Thread by @the_geeky_rose

Since USPS hates me and refused to deliver Crescent City earlier (it's out for delivery now!), @SuperSpaceChick slightly got her way and I started Crown of Midnight.

Meaning I read two pages of chapter 1.

Okay, back to this.

Celaena, this is going to get so messy.

Still love Chaol though.

"I'd like to debrief you."
"Aren't you at least going to take me to dinner first?"

Oof. Forgot about the king's threat to Celaena.

God, I hate him.

Dorian, your dad. Woof.

But ahhhhh I missed Fleetfoot and Nehemia!!!!

Nehemia, PLEASE stay safe

I know it doesn't last but Chaol and Celaena fighting ~feelings~ is killing me in a good way.

I just really like Chaol, okay?!?!

Roland can die though.

And I didn't like that scene between Dorian and Celaena. Because it wound up being a little mean?

They both had strong feelings for each other. Celaena is trying to be noble but can't tell Dorian why.

Celaena straight up chilling in Chaol's room at night 🥰

And they're opening up to each other 🥺

But what the hell is in the castle now?!?

That chapter was very Alice in Wonderland.

I like Mort!

I also love Celaena being like, "Why am I the only one who has to deal with this shit?"

Omgggg Celaena and Chaol need to stop flirting because I cannot deal.

"And, again, *do not* say anything to him. Leave the talking and the charming to me."
"So I'm just here for decoration?"
"Be grateful I consider you a worthy accessory."

*squee*

I am cautious about Archer at the moment.

Nothing of note happened.

Except Celaena keeps staring at Chaol and Dorian noticed.

Dorian needs to stop being mean to her. She's doing all of this for his sake.

Also, lol at her being mad at Elena for not sharing those warnings with Dorian.

I had a similar thought!!!

*sigh* I could have done without Kaltain.

I feel sorry for her though. No one deserves that.

And I like that Celaena isn't a total monster and feels the same way.

But I don't need Kaltain to be ~important~.

Dorian and Chaol hanging out again!!!

"Remind me again why I'm going to this dinner tonight?"
"Because your father will kill you *and* me if you don't show up and formally greet your brother."
"Maybe he'd hire Celaena to do it."

Why does Dorian's family suck?

Why does everyone in SJM books have terrible dads?

I love how jealous Dorian is, but that he also is like encouraging Chaol to admit his feelings for Celaena.

Dorian is so precious

A fun little Celaena/Chaol scene before she gets to work with Archer.

Still not sure about him. But they are both in terrible conundrums

Full disclosure: I know a lot about what happens in future books for this series. I don't always know the how, but certain plot points have gotten through to me because of Facebook groups and art and such.

That being said, I didn't expect an Aelin mention so soon!

And Celaena struggling with this "revelation".

But really, let's discuss what happened when she went to Chaol's room after her dinner with Archer.

Because 😍😍😍😍

"Just be careful."
"You keep saying that."
"Is there something wrong with saying it?"
"Yes, there is! I'm not some silly fool who can't protect herself or use her head!"
"Did I ever imply that?"

"No, but you keep saying 'be careful' and telling me how you worry and insisting you help me with things, and -"
"Because I *do* worry!"

*SQUEE*

"Well, you shouldn't! I'm just as capable of looking after myself as you are!"
"Believe me, Celaena. I know you can look after yourself. But I worry because I *care*. Gods help me, I know I shouldn't, but I do."

"So I will *always* tell you to be careful, because I will *always* care what happens."
"Oh."

MAKE OUT MAKE OUT MAKE OUT

Oddly, the most joy I got out of the masquerade scene was the tiny Lysandra mention.

Another name I've heard but have no idea context.

Though I'm dying to know her history with Celaena

The next chapter with Chaol freaking the hell out that Celaena has been poisoned was awesome though.

Awesome because he CARES so much! Omg. 🥰

"But the next time you do *anything* like this, I'm going to throw you in the dungeons."
"For killing him?"
"For scaring the hell out of me!"

TELL HER YOU LOVE HER

"Do you know what you looked like when you showed up?"
"I'll hazard a guess and say...bad?"

Celaena, sass master

"All she'd known was that she had to get somewhere *safe*. And somehow, she had wound up exactly where she knew she'd be safest."

She feels safest around him.

WHY DOES SJM DO THIS TO ME

Library adventures!

(I very much would love like Bryaxis' sibling to be under the library lol)

I forgot that the "riddle" she found is likely tied to Elena and Celaena should figure that out soon!

WHO IS SCARING MY PRECIOUS DORIAN?!?!?!?

"Chaol, to her surprise, opted to sit beside her..."

GIRL, THIS SHOULDN'T BE SURPRISING

Also, there was HAND HOLDING

🥰😍🙃😍

And Dorian is over her now? Good for you!!!!

Super disappointed that Nehemia judged Celaena for her job.

But happy Celaena let her know the truth and showed her the secret area.

Glad Celaena finally connected the Eye to the riddle

"I heard the music and I just wanted to dance for a few minutes. To just...forget everything for one waltz and pretend to be a normal girl."

