Queen of Shadows Reading Guide

Cover from 'Queen of Shadows' from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

Queen of Shadows is the fifth book chronologically in the eight-book Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. After the events of Heir of Fire, Celaena Sardothien has finally shed her fake cover and embraced her true identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the Lost Princess and Queen of Terrasen. Fully embracing her true identity and reclaiming her heritage, she is no longer an assassin, but a queen on a mission. Aelin returns to Adarlan to face the King and end his brutal regime once and for all. As whispers of rebellion continue to grow, Chaol Westfall and his Royal Guard struggle with the changing politics and loyalties of a city divided, all while Prince Dorian Havilliard battles an inner demon that has trapped his mind under dark magic. As Aelin enters the spotlight, shady figures from her past reappear, hoping to leverage her power for their own purposes, but she refuses to let her past define her. Down in Morath, dark forces are gathering to create a Valg Army the likes of which Erilea has never seen before and unspeakable magical atrocities are unfolding behind closed doors. As Aelin juggles multiple rescue missions, she must prepare for the upcoming war and reckon with the sacrifices required to truly lead.

NOTE: Major spoilers ahead for earlier installments and minor spoilers ahead for the current book.

Table of Contents

A black and white map of the continent Erilea from the Throne of Glass series created by Sarah J. Maas. To the right is the continent of Wendlyn.
Map of Erilea from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. All rights belong to the original creators.

The Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, a land rich in history and magic. To the far east of Erilea and beyond the Great Ocean lies the continent Wendlyn and to the south the Southern Continent. Over time, Erilea has seen the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms alongside the ebb and flow of magic. Originally, the first inhabitants were the immortal Fae and they coexisted peacefully with lesser faeries and humans for centuries. However, ten years ago the King of Adarlan banned magic and all magical beings. In one fell sweep, magic disappeared from the continent. No one knows how, but folks whisper that the gods must have cursed them. The King began a campaign of destruction unlike anything the continent had ever seen, destroying and burning ancient texts, sacred sites, and anyone associated with magic, including magical beings and any mortals with magic in their blood. Many Fae and magical creatures fled the continent and went into hiding as the continent fell under the oppressive rule of the King of Adarlan. The fall of magic in Erilea was a catastrophic and devastating tragedy with the loss of countless lives and priceless knowledge.

Fan art of Aelin Ashryver Galathynius from Throne of Glass. An elf princess warrior, she wears battle armor with sparks of flames surrounding her.

Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Ashryver Galathynius

Once the feared assassin Celaena Sardothien, she has now embraced her true identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the true Queen of Terrasen. Driven by vengeance and a desire to free her people, she returns to Adarlan to face her destiny with her reawakened fire and healing magic.

Fan-art of Rowan Whitethorn from Throne of Glass. A handsome elf warrior with short white hair. He has pine green eyes and tattoos on his face.

Rowan Whitethorn

Rowan Whitethorn is the most powerful full-blooded Fae in the realm and a Prince of House Whitethorn, a noble house of Doranelle. He was once a member of Queen Maeve’s Cadre but has now sworn allegiance to Celaena/Aelin’s Court. He wields powerful wind and ice magic and is also her carranam, magically bonded to her in a way that allows them to share magic.

Fan art of Chaol Westfall from the Throne of Glass series. A handsome knight with tan skin, warm brown eyes, and black leather armor.

Chaol Westfall

Chaol Westfall was the former Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, but has finally aligned himself with the rebel forces against the King of Adarlan. Hiding in slums and alleyways, and frustrated with Celaena/Aelin’s tactics, he seeks to rescue his best friend, Prince Dorian from the clutches of the Valg.

Fan art of Aedion Ashryver from Throne of Glass. A handsome prince with turquoise eyes and wavy blonde hair, behind him is a distant mountain range.

Aedion Ashryver

Aedion Ashryver is Celaena/Aelin's fiercely loyal cousin and a Prince of House Ashryver. He is the general of the Bane, the remnants of Terrasen's army. He is driven by a desire to free Terrasen from Adarlan rule.

Fan art of Lysandra from Throne of Glass, a beautiful woman with brown hair and green eyes, she lounges on a sofa with a snow leopard behind her.

Lysandra

Lysandra is a highly sought after courtesan who was given to Madame Clarisse DuVency by Arobynn Hamel. She and Celaena/Aelin did not get along in the past but learn to overcome their differences and become allies.

Dorian Havilliard II

Dorian is the Crown Prince of Adarlan and has reawakened his latent raw magic. However, he has been stripped of his free will and put under the control of a Valg demon by his own father, the King of Adarlan.

Fan-art of Lorcan Salvaterre, a handsome warrior with dark hair, black leather armor, and large muscles from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Lorcan Salvaterre

Lorcan Salvaterre is the most powerful demi-Fae warrior in the realm and possesses a form of dark magic, he is also the de facto commander of Maeve’s Cadre. Operating in the shadows, he goes after Celaena/Aelin according to his own agenda.

