This series just keeps getting better. 
 Heir of Fire is almost Twin Towers -esque in tone. We get a whole lot more characters, and the pace is less reliant on building action than it is a series of overlapping adventures. Our characters are scattered across an ever expanding world and developing a better understanding of the complexities of said world as they go. Whereas the first book took place almost entirely in the castle, I now find myself referring to the map at the beginning of the book to fit things together, and that's a good thing. 
 Officially in fantasy mode, the magic is unique but well-explained. There is an almost feudal system that comes with this magic that makes it even more interesting. 
 Aelin nee Celaena (I am not upset that this name is no longer in use-- such a dumb spelling) has officially bridged the gap between the paper doll of the first book into a complex character with conflicting emotions and desires. In fact, I think it would be challenging to go back to Throne of Glass and read that version of this character now that she is so well rounded. In general, I am struggling to reconcile the simplicity of the first novel to the fantasticness of those that have followed. The only character I thought fell flat was Sorscha, but I understand how she was necessary as a plot device. 
 I've been staying up too late reading these. I would get to a fight scene and tell myself that I would only read until the end of that scene. And then that would have a cliffhanger. Which would lead directly into the build up of the next scene. Which I would promise myself would be the last I would read of the night. And the cycle would continue. I was concerned about the growing length of the novels, but it just provides the space more more complex stories. 
 FUN FUN FUN.