AND THEN AND THEN

"Dance with me."

MY HEARTTTTTTTT

Here for Dorian and Nehemia's little heart to heart too.

But what did she dooooooooo

"We'll never be a normal boy and girl, will we?"
"No. We won't."

She's home with Chaol. I can't.

Damn you SJM

OH MY GOD MY PRECIOUS BB DORIAN

What is happening to youuuuuu

Oh look, another adorable Celaena/Chaol scene

He brought her chocolate cake!!!!

😭🥺😭🥺😭🥺

She wants a life with him!

😭🥺😭🥺😭🥺

Dorian needs to tell her (or Nehemia) about what's happening to him!!!!!

DORIAN, PLEASEEEEEE

The king to Chaol: "There has been a threat made on Nehemia's life."

The king to himself: "...by me."

I swear, I don't care who does it, he's gotta die.

Chaol wanted to kiss Celaena. Ooh!

Seeing Dorian freak out about magic is making me sad.

Precious bb, it's gonna be okay!

The carnival scene was nice because we got my trio back together.

Yes, it was awkward. Yes, they're all hiding things from each other.

But I miss them.

I think tonight is a solo adventure for Celaena and the Eye. Let's goooooo

Alright, Celaena and I are both idiots for expecting that to work.

🤷‍♀️

In other news, poor Celaena.

CELAENA 😭😭😭😭

AND CHAOL 😭😭😭😭

They are each other's person and I am weak

"Then let me keep you company."
"I don't want company."
"Want and need are different things."

"Is that...chocolate cake?"
"I thought you might need some."
"*Need*, not *want*?"
"For you, I'd say that chocolate cake is most definitely a *need*."

INTENSE HUGGING

Dorian, I love learning the history of the magical lines in the kingdoms.

However, TALK TO NEHEMIA

Another name mentioned that I know but not really yet: Aedion!

Omg Celaena's birthday gift to Chaol was amazing

😍🥰😍🥰😍🥰

But of course, she had to go ruin it with her conscience

And if this is why people dislike Chaol, they must not read a ton of "duty before love" because it's a normal trope!

Oh. Um, I guess I was very wrong about how he'd react.

!!!!!!!!!

"We'll find that place, then."
"What?"
"I'll go with you."

🥺

"I would be the greatest fool in the world to let you go alone."

Whyyyyyy SJM whyyyyyy

I love them 🥰

Dorian still not getting the answers he needs.

And I DO NOT trust Roland.

He is slippery

Omg a broom closet. 😍

I don't like Nehemia and Celaena fighting.

Nehemia is right. But I see Celaena's side too. #empath

She has just been through so much and doesn't want more innocent people to die! She's trying to be strategic! Argh.

Okay, who are these two women who want to mess with my babies?

Can the king die yet?

WHO

HAS

TAKEN

MY

CHAOL????

Hm, well now I see a reason their relationship failed.

You can't just replace someone, Celaena!

But wowwww how easily she changed when she realized what happened

And then, there's Chaol.

"I don't think you realize who you're dealing with."
"If you were that good, you would be more than the Captain of the Guard."
"I wasn't talking about me."
"She's just one girl."
"Then you're *really* in for a surprise."

We stan an appreciative boyfriend

"Dramatic entrances were practically her art form."

Vicious Celaena YAAAASSSSS

I knew that character was behind this.

I did NOT know that other character was involved.

And NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

(Full disclosure: I knew that character wasn't living past this book but still. 😭)

This hurts so much!

Especially because of how everyone is reacting now.

Misplaced anger in an SJM book? SURELY YOU JEST

But for real.

Celaena, you know Chaol wasn't directly responsible.

Chaol, you did all you could based on the vague information you received.

Maybe you two should focus on the man who seems happy that character is dead????

DORIAN STOPPED HER WITH HIS MAGIC.

DORIAN 😍

Dorian and Chaol also had a little heart to heart and damn I miss these two being friends.

EVERYONE BE FRIENDS AGAIN AND KILL THE KING

I now have a theory that Elena is also behind this and she's lucky she's a ghost...

☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹☹

That's all I got and I feel the same way Celaena.

A revolution is officially starting

I really need Chaol, Dorian, and Celaena to talk.

Lol my #1 wish in every SJM book.

I like reading Celaena's assassin methods.

She is vicious.

And he deserves it.

But whoooooo is behind it all????

(I know who it is, well, I think I do anyway. And I think I know how that assassin was hired. We shall see)

Okay, I was wrong but I still think that person is connected despite this!!!

I love that Dorian and Chaol know she lied.

Can you both talk to her?

Dorian still being scared about his magic. Let me hug this precious bb

Oof, Chaol's dad. Another winner in the SJM universe.

Another chapter of Celaena dealing with her grief in some weird ways.

Glad she figured out the riddle. But now more questions!!

Let's make Mort movable, kthx

The tiny bit of Chaol we got was heartbreaking.

PLEASE TALK

Library time with all three of them!!!!

I have really not loved Dorian being on the sidelines this book so I'm glad that Celaena and him are talking again.

He won't bring up the magic, but he SHOULD!

