Showing posts with label throne of glass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label throne of glass. Show all posts

Saturday, December 8, 2018

November Reading Wrap Up + mini reviews


Hey, guys!!

 November has been a whirlwind of school work and actual work. I've barely had the time to read, but I did manage to finish my favorite book of the year during my Thanksgiving break! I'm so freaking excited to have a few weeks to read and catch up on blogging! Stay tuned for a lot more content!
This month I finished 2 books, a novella, and I'm temporarily DNF-ing a book. 

Here are the lovely books I read!

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~ Percy Jackson and the Singer of Apollo by Rick Riordan


Rating: 3 stars
Page Count: 28 pages
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publishing Date: November 14, 2017
Format: ebook - Kindle app
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

This wasn't Rick's best short story, but it was a great example to use for one of my creative writing assignments where I had to mimic the style of another author. I loved revisiting Percy and Grover. I love love love their friendship and the mythology that was incorporated into this piece was so much fun. I absolutely adore Rick's writing and I can't wait to catch up with his Apollo and Magnus Chase series. He's a big literary inspiration for me. 

~ Dumplin by Julie Murphy

Rating: 4 stars
Page Count: 384 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publishing Date: September 15, 2015
Format: audiobook via Hoopla / ebook via Hoopla / physical copy via library
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I absolutely adored this book. The characters were so well done and the story was so freaking addicting. I love love love Willowdean. She's such a well rounded and realistic character. I loved reading about her growth and struggles. I really loved the secondary characters in this book. I love how Julie incorporates their own personal friendships with Willowdean. It really added a lovely depth to the story that most authors don't accomplish well. In including each character through their different sort of friendship with Willowdean, it just made it so intriguing and fun to see their growth throughout the book. 

Reading this book was so dysfunctional -- only because I made it that way. I started this book via audiobook and got about 40% through that way, then I read it on my phone via ebook, and then my school's library had it on the shelves, so I picked it up physically, and finished it up via ebook. I don't regret it one bit. All three formats were so much fun. I do recommend any of them.

~ {Temporary DNF} Now I Rise by Kiersten White

Rating: temp DNF (@ 25%/ pg. 118)
Page Count: 471 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Publishing Date: June 27, 2017
Format: ebook via Kindle
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I was originally excited to read Now I Rise after finishing And I Darken, but after reading KOA, I just didn't think it was the right time for me to pick up this book. It was much slower paced than what I wanted and I just wasn't interested. Radu also began to annoy the heck out of me. I know that Whitney (aka WhittyNovels) really really loves these books. I hardcore trust her opinions, so I'm just going to wait and give it another go sometime.

~ Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas



Rating: 5 stars!!!
Page Count: 992 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Publishing Date: October 23, 2018
Format: physical hardback - I BOUGHT 5 COPIES OF THIS BOOK GUYS!
Where To Find It: Amazon // Goodreads

I will be writing a complete review for this book after my last final, but I just want to say that this book completely blew my mind. I absolutely adore adore adore this book! I cannot handle how much I loved this book. I already miss the characters so much and I'm just dying for more of Sarah's work. I can't wait for her 2019 releases to come out.

READ THRONE OF GLASS!


Number of Pages Read: 1,522
Favorite November Read: Kingdom of Ash (duh)

Happy reading, guys!
Olivia
~Liv the Book Nerd~
Twitter // Instagram // Tumblr // Goodreads // YouTube // Bloglovin // Book Depository Affiliate Code


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Tuesday, January 16, 2018

{Review} Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

28260587
Page Count: 693
Published on: September 6, 2016
Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Genre(s): Fantasy, High Fantasy, YA, Romance
Source: Hardback - personally purchased
Age Rating: YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository
My Rating: 5 stars








Goodreads synopsis:

