Heir of Fire is the fourth book chronologically in the eight-book Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Weeks after the events of Crown of Midnight, Celaena Sardothien is sent to Wendlyn to assassinate their royal family but she unexpectedly meets Rowan Whitethorn, a powerful Fae warrior, sent by Queen Maeve to help Celaena harness her growing magical abilities. In the remote fortress of Mistward, Celaena undergoes grueling physical and magical training while confronting her deeply buried past. As she grows stronger and becomes more confident in herself, she begins to understand the true extent of the threat facing her world. Back in Adarlan, Prince Dorian Havilliard struggles to keep his own secrets hidden and Chaol Westfall navigates shifting political alliances as hints of rebellion brew in the shadows. Further in the western mountains of the Ferian Gap, a coven of witches begins to stir and ready themselves for war. With multiple storylines unfolding across the continent, Heir of Fire deepens the political turmoil of Erilea and marks a turning point in Celaena’s journey towards self-acceptance.
NOTE: This post assumes you have read the previous book in the series. Major spoilers ahead for earlier installments and minor spoilers ahead for the current book.
Table of Contents
What is the world in Heir of Fire?
While most of the Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, Heir of Fire takes place in Wendlyn, which lies to the far east of Erilea past the Great Ocean. Wendlyn is renowned for its verdant landscapes and the enduring presence of powerful magic, which sets it apart from the magic-starved lands of Erilea. While Adarlan’s tyrannical king has banished magic and waged campaigns of destruction against magical beings, Wendlyn remains a sanctuary where both humans and immortal Fae coexist, and where magic continues to flourish openly. The continent is ruled by House Ashryver, with King Glaston Ashryver and his heir, Prince Galan Ashryver, presiding from the capital city of Varese. Nearby lies the spectacular Fae city of Doranelle, a legendary site that serves as a center of Fae culture and power. The city’s magnificent rivers and natural surroundings enhance its ethereal quality, making it both a sanctuary and a seat of power for the immortal Fae. Only the most powerful Fae are permitted to reside there, while Demi-Fae and those deemed less powerful live in outposts like Mistward. Wendlyn’s resistance to Adarlan’s conquest and its preservation of ancient magical traditions make it a critical stronghold for the rebellion against Adarlan.
Who are the main characters in Heir of Fire?
Celaena Sardothien/ "Elentiya"
As the King of Adarlan’s personal assassin, Celaena travels to Wendlyn under the alias "Elentiya," given to her by the late Princess Nehemia. While on her mission, she encounters an unexpected legendary figure, who derails her plans and forces her to confront her past.
Chaol Westfall
Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, Chaol remains in Rifthold, torn between loyalty to the crown and his growing unease about the kingdom's dark secrets. His choices start to reshape his understanding of honor, duty, and freedom.
Rowan Whitethorn
The most powerful full-blooded Fae in the realm and a prince of House Whitethorn, a noble house of Doranelle. He is part of Queen Maeve’s Cadre and assigned to train Celaena in magic. He possesses elemental magic, primarily wind and ice, and lightning to a lesser degree.
Manon Blackbeak
A deadly Ironteeth Witch, heir of the Blackbeak clan, and leader of the Thirteen. She must lead her coven through the War Games, a series of brutal combat trials to determine the Wing Leader and commander of the King of Adarlan’s new aerial army.
Dorian Havilliard II
Crown Prince Dorian struggles with newfound powers that put him in great danger in his father’s court full of spies and enemies. He forms a secret connection with a healer who offers him rare comfort and hope.
Aedion Ashryver
A prince of House Ashryver and a celebrated general in the King of Adarlan's army, Aedion is known as the Wolf of the North and for his scornful attitude. His army is the Bane, the remnants of Terrasen's army. Behind his fierce reputation lies a deeper allegiance to his past.
Who are the minor characters in Heir of Fire?
Galan Ashryver
The Crown Prince of Wendlyn and cousin to Aedion Ashryver. He is loved by his people and opposes the King of Adarlan.
Glaston Ashryver
The King of Wendlyn and Galan’s father. He is also Aedion Ashryver’s uncle.
Archer Finn
A well-known courtesan and a former acquaintance of Celaena from her time in the Assassin’s Keep. He became entangled in rebel affairs and his underhanded methods infuriated Celaena.
Sorscha
A quiet and skilled healer working in the Glass Palace's infirmary, known for her compassion and kindness.
Amithy
A strict and rigid healer working in the Glass Palace.
Fleetfoot
Celaena’s loyal and protective dog, who often provides comfort and companionship. Gifted to her by Dorian.
Luca
A young and eager servant at Mistward, full of curiosity and admiration for the warriors he serves.
Emrys
A kind and wise kitchen worker, as well as the Story Keeper of Mistward. He offers guidance and stories.
Malakai
A Demi-Fae warrior devoted to the protection of Mistward. Also Emrys’ protective husband.
Ren Allsbrook
The heir of the Allsbrook House, a noble Terrasen family. He and his grandfather are all that is left of his family.
Murtaugh Allsbrook
Patriarch of the Allsbrook House and Ren's grandfather. He is deeply devoted to Terrasen.
Mort
The sarcastic, talking door knocker to Elena Galathynius’ tomb, he offers cryptic wisdom with a sharp tongue. He is made from ancient magic, and was thus unaffected by the King of Adarlan’s recent magical ban.
Hollin Havilliard
The much younger, spoiled brother of Crown Prince Dorian. Indulged by his mother and quick to tantrum, he was shipped to boarding school after an incident with a servant.
Georgina Havilliard
Queen Georgina is a refined and image-conscious figure focused on court appearances and her sons' reputations. Though she holds little political power, she remains a constant presence within the palace’s social sphere.
Roland Havilliard
Second cousin to Prince Dorian, Roland is a charming and notorious womanizer with little care for court politics. He is sent to Morath to work under Duke Perrington.
Kaltain Rompier
Once a woman of status with her eyes set on Prince Dorian, she has fallen from grace and was sent to Morath under the pretense of marrying Duke Perrington.
Grave
A ruthless assassin who also competed in the King’s Champion Tournament. He was sponsored by Minister Mullison. He was hired to kill Princess Nehemia.
Cain
A former competitor in the King’s Champion Tournament. Unbeknownst to the other competitors, he was under the influence of Valg magic, which thrived on his natural sadistic personality. He was sponsored by Duke Perrington.
Arobynn Hamel
King of the Assassins and head of the Assassin’s Guild, he is ambitious and willing to take advantage of every situation. He found Celaena near death on the banks of a frozen river and trained her as an assassin according to his brutal methods.
Sam Cortland
A skilled assassin and Celaena’s first love. Loyal, brave, and deeply caring, he was killed during their time with the Assassin’s Guild. His memory continues to shape Celaena’s emotional journey.
Lyria
Rowan’s former wife, she was a Fae commoner and flower seller from Doranelle.
Marion Lochan
The late Lady of Perranth and mother to Elide. She began life as a laundress in the Terrasen palace and became close friends to Evalin Galathynius.
Cal Lochan
The late Lord of Perranth and father to Elide. He was head of House Lochan, one of the noble houses of Terrasen.
Elide
Lord Cal and Lady Marion’s daughter, she was heir to Perranth. She disappeared after the Conquest of Terrasen.
Brannon Galathynius
The founder of Terrasen, he was a Fae King and father to Elena Galathynius. He established Terrasen over 2,000 years ago and was a mighty warrior.
Elena Galathynius Havilliard
The first Queen of Adarlan and mate to Gavin Havilliard. She was the daughter of the Fae King Brannon and played a vital role in banishing the dark forces of the past.
Gavin Havilliard
The first King and founder of Adarlan and mate to Elena Galathynius. He was a legendary warrior, famed for defeating the Dark Lord Erawan.
Orlon Galathynius
The former King of Terrasen, his lover was Weylan Darrow. They had no children.
