personally I have no problem with rowan being with aelin !!!!!! I loved their friendship in HoF and tbh all relationships would be better and more stable if they started as friendships . ( and O-M-F-G ROWAN AND AELINS TELEPATHIC CONVERSATIONS DURING THOSE DINNERS WERE L-I-F-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E!!!!!!!!) *silently screams*
I shipped them immediately! Everyone is annoyed and was like its so platonic, but it didn't feel that way for me. Before Celaena got with Chaol she kept insisting she didn't feel for him and then they end up together. I adore Rowaelin
+Alex Martin THANK YOOOUUUUUU finally i have found my people!!! Rowaelin is my life!! I kept thinking in HoF that even if Celaena/Aelin went back to Chaol or anything their relationship would never be as close as it is with Rowan. The telepathic conversations are literally everything!
I KNOW I LOVE THOSE TELEPATHIC CONVERSATIONS! People are always saying that they never saw them being more than friends because they clearly stated that they don't think about each other in a romantic way, but I was always catching feels from them tbh, and they were flirty in HoF. #RowaelinShipper
Everything about Chaol in this book was just so sad. He was so different from the Chaol that I came to love that it just hurts my soul. I can't believe Chaolena is actually over!
I'm with you on the Lysandrion ship :) And I'm on the Manon/Dorian ship too!! I'm surprised you didn't mention Kaltain. She blew my mind and broke my heart in her last scene!
I totally agree about Chaol being different in this book! He seemed a lot angrier and I was confused as to why they weren't just talking things out. I'm also unsure of Rowaelin because I really wanted them to have a best buds parabatai relationship, and literally while I was reading this book I was like "THEY CANT FALL IN LOVE ITS AGAINST THE RULES" but then I remembered that's not a rule of being carranam lmao AND I WAS SO CONVINCED THAT AROBYNN WAS GONNA KILL LYSANDRA I WAS LIKE THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS GOING TO GO OUR WAY RIGHT NOW...I was so nervous about that task being in her hands but luckily she pulled through I'm a Dorian shipper but I wouldn't say Chaolena is impossible, this series is impossible to predict lmao it could go in any unexpected direction. I DONT WANT MANON AND DORIAN TOGETHER AS OF YET THOUGH. OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE OF CELORIAN. Manon is like one of my fav characters and I ship her with becoming a good person lol
+TheMattGrimes But at the same time, her and Aedion already have that relationship. In my opinion it was clear from the moment they started sharing a bedroom together that he would be her love interest. That was not a parabatai sort of relationship to me at all. Yes it could be seen as innocent but when we were able to see from their point of view what they thought of each other, I knew. Aelin couldn't have had the relationship that she had with Rowan in Heir of Fire and have a boyfriend/husband/whatever. They were both way too possessive and protective of each other and it would have never worked out with Aelin and the other person, in my opinion.
+TheMattGrimes I think the reason Chaol was so different and angry was because he lost everything, and he had to rediscover who he was without he loyalty to the crown. His honor and loyalty was what he prided himself on and when he left he lost that part of himself and he blamed Aelin for it.
1) Chaol might as well have died in this book because the Captain I fell in love with is GONE. Rip Chaol. 2) RowanxAelin was a BroTP I was hopin would stay that way but look where we are now. I mean, they do have some great chemistry sometimes but iT'S SO SUDDEN WHAT ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL PLATONICNESS?? 3) I am all for Lysandrion oh my golly goshness yaaass!!!
4) I've watched 3 discussions on this book and no one has talked about Elide. Like, can we please talk about Elide? My heart broke for her so many times and I can't waut for her to meet Aelin!!!!
I know this comment was long ago, but ELIDE, MY CHILD. I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY AND FREE AND AGH. I just want her to be on the battlefield with everyone kicking butt and getting her vengeance and AGH.
I cried so hard when I thought Chaol died. I literally had to take a break.I also agree that the Rowan/Aelin relationship was a bit to fast. And I didn't understand why Aelin and Chaol acted that way towards each other... Other than that, it was great.
+Rammy the logophile I have no clue, I'm so confused right now. There really needs to be a pronunciation guide in every book that has non-universal names in it, haha
I wish I could have someone like you in physically in MY LIFE. It is so HARD, trying to find someone to rant and cry too, who understands the emotion in a book. ESPECIALLY THIS ONE. All my friends don't read and look at me like I am crazy for getting all excited, mad, angry and sad over "a book". But it is more than just a book! Ugh! So frustrating
As much as I did love this book, I do agree with what you said about Chaol. I shipped Chaolena so hard and it did break my heart to see that they're both done with one another but I've come to accept it and I actually do ship Rowan and Aelin now. It did surprise me when Rowan started having feelings for Aelin since I wasn't expecting that after Heir of Fire but I've grown to really love Rowan's character. I totally forgot about Lysandra's character in The Assassin's Blade but I love her so much in this book! I love her abilities and the friendship that she had with Aelin. I definitely ship Lysandra and Aedion. I hated Manon's chapters in Heir of Fire too but I definitely liked her chapters a lot more in this book!
I actually thought the development of the Rowaelin relationship was too slow I thought they would kiss somewhere in the middle of the book, but nooo we had to wait till the very end (hey, I'm not complaining I just wanted some more action ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ). I also like the fact that their relationship began differently, with Chaol and Dorian the attraction was instant and for me it felt a bit rushed, but with Rowan it started with a great kickass friendship and developed into something stronger, deeper. So after QoS I consider myself a hardcore Rowaelin shipper. ^^ But I'm kinda on the fence about the possible Dorinon/Manorian (?) ship. For me Dorian is a cute lil puppy dancing on a rainbow and Manon is... I don't know, I just don't see them together, but maybe the next book will change my mind. I just created a new drinking game: drink every time you want to slap Chaol in this book.
I agree with you on all of them! I love Rowan and Aelin, but not Dorian and Manon. I just feel like they'd have an awesome friendship and alliance between witches and Adarlan, but I don't think Manon would be there for him. Also, people would get so drunk with that game.
EXACTLY CHAOL WAS BAE AND NOW HE TURNED SO ANGRY AND I WAS ALL LIKE "WHERE IS MY BABY AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" And I admit to crying the moment I knew that Chaol and Celaena weren't going to be together. The feelings were still there in Heir of Fire, how in the world did they go away and turn into shouting matches?
I never really watched Jesse's book talks but then I found that my opinions are almost 100% the same as his for this particular series and now I'm watching all the throne of glass book talks and am totally hooked
I completely agree with all of your opinions on Chaol and Rowaelin! I've never been a fan of Rowan and I've always loved Chaol and his character felt so off to me in this book. Chaol has been my favorite since the beginning and I just want him to be happy!
so agree with you about everything, i shipped chaol and celaena so hard and i was devastated when that ship sank, i wasnt even going to continue the series but ended up reading all the books anyway and im glad i did BECAUSE I LOVE IT SO MUCH *SOBBING*
I agree with you about Chaol and Rowaelin. People can say the relationship developed all they want but for me it was way too fast. I almost feel like Sarah J Maas got bored with Celorian and Chaolaena and so massacred both ships just so she could write Rowaelin. It didn't feel entirely natural to me, maybe because Rowan was introduced in the third book and so our original pairings are both gone now. Also it's kind of ridiculous that every male character Celaena/Aelin meets falls in love with her (Sam, Dorian, Chaol, Rowan, even Arobynn...Come on now, enough is enough!). For some reason Aedion bores me to tears haha. I was kind of shipping Manon/Elide for a lot of this book but then Manon met Dorian and I've a feeling a Manon/Dorian ship will become canon. Whatever about the characters and ships in this book which are debatable, the plot was AWESOME. I was bored in some parts of Heir of Fire and it took me a while to read but with QoS I tore through it, I was never bored, the ending was just amazing and I think the story has grown so much throughout the series.
omg wouldn't it be so OSM IF SJ MAAS LIKE HINTED AT A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANON AND DORIAN AND ELIDE AND AEDION (once they actually meet) AND LIKE SMALL THINGS MAY HAPPEN BUT THEN ELIDE AND MANON GET REUNITED AND THEY REALIZE THEY ARE TOTALY IN LUUUURRRVVVVEEEE and stuff?? I feel like I'm probably the only one who ships this...