Fan art of Elide Lochan from Throne of Glass, a pretty and petite woman with long black hair and dark eyes, she stands in a misty mountain pass.

Elide Lochan

Elide Lochan is a crippled and seemingly meek human girl from the fallen House of Lochan in Perranth, a noble Terrasen family. Orphaned and now under the care of her cruel Uncle Vernon, she is brought to Morath to be a servant and pawn in his schemes.

Fan art of Manon Blackbeak from Throne of Glass. A witch with gold eyes, silver hair and a red cape. Next to her is a large black scaly dragon.

Manon Blackbeak

Manon Blackbeak is heir of the Blackbeak clan, leader of the Thirteen, and now Wing Leader of the Ironteeth Witches. Manon and her clan are sent to Morath to assist Duke Perrington with his twisted experiments but she chafes at his orders.

Fan art of Arobynn Hamel from Throne of Glass, a rakishly handsome pirate with long red hair and silver eyes, he lounges on a sofa with his shirt open

Arobynn Hamel

Arobynn Hamel is 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/Aelin near death on the banks of a frozen river and trained her as an assassin.

Fan art of Ioan Jayne, a large man with a big belly wearing deep rich robes and a cape from the Throne of Glass books by Sarah J. Maas.

Ioan Jayne

Ioan Jayne was at one time the biggest crime lord in Rifthold. He was immensely wealthy and well connected with a vast network of spies throughout the city. ​

Rourke Farran

Rourke Farran was a sadistic crime lord from Celaena/Aelin’s past, he served as Ioan Jayne’s second-in-command and gained notoriety for his brutal torture methods.

Fan art of Sam Cortland from Throne of Glass, an attractive man with brown hair, he wears medieval leather and carries a sword. He is on a rooftop.

Sam Cortland

Sam Cortland was a skilled assassin and Celaena/Aelin’s first love. Loyal, brave, and deeply caring, he was killed during their time with the Assassin’s Guild. His memory continues to shape her emotional journey.

The Master of the Bank

The Master of the Bank works at the Royal Bank of Adarlan and manages many of its high net worth clientele.

Fan art of Wesley from Throne of Glass, a handsome man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears fighting leathers and is on a rooftop.

Wesley

Wesley was Arobynn Hamel's personal bodyguard and Sam Cortland's best friend. He and Lysandra were also close.

Tern

Tern is Arobynn’s second-in-command and a lethal assassin. He often uses poisons.

Fan art of Mulling from Throne of Glass, a bald man with blue grey eyes, he has his arms crossed and is leaning against a stone wall.

Mullin

Mullin is another one of Arobynn’s assassins and a sycophant.

Fan art of Harding from Throne of Glass, a man with dark hair and a dark goatee. He leans on a wooden post under a canopy in a medieval street.

Harding

Harding is another one of Arobynn's assassins and a brown noser.

Fan art of Ress from Throne of Glass, a knight in shining silver armor with a red cape, he has short blonde hair and is standing in a stone chapel.

Ress

Ress is one of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Royal Guard. He helps gather information on Dorian and Aedion inside the Glass Palace.

Fan art of Theodus Brullo from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, an older knight wearing armor and wielding a metal club, he is bald but has a beard.

Theodus Brullo

Theodus Brullo is Chaol’s Weapons Master and trusted advisor, he also trained Chaol to become the Captain of the Guard.

Fan-art of Nesryn Faliq from Throne of Glass. A beautiful Arab woman with short black hair in fighting leathers. She is holding a bow and arrow.

Nesryn Faliq

Nesryn Faliq is a skilled city guard with a sharp aim with the bow and arrow. She has a calm, focused demeanor and often steps beyond her duties to help Chaol.

Fan art of Lithaen from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, a pretty woman with long blonde hair reading a book.

Lithaen

Lithaen was a former maid in the Glass Castle and Chaol’s first love interest. She cheated on him with Roland Havilliard and departed with him to Meah.

Fan art of Sorscha from Throne of Glass, a pretty girl with brown skin and hazel eyes, she holds a bundle of bedsheets in a medieval washing room.

Sorscha

Sorscha was a quiet and skilled healer in the Glass Palace. She and Dorian loved each other but she was executed by the King of Adarlan for sending information to the rebels.

Remelle

Remelle is a Fae noblewoman and was Rowan's former lover. She is a member of Maeve's Court and is very gifted at learning languages but has a jealous and mean streak.

Fan art of Ren Allsbrook from the Throne of Glass series. A young man with black hair and a long scar on his face standing in a busy medieval street.

Ren Allsbrook

Ren Allsbrook is the heir of the Allsbrook House, a noble Terrasen family. He is also a rebellious young leader in the resistance against Adarlan.

Fan art of Murtaugh Allsbrook from Throne of Glass, an elderly statesman with sunken in cheeks and gray hair standing in a medieval market.

