Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)
    Adventure FictionFantasyFantasyFictionRomance NovelYoung Adult

    Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)

    by J, Maas, Sarah
    Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, follows assassin Celaena Sardothien as she navigates her role as the King’s Champion while concealing her true loyalties. Surrounded by political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and dangerous enemies, she fights to protect her loved ones and uncover the truth behind her past. The novel explores themes of loyalty, identity, and resistance in a richly constructed fantasy world.
    PreviousNext
    Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass Book 2)

    Chapter 53

    by J, Maas, Sarah

    In Chap­ter 53 of “Crown of Mid­night,” Celae­na shares a trun­cat­ed ver­sion of her encounter with Chaol, reveal­ing her expe­ri­ence with Wyrd­marks and the por­tal to anoth­er world. Dori­an lis­tens intent­ly, express­ing dis­be­lief at her account, espe­cial­ly her abil­i­ty to manip­u­late such mag­ic and her acci­den­tal con­fronta­tion with a for­mi­da­ble crea­ture. Celae­na con­fess­es her lack of con­trol over her pow­ers and hints at a poten­tial source of guid­ance with­in a tomb—someone who might help her under­stand her inher­i­tance. She sug­gests a future trip to meet this indi­vid­ual, though she with­holds details about Mort, the mys­te­ri­ous fig­ure inside the tomb, empha­siz­ing Dorian’s need for patience and trust.

    Dorian’s heart­felt ges­ture and their emo­tion­al exchange under­score their deep­en­ing bond amid the chaos sur­round­ing them. He reas­sures her that, despite recent hard­ships and their changed cir­cum­stances, he val­ues her pres­ence in his life, echo­ing sen­ti­ments he expressed after the duel with Cain. Celaena’s reflec­tions on Nehemia’s dream of a just and loy­al court con­trast with the cur­rent polit­i­cal land­scape, inspir­ing hope that Dorian’s qual­i­ties might help real­ize that vision. As she observes him, she begins to believe that Nehemia’s ide­al­is­tic dream might still be attain­able, though she remains aware of the threat posed by his father and the polit­i­cal machi­na­tions at play.

    Mean­while, the nar­ra­tive shifts to the polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary machi­na­tions of the King of Adar­lan. The king’s ruth­less plan involves exploit­ing the ongo­ing con­flict with Wend­lyn, using their refugee poli­cies to send a mes­sage of strength. He con­sid­ers deploy­ing his Cham­pi­on for covert oper­a­tions, includ­ing espi­onage and sab­o­tage, to under­mine Wendlyn’s defens­es. The king’s strate­gic mind is evi­dent as he eval­u­ates his allies and oppo­nents, rec­og­niz­ing the impor­tance of tim­ing and decep­tion in main­tain­ing pow­er. His focus on the mys­te­ri­ous por­tal and the death of Nehemia’s assas­sin, Yel­lowlegs, reveals a deep­er intrigue involv­ing ancient mag­ic, blood­lines, and hid­den threats with­in the cas­tle.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with the king’s com­mand to sum­mon his assas­sin, who is tasked with a clan­des­tine mis­sion in Wend­lyn. The assassin’s com­posed demeanor masks her dead­ly pur­pose, as she is instruct­ed to car­ry out a covert oper­a­tion that involves tar­get­ing Wendlyn’s lead­er­ship and seiz­ing mil­i­tary plans. The king’s aware­ness of the hid­den dan­gers, includ­ing the mys­te­ri­ous por­tal and poten­tial ene­mies with­in his own cas­tle, under­scores the tense atmos­phere of polit­i­cal schem­ing and mag­i­cal threats. His strate­gic plan­ning aims to con­sol­i­date pow­er, uncov­er secrets, and pre­pare for upcom­ing con­flicts, all while nav­i­gat­ing the dan­ger­ous web of alliances and betray­als that define his rule.

    Down­load Free PDF

    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What are the main revelations Celaena shares with Dorian about her recent experiences, and how do these impact their understanding of her powers?
      Answer:
      Celaena reveals to Dorian that she has opened a portal to another world using Wyrdmarks and that she was nearly overwhelmed by her own powers. She admits she cannot fully control her abilities, which highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of her magic. This revelation deepens Dorian’s understanding of her struggles and the immense potential—and peril—of her inherited power. It also sets the stage for their upcoming plans to seek guidance from someone in the tomb who might help her control her magic, emphasizing her ongoing battle with her abilities and the importance of mentorship and understanding in mastering her skills.

