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TL;DR: Celaena Sardothien has won the competition to become the King's Champion, the royal assassin. But she secretly refuses to kill the people the king orders dead, faking their deaths instead. As she grows closer to Chaol, the captain of the guard, and uncovers a dark secret about the king's power, a terrible loss tears her world apart.
Table of Contents
Crown of Midnight at a Glance
| Author | Sarah J. Maas |
| First published | 2013 |
| Type | Fantasy |
| Best for | readers who want a fast, emotional fantasy full of secrets, romance and betrayal |
Crown of Midnight is the second book in Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series, published in 2013. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes violence, murder, grief and torture.
Main Characters
- Celaena Sardothien: The King's Champion with a secret past.
- Chaol Westfall: The captain of the guard.
- Dorian Havilliard: The crown prince, who has hidden magic.
- Nehemia: A princess of Eyllwe and Celaena's friend.
- The King of Adarlan: A tyrant with a dark secret.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The Champion
Celaena works as the king's assassin, but she is secretly helping her targets escape and faking their deaths. She sends the king fake trophies. Chaol is worried for her, and the two fall in love. Dorian, who loved Celaena, is hurt but tries to remain her friend.
Rebels
Celaena is ordered to kill Archer Finn, a courtesan secretly linked to a rebel group. Instead, she makes a deal with him to learn about the rebels. Nehemia is also secretly working against the king. Celaena feels torn between her friends and her own survival.
Wyrdmarks
With help from Nehemia and a talking door knocker named Mort, Celaena studies ancient symbols called Wyrdmarks. She learns about Wyrdkeys, powerful objects the king uses to suppress magic and control the land. She realizes that the king's power is darker and more dangerous than she imagined.
Loss
Nehemia is murdered, and Celaena learns that Chaol knew of a threat and did not warn her. Overcome with grief and rage, she hunts down the people responsible. She breaks with Chaol and is consumed by revenge. Later, she learns that Nehemia arranged her own death to force Celaena to act.
The truth
Celaena discovers that Archer was behind many plots and kills him. Dorian discovers that he has powerful hidden magic. Chaol learns Celaena's secret: she is Aelin Galathynius, the lost heir of Terrasen. To protect her, he arranges for her to be sent to Wendlyn. She leaves, carrying her grief and a growing purpose.
5 Key Takeaways
- Secrets can protect and destroy.
- Grief can drive people to dangerous acts.
- Loyalty can be divided.
- The truth about power is often hidden.
- Friendship can shape destiny.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Choosing mercy can be an act of courage.
- Love and trust are not always the same.
- Some sacrifices change the course of history.
Who Should Read Crown of Midnight?
Read Crown of Midnight if you enjoyed Throne of Glass and want a more emotional, twisty sequel. It suits teens and adults.
About Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas (born 1986) is an American author who began Throne of Glass as a teenager, inspired by the Cinderella story with an assassin as the heroine. The series ran for eight books, ending with Kingdom of Ash in 2018. She is one of the best-selling fantasy writers of her generation.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Crown of Midnight:
- Why does Celaena fake the king's executions?
- Was Chaol wrong to keep secrets?
- Why did Nehemia arrange her own death?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Crown of Midnight is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Crown of Midnight, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is faster and more dramatic than the first book.
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What to Read Next
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas: the first book in the series
- Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas: the third book in the series
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore: a skilled young woman forced to serve a king
Related: 15 Books Like Crown of Midnight You’ll Love · Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas: Summary and Key Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crown of Midnight about?
Celaena serves as the King's Champion while secretly defying him.
Who wrote it?
Sarah J. Maas, in 2013.
Is it a series?
Yes, the second Throne of Glass book.
Who is Nehemia?
A princess of Eyllwe and Celaena's friend.
What are Wyrdmarks?
Ancient magical symbols.
Who is Celaena really?
Aelin Galathynius, heir of Terrasen.
Who is Mort?
A talking door knocker.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 420 pages.
Do I need to read Throne of Glass first?
Yes.
Is there romance?
Yes, between Celaena and Chaol.
What comes next?
Heir of Fire.
Is Crown of Midnight better than the first book?
Many readers think so, because it moves faster and raises the stakes.
Is Crown of Midnight worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a fast, emotional fantasy full of secrets, romance and betrayal. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.