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: 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 Queen of Shadows?
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 lies 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 magic disappeared. No one knows how, but folks whisper that the gods must have cursed them. Regardless, the King of Adarlan capitalized on the disappearance of magic and began a campaign to conquer Erilea. He initiated 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 mortals with Fae heritage. Many Fae and magical creatures alike were forced to suppress their powers or flee and go 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.
Who are the main characters in Queen of Shadows?
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 her desire to free her people, she returns to Adarlan to face her destiny with her reawakened fire magic.
Rowan Whitethorn
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 Aelin’s Court as her protector and advisor. He also wields powerful wind and ice magic.
Chaol Westfall
The Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, he struggles with his loyalty to the crown and his past with Celaena/Aelin. As the political landscape shifts, Chaol faces a personal journey of redemption and discovers where his true allegiances lie.
Aedion Ashryver
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 his love for his queen and the desire to avenge his people. Aedion is captured by the King of Adarlan and sentenced to execution for treason.
Lysandra
A courtesan who was sold 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
Crown Prince of Adarlan, Prince Dorian has been stripped of his free will by his father's dark magic and enslaved by a Valg demon. He has lost most of his memories and is controlled by the demon inside him.
Lorcan Salvaterre
The most powerful demi-Fae warrior in the realm and possessing dark magic, he is the de facto commander of Maeve’s Cadre. Operating in the shadows, he goes after Celaena/Aelin on Maeve’s orders, while also beginning to question her true motives.
Elide Lochan
A crippled and seemingly meek girl from the fallen House of Lochan in Perranth. Orphaned and now under the care of her cruel Uncle Vernon, he brings her to Morath to be a servant and a pawn in his schemes.
Manon Blackbeak
Heir of the Blackbeak clan, leader of the Thirteen, and now Wing Leader of the Ironteeth Witches, Manon and her coven are sent to Morath to assist Duke Perrington in building the King’s Army alongside the Valg.
Who are the minor characters in Queen of Shadows?
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/Aelin near death on the banks of a frozen river and trained her as an assassin. He plotted with Ioan Jayne to murder Sam Cortland.
Rourke Farran
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. He murdered Sam Cortland and in turn, was killed by Sam's best friend Wesley.
Ioan Jayne
At one time the biggest Crime Lord of Rifthold. He was immensely wealthy and well connected with a vast network of spies throughout the city. Celaena/Aelin killed him for his part in the death of Sam Cortland.
Sam Cortland
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 Celaena/Aelin’s emotional journey.
Wesley
Lysandra’s deceased lover and former personal body guard to Arobynn Hamel. He was close friends with Sam Cortland and killed Rourke Farran for Sam's death. Arobynn had him killed for his disobedience.
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.
Tern
Arobynn’s second-in-command and a lethal assassin.
Harding
One of Arobynn’s assassins and henchmen.
Mulling
One of Arobynn’s assassins and henchmen.
Ress
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.
Theodus Brullo
Chaol’s Weapons Master and trusted advisor, he also trained Chaol to become the Captain of the Guard. He helps gather information on Dorian and Aedion inside the Glass Palace.
Nesryn Faliq
A skilled city guard with a sharp aim, she has a calm, focused demeanor and often steps beyond her duties to support Chaol and the growing resistance against the empire.
Ren Allsbrook
The heir of the Allsbrook House, a noble Terrasen family, he is a rebellious young leader in the resistance against Adarlan.
Fleetfoot
Celaena/Aelin’s loyal and protective dog, who often provides comfort and companionship. Gifted to her by Dorian.
Kaltain Rompier
Once a woman of status with her eyes set on Prince Dorian, she has fallen from grace and is enslaved in Morath under Duke Perrington’s influence.
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.
Madame Clarisse DuVency
The madame of a prestigious brothel in Rifthold, known for her control over the women she "owns" and her influence in the city’s elite circles.
Evangeline
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.
Madame Florine
A retired dancer and an esteemed dance teacher. She was once Celaena/Aelin’s dance instructor and gave her free lessons.
Pytor
A talented and brave conductor with the Adarlan Royal Theater in Rifthold, his most well-known piece was the Stygian Suite. He helped launch Madame Florine’s dance career.
Gavriel
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.
Roland Havilliard
Second cousin to Prince Dorian, Roland was a charming and notorious womanizer with little care for court politics. He has changed drastically after arriving in Morath and working under Duke Perrington.
Opium Monger
A shady vendor who supplies the citizens of Rifthold with opium and more.
Stevan
A man from Melisande, currently serving in the Adarlan royal guard.