OMG CHAOLAENA IS AMAZING. It's like the best OTP ever. I feel like the relationship between Rowan and Aelin was rushed through different ways. The transitions of Aelin's feelings toward Chaol were unrealistic. Also, in The Crown of Midnight, Celaena realizes that it's not even Chaol's fault and Dorian was aware of that secret too, yet she still holds that grudge against him. She basically throws away their whole relationship irrationally. I can't let go of this ship. I really can't. I love the writing style and intensity of this series but I feel the characters are being out of character and starting to lack development. I really hope Chaol and Celaena could somehow develop a good and trustworthy relationship. Because it was torn apart irrationally. I hope all of them are happy. xChaolaena Foreverx
this was an emotional roller coaster. and you're not alone in wanting chaolena to happen still. finally someone who understands my feelings regarding chaol. i agree with you in every single point.
Omg this review is EXACTLY what I my feeling were when I finished reading this book. And I SHIP CHAOLEANA AND I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP. Even I shipped Aedion and Lysansdra.
Every single time a Dorian chapter came up i seriously thought he was gone and wanted to cry so much! I really thiught Chaol and Dorian wwre going to die in this book ! And i agree about Manon i hated her so much in all the other books but i really enjoyed her story in this book ! 😍 loved it all so much :)
I totally agree with you! I couldn't see that character as Chaol, completelly different! That girl friendship is one of the best!! And Lysandra and Aedion, totally boarded that ship. Does anyone else noticed a future Manon and Dorian thing?
YES. FELLOW CHAOLENA SHIPPER. I remember being completely confused while reading queen of shadows haha. The end of crown of midnight had Aelin telling that chaol that she would always pick him no matter what, and that's completely forgotten in queen of shadows. Also, personally, I feel like the rowaelin ship felt kind of..forced..(dontkillmepls). Don't get me wrong. They were my brotp in heir of fire and I adored their friendship SO MUCH. The romance between them felt very out of place compared to the events that took place in the heir of fire. I still love all the characters though, and I just want them to be happy. That brings me to Chaol. Yes, he was out of character in a few parts of the book, but think about it this way. Chaol has been brought up in an environment where he believed that magic was wrong. His blind loyalty was a part of his identity, which is why it took him as long as it did to come to terms with magic, evil king etc. Aelin, Dorian, and even the readers were aware of this fact from early on in the series, but Chaol wasn't. Simply because he has been conditioned all his life to think in a certain way. I have a theory that once Chaol fled the castle, he lost a part of his identity. He was disowned by his father because he wanted to serve the crown, a crown which he no longer served in the queen of shadows. Without his loyalty, Chaol wasn't Chaol. Also, I don't understand why Chaol has been getting so much shit for leaving Dorian in the castle. Dorian sacrificed himself to let Chaol escape. Also, if Chaol had gone back to try and save Dorian :1. It would have been to late2. He would have gotten killed and his sacrifice would have been in vain Even if he never tried to flee, he would have gotten killed and Dorian would have still had a collar. That would have made queen of shadows a very, very different book. Thats all I have to say. This is one of my favourite series and I love where it's going :)
I ACTUALLY CRIED WHEN DORIAN CAME BACK OMG MY BABY HES OKAY but seriously though this book holy crap so much happens. I am so scared that shes going to kill off someone and it'll be a major character like she did with Sam and I honestly think I'm not ready to see what she does in EoS
Jesse, you put my thoughts and feelings into words!! I love Manon. I am aboard the Aedion+Lysandra ship. and still holding onto a small thread of hope for Chaolena.
I do feel as though rowaelin was a tad bit rushed, but honestly I don't care cause THEY ARE SO FRREEEAAAAKKKING CUTE AND THEY JUST DESERVE SOME GODDAMN HAPPINESS. Also, are we not gonna talk about Manon and Dorian? HMM? I know it may be wrong but I ship that shit so hard.
I agree that Rowaelin was a bit rushed. Not through the books though. I think it was rushed in the time span between the books. Like in HoF they were super platonic, and then in QoS, Rowan literally goes insane if Aelin looked at him or touched him provocatively. That being said, I really like Rowaelin. They are one of my ships even though I'm also a Chaolaena shipper. I honestly just want everybody happy by the end of the 6th book with people that I like, and not people that I hate.
where did you get the idea in HoF they were Platonic? Aelin and Rowan think about sleeping with each other at least twice. They talk about the fact that they're *not* friends and are trying to become love interests but they're both getting over someone so it's super tricky? They are becoming love interests *in* Heir of Fire...??? Chaol is unfortunately too racist against the Fae to be with Aelin.
Cathryn Martin "I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don't care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend." And who wouldn't think of having sex with Rowan?? He's a hot warrior who is basically a God! But they just think about sex. Their earlier feelings of hostility towards each other turn into loyalty. And Chaol is one of my favorite characters, but that is my opinion. He's a very problematic fav among the fandom, but I'm on his defense squad. And I don't think he is racist, but reserved. He grew up his whole life being told that they were bad, and then he found out that the girl he loves is one of them. That's a huge thing that a person needs to adjust too. His whole life was built on that loyalty to the King. It took him a little bit, but he left behind another life he was accustomed to, just like he did with the life he had in Anielle. He has flaws and he struggles with them.
Akiko Barreras having a prejudice against a specific *race* because of traits inherent to that race is racism. Now, I don't hate Chaol, but even as of QoS, he's still not past that "eep! Faeries!" thing. He's just better about it. There's a big difference between assuming someone is a monster because of their race (the literal essence of racism) and being reserved. If he's this hung up over Aelin, someone he loves, and Dorian's magic (Dorian, someone he loves more than anyone else) there's no way he'd be able to rule Terrasen. His actions in CoM show he'd be a lousy king anyway (with a king as evil as Dorian's dad, I'm honestly surprised either of them lived this long) but *especially* bad for Terrasen, which is peopled with demi-Fae. He just couldn't handle it. Yeah, she claimed him as her friend, but he also said, "We're *not* friends. But what we are...we need time to figure that out." And just because Rowan is hot doesn't mean Aelin's going to think about sex with him. Dorian is hot and she didn't think as much about him as she did Rowan. Chaol could've been a contender except that he's not emotionally capable of having a Fae, especially someone like Aelin, as a significant other. Remove the Fae aspect of her, he *still* couldn't handle her. Cast your thoughts back to Crown of Midnight and his reactions to the deaths of Grave and Archer. Also, *Rowan* thinks about her romantically in HoF, and he's got more romantic hangups than she does. She claims him as her friend but that doesn't mean she's not in love with him, since her thoughts about Rowan are very different from her thoughts about Chaol and Dorian. Her reaction to Rowan's flogging (versus Dorian almost dying, for example) is the difference between Rhysand's reaction to Feyre's peril in ACOTAR versus Tamlin's. She threw away an entire country's worth of allies for Rowan in HoF. She named him carranam, "soulmate." She finds true and uncontested love and acceptance (whatever kind of love we're talking about, it's still love) in Rowan *in* HoF. Romantic love is the only kind of love that by definition must be unconditional *on both sides* in order to be *true* love and nowhere in any of the books does she give unconditional love to anyone *except Rowan.* She doesn't give it to Chaol, or Sam, or Dorian. She doesn't even give it to Aedion. She gives it to *Rowan.* And not even at the end of HoF, either. Back to Chaol and his racist attitude - I'm not saying that because he's like, "Ew! Faeries!" he should go die in a hole. He's getting better and I think the events of QoS were necessary to show him what a butthead he was being. And maybe, if the Apocalypse didn't loom over the horizon and she'd never met Rowan, Chaolena could happen (Chaolin?), but there's no time. There's no time for her to coddle him through the coming war and help him get over his fear of her and her people and her methods. It's sink or swim time, and he's already let too many people sink. She can't trust him to do what's needed. And a big part of that is he's too immature emotionally (although he's getting over that) and another big part is that he's racist against the Fae. Also, he threatened unprovoked to murder the only family member she has left. After choosing Fantasy Hitler over her when they were in a relationship, resulting in the death of someone she loves (and honestly, Dorian's fate is *also* partly Chaol's fault, and Aelin knows that). That's 3 people's deaths or near-deaths laid at Chaol's feet, one of which he almost did on purpose. There's very few means of coming back from *that.* So - reasons Rowaelin works: unconditional love where none has been offered before. Reasons Chaolena does not work: loyalty to Fantasy Hitler, racist attitude, threats of murder against Aelin's family, no trust, elitism, etc. He's working on it, but not fast enough for him to fix it all before the end of the series.