Evalin Ashryver
Originally a Princess of Wendlyn, she later became the Princess of Terrasen when she married Rhoe Galathynius.
Rhoe Galathynius
The former Crown Prince of Terrasen, he was nephew to Orlon Galathynius.
Nehemia Ytger
A murdered princess from Eyllwe, who was one of Celaena’s most trusted friends at the Glass Palace, she was known for her intelligence and deep commitment to her people.
Aelin Galathynius
The heir of the Terrasen Kingdom before its downfall at the hands of the King of Adarlan. She was daughter to Rhoe Galathynius and Evalin Ashryver. She disappeared after the Conquest of Terrasen.
Athril
A Fae warrior and Queen Maeve’s former lover. He was also close friends with Brannon Galathynius.
Lord of the North
The spirit of Terrasen, often depicted as a white sun stag with flames between its antlers, lives in the Oakwald Forest. Sun stags were sacred to Mala Fire-Bringer and were later brought to Terrasen by Brannon Galathynius. The name also refers to a stag constellation that always points toward Terrasen.
The Kingsflame
A small flame-like flower that symbolizes Brannon Galathynius and Terrasen. It is said to only bloom when the realm is at peace and under the reign of a good king. When Orlon Galathynius became king, a single kingsflame bloomed, which he plucked and preserved in crystal.
Little Folk
Mysterious and ancient Fae, the Little Folk dwell in the forests of Terrasen, watching from the shadows and guarding their secrets.
Who are the Cadre in Heir of Fire?
The Cadre are an elite group of legendary Fae warriors who swore a blood oath to serve and protect Queen Maeve of Doranelle, who often coerced and emotionally manipulated them into taking the oath and binding them into her service. The blood oath is an ancient form of magic and intended to last for eternity, however, the upper party may release the lower party, which is seen as a sign of great shame and dishonor. Many of the members have fought alongside each other for centuries and developed a close brotherhood, but despite centuries of shared history, some still remain at odds with one another.
Gavriel
Calm and disciplined, he has protection and healing magic and can shift into a massive lion, hence his nickname the Lion of Doranelle. As the youngest of 3 brothers, he knew his father’s title would never be his, so he became a soldier instead and attracted Queen Maeve’s attention.
Connall Moonbeam
Twin brother to Fenrys. He shares Fenrys’ winnowing ability and can turn into a large black wolf. More quiet and reserved than his twin, he has always been more thoughtful and measured in his actions.
Fenrys Moonbeam
Twin brother to Connall. He also has the ability to winnow, the rare ability to teleport instantly, and can transform into a large white wolf. He is loud and sardonic and at times arrogant, but he means well.
Vaughan
The most mysterious of the Cadre, Vaughan commands wind magic and can shift into a massive osprey. A solitary soul, he distances himself from the chaos of the courts.
Lorcan Salvaterre
An incredibly powerful warrior and the de facto commander of Maeve's Cadre, he is one of the few warriors that can truly compete with Rowan and possesses a form of dark magic.
Who are the Witches in Heir of Fire?
The Ironteeth and Crochan Witches are two rival witch clans with a deep history of betrayal and bloodshed. The Ironteeth Witches—made up of the Blackbeak, Yellowlegs, and Blueblood clans—are belligerent and fearsome warriors with retractable iron claws and teeth. In contrast, the Crochans are a more peace-loving and gentle community with connections to healing and nature magic. Despite their differences they belong to the same race and are more similar than they realize, with all witches having blue blood. They were once united and had lived together in the Western Wastes but that peace was broken when the Ironteeth Witches betrayed the Crochans in a devastating civil war 500 years ago. In her dying breath, Queen Rhiannon Crochan cursed the land: “Blood to blood and soul to soul, together this was done, and only together can it be undone. Be the bridge, be the light. When iron melts, when flowers spring from fields of blood—let the land be witness, and return home.” Since then the Ironteeth have struggled, their cattle shrivel up and die, the wild game have fled, their witchlings are stillborn, and the rivers have turned poisonous. The curse left the Witch Kingdom in the Western Wastes desolate and barren, and it is said that only a united witch heir can break the curse. The Ironteeth Witches hunt the Crochan Witches to this day looking for the one who can break the curse and restore the land.
