Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has all spoilers tagged, so you won’t be spoiled unless you want to!
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE BOOK:
It took me a week to fly by the finale. Overall, I’d like to note that I believe ACOWAR is a stronger finale. I think because there were more life-or-death instances occurring during the battles of ACOWAR. HOWEVER, Aelin was 10000% more involved in the war than Feyre ever was in her own. So take what you will from my piss-poor comparison.
CHARACTERS/DYNAMICS:
Aelin: okay WOW. After hating her throughout the novels off-and on, it was nice to be fully behind my homegirl for this finale. I loved that she still had surprises, even at the very end. People got mad over (view spoiler) thereby breaking her promise. But I think this truly showed her maturing. Just like when she didn’t want to (view spoiler) At least, not like she used to, back in her Dark Days. Aelin truly grows in this novel, and it was a joy to see her story. She continues to inspire me. Fun fact! Every time I read a ToG novel, it makes me want to exercise, be fearless, and be confrontational. Thank you to this awe-inspiring character. I already feel the need to reread these books over and over. Fun fact #2: I am the same age as Aelin????????????????????????? SJM, I need some answers. Why have I not either just become the long-lost queen and found my true love, OR been captured by the Spring Court and will soon find my true love THAT way???? I’m very disappointed.
Rowan: I needed more Rowan for this novel to be 5/5 stars. I love Rowan. He’s one of my fave characters, and I think he is perfect. For Aelin. Hehe. I don’t think we see him grow in this, not like other characters, and he was really just a hot side-piece for what I love abt SJM’swriting: romance, and fated mates <3.
Chaol: It was disappointing, after Tower of Dawn, to not see too much of Chaol. I KNOW! I’ve done a complete 180. I didn’t care about the guy before, but his focused instalment made me interested in one of the only humans in this novel. I am so proud and happy for him and Yrene. Also, I’m glad he stuck it to his dad. Even after the Notebook Allie’s Letter Incident. I’m proud of my boy.
Yrene: Honestly…. she’s as iconic as Aelin. WHY WASN’T SHE IN THIS FOR LONGER??? Yrene is a goddess and I demand more of her story. Also: who’s helping Yrene (view spoiler)
Elide and Lorcan: THEY WERE EVERYTHING. THEY. WERE. EVERYTHING. THEY HAS USURPED MY LOVE FOR ROWAELIN. THEY ARE THE #1 COUPLE IN THIS INSTALMENT. I NEED A SEQUEL SPECIFICALLY FOR MORE LORIDE/ELORCAN(?? what’s their ship name halp). I NEED MORE FANART AND SIDE STORIES OF THEM PLEASE.
The Cadre: (view spoiler) Feyrs was such a wholesome character, but also I stopped caring about him once the battles started. Oops. But yay the feels of all of Maeve’s slaves becoming Aelin’s men! ❤ :’)
Dorian: HE IS SO IMPORTANT IN THIS STORY BUT BARELY GETS A CONCLUSION. Give. Me. More. I have always loved Dorian bby, he’s what hooked me in book 1.
Manon: (view spoiler) Manon’s ice heart melted. I cried and cried for her.
The Thirteen: 👏 Chapter 👏 89 👏. (view spoiler) They are the reason (view spoiler) Fight me.
Maeve and Erawan: Tbh………… I don’t care about writing anything about them. Surprise, surprise, Maeve is bad. Erawan is… blurgh. I hated the King from ACOWAR more. (view spoiler)
Aedion and Lysandra: Honestly… their side of the war was so boring. And took way too long for a reunion. If you love action and the witches: you’ll love their sections. But I’m here for the romance, bby! (view spoiler)
Nesryn and the Antica Royals: most irrelevant thing ever. Tower of Dawn should have only been Chaol getting healed, and finding out abt the stagian spiders. Fin.
ALSO: How amazing was page 800? If you can’t remember what happened… hint: Feyrhys 😍
PLOT:
Um. Tbh… it’s almost 1000 pages, but after (view spoiler) it’s just all about the battles. Not too much plot. Just… war. But it made me like war, for once. Usually, I’m like hmm I disapprove. But dang. I was so proud of each soldier.
STRUCTURE:
There are two parts to this book. Book 1: Aelin is trapped with Maeve, early battles begin. Book 2: Epic battles go on. Lots of action.
When I hit 50%, I started to get sad about saying goodbye. To my friends, to this world. I got very sentimental.
I enjoyed part 1 more, but the finale, of course, was so god damn beautiful to witness. Everyone gets married and lives happily ever after (I’m super duper oversimplifying it of course). It was so nice. I’m proud of my children.
This is what I imagine Terrasen to look like at the end of #KingdomofAsh https://t.co/PhJv5h0siC
— Cal 🦄 (@YABooksAreLife) November 3, 2018
THEMES:
– Destiny
– Loyalty
– Every Straight Must Be Paired Up = guaranteed happiness.
QUOTES:
*literally every Rowaelin and Elorcide romantic conversation*
THE ENDING:
(view spoiler) The final lines of this book didn’t make me weep? What’s wrong with me??
IMPACT:
I will reread this series over and over.
If I want to see my innocent younglings, I will read ToG and CoM. If I want Rowan, I’ll read HoF. If I want to cry, I’ll read QoS.
Then, if I want to consolidate this series, I GUESS I’ll venture into EoS and KoA.
Cal's Reading Corner 
Well sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed it
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I’m a total stan for this series. I’ve had the same love slash hate relationship with the books as well but one thing that has always kept me reading is the females of the series, Ailyn and Manon in particular. I honestly didn’t realise how invested I was until Manon’s big moment where she’s gained respect and has her moment (trying not to spoil it for others) and I cried. It was such a beautiful moment. I’m still hopeful that one day we’ll see a crossover series from her, not holding my breath though. Brilliant review Cal and love that cover edit! ♡♡♡
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I skimmed this review because I was trying to avoid spoilers but it seems like you really liked it! 💕
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