Sayed Faliq
Nesryn’s father, he owns and operates several popular bakeries in Rifthold and is known for his pear tarts.
Nelly
A baker who works in one of Sayed Faliq’s bakeries. She has an opium addiction but bakes good bread.
Athril
A Fae warrior and Queen Maeve’s former lover. He was also close friends with Brannon Galathynius.
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.
Finnula
Elide’s nursemaid during her childhood, she cared deeply for Elide and taught her to always have her wits about her.
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
Former King of Terrasen and Aelin’s great-uncle. He was murdered in his sleep and his empire was conquered by the King of Adarlan. Weylan Darrow was his lover, they had no children.
Evalin Ashryver
Aelin’s mother, originally a Princess of Wendlyn, she later became the Princess of Terrasen. Maeve opposed the mixing of Ashryver and Galathynius bloodlines, forcing Evalin to elope with Rhoe.
Rhoe Galathynius
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.
Nehemia Ytger
A murdered princess from Eyllwe, who was one of Celaena/Aelin’s most trusted friends at the Glass Palace, she was known for her intelligence and deep commitment to her people.
Lyria
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.
Little Folk
Mysterious and ancient Fae, the Little Folk dwell in the forests of Terrasen, watching from the shadows and guarding their secrets.
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.
Who are the Witches in Queen of Shadows?
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.
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 with erratic behavior. Her cruelty and thirst for power put her in direct conflict with Manon and her leadership.
Ninya
Leader of a group of Yellowlegs Witches who volunteer to be experimented on for Duke Perrington’s purposes.
Abraxos
Manon’s Wyvern, despite his small stature, his surprising loyalty and gentle nature prove invaluable as they face external threats. He is noted for being very intelligent.
Narene
A highly intelligent and friendly female Wyvern ridden by Asterin.
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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/Aelin. Like her clan’s namesake, she had distinctly saffron-colored ankles.
Who are the Thirteen in Queen of Shadows?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Queen of Shadows?
“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. The later Fae Queen Mab was syncretized into Deanna.
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.
Anneith
Goddess of knowledge and slow deaths, consort of Hellas. At times benevolent and other times stony-hearted. She guides Elide Lochan through difficult times.
God of Truth
The Sin-Eater and All-Seeing One. An obscure god, his followers erected a temple made up almost entirely of human bones beneath the Shadow Market in Rifthold. He blessed the sword Damaris.
Hellas
God of darkness and violent deaths, ruler of the underworld and consort of Anneith. Lorcan is a direct descendant of Hellas.
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.
Temis
Goddess of wild things and protector of caged animals. Lysandra often prays to her.
Who are the antagonists in Queen of Shadows?
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 serving the King of Adarlan and helping him build a dark Valg Army in Morath. He harbors a nefarious secret.
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. Known for her magical powers and manipulation of those around her.
The Valg
A terrifying and ancient race of malevolent, otherworldly beings who can possess and control other creatures. They are key agents of chaos and destruction, seeking to bring about the fall of kingdoms and the spread of their dark influence.
Hinsol Cormac
A former business parter of Arobynn Hamel. He later becomes Vernon Lochan’s henchman.
Vernon Lochan
Elide’s cruel uncle, who tries to use everything in his power to curry favor with the King of Adarlan and Duke Perrington.
Where does Queen of Shadows take place?
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.
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.
The Glass Palace
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 Vaults
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.
Shadow Market
Nestled along the Avery River’s banks, the market has existed since the founding of Rifthold. According to legend, it was built on top of the God of Truth’s bones. Anything and everything from contraband and illicit goods to spices and flesh can be found here.
The Assassin's Keep
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.
Palace Dungeons
A dark, oppressive labyrinth beneath the Glass Palace, reeking of decay and despair. These shadowy depths conceal ancient secrets and deadly creatures. Aedion Ashryver is being held in the dungeons while he awaits his execution.
The Pits
New seedy pub that arises after the Vaults are destroyed. The same underground chamber reeking of ale and piss. It is a den of debauchery with an ever-present haze of vice.
Royal Theater
A grand and opulent venue in Rifthold, known for its lavish performances and elite patrons. A symbol of the empire’s wealth and power, it serves as both a cultural centerpiece and a stage for political maneuvering.
Temple of Bones
Underneath the Shadow Market and the sewers, lies a hidden catacomb that is actually a temple. Made almost completely out of bones that are carved with people’s confessions, it is dedicated to the God of Truth.
Oakwald Forest
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.
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.
Temple in the Ravine
An ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess Temis. Built on an island in the middle of a ravine with decrepit bridges connecting it to the surrounding landmass.
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.
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.
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 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
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.
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