Blackbeak Matron
The brutal and tyrannical leader of the Blackbeak Clan, ruling through fear and merciless discipline. She is Manon’s grandmother and raised her to be a weapon of war and values obedience over all else, even at great personal cost.
Cresseida Blueblood
The fierce yet reasonable leader of the Blueblood Clan. Her clan devotes less time to fighting and more time to spiritual worship and honoring the Three-Faced Goddess. Like her daughter Petrah, she is noted for her calm and steadfast personality.
Yellowlegs Matron
A supposed half sister of the late Baba Yellowlegs, she became the Yellowlegs Matron after Baba's death. Like the rest of her clan, she is vicious and known for keeping her iron teeth and nails on permanent display. She often indulges and bats a blind eye to Iskra’s behavior and antics.
Stygian Spiders
Giant spiders that are highly intelligent and able to speak. They are known for their Spidersilk, a highly durable yet lightweight organic matter, which they trade to humans in exchange for intangibles such as dreams, hopes, youth, and memories.
Petrah Blueblood
Heir to the Blueblood Clan, she is a calm, intelligent leader, who stands apart for her fairness and restraint. Unlike many of her kin, she shows respect to others and becomes an unexpected contrast to the brutality exhibited by the other clans.
Iskra Yellowlegs
Heir to the Yellowlegs Clan, she is a brutal and aggressive witch, determined to dominate the war games and claim the title of Wing Leader. Her cruelty and thirst for power put her in direct conflict with Manon and her leadership.
Baba Yellowlegs
A formidable Ironteeth Witch and former Matron of the Yellowlegs Clan. She acted as a fortune teller to gather information and had an unfortunate run in with Celaena Sardothien. Like her clan’s namesake, she had distinctly saffron-colored ankles.
Titus
A massive and ferocious male Wyvern that many of the Ironteeth Witches vie for.
Fendir
A large and violent male Wyvern ridden by Iskra Yellowlegs.
Keelie
A large female Wyvern that shows compassion to her fellow Wyverns, she is ridden by Petrah Blueblood.
Abraxos
A smaller male Wyvern, often used as a bait beast due to his smaller size.
Narene
A highly intelligent and friendly female Wyvern ridden by Asterin.
Crochan Queen
The last Crochan Queen, known for her deep compassion and belief in uniting the Ironteeth and Crochan clans. Betrayed and murdered by those she sought to bring together, she cursed the Ironteeth Witches and their ancestral homeland.
Crochan Witch
A Crochan Witch captured by the Ironteeth Witches. She pities the Ironteeth Witches for their militaristic and brutal culture.
Who are the Thirteen in Heir of Fire?
An elite and tight-knit band of Blackbeak Witches under Manon’s leadership; thought to be the fiercest and most disciplined of all the Ironteeth Witches. They have fought alongside each other for over a hundred years.
Asterin
Manon’s fiercely loyal second-in-command and cousin, known for her fiery spirit and unshakable devotion to the Thirteen. Although she is Manon’s staunch supporter in public, she often challenges Manon in private, revealing a deep conscience beneath her ruthless exterior.
Sorrel
Manon’s third-in-command and a fierce and aggressive member of The Thirteen, loyal to the Blackbeak clan and driven by a ruthless desire to survive and dominate. Often referred to as the stone to Manon’s ice and Asterin’s fire, she helps keep her two superiors grounded.
Vesta
Manon’s unofficial fourth-in-command, she is a powerful yet also light hearted witch, who is a shameless flirt and enjoys toying with the men they encounter.
Faline
Along with her twin, Fallon, they are known as the Green Eyed Demon Twins for their ruthlessness and often thought to be more demon than witch. They particularly enjoy knife throwing training.
Lin (Linnea)
A particularly violent witch, she is prone to lashing out at those who call her by her full name.