 The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.
~~~

     I'm not going to get too into detail when discussing this book because I'll just start rambling and fangirling and that doesn't help anyone figure out if they should read this book. Not only that, I have to refrain from spoiling the first 4 books of this series. 

     First of all, I'd just like to say that this book was a roller coaster of emotions all throughout. The relationships and continual world building were just absolutely fantastic. The characters are all just so wonderfully fleshed out and they naturally grow with the series which is so delightful to read. I really loved the dual perspective aspect of this book. It made the story so much more vibrant and well rounded. Each perspective of every character added a kind of depth that I usually don't read in fantasy novels. Maas's writing style and ability is just so wonderful. I adored every bit of this book.

     As I've continued on with this series, I've grown to love these characters like they are my own children. Each one's story is just so rich and different and their personalities are just so fascinating. They clash, they click, and some just cannot get along. That's what I love about these characters. They aren't the typical characters and they aren't perfect at all. Their actions never seem to be written specifically to move the plot along. The events that occur are just perfectly written and the story just flows so nicely. The constant twists and turns and additions to the overall plotline are just so cleverly done. I rarely guess what happens next. 

     This book blew my mind. I finished this book and I was absolutely crushed. Sarah J. Maas always seems to tear me apart with her books...I should just accept it and anticipate it, but I'm always hoping for some semblance of a happy ending...nope! We get a cliffhanger! Every time! I need TOG #7! I need to know what happens to Aelin and Rowan and the gang next! Give me Aelin or give me death! (No. Just kidding...but seriously...I need her back.)

      I'd like to gush about the character and relationship development...just for a bit. Feel free to skip these if you'd like, but Julia hasn't gotten to Empire of Storms, so I'm dying to gush. Each relationship has progressed so naturally and so beautifully. I cannot wait to see where these relationships go. I cannot imagine how everything will be wrapped up in October. 

     Rowan and Aelin grow so much in this book. I just adore how their relationship has blossomed. Their emotional and physical bond is just so inspiring and their vulnerability with one another is magical. I cannot believe how much I love them. I only want what's best for them. I just want them to live happily ever after. If SJM kills them off or kills one of them off in the next book I will break. I'm sure of it. 

     Although Dorian was my least favorite character in this book, I feel like he's growing back into his sassy and strong character. He seemed to kind of fly under the radar in EoS, but I think that is because of his experiences in the previous books. A lot of people have been discussing his rapid character change, but I actually understand how his character has been changing. He's gone through some emotional and physical trauma. He's trying to move past it the best he can. I support him and I hope that he and Manon get together in the end. I think she's good for him. I think they are thoroughly adorable!

On that note...Manon. My queen. The light of the Witch clans. The most badass witch that will ever be (probably). This chick is just so fantastically written. The amount of development that she goes through is so wonderfully done. I cannot wait to see how her character grows in TOG7. I love her developing relationship with the gang, I love her bond with Elide, I love her with Dorian. I love her whole character. I'd definitely read a prequel series about Manon...in fact, I'm sort of demanding it. I need more backstory on Manon!

    Elide. What a strong little cinnamon roll. I love her so much. I cannot wait to see how her character grows. After the trauma that she's gone through, she's shown such immense strength in the face of danger. I love her. I love her. I love her. She is a strong independent and healing woman. She deserves every happiness and all of the answers to her questions. I hope that she and Lorcan get together and are happy. I need that in my life. They are precious. 

    Lorcan. Oh my goodness, his development was probably one of my favorite parts of this book. I love him, I love his character development, I love his loyalty, I love his flaws, I love his bond with Elide, I love how he's questioning his past decisions, and I just want him to be happy. Oh my goodness, the events that went down in the last chunk of the book literally broke me. LORCAN JUST DESERVES ALL OF THE HAPPINESS! 

     Aedion. Oh this man just goes through so much in this book. Mainly emotional, but wow oh wow...He deserves all of the happiness...

      I know I've basically said that they all deserve all of the happiness, but they do! These characters are just so near and dear to my heart. They deserve all of the happiness!

    This book was just absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this series. If you didn't enjoy the first couple of books and didn't feel the sparks like you anticipated, push through to Heir of Fire and the rest because the amount of depth and dimension in these sequels are just out of this world. 10/10 would recommend forever. 


My Other Maas Reviews:

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
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Thursday, December 28, 2017

{Review} Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas

18006496

Page Count: 648
Published on: September 1, 2015
Published by: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Genre(s): Fantasy, High Fantasy, YA, Romance
Source: paperback 
Age Rating: YA
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository
My Rating: 5 stars






Goodreads synopsis:

 The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena’s epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.
~~~

Hey, guys!