      2. Question 2

      Analyze the significance of Dorian’s gesture when he kisses Celaena’s hand and his subsequent words. What does this reveal about their relationship and Dorian’s character?
      Answer:
      Dorian’s gesture of kissing Celaena’s hand and thanking her is a non-romantic, respectful act of gratitude, signaling his deep appreciation and emotional connection without romantic intent. His words, “Even though things are different between us now, I meant what I said after the duel with Cain,” show his sincerity and unwavering loyalty. This moment reveals Dorian’s compassionate and thoughtful nature, emphasizing his respect for Celaena and his desire to maintain their bond despite the complexities of their relationship. It also underscores his maturity and the genuine friendship or trust that exists between them, which is vital given the dangerous circumstances they face.

      3. Question 3

      What does the chapter suggest about Nehemia’s vision for the court, and how does Celaena’s reflection on this dream influence her view of Dorian’s potential?
      Answer:
      Nehemia dreamed of a court rooted in loyalty and honor, contrasting with the corrupt and power-driven court she despised. Her vision was for a transformative, just court that could change the world. Celaena’s reflection on this dream upon seeing Dorian—who is kind, intelligent, and inspiring—leads her to consider the possibility that Nehemia’s idealistic vision might still come true. It influences her to see Dorian as a potential leader who could embody those noble qualities, giving her hope that the court could evolve into something better, aligning with Nehemia’s dreams of reform and integrity.

      4. Question 4

      Examine the political strategy behind the king’s plan involving Wendlyn and the implications it has for their enemies. How does this reflect the broader themes of ruthlessness and diplomacy in the chapter?
      Answer:
      The king’s plan to send a champion to Wendlyn to assassinate the king and seize military plans is a ruthless and bold tactic meant to send a clear message to Wendlyn and intimidate enemies. It demonstrates a willingness to employ violence and deception as tools of statecraft, reflecting the chapter’s themes of ruthlessness and strategic cunning. This plan underscores the harsh reality of political power—where morality often takes a backseat to survival and dominance—and highlights the dangerous, manipulative environment in which the characters operate. It also foreshadows the potential consequences of such ruthless actions on diplomatic relations.

      5. Question 5

      What role does the assassin play in the political machinations described in the chapter, and how does her attitude and actions reflect her position within the king’s plans?
      Answer:
      The assassin is portrayed as a cool, composed, and somewhat insubordinate figure, indicating her role as a skilled but independent agent within the king’s broader strategy. Her attitude—calmly taking in the room’s details and bowing low—suggests professionalism and detachment, essential qualities for someone in her line of work. Her involvement in executing the king’s orders, including the plan to send her to Wendlyn, shows her as a key operative in the king’s ruthless political machinations. Her demeanor and the fact that she keeps her eyes averted reflect her awareness of her dangerous position and the need for discretion, making her a vital yet enigmatic player in the shadowy world of court intrigue.

    Quotes

    • 1. “She nodded. ‘You also knocked that creature aside like it was a leaf caught in a wind.’ Oh, she hadn’t forgotten about that. Not for one moment had she forgotten what it meant for him to have such raw power.”

      This quote highlights Celaena’s recognition of Dorian’s formidable, untamed power, emphasizing the importance of his potential and the underlying danger it poses—central to understanding his role in the story.

      2. “Nehemia had dreamed of a court that could change the world, a court where loyalty and honor were more valued than blind obedience and power. The day Nehemia had died, Celaena had thought the dream of that court forever vanished.”

      This passage underscores the loss of Nehemia’s idealistic vision and sets a tone of hope and doubt about whether that dream can still be realized through Dorian’s influence, shaping the chapter’s themes of change and possibility.

      3. “Because in the shadows of the Ferian Gap, he’d been breeding new mounts for his gathering armies. And his wyverns still needed riders.”

      This statement reveals the king’s strategic and ominous preparations, hinting at the growing threat and the dark plans underway, which are crucial to the chapter’s depiction of political and military tension.

      4. “Her blood had been spilled at his castle; others might come to demand answers and retribution. If they came, he would be ready.”

      This quote illustrates the king’s awareness of the lingering mysteries and threats surrounding the mysterious death of Yellowlegs, emphasizing his readiness for future conflicts and the importance of power concealment.

      5. “Your companion, Captain Westfall, has come up with a rather … unusual idea. Why don’t you explain, Captain?”

      This line introduces the chapter’s themes of political intrigue and ruthless strategy, setting the stage for the clandestine plans and manipulations that drive the narrative forward.

    Quotes

    1. “She nodded. ‘You also knocked that creature aside like it was a leaf caught in a wind.’ Oh, she hadn’t forgotten about that. Not for one moment had she forgotten what it meant for him to have such raw power.”

    This quote highlights Celaena’s recognition of Dorian’s formidable, untamed power, emphasizing the importance of his potential and the underlying danger it poses—central to understanding his role in the story.

