Crown of Midnight Chapters 12-16 (part 2): Poison, Power & Who Truly Knows Celaena
In Episode 3, Part 2 of our Crown of Midnight literary deep dive, Jac and Amy analyze chapters 12 through 16 of Sarah J. Maas’s second novel in the Throne of Glass series. After a masquerade gone wrong, Celaena faces betrayal, poison, and the loss of her innocence as the King’s Champion. From a deadly confrontation with Davis to collapsing into Chaol’s arms, this section marks a turning point in both her mission and identity.
This episode’s central question:Who truly knows Celaena—Chaol or Nehemia?
We explore major themes including:
– Weaponized femininity, innocence, and identity
– Hidden doors, secrets in the library, and signs of Celaena’s Fae heritage
– Trauma, autonomy, and the symbolism of Celaena’s first kill as Champion
– The growing tension in her relationships with Chaol, Nehemia, and Archer Finn
Plus, we discuss:
– The toxic dynamics of power, manipulation, and expectations
– Nehemia’s rising pressure on Celaena—and the betrayal already in motion
– Rena Goldsmith’s performance and how SJM uses myth, music, and metaphor to shape fate
Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. All other spoilers will be contained to the Breadcrumbs & Broomsticks section at the end of the episode.
Sponsor:
Tackle your to-do list today and get 15% off your first task at TaskRabbit.com or on the Taskrabbit app using promo code BOOKTALK
Share your thoughts for a chance to be featured!
Submit them at booktalkforbooktok.com for a future mini-episode or exclusive Patreon discussion.
Support the Show:
Patreon: patreon.com/booktalkforbooktok
Merch: Etsy Store
Follow Us on Social:
Instagram: @BookTalkForBookTok
TikTok: @BookTalkForBookTok
YouTube: @BookTalkForBookTok
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ireland