     If you've been following my blog for very long, you'd know about my avid love for Sarah J, Maas's books. I've been reading her Throne of Glass series for a good part of the year and I'm just so in love with it. Queen of Shadows is probably one of my favorite books of the year...actually, a good majority of my top 17 will probably be books by Maas. Prepare yourself for a ramble-y review (spoilers for the previous books will be in this review). I'll mainly focus on my thoughts on the characters, but know I just love them all. They are so imperfectly perfect. 

    Anyway, I adored this book. It was such a fantastic addition to the series and I love love love the characters that were developed throughout this book. The characters that were introduced in Heir of Fire were just so well developed and so beautifully done in Queen of Shadows. I thought they were fantastically written and it was such a joy to get to know even more. The changes and events that these characters live through are so realistically written and they are just so well done. 

       I especially enjoyed reading more and getting to know Lysandra. She is such a great character and I love love love how her character has developed. I can't wait to read more about her in Empire of Storms. I'd also love to read more about Nesryn because I kind of adore her? She's a major badass and I love her whole personality. She's so loyal and passionate and it's evident that she is falling in love with Mr. Angst (aka Chaol). I just cannot wait to see how she develops in Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.....I need it! 

      Also! Can we just gush about Aedion? I just love his character. He's so dreamy and I love his relationship with Aelin and I ship him hardcore with Lysandra. I desperately hope that he and Lysandra get together. The tension between them kills me!

     Can we just rave about Rowan? He is just a perfect specimen of fae prince. I just adore his relationship with Aelin. They just fit each other so well and I really want them to just be together forever. They deserve every happiness and I want them to just love each other forever and rebuild Terrasen. I just want it to be so. 

     Arobynn....what a sick, sick dude. I cannot stand him! He needs to just not. I really did not fully realize how awful he was to Celeana until this book. QoS really shows how much Celeana went through and how it really shaped who she is. Arobynn's behavior really opens the eyes of the reader to her trials as a human being. (And then when/if you read The Assassin's Blade, then your heart just breaks. I definitely recommend you read TAB either before or after QoS.)
     
     I just love the interactions between Manon and Dorian. I feel like their relationship is going to be really important in the next couple of books. I really ship them. However, I feel like the death of Sorcha was a major plot device and used to develop Dorian's character. I love how their love changed Dorian and helped him grow, but his grief and heartache just breaks my heart. Maybe it was because I read these books so quickly, but I felt like the potential relationship between Manon and Dorian developed very quickly. It's evident that Dorian is absolutely crushed by the murder of Sorcha, but he just seemed to move on really quickly from it. '

     The amount of world-building and plot detail that Maas includes and continues to include as the series continues is so astoundingly well done. I've always known that Sarah J. Maas is a thorough writer and has the fantastic capability to create a phenomenal world, but she just always blows me away with how fleshed out and intricately detailed her world is. The similarities between the magic system and fae world in her ACOTAR & TOG series are just amazing and it's always so amazing to learn something new about Erilea (and compare it to Prythian). I never see the plot twists or character twists coming, which is always a delight. They never seem to be too convenient or done in order to just complete the plot circle. Everything that happens in these books happens for a reason. I just love it so much.       
      I apologize if this is a bit of a ramble, but my Sarah J. Maas reviews tend to go in that direction. It's so hard to write about something you love so much. I find it hard to read her books very critically because they are a bit of a (not-so) guilty pleasure. Next time, I'll write consistent notes. 

 Happy reading, everyone!