Murtaugh Allsbrook

Murtaugh Allsbrook is the patriarch of the Allsbrook House and Ren's grandfather. He is deeply devoted to Terrasen and has been instrumental in organizing the rebellion against Adarlan.

Stevan

Stevan is a Commander in the King of Adarlan's new guard. He is originally from Melisande and does not have any living family.

Fan art of Mort the door knocker from Throne of Glass, an old metallic skull-shaped door knocker with a turquoise patina and a large mouth.

Mort

Mort is 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.

Fan art of Madame Clarisse DuVency from Throne of Glass, an older blonde woman wearing an opulent dress and holding an embroidered fan.

Madame Clarisse DuVency

Madame Clarisse DuVency manages a prestigious brothel in Rifthold and is known for her influence in the city’s elite circles. She is business partners with Arobynn Hamel.

Fan art of Evangeline, a young girl with red gold curly hair, citrine eyes, and deep red scars on her face from Throne of Glass.

Evangeline

Evangeline is a young girl once owned by Madame Clarisse DuVency’s brothel. Assigned to be Lysandra’s acolyte, she was saved from a life of prostitution when Lysandra offered to scar her face.

Fan art of Madame Florine from Throne of Glass, an attractive mature woman with blonde hair in a neat bun and standing in a stone chapel.

Madame Florine

Madame Florine is a retired dancer and an esteemed dance teacher. She was once Celaena/Aelin’s dance instructor and gave her free lessons.

Aedion's Mother

Aedion's Mother was an Ashryver Princess from Wendlyn and first cousins with Evalin Ashryver. She died due to a wasting illness and her son was later sent to Terrasen to be raised by Evalin's family.

Fan art of Gavriel from the Cadre in Throne of Glass, an elf warrior with blonde hair and stubble, a neck tattoo, and a lion behind his shoulder.

Gavriel

Gavriel is a member of Queen Maeve’s Cadre of legendary Fae warriors. He has protection and healing magic and can shift into a massive lion, hence his nickname the Lion of Doranelle.

Quinn

Quinn was the Captain of the Terrasen Royal Guard under King Orlon Galathynius. ​

Fan art of Athril from Throne of Glass, an elf warrior wearing heavy duty armor with a sword, brown hair and stubble, and walking in a forest.

Athril

Athril was a Fae warrior from long ago. He was close companion to Brannon Galathynius and together they battled the Valg. He was also Queen Maeve's beloved at one point.

Fan art of Pytor, an old conductor with bushy white hair wearing elegant blue robes and holding a baton.

Pytor

Pytor was a talented and brave conductor with the Adarlan Royal Theater in Rifthold. He was executed for playing the songs of the other nations, an act deemed rebellious.

Sayed Faliq

Sayed Faliq is Nesryn’s father, he owns and operates several popular bakeries in Rifthold and is known for his pear tarts.

Fan-art of Nelly from Throne of Glass. A woman with her hair in a messy bun working in a bakery. She kneads dough and her hands are covered in flour.

Nelly

Nelly is a baker who works in one of Sayed Faliq’s bakeries. She has a small opium addiction problem but bakes good bread.

Fan art of Luca from Throne of Glass, an adolescent boy with curly blonde hair and kind brown eyes, he smiles and holds a large bowl in a kitchen.

Luca

Luca is a young and eager Demi-Fae servant at Mistward, full of curiosity and admiration for the warriors he serves.

Marion Lochan

Marion Lochan was the late Lady of Perranth and mother to Elide. She began life as a laundress in the Terrasen palace before marrying Cal Lochan. She was close friends to Evalin Galathynius and sacrificed her life to save young Celaena/Aelin during the Conquest of Terrasen.

Cal Lochan

Cal Lochan was the late Lord of Perranth and father to Elide. He was head of House Lochan, one of the noble houses of Terrasen. He entrusted his daughter into the care of his younger brother, Vernon Lochan.

Fan-art of Finnula from Throne of Glass. An elderly nursemaid holding a swaddled baby near the kitchen hearth. She is sitting on a rocking chair.

Finnula

Finnula was Elide’s childhood nursemaid, who cared deeply for Elide and taught her to always have her wits about her. She believed that Anneith, the goddess of wise things, had blessed Elide with skills to flatter and charm people.

Marta

Marta is a midwife at the country house owned by Nesryn's father, Sayed Faliq.

Fan art of Philippa Spindlehead from Throne of Glass, a plump medieval maid holding a dishrag and wearing a blue dress over a peach colored shirt.

Philippa

Philippa was Celaena/Aelin's sharp and practical maidservant when she first arrived to the Glass Palace.

Fan art of Amithy from Throne of Glass, a strict and austere housekeeper with a tight brown bun and her arms crossed standing in a medieval kitchen.

Amithy

Amithy is a strict and rigid healer working in the Glass Palace. She was Sorscha's supervisor and turned her in to the King of Adarlan.