Also - just read Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows less than 3 days ago. I took notes for my own reviews. I also know who Rowan is based on and how that ties into SJM's favorite OTPs, and who Calaena/Aelin is partially based on, and so I have a deeper understanding of the characters because they're *just* like the characters they're based on. I recognized, almost beat for beat, chunks of the courtship from "The Warlord Prince of Ebon-Rih" by Anne Bishop.
I wasn't saying I'd want him as King. And I personally think that it is unfair of Aelin to blame Chaol for Nehemia's death. But that's me. And I guess we just have to agree to disagree with Chaol because I have strong feelings on him, as I see you do too. And I'm pretty sure that quote is in QoS. And didn't you say in your previous comment that they thought about sleeping with each other? Also, I have acknowledged that Chaol and Aelin won't be together. When I say I'm a Chaolaena shipper, that's just the little irrational part of me that is holding out hope, even though my brain knows that it is highly unlikely. "Primal anger sharpened in his gut, brimming with a territorial, possessive need. Not a need for her, but a need to portect--a male's duty and honor." And I interpreted the end of HoF as the full development of their loyalty towards each other. I saw it as unconditional loyalty and platonic love. But again, that's how I saw it.
I just finished this book and I absolutely agree with u about Chaol he will be my book boyfriend forever.... and yes his character feels different in this book but I think it was to try and get people to dislike him and cheer for Aileen and Rowen. It didn't work I still love Chaol
What was the whole part about Rowan's former lover, Remelle, and the high fae visiting them at Mistward that is mentioned in this book?? Did I just completely miss this in Heir of Fire?!
I had the same feelings about Chaol as you did Jesse. I was honestly I couldn't. And I WAS TOTALLY TEAM CHAOL. I CANT BELIEVE ITS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN NOW. 😭
Finally somebody in the booktuber community understand my feelings about this book!!! Chaol is my favorite character and I can't believe what Sarah did with him just for the sake of rowaelin. Is like she tried to erased what she wrote in the last 3 books T_T Rowan and Aelin had an amazing friendship and I'm so sad that now all they can think is about when they are going to f**** each other. Also nobody could came with a plan to save dorian? if not for manon he would be dead by now. I would have liked that aelin embraced what she lived as celaena not that whole thing of celaena is dead ¬¬ that doesn't make any sense to me. The king plot was so random for me, he derserved so much better even arobynn lol he was portrayed as such a strong character and I felt that in this book almost everyone was kinda like the fangirl of aelin. So tired of all the times they called her a queen. I really had a big dissapointment with this book .
OMG for most of the video, you spoke my mind. And just so you know it was really good to watch that video, because you did some of the same things as I did through the book. Because it's rare that people I know get as much caught up I a book (also physically like passing or break time) as I do. Thank you.
ROWAELIN WAS SO RUSHED. AT THE END OF HEIR OF FIRE I THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT ROWAN WOULD BE A LOVE INTEREST. still don't understand it. #celorian #doraelin whatever.
yea, same, they (Rowan and Aelin) had a perfect friendship and they had no interest getting together in HoF and then in QoS that drastically changes!!!! It was waaaaaaaayyyy to fast. It would hv worked better if Aelin had been more heartbroken over Dorian and if it was more emphasized that she wanted to kill him to stop his suffering and if the reunion between them after the epic showdown had more emotionally exhausting.
Yes seriously! Sometimes their relationship felt awkward. By the end of Heir of Fire I completely thought Rowan and Aelin would be have this epic platonic friendship...but I guess not -.-
I agree so much with you about Chaol! Like, what the heck... What happened to him in this book? He totally changed. And I just couldn't believe that Chaolena is over. Plus, yeah I still don't know how I feel about Rowalena... It was rushed... And I just wanted Celaena to have a good guy friend too. But oh, I loved Dorian in this book! I didn't really like him before QoS. But I found Elide to be a pretty boring character. Yay for Lysandra, Aedion and Nesryn and lots of love for Manon because she's my favourite character ♡ Although I didn't expect her to be matched with Celaena when they fought because Celaena was magic-less at the time and didn't even have her Fae senses, whereas Manon was still strong and immortal and all that? But despite some minor things I didn't like, this was such an amazing read!
Im just happy Dorian's ok and I wouldn't mind dorian going for Manon, i kind of like her. The time when dorian shattered the glass castle...? I was actually holding my fist up and imaging his battle cry with tears in his eyes. While Aelin sitting on the ground, looking at him and the whole castle collapsing in glittering glass around them. That was the most epic part.
Definitely one of the best book reviewers I've seen so far. You've reviewed almost ALL of my favorite books, and you give such thoughtful comments on it it's unreal! (This is one of my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITEEEE series so like, y e s.)
I AM ON BOARD WITH YOUR SHIP!!!!!!! Totally! I felt so sad with Chaoleana :( Because Aelin was so supportive of his relationship with Farqi (Sorry forgot her name)! I my heart literally dropped, yes the ship has burned! But Aelin and Rowan was amazing! Honestly the way Sarah J. Maas kind of wrote their sexual tension was amazing. Jeez and poor bby Chaol!!! I. CRIED. SO. MUCH. I honestly need more. And my favorite moment was when the gang was with Abroynn house for dinner and Aelin talking to Rowan about her dress, was AMAZING! (I JUST FINISHED QUEEN OF SHADOWS)
I'm so glad that you have the same opinions on this as me because I feel like everyone else has completely opposite feelings and it's so nice to hear someone talk about it the book the way I saw it!
I'm finally able to watch this because I wasn't able to get QOS till recently but you and Christine and Kat are my first people to go to after reading it! (:
As you mentioned I was so happy I read The Assassin's Blade before reading QoS. So excited though, loved it just so much! I do agree that the whole wrap-up scene between Aelin and Chaol was just missing. It would've been nicer. And I feel like I know NOTHING about Nesryn. We need to find out more! Any Dorian scene was a tissue scene for me. I've been shipping Rowan and Aelin ever since Heir of Fire whether it's romantic or platonic. It did feel a bit rushed. Lysandra is just beyond epic. Yes! I loved how it went from mean girls in AB to true friends in QoS! Oh yes the HMS Lysandreon! More Manon/Aelin scenes please? YES.
I agree with almost everything you said, except for what you thought about Chaol. I absolutely loved him from the first book and even in this book. I understand his actions and animosity towards Aelin because I think it was how he could deal with what happened with Dorian- just like how Harry Potter reacted by raging at Dumbledore when Sirius died. And yes, I was also on the Chaolana ship, which has died and I'm still mourning :( The whole Rowan and Aelin relationship was way too rushed because in HoF we were made to believe it would be just a beautiful friendship. And yess I'm boarding the Lysandreon ship!!! Manon was fricking awesome too!! Man it was such a wild ride :D I loved it so much!! So glad to see what a fellow Chaolaena shipper thought of this book :D But I think I'll learn to accept it in the future books.. hopefully.
NO, YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS! I strongly agree to everything you mentioned in this video. Like I really really want Chaolaena to be endgame and to be together forever. THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE!
I completely agree with everything you said. I loved Celeana's transformation into Aelin and getting to see a new side to her in this book. Also, I need Manon and her to be friends especially since she could have the witches as allies.