And then, there's Chaol. Who sees them and honestly is just happy that she's talking to someone. My bb.

Though I'm kind of surprised that it took him this long to figure out who she actually is.

PLEASE TALK AND SHOW HER YOU'RE ON HER SIDE

Aw, Celaena and Dorian had dinner together. I miss these two babies.

Dorian's tower sounds a lot like my room at the moment. So many books!

"Because I have nowhere else to go."
"Then you will always have a place here."

🥺🥺🥺

You better not be lying when you find out who she really is, Dorian.

Are Roland's headaches the same as Kaltain's headaches?

And is Celaena going to involve Dorian in everything already? If not, who is she thinking of?

Mort was right, that was a dumb decision.

Yes, she got answers, but...

Love how she became so desperate to protect Dorian!!!

Now, who is going to save her?

Dorian and Chaol, team up!

Ooh, that was a good conversation between Chaol and Dorian.

And how they're both trying to find a way to save her from the king.

But they both don't know the whole truth

And of course, Celaena saves herself. Don't know what came over me thinking that wouldn't be the case.

#TEAMMORT

"You understand that you may have just landed yourself in a heap of trouble."

Let's be real, is Celaena ever OUT of trouble???

Very curious about the witches given a character I know about in future books...

BUT OMG OMG OMG

SJM just LOOOOOOOOVES to rip my heart out, doesn't she?

😭😭😭😭😭

THE WILL.

THE TWO OF THEM CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER SO FREAKING MUCH.

"I'm not going to change it."

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

A chapter of Celaena trying to find answers and not really getting any. But whatever, it's still cool.

Now, is *her* headache the same as the others?

Forgot to mention one of my favorite lines from that chapter.

"What sort of evil did she expect to find in a library, of all places?"

Please ask Cassian. #teambryaxis

Me, a few days ago: "I may have to knock off half a star since Dorian is not very prominent in this book."

Me, last night: "This is a very long chapter and it starts with Dorian's name!!!!"

A pretty action-packed chapter with Celaena and Dorian working together while also still keeping some things to themselves.

Which, UGH CELAENA, Dorian is well aware of how awful his dad is. You revealing what you know is not going to break him.

Especially because of what he's currently going through and that he's just as much in danger.

And it does seem like she's fully softening and will forgive Chaol.

INCLUDE HIM NEXT.

I was right!!!!!!

Well, somewhat. At least I put that connection together earlier.

I also have zero patience for anagrams lol.

Despite Mort being somewhat impressed by the king figuring it out so quickly, he's still my favorite

This is a very bad plan, Celaena. Even though I want to see her again too.

Finally, Brannon woke his stupid ass up and started talking to Dorian. Elena doing all the work up until now. TYPICAL.

That went better than expected.

And I'm glad she got to say goodbye.

But like wtf is THAT character doing in the castle?

If he hurt my precious bb Dorian, I'm gonna scream

Wowwwww. I did not see any of that coming at all.

I never trusted him, but now I'm mad because what he did was actually worse than the King's actions in this book!

I'm so glad Dorian enlisted Chaol's help. It's what I was hoping for and did not disappoint one bit.

SJM needs to stop hurting her character's pets.

Fleetfoot bb, please be okay.

HOW DO PEOPLE HATE CHAOL?!

LOOK AT WHAT HE DID! AND IT WAS ALL FOR HER!

But uh, now the truth has been revealed and I don't know how he's gonna handle her and Dorian's new abilities

Gahhhhhhhhh

Dorian is like, "Drinks?"

Celaena is like, "NOPE REVENGE!"

Wow. She gave him an out.

And he still blew it.

Good riddance.

What's fascinating is that Chaol doesn't always agree with her actions, but ultimately he understands. And he doesn't judge her for them.

🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

He also took her explanation a lot better than I thought he would.

His love for her is incredible. I'm sad they couldn't work things out, but this is really great.

I legit almost cried when he went to his dad.

"It sounds like something out of a book."

PRECIOUS BB DORIAN

I'm assuming she didn't tell him about her true heritage and that's more of why he doesn't like Chaol's plan?

But my usual refrain applies: YOU ALL NEED TO TALK

Despite the king not truly being involved in all of this, I still don't like or trust him.

"The captain is trying to save you the only way he knows how."

I LOVE HIMMMM

Please stop fighting, Dorian and Chaol.

This confirms that Dorian does NOT know the whole truth.

And Chaol just continually makes everyone hate him in order to keep them safe.

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

My lonely, lovely captain

I don't like these goodbyes 😭

"I'll come back for you."

😭😭😭😭😭😭

I'm truly shocked she wound up telling Chaol everything. I didn't expect that.

(Also, I thought he was going with her...)

"When you do, I want you to remember that it wouldn't have made any difference to me. It's never made any difference to me when it came to you. I'd still pick you. I'll always pick you."

😭😭😭😭😭😭

But I really need to know what she said.

Oh! I truly thought she would leave us guessing until the next book.

CHAOL KNOWS ~EVERYTHING~

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

And so concludes my Crown of Midnight experience.

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