Fan art of Brannon Galathynius from Throne of Glass, an elf king with long red hair and a crown. He is looking up into the sun with tears in his eyes.

Brannon Galathynius

Brannon Galathynius was 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 with powerful fire magic.

Fan art of Elena Galathynius from Throne of Glass, an ethereal elf queen with long white hair and a silver tiara surrounded by white wispy smoke.

Elena Galathynius Havilliard

Elena Galathynius Havilliard was a Demi-Fae and Princess of Terrasen. She was the daughter of the Fae King Brannon and played a vital role in banishing the dark forces of the past. She was Gavin Havilliard's mate and became the first Queen of Adarlan.

Fan art of Gavin Havilliard from Throne of Glass, a king with dark brown hair and a thick beard, he wears green gold armor and stands on a cliffside.

Gavin Havilliard

Gavin Havilliard was a mortal, who became the first King and founder of Adarlan. He was Elena Galathynius' mate and a legendary warrior, famed for defeating the Dark Lord Erawan from long ago.

Fanart of Orlon Galathynius from Throne of Glass, an old king with a long white beard wearing a green tunic and standing on a balcony covered in vines

Orlon Galathynius

Orlon Galathynius was the former King of Terrasen and Celaena/Aelin's great-uncle. He was murdered in his sleep and his empire was conquered by the King of Adarlan. His lover was Weylan Darrow and the two of them had no children.

Evalin Ashryver

Evalin Ashryver was Celaena/Aelin’s mother. Originally a Princess of Wendlyn, she later became the Princess of Terrasen when she married Rhoe. Maeve opposed the mixing of Ashryver and Galathynius bloodlines, forcing Evalin to elope with Rhoe. Her nickname for her daughter was Fireheart.

Rhoe Galathynius

Rhoe Galathynius was Celaena/Aelin’s father and former Crown Prince of Terrasen. He did not want his daughter to live such a highly sheltered life, but his wife Evalin, feared Maeve’s retribution.

Princess Nehemia, a beautiful African princess with caramel skin wearing a white gown and gold jewelry, standing in a lush forest courtyard.

Nehemia Ytger

Nehemia Ytger was the Princess of Eyllwe and one of Celaena/Aelin's closest friends in Rifthold. She was known for her deep commitment to her people but always had a secret agenda. She allowed herself to be sacrificed to catalyze Celaena/Aelin into taking action.

Fan art of Lyria from Throne of Glass, a beautiful elf woman working in a flower shop and holding a small bouquet of pink flowers to her nose.

Lyria

Lyria was Rowan’s former wife, she was a Fae commoner and flower seller from Doranelle. She died while pregnant with their first child and he carries deep shame and guilt over not being able to protect them.

Fan art of the Little Folk in Throne of Glass, tiny flower-like faeries with flower petal wings and green skin flying in a green mossy forest.

The Little Folk

The Little Folk are mysterious and ancient Fae, they dwell in the forests of Terrasen, watching from the shadows and guarding their secrets.

Fan art of Fleetfoot from Throne of Glass, a happy red-gold hunting dog running through a grassy wheat meadow.

Fleetfoot

Fleetfoot is Celaena/Aelin’s loyal and protective dog, who often provides comfort and companionship. Gifted to her by Dorian.

Fan-art of the lord of the north from Throne of Glass. A majestic white stag with large antlers and a small flame of fire between its antlers.

Lord of the North

The Lord of the North is the spirit of Terrasen, often depicted as a white sun stag with flames between its antlers, it 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.

Fan art of the Kingsflame flower from Throne of Glass, a bright orange-red flame-like flower encased in a spherical glass orb.

The Kingsflame

The Kingsflame is 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.

Head Cook

The Head Cook at Morath is sometimes grumpy but most days he is loud and kind.

The Mute Blacksmith

The Blacksmith works tirelessly in his forge day and night to create weapons for the army at Morath and customized items for the Witches. His tongue was cut out to prevent him from sharing trade secrets.

Head Laundress

The Head Laundress at Morath is overworked and tired, since there is an endless pile of clothing and sheets that need to be washed.

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Misty

Misty is one of the many laundresses employed at Morath.

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.

Fan art of the Blackbeak Matron, a dark matriarch with deep set black eyes, gray streaked hair, pointing a single finger towards a gray, stormy sky.

Blackbeak Matron

The Blackbeak Matron is 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.

Fanart of Petrah Blueblood from Throne of Glass, a witch with blonde hair, a blue robe and holding her hands together in prayer under a crescent moon.

Petrah Blueblood

Petrah Blueblood is 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

Iskra Yellowlegs is the heir to the Yellowlegs Clan, she is a brutal and aggressive witch with erratic behavior. Her cruelty and thirst for power put her in direct conflict with Manon and her leadership.

Fan-art of the witch Ninya from Throne of Glass. A fierce Asian woman with her long black hair billowing around her.