THANK YOU JESSE!! I completely agree with everything that you said, and I don't think it's an unpopular opinion! Chaol's my favorite character too but everything just felt so off during this book, I'm not sure if I will pick up the next ones because of it :/
I don't rly believe it cuz like in CoM the king orders perrington to stop pushing to hold Nehemia hostage cuz it was getting too much attention and if pettington was Erawan I don't think he (the king/the valg prince) would hv dared and I really do not believe that Erawan would bow to anyone.
+Frida Andersson I do agree with that and then I keep second guessing it and thinking maybe Erawan was just trying to be clever. But like you said it doesn't seem like Erawan would be the kind of person who would be able to bow down to someone else. Ugh it's all just so confusing! I can't believe we have to wait a year for more answers!
I felt the EXACT same way when I read it!! I was so bothered by the situation between Aelin and Chaol, like... why was he so mad at her?? Blaming her and all that. It doesn't make sense when he was the one sending her away. But YES, Aedion and Lysandraaaaaaa, I am totally shipping them as well. I was rooting for them whenever they talked together.
I agree with you so much Jesse. I love Chaolaena and their initial meeting was so heartbreaking. I just wanted them back as friends at least. I understand that the character shift was from losing so much, but I can't believe how different he way from CoM. When Chaol pawned the ring away, I was super convinced that it was dead, sadly. But as someone pointed out, this series is super unpredictable. Also, Aelin apologized to him for the words she told him when he left, but I don't understand why she would say "I'll always pick you" If when the next time you talk about him, you literally discard that and go the totally opposite way. Idk what my feelings are. Aelin could honestly end up with whomever and I'd be okay with it. Also, can we just talk about that Brotp at the end?? Like Dorian took off the collar for Chaol!! Not Aelin!!! That made me so happy!
I have a massive theory that Sarah J. Maas is going to kill off Rowan at the end of Empire of Storms. It will completely shatter Aelin and the plot will just SPIRAL outwards from there. The story will become so interesting and terrifying if Sarah J. Maas kills off Rowan (also since Doriaelin was the endgame in her original draft I have a sneaking suspicion that she's sticking with that) that I don't really see how she could ignore such an opportunity to enhance the story. I also think that it would be great for Aelin's character. Aelin was a complete Mary-Sue for me in Queen of Shadows, Celaena was a broken character and I enjoyed that. I mean, true she does have some major acceptance and healing scenes in Heir of Fire but the shift was way too jarring for me. For me, the number one rule of literature is do not fix broken characters. I got off-topic but basically can you imagine the INSANITY and EPICNESS that will happen if she kills off Rowan.
+jessethereader please please plEASE read the skulduggery pleasant books they are INCREDIBLE the best books I've ever read and I read a lot, I think you would REALLY enjoy them!
Jesse, your opinions matched all of mine exactly! Thank you so much for making this video. I usually agree with all of your reviews on books, and I needed some reassurance on this one. Chaolena forever!!!!!
I'm so excited you uploaded this!!! I completely agree with you about Chaol! He was definitely not himself. I love Chaol, but in QOS, I really didn't like him because he wasn't the same! He just felt like a completely new character to me, and I just felt really sad about that. I wanted Chaol and Aelin to talk about what happened and to be close again, just as friends or something. I am not a huge fan of Chaol and Nesryn. I feel like it was a bit forced because they were like, the leftovers...I just really miss Chaol and Celaena. I was totally a Chaolena shipper, so don't feel bad! But I am aboard the Rowan and Aelin (Rowlin??) ship. Overall, I really loved this book, it just felt like something was missing from it for me. Heir of Fire is still my favorite so far I think, but I did enjoy this a lot and I felt like everything that needed to be resolved, was. I could go on forever about it though, but I won't :D
JESSE YOU VOICED ALL MY THOUGHTS IN THIS VIDEO BLESSS YOU YOU BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL MAN I WAS SO ANGRY AT HOW SARAH BASICALLY USED CHAOL CHARACTER AS A WAY FOR ROWAN AND AELIN TO GROW CLOSER IM ANGRYYYY JESSE
Yay! Finally! I've been waiting for this video for weeks! I totally agree with you on Chaol's character. Sighs. I also shipped him with Aelin... That ship sank so hard! Speaking of Aedion and Lysandra.... I ship them too! Out of all the book reviews i've watched so far, i like yours the most, cuz of everything u said. - u're not the only one who got frustrated with some of the character developments. I feel ur pain.
I totally agree with you about the whole dynamic between chaol and aelin. the shift in their relationship felt sudden to me and I just didn't get it at all!!!
I just finished this book and everything you said I completely agree with!!! Chaol is my favorite too and I love him and I don't care what anyone says and I like Rowan too but Chaol and Aelin, that was my ship.
I'M WITH YOU ON THAT LYSANDREION SHIP!
Oh my gosh yes!! They are absolutely PERFECT!!
OMG ALREADY ON BOARD
+Uni Books agreed.
I swear is Lysaedion
But I love them!
Same
personally I have no problem with rowan being with aelin !!!!!! I loved their friendship in HoF and tbh all relationships would be better and more stable if they started as friendships . ( and O-M-F-G ROWAN AND AELINS TELEPATHIC CONVERSATIONS DURING THOSE DINNERS WERE L-I-F-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E!!!!!!!!) *silently screams*
I shipped them immediately! Everyone is annoyed and was like its so platonic, but it didn't feel that way for me. Before Celaena got with Chaol she kept insisting she didn't feel for him and then they end up together. I adore Rowaelin
+Alex Martin THANK YOOOUUUUUU finally i have found my people!!! Rowaelin is my life!! I kept thinking in HoF that even if Celaena/Aelin went back to Chaol or anything their relationship would never be as close as it is with Rowan. The telepathic conversations are literally everything!
I KNOW I LOVE THOSE TELEPATHIC CONVERSATIONS! People are always saying that they never saw them being more than friends because they clearly stated that they don't think about each other in a romantic way, but I was always catching feels from them tbh, and they were flirty in HoF. #RowaelinShipper
Everything about Chaol in this book was just so sad. He was so different from the Chaol that I came to love that it just hurts my soul. I can't believe Chaolena is actually over!
I know
It broke me and i will never truley recover 💔💔😭😭😭
I'm with you on the Lysandrion ship :) And I'm on the Manon/Dorian ship too!!
I'm surprised you didn't mention Kaltain. She blew my mind and broke my heart in her last scene!
#manorian
I totally agree about Chaol being different in this book! He seemed a lot angrier and I was confused as to why they weren't just talking things out.
I'm also unsure of Rowaelin because I really wanted them to have a best buds parabatai relationship, and literally while I was reading this book I was like "THEY CANT FALL IN LOVE ITS AGAINST THE RULES" but then I remembered that's not a rule of being carranam lmao
AND I WAS SO CONVINCED THAT AROBYNN WAS GONNA KILL LYSANDRA I WAS LIKE THERE IS NO WAY THIS IS GOING TO GO OUR WAY RIGHT NOW...I was so nervous about that task being in her hands but luckily she pulled through
I'm a Dorian shipper but I wouldn't say Chaolena is impossible, this series is impossible to predict lmao it could go in any unexpected direction. I DONT WANT MANON AND DORIAN TOGETHER AS OF YET THOUGH. OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE OF CELORIAN.
Manon is like one of my fav characters and I ship her with becoming a good person lol
lol yes yes yes! ♥ I miss Chaolaena
+4LoveOfDance Yeah, I don't like how every boy is in love with Aelin either.
And honestly I loved Manon in HoF lol
+TheMattGrimes But at the same time, her and Aedion already have that relationship. In my opinion it was clear from the moment they started sharing a bedroom together that he would be her love interest. That was not a parabatai sort of relationship to me at all. Yes it could be seen as innocent but when we were able to see from their point of view what they thought of each other, I knew. Aelin couldn't have had the relationship that she had with Rowan in Heir of Fire and have a boyfriend/husband/whatever. They were both way too possessive and protective of each other and it would have never worked out with Aelin and the other person, in my opinion.