    2. “Nehemia had dreamed of a court that could change the world, a court where loyalty and honor were more valued than blind obedience and power. The day Nehemia had died, Celaena had thought the dream of that court forever vanished.”

    This passage underscores the loss of Nehemia’s idealistic vision and sets a tone of hope and doubt about whether that dream can still be realized through Dorian’s influence, shaping the chapter’s themes of change and possibility.

    3. “Because in the shadows of the Ferian Gap, he’d been breeding new mounts for his gathering armies. And his wyverns still needed riders.”

    This statement reveals the king’s strategic and ominous preparations, hinting at the growing threat and the dark plans underway, which are crucial to the chapter’s depiction of political and military tension.

    4. “Her blood had been spilled at his castle; others might come to demand answers and retribution. If they came, he would be ready.”

    This quote illustrates the king’s awareness of the lingering mysteries and threats surrounding the mysterious death of Yellowlegs, emphasizing his readiness for future conflicts and the importance of power concealment.

    5. “Your companion, Captain Westfall, has come up with a rather … unusual idea. Why don’t you explain, Captain?”

    This line introduces the chapter’s themes of political intrigue and ruthless strategy, setting the stage for the clandestine plans and manipulations that drive the narrative forward.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What are the main revelations Celaena shares with Dorian about her recent experiences, and how do these impact their understanding of her powers?
    Answer:
    Celaena reveals to Dorian that she has opened a portal to another world using Wyrdmarks and that she was nearly overwhelmed by her own powers. She admits she cannot fully control her abilities, which highlights the dangerous and unpredictable nature of her magic. This revelation deepens Dorian’s understanding of her struggles and the immense potential—and peril—of her inherited power. It also sets the stage for their upcoming plans to seek guidance from someone in the tomb who might help her control her magic, emphasizing her ongoing battle with her abilities and the importance of mentorship and understanding in mastering her skills.

    2. Question 2

    Analyze the significance of Dorian’s gesture when he kisses Celaena’s hand and his subsequent words. What does this reveal about their relationship and Dorian’s character?
    Answer:
    Dorian’s gesture of kissing Celaena’s hand and thanking her is a non-romantic, respectful act of gratitude, signaling his deep appreciation and emotional connection without romantic intent. His words, “Even though things are different between us now, I meant what I said after the duel with Cain,” show his sincerity and unwavering loyalty. This moment reveals Dorian’s compassionate and thoughtful nature, emphasizing his respect for Celaena and his desire to maintain their bond despite the complexities of their relationship. It also underscores his maturity and the genuine friendship or trust that exists between them, which is vital given the dangerous circumstances they face.

    3. Question 3

    What does the chapter suggest about Nehemia’s vision for the court, and how does Celaena’s reflection on this dream influence her view of Dorian’s potential?
    Answer:
    Nehemia dreamed of a court rooted in loyalty and honor, contrasting with the corrupt and power-driven court she despised. Her vision was for a transformative, just court that could change the world. Celaena’s reflection on this dream upon seeing Dorian—who is kind, intelligent, and inspiring—leads her to consider the possibility that Nehemia’s idealistic vision might still come true. It influences her to see Dorian as a potential leader who could embody those noble qualities, giving her hope that the court could evolve into something better, aligning with Nehemia’s dreams of reform and integrity.

    4. Question 4

    Examine the political strategy behind the king’s plan involving Wendlyn and the implications it has for their enemies. How does this reflect the broader themes of ruthlessness and diplomacy in the chapter?
    Answer:
    The king’s plan to send a champion to Wendlyn to assassinate the king and seize military plans is a ruthless and bold tactic meant to send a clear message to Wendlyn and intimidate enemies. It demonstrates a willingness to employ violence and deception as tools of statecraft, reflecting the chapter’s themes of ruthlessness and strategic cunning. This plan underscores the harsh reality of political power—where morality often takes a backseat to survival and dominance—and highlights the dangerous, manipulative environment in which the characters operate. It also foreshadows the potential consequences of such ruthless actions on diplomatic relations.

    5. Question 5

    What role does the assassin play in the political machinations described in the chapter, and how does her attitude and actions reflect her position within the king’s plans?
    Answer:
    The assassin is portrayed as a cool, composed, and somewhat insubordinate figure, indicating her role as a skilled but independent agent within the king’s broader strategy. Her attitude—calmly taking in the room’s details and bowing low—suggests professionalism and detachment, essential qualities for someone in her line of work. Her involvement in executing the king’s orders, including the plan to send her to Wendlyn, shows her as a key operative in the king’s ruthless political machinations. Her demeanor and the fact that she keeps her eyes averted reflect her awareness of her dangerous position and the need for discretion, making her a vital yet enigmatic player in the shadowy world of court intrigue.

    Note