Ninya

Ninya is the leader of a group of Yellowlegs Witches who volunteer to go to Morath to aid Duke Perrington.

Fanart of Abraxos from Throne of Glass, a black dragon resting his head on a flat rock in a green forest. He has some scars and scratches on him.

Abraxos

Abraxos is Manon’s Wyvern, despite his small size, his intelligence and tenacity prove invaluable. He was named after the primordial serpent that held the world within its coils at the command of the Three-Faced Goddess.

Fanart of Narene from Throne of Glass, a beautiful dragon with pale light blue scales. She stands majestically against a range of mountains.

Narene

Narene is a highly intelligent and friendly female Wyvern ridden by Asterin.

Fan art of Rhiannon Crochan, Queen of the Crochans from Throne of Glass, a witch with long black hair, a dark star-studded dress and a red cape.

The Last Crochan Queen

The Last Crochan Queen was 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.

Baba Yellowlegs is an old witch with wrinkled skin, she smokes a bone pipe and wears an iron crown of stars. She sits by a dilapidated caravan.

Baba Yellowlegs

Baba Yellowlegs was 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/Aelin. Like her clan’s namesake, she had distinctly saffron-colored ankles.

Fanart of Rhiannon Crochan I from Throne of Glass, a young woman with elf ears, curly brown hair and with a red cape, she is sitting against a tree.

Crochan Witch

An unnamed Crochan Witch was caught spying on the Ironteeth Witches earlier in the series and was executed by Manon.

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.

Fanart of the witch Sorrel from Throne of Glass, a Middle Eastern woman standing in profile in front of a mountain range, her hair is in a black bun.

Sorrel

Sorrel is Manon’s third-in-command and a fierce and loyal member of The Thirteen. She is often referred to as the stone to Manon’s ice and Asterin’s fire, she helps keep her two superiors grounded. ​

Fanart of the witch Asterin from Throne of Glass, a woman with wind-swept blonde hair all around her and wearing a dark robe and cape.

Asterin

Asterin is Manon’s fiercely loyal second-in-command and cousin, she is 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.​

Fan art of the witch Vesta from Throne of Glass, a pretty red-haired woman playing with her hair and smiling. She wears black and brown leather.

Vesta

Vesta is Manon’s unofficial fourth-in-command, she is a powerful yet also light hearted witch, who is a shameless flirt that toys with the men they encounter. ​

Fanart of the witch Faline from Throne of Glass, a woman with green eyes and straight black hair, she holds a sword and stands in a dark room.

Faline

Faline, along with her twin Fallon, 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. ​

Fan art of the witch Linnae from Throne of Glass, an Asian woman with long black braids wearing black leather crouched down on a tree branch.

Lin (Linnea)

Lin is a particularly violent witch, who is prone to lashing out at those who call her by her full name.

Fanart of the witch Fallon from Throne of Glass, a pale woman with green eyes and straight black hair, she stands in a shadowy doorway.

Fallon

Fallon, along with her twin Faline, 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. ​

Fan art of Edda from the Blackbeak Coven, the Thirteen, from Throne of Glass. A pale witch with silver white hair, she stands near a dark tree in the shadows.

Edda

Edda is 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.

Ghislaine

Ghislaine is the eldest and cleverest of the Thirteen, she is noted for her incredible intelligence because her mother had sent her to Terrasen to study. She is a great source of knowledge for Manon. ​

Briar

Briar is 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.

Fanart of the witch Kaya from Throne of Glass, a woman with red hair, light blue eyes, and wearing brown leather crouched down by a stream.

Kaya

Kaya is a loyal member of the Thirteen and in a relationship with Thea.​

Fanart of the witch Thea from Throne of Glass, a woman with brown eyes, short blonde hair and roasting a fish on a stick over a campfire.

Thea

Thea is a fierce member of the Thirteen and in a relationship with Kaya. ​

Imogen

Imogen is a more reserved member of the Thirteen, who keeps to herself most of the time and never smiles.​

“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

Fan art of Deanna, Lady of the Hunt from Throne of Glass, a moon goddess with flowing black hair, holding a bow and standing under a crescent moon.

Deanna

Deanna is Goddess of the Moon and sister to Mala Fire-Bringer, she is associated with hunting, maidenhood, and protection of the young. She is one of the main deities of Erilea and the later Fae Queen Mab was syncretized into Deanna.

Fanart of Mala Fire-Bringer from Throne of Glass, a goddess with long blonde hair holding a flame and standing in front of an orange yellow sunset.

Mala Fire-Bringer

Mala Fire-Bringer or Light-Bringer is Goddess of the Sun and sister to Deanna, she is associated with the sun, light, learning, and fire. She is one of the main deities of Erilea and had favored the Fae Warrior King Brannon Galathynius.

Fan art of Silba from Throne of Glass, a beautiful brown woman in rich purple robes and with an owl on her shoulder. Behind her are natural springs.