Fallon
Along with her twin, Faline, they are known as the Green Eyed Demon Twins for their ruthlessness and often thought to be more demon than witch. They particularly enjoy knife throwing training.
Briar
Cousin to Edda, both are known to rarely speak and act as Manon’s Shadows, gathering intelligence. They were trained from infancy to blend into darkness and love sneaking up on people, but they do not dare sneak up on Manon.
Ghislaine
The eldest and cleverest of the Thirteen, she is noted for her incredible intelligence and is a great source of knowledge for Manon. Her mother had sent her to Terrasen to attend a mortal school to study.
Edda
Cousin to Briar, both are known to rarely speak and act as Manon’s Shadows, gathering intelligence. They were trained from infancy to blend into darkness and love sneaking up on people, but they do not dare sneak up on Manon.
Kaya
A loyal member of the Thirteen and in a relationship with Thea.
Thea
A fierce and loyal member of the Thirteen and in a relationship with Kaya.
Imogen
A more reserved member of the Thirteen who keeps to herself most of the time. She never smiles at anyone.
Who are the gods and goddesses in Heir of Fire?
“Beings of a higher, different existence. For whom time was fluid, and bodies were things to be shifted and molded. Who could exist in multiple places, spread themselves wide like nets being thrown. They were as mighty and vast and eternal as a human was to a mayfly. They had not been born in this world.” – Elena Galathynius in Empire of Storms
Deanna
Goddess of the Moon and sister to Mala Fire-Bringer, she is associated with hunting, maidenhood, and protection of the young.
Three-Faced Goddess
Goddess of witchcraft, magic, and patron to the witches. Said to have three physical manifestations: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Each of her faces is said to represent a different witch clan.
Mala Fire-Bringer
Goddess of the Sun and sister to Deanna, she is associated with the sun, light, learning, and fire.
Silba
Goddess of Healing and gentle deaths, symbolized by the owl, the color lavender, and the element of water. Many of the healers in the Southern Continent are descended from her.
Mab
Youngest of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mora and Maeve. She could transform into a white swan and was progenitor of the Ashryver family and Kingdom of Wendlyn. She gave up her immortality to be with a mortal.
Mora
One of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mab and Maeve. She could transform into a hawk and was progenitor of the Whitethorn family and the reason why their house sigil is a hawk. She relinquished her immortality to be with a mortal.
Who are the antagonists in Heir of Fire?
The King of Adarlan
The tyrannical ruler of the Adarlan empire, a man driven by a hunger for control and conquest. He is responsible for the brutal subjugation of both humans and Fae.
Duke Perrington
A powerful noble who serves the king loyally, overseeing the occupation of conquered lands with ruthless efficiency. Beneath his political role, he is linked to disturbing experiments and the rise of unnatural creatures.
Queen Maeve
One of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mora and Mab, and the only one who did not give up her immortality and remains Queen of Doranelle. She helped banish the dark and demonic Valg forces centuries ago. She is known for her magical powers and manipulation of those around her.
General Narrok
A general who works under the King of Adarlan and Duke Perrington.
The Valg
Ancient, malevolent beings from another realm, drawn to Erilea by dark magic and a hunger for power. They possess bodies, spread chaos, and serve as a growing, mysterious threat tied to the kingdom's darkest secrets.
Where does Heir of Fire take place?
Wendlyn
Across the Great Ocean to the east of Erilea lies the continent Wendlyn. Its ruling house is House Ashryver, who opposes the King of Adarlan’s rule. Wendlyn has allowed magic to continue to grow and is home to the glorious Fae city Doranelle.
Varese
The capital city of Wendlyn, it is clean, full of opportunity, and marked by fairness and kindness among its people. Unlike Rifthold, it has honest officials, a more equal distribution of wealth, and a safer, more welcoming atmosphere.
Mistward
A fortress in Wendlyn for Demi-Fae who are not permitted into Doranelle. It’s ensconced by a dense forest and perpetually surrounded by a protective thick mist.