+TheMattGrimes I think the reason Chaol was so different and angry was because he lost everything, and he had to rediscover who he was without he loyalty to the crown. His honor and loyalty was what he prided himself on and when he left he lost that part of himself and he blamed Aelin for it.
Madeline Killeen I completely agree yet it is weird that he changed THAT dramatically
1) Chaol might as well have died in this book because the Captain I fell in love with is GONE. Rip Chaol.
2) RowanxAelin was a BroTP I was hopin would stay that way but look where we are now. I mean, they do have some great chemistry sometimes but iT'S SO SUDDEN WHAT ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL PLATONICNESS??
3) I am all for Lysandrion oh my golly goshness yaaass!!!
4) I've watched 3 discussions on this book and no one has talked about Elide. Like, can we please talk about Elide? My heart broke for her so many times and I can't waut for her to meet Aelin!!!!
I know this comment was long ago, but ELIDE, MY CHILD. I JUST WANT HER TO BE HAPPY AND FREE AND AGH. I just want her to be on the battlefield with everyone kicking butt and getting her vengeance and AGH.
I cried so hard when I thought Chaol died. I literally had to take a break.I also agree that the Rowan/Aelin relationship was a bit to fast. And I didn't understand why Aelin and Chaol acted that way towards each other... Other than that, it was great.
I took a video of me bawling I couldn't handle it
Wait. Am I the only one who pronounces Elide "Eleed"? As in Elise?
me too!
That's how it's mean to be pronounced, no?
+Rammy the logophile I have no clue, I'm so confused right now. There really needs to be a pronunciation guide in every book that has non-universal names in it, haha
I do too!!
I say "EL - EH - DEE" wtf
I wish I could have someone like you in physically in MY LIFE. It is so HARD, trying to find someone to rant and cry too, who understands the emotion in a book. ESPECIALLY THIS ONE. All my friends don't read and look at me like I am crazy for getting all excited, mad, angry and sad over "a book". But it is more than just a book! Ugh! So frustrating
I still don't understand! the Chaolaena ship didn't come to an end... IT JUST VANISHED. and that broke my heart
I agree so much. chaol is my favorite as well.
As much as I did love this book, I do agree with what you said about Chaol. I shipped Chaolena so hard and it did break my heart to see that they're both done with one another but I've come to accept it and I actually do ship Rowan and Aelin now. It did surprise me when Rowan started having feelings for Aelin since I wasn't expecting that after Heir of Fire but I've grown to really love Rowan's character. I totally forgot about Lysandra's character in The Assassin's Blade but I love her so much in this book! I love her abilities and the friendship that she had with Aelin. I definitely ship Lysandra and Aedion. I hated Manon's chapters in Heir of Fire too but I definitely liked her chapters a lot more in this book!
Spoiler:
I SCREAMED WHEN CHAOL PAWNED THE RING. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! THAT DAMN RING BETTER BE RECLAIMED BY THE END OF THIS SERIES OR IMMA BE SO MAD.
YES!!!! ♥♥♥
Amy Jo Green I CRIED WHEN HE SOLD IT OH MYGOD DD
Ring?
I actually thought the development of the Rowaelin relationship was too slow I thought they would kiss somewhere in the middle of the book, but nooo we had to wait till the very end (hey, I'm not complaining I just wanted some more action ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ). I also like the fact that their relationship began differently, with Chaol and Dorian the attraction was instant and for me it felt a bit rushed, but with Rowan it started with a great kickass friendship and developed into something stronger, deeper. So after QoS I consider myself a hardcore Rowaelin shipper. ^^
But I'm kinda on the fence about the possible Dorinon/Manorian (?) ship. For me Dorian is a cute lil puppy dancing on a rainbow and Manon is... I don't know, I just don't see them together, but maybe the next book will change my mind.
I just created a new drinking game: drink every time you want to slap Chaol in this book.
Naromuffy yes! I totally agree with you about Rowan and Aelin!
I agree with you on all of them! I love Rowan and Aelin, but not Dorian and Manon. I just feel like they'd have an awesome friendship and alliance between witches and Adarlan, but I don't think Manon would be there for him. Also, people would get so drunk with that game.
EXACTLY CHAOL WAS BAE AND NOW HE TURNED SO ANGRY AND I WAS ALL LIKE "WHERE IS MY BABY AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!" And I admit to crying the moment I knew that Chaol and Celaena weren't going to be together. The feelings were still there in Heir of Fire, how in the world did they go away and turn into shouting matches?
IT'S OKAY JESSE... WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE CROWN OF MIDNIGHT... rip chaolaena
I never really watched Jesse's book talks but then I found that my opinions are almost 100% the same as his for this particular series and now I'm watching all the throne of glass book talks and am totally hooked
I completely agree with all of your opinions on Chaol and Rowaelin! I've never been a fan of Rowan and I've always loved Chaol and his character felt so off to me in this book. Chaol has been my favorite since the beginning and I just want him to be happy!
so agree with you about everything, i shipped chaol and celaena so hard and i was devastated when that ship sank, i wasnt even going to continue the series but ended up reading all the books anyway and im glad i did BECAUSE I LOVE IT SO MUCH *SOBBING*
I feel Dorian and Manon's relationship is gonna be something worth waiting for
ship rowan so much. SO MUCH. HE'S PERFECT.
I agree with you about Chaol and Rowaelin. People can say the relationship developed all they want but for me it was way too fast. I almost feel like Sarah J Maas got bored with Celorian and Chaolaena and so massacred both ships just so she could write Rowaelin. It didn't feel entirely natural to me, maybe because Rowan was introduced in the third book and so our original pairings are both gone now. Also it's kind of ridiculous that every male character Celaena/Aelin meets falls in love with her (Sam, Dorian, Chaol, Rowan, even Arobynn...Come on now, enough is enough!). For some reason Aedion bores me to tears haha. I was kind of shipping Manon/Elide for a lot of this book but then Manon met Dorian and I've a feeling a Manon/Dorian ship will become canon. Whatever about the characters and ships in this book which are debatable, the plot was AWESOME. I was bored in some parts of Heir of Fire and it took me a while to read but with QoS I tore through it, I was never bored, the ending was just amazing and I think the story has grown so much throughout the series.
omg wouldn't it be so OSM IF SJ MAAS LIKE HINTED AT A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANON AND DORIAN AND ELIDE AND AEDION (once they actually meet) AND LIKE SMALL THINGS MAY HAPPEN BUT THEN ELIDE AND MANON GET REUNITED AND THEY REALIZE THEY ARE TOTALY IN LUUUURRRVVVVEEEE and stuff?? I feel like I'm probably the only one who ships this...
+Frida Andersson Dudeee noo Manon And Dorian are my new favourite ship
You are not alone. Chaoleana ship sinking breaks my heart!! Great review :)
I'm shipping this Lysandrion ship, I've gotta say!
WOOT WOOT ANOTHER VIDEO!!!!!!!!! *throws confetti*
I agree with you... I don't like this Rowan/Aelin crap... Chaol is love, Chaol is life.
OMG CHAOLAENA IS AMAZING. It's like the best OTP ever. I feel like the relationship between Rowan and Aelin was rushed through different ways. The transitions of Aelin's feelings toward Chaol were unrealistic. Also, in The Crown of Midnight, Celaena realizes that it's not even Chaol's fault and Dorian was aware of that secret too, yet she still holds that grudge against him. She basically throws away their whole relationship irrationally. I can't let go of this ship. I really can't. I love the writing style and intensity of this series but I feel the characters are being out of character and starting to lack development. I really hope Chaol and Celaena could somehow develop a good and trustworthy relationship. Because it was torn apart irrationally. I hope all of them are happy. xChaolaena Foreverx
Chaol all the way!!!! I'm going down with the ship! #chaoldeservesbetter
this was an emotional roller coaster. and you're not alone in wanting chaolena to happen still. finally someone who understands my feelings regarding chaol. i agree with you in every single point.