Silba

Silba is the Goddess of Healing and Gentle Deaths, she is symbolized by the color lavender, the owl, and water. Many healers from the Southern Continent are descended from her and she is the de facto main goddess of the "god-city," Milas Agia or Antica.

Fan-art of the goddess Anneith from Throne of Glass. A woman with long black hair and black robes standing in a gray forest. She wears a dark tiara.

Anneith

Anneith, Lady of Wise Things, is the Goddess of Knowledge and Slow Deaths. At times benevolent and other times stony-hearted, she guides Elide through difficult times. She reveals hard truths only to those with the strength to bear them. She is also consort to Hellas.

God of Truth

The God of Truth is also known as the Sin-Eater and the All-Seeing One. He is an obscure god, whose followers erected a temple made up almost entirely of human bones under the Shadow Market in Rifthold, so that vendors and thieves would stay honest.

Fan-art of the god Hellas from Throne of Glass. A tall pale man with black eyes and long black hair. He wears black armor and stands in a dark forest.

Hellas

Hellas is the God of Darkness and Violent Deaths, ruler of the underworld, and consort of Anneith. Feared by mortals and revered by those who deal in death, he judges the souls of those claimed by bloodshed. The Demi-Fae warrior Lorcan is a direct descendant of Hellas.

Fanart of the Three Faced Goddess from Throne of Glass, three female faces, a young woman with brown hair, a woman with silver hair, and an old woman.

Three-Faced Goddess

The Three-Faced Goddess rules witchcraft and magic and is the patron goddess of the Ironteeth Witches. She is said to have three physical manifestations: the maiden, the mother, and the crone. Each of her faces is said to represent one of the three Ironteeth Witch Covens.

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Fan-art of the goddess Temis from Throne of Glass. A stunning woman with long red hair, she holds a hawk and is kissing its beak.

Temis

Temis is the Goddess of Wild Things and protector of caged animals. She is said to hear the cries of every creature denied its freedom. Hunters and animal keepers alike leave offerings in her honor, hoping to earn her favor and avoid her wrath. Lysandra often prays to her.

The King of Adarlan

The King of Adarlan is 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.

Fan art of Duke Perrington from Throne of Glass, a large portly man with a thick neck, red hair, and a thick mustache.

Duke Perrington

Duke Perrington is a powerful noble serving the King of Adarlan and helping him build a dark Valg Army in Morath. He conducts grotesque experiments.

Queen Maeve, a beautiful queen with pale skin, dark hair, and a snowy owl perched on her shoulder. She sits on a throne with a waterfall behind her.

Queen Maeve

Maeve is 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 forces centuries ago and is powerful and manipulative. She is also a distant aunt of Celaena/Aelin.

Fan art of the Valg from Throne of Glass, floating ghosts wearing black clocks and hoods, their faces resemble black skulls with glowing eyes.

The Valg

The Valg are pre-historic demons from another realm drawn to Erilea by a hunger for power. There were two Valg wars at the dawn of time. They were first defeated by Queen Maeve and Brannon Galathynius, and later a second time by Elena Galathynius and Gavin Havilliard. They have returned to Erilea under the King of Adarlan.

Fan art of General Narrok from Throne of Glass, a general with long brown hair, dark eyes, and wearing dark armor standing in a battlefield.

General Narrok

General Narrok was a high ranking general in the Adarlan army and a devout follower of the King of Adarlan. He was possessed by a Valg Prince and destroyed by Celaena/Aelin's wildfire.

The Valg Princes

Three Valg Princes occupied the bodies of three men and attacked Celaena/Aelin at Mistward. They fed off her worst memories but were defeated by her wildfire.

Roland Havilliard

Second cousin to prince Dorian and prince Hollin, Roland was a charming and notorious womanizer with little care for court politics. He was sent to Morath to work under Duke Perrington.

Kaltain Rompier

Kaltain Rompier was once a woman of status with her eyes set on Prince Dorian, but has since fallen from grace and is enslaved in Morath under Duke Perrington’s influence.

Hinsol Cormac

Hinsol Cormac was a former business parter of Arobynn Hamel's but fled Ritfhold due to Celaena/Aelin's antics. He later became Vernon Lochan’s henchman.

Vernon Lochan

Vernon Lochan is Elide’s cruel and opportunistic uncle, after the Conquest of Terrasen he seized Perranth and aligned himself with the King of Adarlan for his personal gain.

Fan art of Archer Finn from Throne of Glass, an attractive man with curly wavy blonde hair, wearing a bejeweled tunic and with a roguish smile.

Archer Finn

Archer Finn was a well-known courtesan and a former acquaintance of Celaena/Aelin from her time in the Assassin’s Keep. He became entangled in rebel affairs and orchestrated Nehemia's death, causing Celaena/Aelin to kill him in retribution.