 My Sarah J. Maas Reviews:



Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino


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Tuesday, October 31, 2017

{Review} Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

20613470
Page Count: 565
Published on: September 2, 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Source: Paperback 
Age Rating: 16+
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon // Book Depository




My Rating: 5 stars




Goodreads synopsis:

Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak―but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life―and her future―forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Timesbest-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish.
~~~


"There was a glittering darkness in her, an endless rift straight through her core."
~Heir of Fire~

Hey, guys!

      I've been such a huge fan of Sarah J. Maas for a long time and every time I write a review for her books I'm equal parts excited and nervous to put my feelings into words. Books like Maas' books are just so much fun to write but they're so difficult at the same time. 
Expect a bit of a ramble-y review:

      Anyway, I adored Heir of Fire. Compared to the slight disappointment that Crown of Midnight, HoF was stupendously great. I adored every part of this book. SJM has really written a great book. Oh my gosh the new characters were so much fun --- MANON! Oh my gosh I love Manon. This story is becoming so fleshed out and magical. I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

      Heir of Fire follows Celeana right after Crown of Midnight. After the events of CoM, her world is going to be forever changed as Celeana has to figure out how to navigate the hardships of life and her inner demons. What will happen when crazy and dark evils are unleashed on Erilea?

     I adored this book. We were introduced to some really fantastic characters, the plot developed really nicely, the previous characters were beautifully fleshed out, and I was so addicted to this story while reading. I'm currently reading Empire of Storms, so I, of course, had to continue with the series. 
     I loved the new characters in this book. In Heir of Fire, we were introduced to Manon Blackbeak, Rowan Whitehorn, and Sorcha. I loved all three of these characters intensely. Sorcha is such a sweetie and I loved how she and Dorian interacted. I loved their relationship. However, I was really skeptical the whole time because of my doubts. I love Dorian and I just wanted him to be happy and safe. 

     Manon. Oh, she is probably going to be one of my all-time favorite characters. She is such a badass. I adore everything about her. She is so twisted and so unlike any other character I've ever read about. I love the whole concept of the witch covens and Manon and her Thirteen are just such a great group. I wish that the witch-y dynamic had been introduced into the series a bit more throughout book 1&2 (but because I just hit the 130ish page mark in EoS I'm glad that I slowly built up). 

      Oh my oh my let's talk about Rowan a bit. He is so dreamy and wow. He is just so wow. I am so in love with his character. I ship Rowaelin so hard. They are probably my #1 ship in this series. They are the perfect pair in the TOG universe. I love how their relationship progressed from the "I freaking hate your guts" to "gradual tolerance" to "we have to work as a team" to "oh I get you now we're almost friends" to "friends" to "best friends" to "soul mates" (they're soul mates in my book). He is just such a great character. He is definitely one of my favorites.  
I know I'm rambling but that's what I typically do in Maas Reviews.

       I had really hoped that Celeana and Chaol would make up a bit, but Celeana was in Wendlyn for the majority of the book, so that didn't happen. I really love how realistic their relationship is. They don't make up overnight. 

      I also really loved the political and magical aspects of this book. The world building just keeps on building with Maas books. Her writing style is so eloquent and beautifully done. The magic system just keeps developing as the historical aspects of Erilea keeps getting developed as the conflict builds. I love how Maas has been building up the conflict bit by bit in every book. It's just magic. She has that magical ability to create a well fleshed out story that you never get sick of.  

      The ending of this book really threw me for a loop. I was totally shaken to my core. I was so close to crying...I'm surprised I didn't full out sob because I was definitely screaming "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!" In my head. I don't think I'm over it still. 

I've already read Queen of Shadows and I'm probably 25% through Empire of Storms and I loooove them. Expect rave reviews for them as well. 

 My Maas Reviews:
Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

September 2017 Reading Wrap Up



Hey, guys!

     I've had such a busy September and October looks to be just as busy. I spend at least 40 hours on campus whether I'm in class, studying, or working; so it's basically a full-time job sometimes. Not to mention, the time I'm not on campus I'm usually working on homework for hours. I know I spent the majority of this past weekend working on homework as well, so there's barely any time to actually read for fun or even write book reviews, so excuse my absence. I'm not sure when I'll be back to writing reviews consistently. I'll try to get more reviews out, but homework and school come first. I hope you all understand. 


Here are the books I read this month....




  • The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood 
    • 4.5 stars
    • I loved this book. I read it for my literature class and it's probably one of my favorite books that my professor has chosen so far. I love her classes.
  • Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas
    • 5 stars
    • Oh my gosh! This book was fantastic! I can't wait to review it for you all. These books just keep getting better and better. 



Number of Pages Read: 847
Favorite Book Read: Queen of Shadows
Number of Sponsored Reads: 0
Number of Non-Sponsored Reads: 2
Number of School Texts: 1

This doesn't count the hundreds of pages I've had to read for my classes, but just know that I've had to read a crap-ton. 

Other Books I've Skimmed/Half Read/Currently Skimming/Reading:
  • The Odyssey by Homer
    • books 1,2, & 23 read 
  • Groundwork of Metaphysics by Immanuel Kant
    • skimmed and finished
  • Revolutions of the Atlantic World by Wim Klooster
    • read and skimmed for a paper
  • Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
    • currently reading/skimming for class
  • Filter Bubble by Eli Pariser
    • currently reading for a class
  • Beowulf
    • currently reading for my Lit class 
  • Technopoly by Neil Postman
    • currently reading off and on for a class

I only enjoy a fraction of the books I read for class, but what can you do? I'll get through this semester. 

Happy reading, everyone!
Olivia 

~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino



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Thursday, June 22, 2017

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

17167166
Page Count: 418
Published on: August 27, 2013
Published by: Bloomsbury
Genre(s): High Fantasy, Fantasy, YA, Romance
Source: Paperback
Age Rating: middle grade
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Book Depository: {click here}

Twitter: @SJMaas


My Rating: 4.5 stars









 Goodreads synopsis:

 "A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.
~~~