Omg this review is EXACTLY what I my feeling were when I finished reading this book. And I SHIP CHAOLEANA AND I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP. Even I shipped Aedion and Lysansdra.
I loved when Aelin was giving Lysandra that land, Lysandria. :)
Every single time a Dorian chapter came up i seriously thought he was gone and wanted to cry so much! I really thiught Chaol and Dorian wwre going to die in this book ! And i agree about Manon i hated her so much in all the other books but i really enjoyed her story in this book ! 😍 loved it all so much :)
I totally agree with you! I couldn't see that character as Chaol, completelly different! That girl friendship is one of the best!! And Lysandra and Aedion, totally boarded that ship. Does anyone else noticed a future Manon and Dorian thing?
+Ana Carolina Vanzetta YES! Finally someone mentioned this! I completely ship it!
Manorian? I just finished the book and I ship it sooo hard 😭😂
YES. FELLOW CHAOLENA SHIPPER. I remember being completely confused while reading queen of shadows haha. The end of crown of midnight had Aelin telling that chaol that she would always pick him no matter what, and that's completely forgotten in queen of shadows. Also, personally, I feel like the rowaelin ship felt kind of..forced..(dontkillmepls). Don't get me wrong. They were my brotp in heir of fire and I adored their friendship SO MUCH. The romance between them felt very out of place compared to the events that took place in the heir of fire. I still love all the characters though, and I just want them to be happy. That brings me to Chaol. Yes, he was out of character in a few parts of the book, but think about it this way. Chaol has been brought up in an environment where he believed that magic was wrong. His blind loyalty was a part of his identity, which is why it took him as long as it did to come to terms with magic, evil king etc. Aelin, Dorian, and even the readers were aware of this fact from early on in the series, but Chaol wasn't. Simply because he has been conditioned all his life to think in a certain way. I have a theory that once Chaol fled the castle, he lost a part of his identity. He was disowned by his father because he wanted to serve the crown, a crown which he no longer served in the queen of shadows. Without his loyalty, Chaol wasn't Chaol. Also, I don't understand why Chaol has been getting so much shit for leaving Dorian in the castle. Dorian sacrificed himself to let Chaol escape. Also, if Chaol had gone back to try and save Dorian :1. It would have been to late2. He would have gotten killed and his sacrifice would have been in vain
Even if he never tried to flee, he would have gotten killed and Dorian would have still had a collar. That would have made queen of shadows a very, very different book.
Thats all I have to say. This is one of my favourite series and I love where it's going :)
Omg I totally get you!! I love Chaol so much so the development/character changing made me so sad :,(
I ACTUALLY CRIED WHEN DORIAN CAME BACK OMG MY BABY HES OKAY but seriously though this book holy crap so much happens. I am so scared that shes going to kill off someone and it'll be a major character like she did with Sam and I honestly think I'm not ready to see what she does in EoS
Chaol is my favorite character too. I continued this series because of him, your opinion is not unpopular❤
THANK YOU Chaol was just....so different in this book like I couldnt recognize him ughh
Jesse, you put my thoughts and feelings into words!! I love Manon. I am aboard the Aedion+Lysandra ship. and still holding onto a small thread of hope for Chaolena.
I completely agree with you about everything. I'm OK with Chaol and Nesryn but I don't ship rowaelin.
I do feel as though rowaelin was a tad bit rushed, but honestly I don't care cause THEY ARE SO FRREEEAAAAKKKING CUTE AND THEY JUST DESERVE SOME GODDAMN HAPPINESS.
Also, are we not gonna talk about Manon and Dorian? HMM? I know it may be wrong but I ship that shit so hard.
yaasssssss!!!! please Manorian !!!! This needs to happen !!!
Oh my :D finally someone who feels the same about Chaol. Like ... they could have at least hugged each other when they reunited!
I agree that Rowaelin was a bit rushed. Not through the books though. I think it was rushed in the time span between the books. Like in HoF they were super platonic, and then in QoS, Rowan literally goes insane if Aelin looked at him or touched him provocatively. That being said, I really like Rowaelin. They are one of my ships even though I'm also a Chaolaena shipper. I honestly just want everybody happy by the end of the 6th book with people that I like, and not people that I hate.
where did you get the idea in HoF they were Platonic? Aelin and Rowan think about sleeping with each other at least twice. They talk about the fact that they're *not* friends and are trying to become love interests but they're both getting over someone so it's super tricky? They are becoming love interests *in* Heir of Fire...???
Chaol is unfortunately too racist against the Fae to be with Aelin.
Cathryn Martin "I claim you, Rowan Whitethorn. I don't care what you say and how much you protest. I claim you as my friend." And who wouldn't think of having sex with Rowan?? He's a hot warrior who is basically a God! But they just think about sex. Their earlier feelings of hostility towards each other turn into loyalty.
And Chaol is one of my favorite characters, but that is my opinion. He's a very problematic fav among the fandom, but I'm on his defense squad. And I don't think he is racist, but reserved. He grew up his whole life being told that they were bad, and then he found out that the girl he loves is one of them. That's a huge thing that a person needs to adjust too. His whole life was built on that loyalty to the King. It took him a little bit, but he left behind another life he was accustomed to, just like he did with the life he had in Anielle. He has flaws and he struggles with them.
Akiko Barreras having a prejudice against a specific *race* because of traits inherent to that race is racism. Now, I don't hate Chaol, but even as of QoS, he's still not past that "eep! Faeries!" thing. He's just better about it. There's a big difference between assuming someone is a monster because of their race (the literal essence of racism) and being reserved. If he's this hung up over Aelin, someone he loves, and Dorian's magic (Dorian, someone he loves more than anyone else) there's no way he'd be able to rule Terrasen. His actions in CoM show he'd be a lousy king anyway (with a king as evil as Dorian's dad, I'm honestly surprised either of them lived this long) but *especially* bad for Terrasen, which is peopled with demi-Fae. He just couldn't handle it.
Yeah, she claimed him as her friend, but he also said, "We're *not* friends. But what we are...we need time to figure that out." And just because Rowan is hot doesn't mean Aelin's going to think about sex with him. Dorian is hot and she didn't think as much about him as she did Rowan. Chaol could've been a contender except that he's not emotionally capable of having a Fae, especially someone like Aelin, as a significant other. Remove the Fae aspect of her, he *still* couldn't handle her. Cast your thoughts back to Crown of Midnight and his reactions to the deaths of Grave and Archer.
Also, *Rowan* thinks about her romantically in HoF, and he's got more romantic hangups than she does. She claims him as her friend but that doesn't mean she's not in love with him, since her thoughts about Rowan are very different from her thoughts about Chaol and Dorian. Her reaction to Rowan's flogging (versus Dorian almost dying, for example) is the difference between Rhysand's reaction to Feyre's peril in ACOTAR versus Tamlin's. She threw away an entire country's worth of allies for Rowan in HoF. She named him carranam, "soulmate."
She finds true and uncontested love and acceptance (whatever kind of love we're talking about, it's still love) in Rowan *in* HoF. Romantic love is the only kind of love that by definition must be unconditional *on both sides* in order to be *true* love and nowhere in any of the books does she give unconditional love to anyone *except Rowan.* She doesn't give it to Chaol, or Sam, or Dorian. She doesn't even give it to Aedion. She gives it to *Rowan.* And not even at the end of HoF, either.
Back to Chaol and his racist attitude - I'm not saying that because he's like, "Ew! Faeries!" he should go die in a hole. He's getting better and I think the events of QoS were necessary to show him what a butthead he was being. And maybe, if the Apocalypse didn't loom over the horizon and she'd never met Rowan, Chaolena could happen (Chaolin?), but there's no time. There's no time for her to coddle him through the coming war and help him get over his fear of her and her people and her methods. It's sink or swim time, and he's already let too many people sink. She can't trust him to do what's needed. And a big part of that is he's too immature emotionally (although he's getting over that) and another big part is that he's racist against the Fae.