The Barrows
The grave barrows resemble small hills but are the ancient tombs of past royalty. A particularly favorite spot to find wights, i.e. reanimated corpses. Rowan takes Celaena here for training.
Lake Cave
A hidden cave in the middle of a frozen and icy lake. Rowan takes Celaena here for further training.
Eyllwe
A kingdom in the southeast corner of Erilea and Nehemia’s homeland. It is a wealthy kingdom with many waterways and trade routes. Famous for its luscious Grasslands and Stone Marshes, a relic from a bygone civilization.
Fenharrow Village
South of Adarlan lies Fenharrow, a territory under Adarlan’s control. It is a quieter, more rural region known for its beautiful plains and farms. It is made up of many small villages.
Ruhnn Mountains
A mountain range near the Ferian Gap, supposedly home to very large spiders.
The Ferian Gap
A treacherous mountain pass between the Ruhnn and White Fang Mountains, it is a snowy labyrinth of ravines and canyons, used by the Ironteeth Witches as a training ground of sorts.
The Witch Kingdom
The ancestral home of all the witches. After the Ironteeth Witches started the Witch Civil War, the land was cursed by Queen Rhiannon Crochan I. The Ironteeth left and have been wanderers ever since.
Endovier
A brutal slave camp and salt mine on the Adarlan and Terrasen border. Enemies of the state such as magic wielders, rebels, and criminals are sent to toil their lives away in the mines. Thousands of prisoners labor under harsh conditions and are monitored by cruel Overseers.
Calaculla
The sister camp to Endovier, Calaculla is a slave labor camp located in Eyllwe that houses enemies of the state. It lies in a scorching desert and is rumored to be harsher than Endovier. Princess Nehemia sought to have it shut down.
Morath
A merchant city and fortress in Adarlan ruled by Duke Perrington. Morath is a dark and hellish place. The mountains occasionally spew out noxious gases and dark smoke, blocking out sunlight.
Doranelle
A magnificent and ancient Fae city built on an island surrounded by several tributary rivers, it is unsurprisingly nicknamed the City of Rivers. It is a place of both wonder and danger, where only select beings—mainly pure-blooded Fae—are allowed to live.
Queen Maeve's Court
A stunningly beautiful palace that takes Celaena’s breath away. Quiet sentries lurk around every corner and rivulets of water flow throughout the palace watering the numerous flowerbeds. The roar of the surrounding waterfalls can be heard from within.
Adarlan
Sharing a border with Terrasen to the north, Adarlan is the dominant empire on the continent of Erilea. It is a militaristic and expansionist kingdom ruled by House Havilliard.
Clock Tower
A clock tower made of black stone, likely obsidian, with eight gargoyles around the top perimeter. The King of Adarlan had it erected shortly after Prince Dorian’s birth. It makes a wretchedly loud booming noise.
Rifthold
The glittering capital of Adarlan, built on the banks of the Avery River and with a harbor opening into the Great Ocean to the East. Despite its beauty, the city is a center of oppression.
Terrasen
Once a powerful and noble kingdom in the North of Erilea founded by Brannon Galathynius. It was overthrown by the King of Adarlan, but its people remain proud and resilient. It was famous as a center of magic and learning.
Melisande
The smallest kingdom within Erilea and known for their craftsmen and tinkerers, who are famous for their clever little hands that make clever little knick knacks such as instruments, clocks, and toys.
Orynth
The capital of Terrasen, once home to House Galathynius. It use to be a thriving city but fell into decline after the royal family was overthrown, it is now a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Terrasen. There use to be a famous library filled with books on magic, but that was destroyed during the Adarlan conquest.
Does Heir of Fire have any bonus chapters?
Yes, there is 1 bonus chapter intended to be read after Heir of Fire. Aelin trains with Rowan in Wendlyn, where their friendship deepens. When three Fae nobles arrive at Mistward, one with past ties to Rowan, Aelin learns more about his past and causes some sparks to fly.
Read the Aelin and Rowan Bonus Chapter.
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