Hey, guys!

      I can't go too into detail with this book as it will spoil the first book, Throne of Glass, but if you'd like more details regarding my feelings on the specifics of the book, then feel free to DM me on Twitter, Instagram, Litsy, or my other social media. You can check out my full (non-spoiler) review of Throne of Glass here {click}. Crown of Midnight was just as good if not better than Trhone of Glass. It kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me in a constant state of emotional turmoil.

      Crown of Midnight continues Celaena Sardothian's story in a kick butt, action packed, heart jerker. I really enjoyed this book as a sequel. It improved on the series and improved in the areas that I felt like Throne of Glass struggled. There was a larger focus on the magic, Celaena's assassin abilities, and the characters and the world was expanded upon in a really great way. There were so many twists and turns and moments where I was on the edge of my seat. Part one was really great, but part two was even better. Part two gouged out my heart and then stuffed it back in. I felt so many emotions throughout this book.

      Let's talk about character development. One of my main issues with Throne of Glass was that Celaena was all talk and rarely proved her skills. In Crown of Midnight, Celaena's skills are explained and shown in depthand it's much more believable that she is the queen of assassins. Her character, however, wasn't as impressive as I would have hoped. She still fell just a bit flat for me, but I still really enjoy her character. Chaol was probably one of my favorite characters. His character is so fleshed out and interesting. The bits where he interacts with his family and the King are so interesting. He makes really dumb decisions that made me want throttle him, but I think that was what made him such a real character. I also really love Nehemia so much and the way her character changed equally broke my heart and made me a proud mother.

