king deems a threat. But Celaena has secrets of her own, and instead of carrying out executions, she is secretly sparing lives.
As the plot unfolds, Celaena discovers mysteries beneath the glass castle, including ancient tombs, secret passages, and the legacy of lost magic. The novel also delves into her relationships — especially with Chaol Westfall, the Captain of the Guard, and Dorian Havilliard, the crown prince who has secrets of his own.
When betrayal strikes, Celaena faces heartbreaking losses that change her forever. With each twist, readers see her transformation from a reluctant assassin into someone much larger than herself — a symbol of hope, rebellion, and destiny.
Key Themes in Crown of Midnight
- Power and Corruption – The king’s tyranny looms over every page, reminding readers of the cost of unchecked power.
- Identity and Secrets – Celaena’s hidden past and true nature begin to surface, setting the stage for future books.
- Friendship and Love – Emotional bonds play a huge role, especially the slow-burn romance between Celaena and Chaol.
- Loss and Sacrifice – Crown of Midnight is darker than its predecessor, showing the real stakes of rebellion.
- Magic and Mystery – While the world once seemed stripped of magic, signs of its return become impossible to ignore.
Main Characters
- Celaena Sardothien – Assassin, survivor, and now King’s Champion. Strong, complex, and haunted by her past.
- Chaol Westfall – Captain of the Guard, torn between duty and love. His relationship with Celaena grows but is tested by tragedy.
- Dorian Havilliard – The crown prince, struggling with his father’s cruelty while awakening to a shocking magical secret.
- Nehemia Ytger – Celaena’s dearest friend and a fierce rebel princess, whose role is central to the novel’s emotional impact.
Why Readers Love Crown of Midnight
- Darker, Deeper Storytelling – Compared to Throne of Glass, this book explores more mature themes.
- Explosive Twists – Midway through the book, an event changes everything, shocking readers and raising the stakes.
- Romantic Development – Celaena’s bond with Chaol is beautifully written, though bittersweet.
- Epic World-Building – Ancient powers, hidden tombs, and hints of forgotten kingdoms enrich the narrative.
- Celaena’s Growth – She begins to embrace her destiny, stepping beyond being just an assassin.
Where Crown of Midnight Fits in the Throne of Glass Series
Crown of Midnight is Book 2 in the Throne of Glass series. To fully appreciate its depth, it’s best to read the series in order:
- The Assassin’s Blade (prequel)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Reader Reviews and Reception
Upon release, Crown of Midnight received glowing reviews from fans and critics alike. Readers praised its emotional intensity, unexpected twists, and stronger pacing compared to Throne of Glass. Many consider it the turning point where the series shifts from a competition-focused YA fantasy to a full-blown epic saga.
- Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5 (with over a million ratings)
- Common Praise: Stronger character development, emotional depth, shocking mid-book twist.
- Criticism: Some readers felt the romance overshadowed parts of the political intrigue.
FAQs About Crown of Midnight
Q1. Is Crown of Midnight appropriate for young readers?
Yes, it’s marketed as YA (young adult), but it has darker themes like loss, death, and political intrigue.s
Q2. Do I need to read Throne of Glass first?
Absolutely. Crown of Midnight directly continues the story, and skipping book one will make it harder to follow.
Q3. Is there a love triangle in this book?
Yes, subtle romantic tension exists between Celaena, , and Dorian, but the plot goes beyond romance.
Q4. Does Crown of Midnight have a cliffhanger?
Yes, it ends with major revelations that set up Heir of Fire.
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Conclusion:
As we know that Crown of Midnight (2013) is a must-read for fantasy lovers and fans of Sarah J. Maas. It blends romance, danger, betrayal, and destiny into a breathtaking tale that hooks readers from beginning to end. As Celaena’s secrets begin to unravel, the book transforms from a story about an assassin into a saga about rebellion, identity, and the return of magic.