Themes

Identity, Power, Sacrifice

In Crown of Midnight, Sarah J. Maas examines identity, power, and sacrifice, driving the plot and character development. Celaena Sardothien grapples with her role as an assassin against her quest for justice. As the King’s Champion, she defies orders by pretending to kill the king's subjects. This conflict between duty and ethics shapes her journey toward self-discovery. She eventually realizes her true identity as Aelin Galathynius, the Lost Queen of Terrasen.

Power struggles are evident in conflicts among key figures like Chaol Westfall and Dorian Havilliard. Chaol wrestles with loyalty to the crown and his feelings for Celaena, creating tension between personal desires and political obligations. Dorian's hidden magical abilities introduce the allure and dangers of forbidden power.

Sacrifice plays a critical role, with characters facing difficult choices. Princess Nehemia's death prompts Celaena to reevaluate her priorities and oppose the oppressive regime. Nehemia's sacrifice solidifies alliances and strengthens Celaena’s resolve to change her fate, marking a pivotal shift in her character.

Role of magic in the plot

In Crown of Midnight, magic drives the plot, with ancient Wyrdkeys playing a central role in power dynamics. These keys are crucial to both the King's rule and the rebellion against it, affecting the story and worldbuilding.

Celaena Sardothien's investigation into the Wyrdkeys advances the story and develops her character. Her journey weaves together key plot elements, sustaining suspense. Dorian Havilliard's discovery of his magical abilities also influences his standing within his father's empire.

Magic affects major plot events. When Celaena uses the Wyrdkeys to open a portal to another dimension, it demonstrates magic's capacity to change alliances and realities, underscoring its significant role in the series.

Evolution from Throne of Glass

Crown of Midnight represents a progression in the Throne of Glass series, building on its predecessor's foundation. Sarah J. Maas adds complexity to the storyline, incorporating intricate elements not present in the Throne of Glass book. The sequel introduces unexpected plot developments and further character exploration.

In Throne of Glass, Celaena Sardothien is portrayed as a renowned yet mysterious assassin. In Crown of Midnight, she fully utilizes her lethal abilities. Her character development emphasizes her skills and highlights the moral challenges she faces. This complexity examines the balance between her role as an assassin and personal conflicts.

Crown of Midnight explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and loss with greater depth than Throne of Glass. Character relationships are examined closely, offering insights into friendships and romantic connections. Dorian and Chaol's characters gain depth, adding to the narrative's complexity and signifying Crown of Midnight as an advancement in the series.

Quick facts

• Crown of Midnight is the second book in Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series, published on August 27, 2013 by Bloomsbury.

• The book became a New York Times Bestseller, contributing to a series that has sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

• Celaena Sardothien, the protagonist, is revealed to be Aelin Galathynius, the lost queen of Terrasen.

• Celaena pretends to assassinate her targets under the King's orders, secretly aiding their escape.

• Dorian, the prince, discovers he has magical powers, which significantly change his character and role in the series.

• The novel is acknowledged as a significant turning point, marked by deeper character development and crucial plot twists like Nehemia's death.

• The King of Adarlan possesses a powerful magical artifact known as a Wyrdkey, central to the unfolding plot.

• Controversial and emotionally charged events, such as Nehemia's planned death, trigger pivotal character developments.

• The book highlights complex relationship dynamics, particularly between Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian, which move beyond conventional romantic clichés.

• Multiple perspectives are used throughout the storyline, enriching character insights and deepening emotional engagement.

• The narrative includes compelling themes of betrayal, identity, morality, and political intrigue set against impending rebellion.

• Author Sarah J. Maas regards Crown of Midnight as her favorite installment in the Throne of Glass series.

About the author

Ayn Rand, born Alissa Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in St. Petersburg, Russia, experienced the effects of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Her family's business was expropriated by the communist regime, fostering her opposition to collectivism and state control, which influenced her work.

Rand moved to the United States in 1926, leaving Soviet rule to pursue her creative goals. Her career began with low-paying jobs in Hollywood before finding success with the play Night of January 16th. Her novels, The Fountainhead (1943) and Atlas Shrugged (1957), established her prominence in literature and philosophy.

Rand developed Objectivism, a philosophy that emphasizes rational self-interest and individual rights, countering collectivist ideologies. This philosophy is reflected in her 1937 novel Anthem, a dystopian narrative on extreme collectivism's dangers. Rand's legacy focuses on her advocacy for personal freedom and individualism, critiquing systems that hinder personal autonomy. Her work remains influential, stimulating discussions on literature and philosophy.