Now, I’m not going to lie, Tower of Dawn just didn’t do it for me. This is the sixth book in the Throne of Glass series and after the absolute epic ending of its predecessor, Empire of Storms, I eagerly jumped into this book only to discover that it wasn’t a direct continuation of Aelin and Rowan’s story but a totally different one….
Chaol and Nesryn’s story
Yes, so Tower of Dawn is set on the southern continent (all previous books and action have taken place on the northern one) and gives us an update on Chaol and Nesryn, who journeyed south to both rally more troops and try to find a healer to help Chaol walk again.
I did like some elements of Tower of Dawn. The introduction of the healers and their particular kind of power is interesting, particularly Yrene who we have actually met before in the series. She is assigned to Chaol and the book follows the ups and downs of their relationship.
“Maybe you and I will have to learn how to live.”
A valg history
The best part of Tower of Dawn is when it delves deeper into the origins of the Valg and gives us a truly jaw-dropping moment about a character we are already very-much acquainted with. We also learn there are 3 Valg kings, but we’ve only met one in the story so far. There is a complex history with the Valg and healers which is an element that’s surely foreshadowing and lining up a richer plot mix for the final book.
It also feels like a few breadcrumbs are dropped to show how the worlds of the different book series are potentially linked eg: they find Fae stories drawn onto walls (this happens in Crescent City too) and there are deep tunnels in the libraries, a common theme across all.
Don’t hate me but…
Tower of Dawn is wonderfully written. Chaol’s reflections on Aelin are interesting. She is a complex character and it’s great to hear other character’s POV on some of her actions, especially when that character is an ex-lover.
Overall, the characterisation is rich and relationships are described in such depth, alongside, imagery of the southern continent is vivid, it’s just I very much feel this story could have told in about 300 pages. I personally didn’t engage with Chaol and Nesryn as lead characters and really didn’t see the need to add so many new characters (the southern royal siblings) at this point in the series.
I do feel sorry for all those people who read the Throne of Glass series in real-time, were left on the absolute cliffhanger at the end of Empire of Storms, and then were given this as the follow-up book. Bring on Kingdom of Ash!
- Get your copy of Tower of Dawn here;
- Audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Evans;
- Running time: 22 hours 39 minutes;
- Published by Bloomsbury 2017;
- 688 pages;
- My rating:
