Crown of Midnight Chapters 1–5: Assassin, Spy, Queen? (Literary Analysis, Part 1)

Book Talk for BookTok

Cloud10

Arts, Books

4.9 • 608 Ratings

🗓️ 17 June 2025

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Welcome to Book Talk for BookTok! Best friends Jac and Amy return to break down Crown of Midnight, the second book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. In this premiere episode, we dive into chapters 1–5, where Celaena Sardothien is no longer just Adarlan’s most feared assassin; she’s the King’s Champion, but not in the way everyone thinks. Through our signature academic literary analysis (backed by our 13 years of combined literary training), we explore themes of misinformation, identity, shifting power dynamics, and imaginary lines between people, personas, and political loyalties. Spoilers ahead for Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire. This season, we’re asking: Has Crown of Midnight truly prepared Celaena for her future as Aelin Galathynius? This episode starts with that question and more: – How are Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol navigating their changing relationships? – What role does dissociation play in the early narration? – And why is Celaena’s fashion sense so symbolically important? We apply a feminist lens (Jac) and a Marxist lens (Amy) to unpack character arcs, foreshadowing, and major literary breadcrumbs you may have missed. If you love: 🗡 Morally gray female protagonists 📚 Literary analysis meets fandom ❤️‍🔥 Enemies-to-lovers, love triangles, and character trauma 🔥 Spicy theory debates and SJM universe connections ...you’re in the right place. Sponsors: Babbel: We're partnering with Babbel to gift you 55% off subscriptions, but only for our listeners. Go to Babbel.com/BOOKTALK. ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctor's appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/BOOKTALK to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. 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

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	If you haven't tried Abercrombie denim yet, you're missing out.
0:03.8	Denim should fit like this.
0:06.0	It's all about proportions.
0:07.7	Abercrombie has their classic fits and athletic fits for guys who want a little more room in the thigh.
0:13.1	When you find your staple fit, it'll be the pair you reach for day after day for every plan.
0:19.2	Shop Abercrombie denim in the app, online and in store.
0:27.0	So, what are you watching at the moment?
0:28.9	Squid game, Dad.
0:30.0	Let's watch it together this weekend.
0:32.1	That'd be nice.
0:33.2	What's it on again?
0:34.0	Netflix.
0:34.8	You've got E.E. TV, so you just switch it on.
0:36.8	What season are we up to? Um, four? That's stranger things, Mom. And what about the kids? Don't worry, they'll watch Coca-Mellon for the hundredth time. Switch on Netflix with EETV, plus change up sports and entertainment. It's TV with the ultimate flex for the whole family. EETV requires EEB broadband, separate 24-month contracts for TV and broadband content
0:56.3	may vary terms supply.
0:57.3	There are some things you should always check, like the hygiene rating on your local takeaway,
1:03.4	the setting on your razor, and whether the party actually is fancy dress.
1:08.4	The other thing you should check is your Experian credit report, especially if you're
1:12.9	looking to borrow money. It lets you understand what lenders see so you can increase your chances
1:18.1	of getting the best deals. It's dead easy to check it and completely free. See it in seconds. Download
1:25.4	the Experian app today.
1:38.9	As the King's champion, Salina Sardathian is dispatched to assassinate enemies of the king,
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Cloud10, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Cloud10 and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.