Also, he threatened unprovoked to murder the only family member she has left. After choosing Fantasy Hitler over her when they were in a relationship, resulting in the death of someone she loves (and honestly, Dorian's fate is *also* partly Chaol's fault, and Aelin knows that). That's 3 people's deaths or near-deaths laid at Chaol's feet, one of which he almost did on purpose. There's very few means of coming back from *that.*
So - reasons Rowaelin works: unconditional love where none has been offered before. Reasons Chaolena does not work: loyalty to Fantasy Hitler, racist attitude, threats of murder against Aelin's family, no trust, elitism, etc. He's working on it, but not fast enough for him to fix it all before the end of the series.
Also - just read Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows less than 3 days ago. I took notes for my own reviews. I also know who Rowan is based on and how that ties into SJM's favorite OTPs, and who Calaena/Aelin is partially based on, and so I have a deeper understanding of the characters because they're *just* like the characters they're based on. I recognized, almost beat for beat, chunks of the courtship from "The Warlord Prince of Ebon-Rih" by Anne Bishop.
I wasn't saying I'd want him as King. And I personally think that it is unfair of Aelin to blame Chaol for Nehemia's death. But that's me. And I guess we just have to agree to disagree with Chaol because I have strong feelings on him, as I see you do too.
And I'm pretty sure that quote is in QoS. And didn't you say in your previous comment that they thought about sleeping with each other? Also, I have acknowledged that Chaol and Aelin won't be together. When I say I'm a Chaolaena shipper, that's just the little irrational part of me that is holding out hope, even though my brain knows that it is highly unlikely.
"Primal anger sharpened in his gut, brimming with a territorial, possessive need. Not a need for her, but a need to portect--a male's duty and honor." And I interpreted the end of HoF as the full development of their loyalty towards each other. I saw it as unconditional loyalty and platonic love. But again, that's how I saw it.
I just finished this book and I absolutely agree with u about Chaol he will be my book boyfriend forever.... and yes his character feels different in this book but I think it was to try and get people to dislike him and cheer for Aileen and Rowen. It didn't work I still love Chaol
finally someone who mirrors my opinion!!!!
What was the whole part about Rowan's former lover, Remelle, and the high fae visiting them at Mistward that is mentioned in this book?? Did I just completely miss this in Heir of Fire?!
I had the same feelings about Chaol as you did Jesse. I was honestly I couldn't. And I WAS TOTALLY TEAM CHAOL. I CANT BELIEVE ITS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN NOW. 😭
Finally somebody in the booktuber community understand my feelings about this book!!! Chaol is my favorite character and I can't believe what Sarah did with him just for the sake of rowaelin. Is like she tried to erased what she wrote in the last 3 books T_T Rowan and Aelin had an amazing friendship and I'm so sad that now all they can think is about when they are going to f**** each other. Also nobody could came with a plan to save dorian? if not for manon he would be dead by now. I would have liked that aelin embraced what she lived as celaena not that whole thing of celaena is dead ¬¬ that doesn't make any sense to me. The king plot was so random for me, he derserved so much better even arobynn lol he was portrayed as such a strong character and I felt that in this book almost everyone was kinda like the fangirl of aelin. So tired of all the times they called her a queen. I really had a big dissapointment with this book .
I'm so with you in the newly falling for Manon. She's so intriguing! All the feels! Great review Jesse!
"All aboard the Lysandrion ship! It's taking off today " YAAAAS >w
OMG! i'm fangirling right now!! I need this book so much!!! 😭💔
OMG for most of the video, you spoke my mind. And just so you know it was really good to watch that video, because you did some of the same things as I did through the book. Because it's rare that people I know get as much caught up I a book (also physically like passing or break time) as I do. Thank you.
ROWAELIN WAS SO RUSHED. AT THE END OF HEIR OF FIRE I THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS NO WAY THAT ROWAN WOULD BE A LOVE INTEREST. still don't understand it. #celorian #doraelin whatever.
+Josh BookDragon #rowaleana
yea, same, they (Rowan and Aelin) had a perfect friendship and they had no interest getting together in HoF and then in QoS that drastically changes!!!! It was waaaaaaaayyyy to fast. It would hv worked better if Aelin had been more heartbroken over Dorian and if it was more emphasized that she wanted to kill him to stop his suffering and if the reunion between them after the epic showdown had more emotionally exhausting.
Nah. I ship Dorian and Manon. I never shipped Celorian, I was always chaoleana. But now that it is dead, Rowaleana is up and sailing.
Yes seriously! Sometimes their relationship felt awkward. By the end of Heir of Fire I completely thought Rowan and Aelin would be have this epic platonic friendship...but I guess not -.-
I know!! Rowaelin was like my BROTP, they were so good as friends...#forever_doraelin
I agree so much with you about Chaol! Like, what the heck... What happened to him in this book? He totally changed. And I just couldn't believe that Chaolena is over. Plus, yeah I still don't know how I feel about Rowalena... It was rushed... And I just wanted Celaena to have a good guy friend too. But oh, I loved Dorian in this book! I didn't really like him before QoS. But I found Elide to be a pretty boring character. Yay for Lysandra, Aedion and Nesryn and lots of love for Manon because she's my favourite character ♡ Although I didn't expect her to be matched with Celaena when they fought because Celaena was magic-less at the time and didn't even have her Fae senses, whereas Manon was still strong and immortal and all that? But despite some minor things I didn't like, this was such an amazing read!
I love Chaolaena! Chaol's characterization really bothered me, and the rest of your review was spot-on!
Im just happy Dorian's ok and I wouldn't mind dorian going for Manon, i kind of like her.
The time when dorian shattered the glass castle...? I was actually holding my fist up and imaging his battle cry with tears in his eyes. While Aelin sitting on the ground, looking at him and the whole castle collapsing in glittering glass around them. That was the most epic part.
Yes! Yes to all of it! We're seeing eye to eye on all of this.
My feelings were pretty spot on with yours. I'm very excited to see what happens with Dorian.
Definitely one of the best book reviewers I've seen so far. You've reviewed almost ALL of my favorite books, and you give such thoughtful comments on it it's unreal! (This is one of my FAVORITE FAVORITE FAVORITEEEE series so like, y e s.)
I love Chaol too!
I AM ON BOARD WITH YOUR SHIP!!!!!!! Totally! I felt so sad with Chaoleana :( Because Aelin was so supportive of his relationship with Farqi (Sorry forgot her name)! I my heart literally dropped, yes the ship has burned! But Aelin and Rowan was amazing! Honestly the way Sarah J. Maas kind of wrote their sexual tension was amazing. Jeez and poor bby Chaol!!! I. CRIED. SO. MUCH. I honestly need more. And my favorite moment was when the gang was with Abroynn house for dinner and Aelin talking to Rowan about her dress, was AMAZING! (I JUST FINISHED QUEEN OF SHADOWS)
NO YOU'RE NOT ALONE WITH WANTING CHAOLAENA FOREVER
am I the only one who ship Aelin and rowan?
+Sol victor im with you there (and tumblr is full of us rowaelin shippers so no we are not alone)
Nope.
I totally ship them!
I AM HERE FOR LYSANDRION
I'm so glad that you have the same opinions on this as me because I feel like everyone else has completely opposite feelings and it's so nice to hear someone talk about it the book the way I saw it!
Queen of shadows was my favourite book in the series. I liked how there was a lot going on throughout the whole thing
I'm finally able to watch this because I wasn't able to get QOS till recently but you and Christine and Kat are my first people to go to after reading it! (:
As you mentioned I was so happy I read The Assassin's Blade before reading QoS. So excited though, loved it just so much!
I do agree that the whole wrap-up scene between Aelin and Chaol was just missing. It would've been nicer. And I feel like I know NOTHING about Nesryn. We need to find out more!
Any Dorian scene was a tissue scene for me. I've been shipping Rowan and Aelin ever since Heir of Fire whether it's romantic or platonic. It did feel a bit rushed.
Lysandra is just beyond epic. Yes! I loved how it went from mean girls in AB to true friends in QoS! Oh yes the HMS Lysandreon!
More Manon/Aelin scenes please? YES.
My thoughts exactly. I'm totally rooting for Chaol and Aelin (we actually talked/high fived about it at BookCon)
Rowan and Aelin for life. I love them so much it makes me happy. So happy
I agree with almost everything you said, except for what you thought about Chaol. I absolutely loved him from the first book and even in this book. I understand his actions and animosity towards Aelin because I think it was how he could deal with what happened with Dorian- just like how Harry Potter reacted by raging at Dumbledore when Sirius died. And yes, I was also on the Chaolana ship, which has died and I'm still mourning :( The whole Rowan and Aelin relationship was way too rushed because in HoF we were made to believe it would be just a beautiful friendship. And yess I'm boarding the Lysandreon ship!!! Manon was fricking awesome too!! Man it was such a wild ride :D I loved it so much!! So glad to see what a fellow Chaolaena shipper thought of this book :D But I think I'll learn to accept it in the future books.. hopefully.
Just did my book review for this. I love this series!!!
NO, YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS! I strongly agree to everything you mentioned in this video. Like I really really want Chaolaena to be endgame and to be together forever. THERE'S ALWAYS HOPE!
I just bought Throne of Glass and I'm about to jump in. Definitely excited to see what everyone's been talking about!!
I completely agree with everything you said. I loved Celeana's transformation into Aelin and getting to see a new side to her in this book. Also, I need Manon and her to be friends especially since she could have the witches as allies.
THANK YOU JESSE!! I completely agree with everything that you said, and I don't think it's an unpopular opinion! Chaol's my favorite character too but everything just felt so off during this book, I'm not sure if I will pick up the next ones because of it :/
What is your opinion on the king apparently being controlled by a valg prince and Perrington being the actual big villain/ Erawan?
I don't rly believe it cuz like in CoM the king orders perrington to stop pushing to hold Nehemia hostage cuz it was getting too much attention and if pettington was Erawan I don't think he (the king/the valg prince) would hv dared and I really do not believe that Erawan would bow to anyone.
+Frida Andersson I do agree with that and then I keep second guessing it and thinking maybe Erawan was just trying to be clever. But like you said it doesn't seem like Erawan would be the kind of person who would be able to bow down to someone else. Ugh it's all just so confusing! I can't believe we have to wait a year for more answers!
+Peyton Reads ikr, we just finished waiting for QoS and now we hv to wait again!!!
+Frida Andersson idek. its really weird, but im sorta believing
Well there was a sentence in Kaltain's chapter where she basically said that he had a king inside him.
Chaol!! Me too!! I'm crying because of it
I felt the EXACT same way when I read it!! I was so bothered by the situation between Aelin and Chaol, like... why was he so mad at her?? Blaming her and all that. It doesn't make sense when he was the one sending her away. But YES, Aedion and Lysandraaaaaaa, I am totally shipping them as well. I was rooting for them whenever they talked together.
Rowaelin is fine but so excited for Manorian !!!!! please tell me I am not the only one wanting to see that ship sail ...
I agree with you so much Jesse. I love Chaolaena and their initial meeting was so heartbreaking. I just wanted them back as friends at least. I understand that the character shift was from losing so much, but I can't believe how different he way from CoM. When Chaol pawned the ring away, I was super convinced that it was dead, sadly. But as someone pointed out, this series is super unpredictable. Also, Aelin apologized to him for the words she told him when he left, but I don't understand why she would say "I'll always pick you" If when the next time you talk about him, you literally discard that and go the totally opposite way. Idk what my feelings are. Aelin could honestly end up with whomever and I'd be okay with it.
Also, can we just talk about that Brotp at the end?? Like Dorian took off the collar for Chaol!! Not Aelin!!! That made me so happy!
Jesse, you are the cutest, funnest thing. I love your vids. You always make me smile.
I have a massive theory that Sarah J. Maas is going to kill off Rowan at the end of Empire of Storms. It will completely shatter Aelin and the plot will just SPIRAL outwards from there. The story will become so interesting and terrifying if Sarah J. Maas kills off Rowan (also since Doriaelin was the endgame in her original draft I have a sneaking suspicion that she's sticking with that) that I don't really see how she could ignore such an opportunity to enhance the story. I also think that it would be great for Aelin's character. Aelin was a complete Mary-Sue for me in Queen of Shadows, Celaena was a broken character and I enjoyed that. I mean, true she does have some major acceptance and healing scenes in Heir of Fire but the shift was way too jarring for me. For me, the number one rule of literature is do not fix broken characters.
I got off-topic but basically can you imagine the INSANITY and EPICNESS that will happen if she kills off Rowan.
+Clara Oswald that's an INSANE theory, but I totally dig it!
+jessethereader please please plEASE read the skulduggery pleasant books they are INCREDIBLE the best books I've ever read and I read a lot, I think you would REALLY enjoy them!
I'VE BEN THINKING ABOUT IT SINCE THEY MADE THE WHOLE BLOOD PACT THINGY
WHY WOULD YOU KILL ROWAN!!??? I MEAN YOU PRESENTED A PERFECTLY GOOD REASON WHY THAT WOULD HAPPEN!!!! BUT STILL, WHY!!!!!?????
+Clara Oswald shit, your comment is scaring me hahahah ....i just hope THAT is not becoming true.
Jesse, your opinions matched all of mine exactly! Thank you so much for making this video. I usually agree with all of your reviews on books, and I needed some reassurance on this one. Chaolena forever!!!!!
You've spoken every feels i felt while i'm reading QoS! :)
I'm so excited you uploaded this!!! I completely agree with you about Chaol! He was definitely not himself. I love Chaol, but in QOS, I really didn't like him because he wasn't the same! He just felt like a completely new character to me, and I just felt really sad about that. I wanted Chaol and Aelin to talk about what happened and to be close again, just as friends or something. I am not a huge fan of Chaol and Nesryn. I feel like it was a bit forced because they were like, the leftovers...I just really miss Chaol and Celaena. I was totally a Chaolena shipper, so don't feel bad! But I am aboard the Rowan and Aelin (Rowlin??) ship. Overall, I really loved this book, it just felt like something was missing from it for me. Heir of Fire is still my favorite so far I think, but I did enjoy this a lot and I felt like everything that needed to be resolved, was. I could go on forever about it though, but I won't :D
i just finished queen of shadows today and i strongly relate to this video
You've won a new fan! :) I look forward to all your videos.
ROWAELIN IS AMAZING
Totally agree with EVERYTHING you said!
I totally agree with the whole Chaol thing...i love your videos!!!!!
such a funny review! love your enthusiasm!
OMG YES CHAOLENA MAN MY HEART MY LIL SON CHAOL I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU
JESSE YOU VOICED ALL MY THOUGHTS IN THIS VIDEO BLESSS YOU YOU BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL MAN I WAS SO ANGRY AT HOW SARAH BASICALLY USED CHAOL CHARACTER AS A WAY FOR ROWAN AND AELIN TO GROW CLOSER IM ANGRYYYY JESSE
Yay! Finally! I've been waiting for this video for weeks! I totally agree with you on Chaol's character. Sighs. I also shipped him with Aelin... That ship sank so hard! Speaking of Aedion and Lysandra.... I ship them too! Out of all the book reviews i've watched so far, i like yours the most, cuz of everything u said. - u're not the only one who got frustrated with some of the character developments. I feel ur pain.
I AGREE ON EVERY SINGLE POINT ESOECIALLY TYE SHIPS. #westandwithyouchaolena
i reaally need to read this!!!!
I totally agree with you about the whole dynamic between chaol and aelin. the shift in their relationship felt sudden to me and I just didn't get it at all!!!
I just finished this book and everything you said I completely agree with!!! Chaol is my favorite too and I love him and I don't care what anyone says and I like Rowan too but Chaol and Aelin, that was my ship.
You were spot on with my reaction too!