Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas is the second book in the Throne of Glass fantasy series. It follows Celaena Sardothien as she navigates court politics, betrayal, and her own identity while serving as the King’s Champion. The book deepens the stakes set in the first and adds darker layers of magic and loyalty.
First Half Summary of Crown of Midnight
Celaena Sardothien starts this novel in the role she won at the end of Throne of Glass—she is now the King’s Champion. Her duties involve eliminating enemies of the king. On the surface, she follows orders, but in secret she spares many of her targets, allowing them to escape instead of killing.
One of her assignments is Archer Finn, a man from her past, and she is ordered to kill him. Celaena instead negotiates: she will fake his death, in return for intel about a rebel movement. The rebels are rumoured to be working to bring back Aelin Galathynius, the lost princess of Terrasen.
Meanwhile, in court, politics and relationships shift. Chaol Westfall, captain of the guard, and Celaena grow closer. Their friendship becomes more intimate, and mutual trust starts to develop. There’s tension too, because loyalty—to the king, to friends—is constantly tested.
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At the same time, Celaena’s friend Nehemia is digging into these rebellions and ancient magic (Wyrdmarks) beneath the castle. There are whispers and hints of powerful objects called Wyrdkeys that can open a gate (Wyrdgate), which could change everything. Celaena is drawn deeper into that mystery.
Tensions escalate when Chaol is kidnapped. Celaena rushes to rescue him. While doing so, she learns more about threats against Nehemia. She suspects Nehemia might be in danger from powerful enemies within the court. The danger turns out to be real.
Second Half Summary (Climax to Ending)
As things unravel, Celaena returns to the castle intending to protect Nehemia. She arrives too late and finds Nehemia murdered. The death shakes her deeply. She holds Chaol responsible, believing that if he had acted differently, Nehemia might still be alive. In rage and grief, she attacks Chaol, nearly killing him. Dorian Havilliard steps in. He reveals that he has magical powers and uses them to stop Celaena’s attack.
Celaena’s focus shifts to finding the killer. She suspects Grave, another assassin, and tracks him down. She kills him in front of the court, expecting closure. But after she presents the corpse—expecting justice—she learns the truth is more twisted. Minister Mullison had hired Grave to kill Nehemia. The political machinations go much deeper than she realized.
Further discoveries: there are three Wyrdkeys; the king (or his trusted council) already holds one of them. Celaena figures out more of the riddle; the magic under the castle’s library, hidden doors, and creatures once human but transformed by dark power. She ends up using magic she barely understands to open or try opening a portal (or gate) to other realms in desperate hope to reach Nehemia or find answers. Something goes wrong in the portal.
At the very end, there is a turning point in Celaena’s identity. It is revealed that she is not just the King’s Champion. She is Aelin Galathynius, the lost Queen of Terrasen. This changes the stakes completely. Her personal vendettas, the magic, the rebel movement—all of it now connects to her birthright. She must make choices not just for herself, or for friends, but for an entire kingdom.
Conclusion
Crown of Midnight builds on what Throne of Glass started. It pushes Celaena further into moral grey areas. Her loyalties are torn between the king, her own hidden beliefs, her friends, and the growing knowledge of her own past and potential. She struggles with grief, betrayal, love, power—all while secrets around her multiply.
The novel works not just because of its action. It succeeds because of character. Celaena grows more complex. She isn’t just an assassin or a fighter. She is someone forced to make impossible choices. The deaths she suffers (Nehemia most notably), her rage, her mistakes—they all deepen her rather than just prop the plot forward.
By the end, we are no longer following just a skilled assassin. We are following a queen in the making. Someone who must decide what kind of ruler she will be. The revelation of her identity sets everything up for what’s to come—bigger battles, larger magic, and heavier consequences.
If you liked Throne of Glass for its intrigue, Crown of Midnight gives you more: darker magic, sharper betrayals, more emotional weight. It’s a turning point in the series. What’s coming next will demand even more from Celaena… and from readers.
FAQs About Crown of Midnight
- Who is the main protagonist in Crown of Midnight?
The protagonist is Celaena Sardothien, also known by her true name revealed later. She is the King’s Champion, a skilled assassin, but also someone hiding secrets about her loyalties and identity. - What is the significance of the rebel movement in the story?
The rebels aim to overthrow the king and restore the rightful ruler of Terrasen—Aelin Galathynius. They drive much of the plot, pushing Celaena to choose between her role as the King’s Champion and her convictions. - Who are Chaol and Dorian, and what are their relationships with Celaena?
Chaol Westfall is the captain of the guard. His bond with Celaena strengthens, and they grow close emotionally. Dorian Havilliard is the prince, and while his romantic tension with Celaena exists, other forces (including his emerging magic) complicate their relationship. - What are Wyrdmarks and Wyrdkeys?
Wyrdmarks are ancient magical symbols or runes tied to old magic. The Wyrdkeys are magical items that open portals (via the Wyrdgate), holding power across realms. They become central to the mystery and danger Celaena must face. - Why was Nehemia’s death important?
Nehemia’s death is a turning point emotionally and plot-wise. It forces Celaena to confront betrayal, question her loyalties, and move from secret sabotage to open opposition. It also triggers events that reveal deeper court corruption. - What is revealed about Celaena’s identity by the end?
By the end, Celaena is revealed to be Aelin Galathynius, the lost Queen of Terrasen. This revelation reframes everything—her past, her role in the rebel movement, and her future responsibilities. - Does magic play a bigger role in this book compared to the first?
Yes. Magic is more prominent: Dorian discovers his magical power. There are ancient magic items and hidden passages. The plot leans more into supernatural threats and mysteries than in the first book. - What kind of risks does Celaena face?
Risks are both physical and emotional. She could lose her life if discovered faking deaths. She faces betrayal, grief, loss of trust, and moral compromise. And as her true identity becomes known, political danger increases. - How does her relationship with Chaol evolve?
Their relationship deepens gradually in this book. There are tender moments, shared vulnerabilities, and romantic tension. But it’s also under strain because of secrets, court duties, and tragedy. Her trust is tested. - Who is responsible for Nehemia’s death?
The murderer is Grave, an assassin, but he was hired by Minister Mullison. There’s a larger conspiracy, so blame isn’t simple. - What is the Wyrdgate?
The Wyrdgate is a magical portal or gate that can connect realms. Whoever controls the Wyrdkeys can control access. It represents power, danger, and the possibility of restoring (or destroying) what has been hidden or lost. - What are the major themes in Crown of Midnight?
Major themes include identity (who you are vs who you pretend to be), loyalty and betrayal, sacrifice, the cost of power, grief, and the tension between moral good and survival. - Does Celaena kill her targets?
Often she does not kill them. She fakes their deaths and helps them escape. She does kill when she has no other option, especially when justice or vengeance demands it. - Is Crown of Midnight standalone or part of a series?
It is part of a series. It follows Throne of Glass. Later books continue to build on the world, magic, characters, and the consequences set here. - What should readers prepare for emotionally?
Expect heartbreak, betrayals, hard choices, and revelations. The book doesn’t hold back on grief, especially with Nehemia’s death. But it also offers hope, courage, and identity—things that give weight and meaning to the struggle.