Fan art of Cain from Throne of Glass, a hulking giant of a man with unruly brown hair and black armor. He is very muscular and has huge biceps.

Cain

Cain was a former competitor in the King’s Champion Tournament sponsored by Duke Perrington. He was sadistic and cruel, and unbeknownst to the other competitors, he was using dark magic. He was killed by Chaol Westfall.

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The Wyrdhound

The Wyrdhounds are a breed of Valg monsters used by the King of Adarlan. He stationed eight of them to guard the Clock Tower in Rifthold as disguised gargoyles.

Fanart of Adarlan from Throne of Glass. A beautiful landscape of a city with emerald domes, white buildings, and a blue ocean in the background.

Adarlan Kingdom

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.

Fan art of Rifthold from the Throne of Glass series. A large medieval metropolis with emerald green roofs, white walled buildings, and a large river.

Rifthold

Rifthold is 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.

The Glass Palace

The Glass Palace is a dazzling, magical structure rising atop the original stone castle. Made of tempered glass and crystalline spires, it is home to House Havilliard and has 600 rooms, three gardens, a wildlife game park, and two stables.

The Great Hall

As the heart of the royal court, the Great Hall hosts grand feasts, ceremonies, and public audiences, where displays of the king's wealth and power are staged before nobles and subjects alike.

The King's Council Room

The King's Council Room is a dazzling chamber of stunning glass walls and vaulted ceilings, where polished red marble floors and gilded furnishings proclaim the immense wealth of Adarlan's crown.

Sayed Faliq's Bakery

Sayed Faliq owns several successful bakeries in Rifthold that sell fresh bread and an assortment of pastries, his best-sellers are his pear tarts.

Fan art of the vaults from Throne of Glass. A gloomy and cluttered subterranean pub filled with small wooden tables and overturned stools.

The Vaults

The Vaults are a seedy pleasure hall in Rifthold, notorious for its illicit dealings, whispered secrets, and fighting pits. Known as a subterranean warren of sin, it draws the desperate, the dangerous, and those with coin to spend on indulgences better left unnamed.

Fan-art of the shadow market from Throne of Glass. A dark bustling water market with merchants selling their wares on small boats under bridges.

Shadow Market

Nestled along the Avery River’s banks, the Shadow Market has existed since the founding of Rifthold. According to legend, it was built on top of the God of Truth’s bones to deter lying merchants and pick-pockets. One can buy anything from spices to flesh.

Fan art of the Assassin's Keep in Adarlan, a luxurious white townhouse with a maze of neatly trimmed hedges and an iron wrought gate in the front.

The Assassin's Keep

The Assassin's Keep is an elegant manor located in the upper-class neighborhood of Rifthold. Used by Arobynn Hamel as the central meeting place for his group of henchmen and assassins. Commonly referred to as the Keep.

The Sewers

Deep beneath the city of Rifthold lies an extensive network of ancient sewers, winding beneath every street, district, and landmark. Though foul and damp, these underground tunnels provide hidden access to almost any location within the great city.

Fan art of the pits from Throne of Glass. A dark and seedy underground pub with small wooden tables, barrel chairs, and a wet floor.

The Pits

The Pits is the tavern that emerged after the destruction of the Vaults. Occupying the same space, it reeks of stale ale and piss, serving as the city's premier venue for pit fights. A haven for criminals and lowlifes, it's perpetually shrouded in vice.

The Royal Theater

The Royal Theater use to be a grand and opulent venue in Rifthold, but was shut down after a conductor performed the music of foreign nations in an act of rebellion against the King. This use to be one of Celaena/Aelin's favorite places.

Fan art of the temple of bones from Throne of Glass. A dark and dank underground temple made of bones and skulls.

Temple of Bones

Underneath the Shadow Market and the sewers, lies a hidden catacomb that is actually a Temple of Bones. Made almost completely out of bones that are carved with people’s confessions, it is dedicated to the God of Truth, or Sin-Eater.

Fan art of the Oakwald Forest from Throne of Glass, a beautiful green woodland area with moss covered rocks and a slight mist in the air.

Oakwald Forest

The Oakwald Forest is a beautiful and mighty forest that runs through much of the eastern half of Erilea, it is also known as Brannon Galathynius’ forest. Once home to many species of Fae before the King of Adarlan’s banishment of magic.

Staghorn Mountains

The Staghorn Mountains are the principal mountain range of Terrasen, forming a towering wall along the kingdom's northern border and overlooking each of its major cities. Named for their branching ridgelines and antler-like peaks.

Fan art of the temple in the ravine from Queen of Shadows. A lone temple on the top of a stone pillar in the middle of a deep mountain ravine.

Temple of Temis

The Temple of Temis is an ancient shrine dedicated to the Goddess Temis, protector of wild things and caged animals. It was built on an island in the middle of a ravine with bridges connecting it to the surrounding landmass.

Fan art of the clocktower in Rifthold, a huge domineering black stone column with a clocktower at the top and gargoyle statues at the base.

Clock Tower

The clock tower is 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.

Eyllwe

Eyllwe is a kingdom in the southeast corner of Erilea and is 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.

Fan art of Terrasen from Throne of Glass, a vast forested landscape with a snowy mountain range in the distance. In the middle is a human settlement.

Terrasen

Terrasen was 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.

Fan art of Melisande from Throne of Glass, a cute little village with cobblestone roads and wooden houses.

Melisande

Melisande is the smallest kingdom within Erilea and known for its craftsmen and tinkerers, who are famous for their clever little hands that make clever little knick knacks such as instruments, clocks, and toys.

Orynth

Orynth was 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 Conquest of Terrasen.

Fan art of Morath from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. A dark and hellish city with black towers, spires, and smoke in the air.

Morath

Morath is a fortress city located in Adarlan and ruled by Duke Perrington. It is a dark and hellish place. The mountains occasionally spew out noxious gases and dark smoke, blocking out sunlight.

Duke Perrington's Council Room

Duke Perrington's Council Room is a dark, foreboding chamber beneath dim iron chandeliers, its oppressive atmosphere reflecting the ruthless ambition and cruelty of those who gather within.

Duke Perrington's Keep

Duke Perrington's Keep is an immense black-stone fortress built for war, with towering walls, fortified battlements, and layers of formidable defenses that make it nearly impregnable.

Morath Laundry Room

The Morath laundry room is a ceaseless hive of grim labor, where servants tirelessly scrub piles of bloodstained sheets and uniforms that never seem to diminish.

Morath Kitchen

The kitchen at Morath struggles to feed the fortress' inhabitants, stretching its meager stores and waiting on unreliable shipments of fresh provisions.

The Witches' Aerie

The Witches' Aerie crowns one of the towers of Morath, an immense open-air platform where their wyverns may fly free unburdened by their host's wyverns.

Morath Dungeons

Hidden behind iron doors and shrouded in darkness, the Morath dungeons serve as the site of grotesque experiments, where unspeakable horrors are carried out far from prying eyes.

Morath War Camp

The War Camp is alive at all hours with the relentless clang of hammer on anvil as the fortress smithy tirelessly forges swords, armor, arrowheads, and siege equipment for Morath's armies.

The Witches' Tower

The Witches' Tower stands apart from the heart of Morath, an isolated black-stone column reserved exclusively for the Ironteeth witches.

Fenharrow

Fenharrow is the kingdom directly south of Adarlan and is a quieter, more rural region known for its beautiful plains and farms. It is home to many small hamlets and settlements. It borders the Great Ocean to the east and its capital is the wealthy port city of Bellhaven.

Fan art of Anielle from Throne of Glass, a stone fortress nestled between harsh and bare snowcapped mountains.

Anielle

Nestled between the White Fang Mountains and the Oakwald Forest, Anielle sits by the Silver Lake and is a harsh and inhospitable city ruled by Lord Westfall, Chaol’s father. The weather is perpetually cold and gray, allowing little to grow, ​

Fan art of the Red Desert from Throne of Glass, a vast red sand desert with sparse tufts of stiff shrubs dotted along the landscape.

Red Desert

Within the Deserted Land lies the expansive, arid landscape of the Red Desert, famed for its red sand, endless dunes, and scorching temperatures. Isolated and treacherous, it is a place of silence and survival, home to the Silent Assassins.

Southern Continent

South of Erilea lies the Southern Continent, a vast and arid landmass dominated by sandy deserts under a scorching sun. It is ruled by the Khaganate, a 300-year old empire currently led by the Great Khagan Urus, whose reign has brought in an era of peace and prosperity to its people. The continent's customs and traditions differ greatly from those of Erilea.

Fan art of Antica from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. A luxurious desert city with many teal domes, turrets, and minarets.

Antica

Antica is the largest city on the Southern Continent, a vibrant metropolis known as Milas Agia or "god-city," rumored to have been built by the gods and for its pantheon of 36 gods. Renowned for the Torre Cesme, a prestigious healing academy, Antica thrives as a cultural and architectural mosaic, with diverse peoples and traditions coexisting peacefully.

Fan art of the Torre Cesme from Throne of Glass. A large white tower with a spiral staircase. At the base is a courtyard full of lavender and trees.

Torre Cesme

The Torre Cesme or Tower of Dawn in the Halha language, is an ancient structure in Antica that is home to the most gifted healers. It was constructed over 1,200 years ago by an ancient Queen who was grateful to the healers for saving her child’s life. As various empires have risen and fallen on the Southern Continent, the Torre Cesme has always been left in peace.

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Sam Cortland's Grave

Sam Cortland rests in a small graveyard overlooking the Avery river. Etched into the tombstone below his name is the word 'Beloved,' which was made at the request of his best friend, Wesley.

Where to Buy Queen of Shadows

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