      I am convinced that Chaol and Celaena are meant to be. The sexual tension throughout the book was really aggravating and I just wanted them to stop being dumb and accept that they are attracted to each other. I thought I was team Dorian in Throne of Glass, but I was very wrong. I could definitely get behind the Team Celaena mindset as well. The poor girl is broken and hurt. She needs time to take care of herself and heal from all that she's endured! But I'm still convinced that Chaol and Celaena are the ultimate ToG ship. 
     Part 2 was where all the heartache was. I really wasn't expecting the twist that SJM caused. I specifically remember where I was when I started part two. I had just gotten off work and I was waiting for my boyfriend to get done with training at his second job. Some dude came up to me and asked for directions to another area on campus. No big deal. He probably recognized I worked on campus. But then he started to try to make conversation! I was very obviously trying to read and I was literally dying. Granted, he said that the Throne of Glass series sounded good and he'd look for it, but you don't interrupt a girl while she's reading. Overall, the ending was fantastic and I can't wait to continue with the series. It totally blew me away. 

 Other Maas Reviews:

Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino
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Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

16034235
Page Count: 404
Published on: May 7, 2013
Published by: Bloomsbury 
Genre(s): High Fantasy, Fantasy, YA, Romance
Source: Paperback
Age Rating: Young Adult
Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon
Book Depository: {click here}

Twitter: @SJMaas


My Rating: 4 stars
Overall Opinion: FANTASTIC! Not as great as the A Court... series, lacked the action that I expected and craved throughout.







Goodreads synopsis:

       In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.       The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

~~~

Hey, guys!

     If you've been reading my blog for a while, you would know of my love for Sarah J. Maas and her work. Specifically the A Court of Thorns & Roses series. Well, it might be a bit of a shock, but I haven't kept up with her Throne of Glass series. I read Throne of Glass back in 2013, but because of a major book slump, I wasn't too keen on the books. I decided to reread Throne of Glass and binge read the series this year, as I've been acquiring them since last year. The main reason I finally got back to them was that of the upcoming ACOWAR release...I desperately needed an SJM fix before I took the plunge. Of course, I loved it this time around. Sarah J. Maas is a writing wizard! Since this book was Sarah's debut, I definitely could tell the difference between her earlier and later writing style. The improvement is quite obvious. A lot of my friends in the bookish community have told me that her writing isn't as fantastic in the first couple books (but still really great) but greatly improves as her books continue. I can definitely see the difference. It's fantastic and inspiring to see her abilities grow. I'm definitely going to be a long-time fan of hers.

     I, of course, read this four years ago and didn't enjoy it as much, so I didn't retain as much as I would have if I had enjoyed it like I did this past month. The amount of world-building that Maas was able to do in this book is absolutely fantastic. Sometimes when a larger series is written, the first installment is a huge info-dumpy mess where everything is established, but in Throne of Glass that wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong, there was a lot established -- the characters, the world, the magic, etc. -- but it was done so wonderfully! I don't know why I didn't enjoy this book back in 2013! It was so great!

    I only had a couple issues with this book. Sometimes I thought Celaena's character wasn't consistent all the time. I really thought she would be much more focused on her survival and be the assassin that she was described as, but I found her character really lacking. The story mainly focused on her more sensitive side and I just thought it would be more of a balance between those. Don't get me wrong, her complexity was fantastic, but the balance was a bit swayed. There were many instances where I questioned that she was really the queen of assassins. I'd like to read a prequel...maybe there will be more explained in The Assassin's Blade. I refuse to read a synopsis...

     The plot of this book was so fantastic and intricately done. I thought it dragged on for a bit towards the end, but it picked up really quickly, so I was still really impressed. Every bit of this book came into play when it came towards the end. Maas didn't leave many loose ends when it came to important world building, explaining character personalities, and such. Of course, there was a bit of a cliffhanger that left you aching for more, but it was still really satisfying. Overall, it was a good introduction to the world, but I still have lots of questions that I do not doubt will be answered as the series progresses.

      Not going to lie, I didn't enjoy the love triangle like I do others, but I still think I'm Team Chaol. The second book was actually where I got interested in the love-triangle aspect of the series. I actually was Team Dorian when I read Throne of Glass, but I've already read Crown of Midnight, so I'm just saying that as of right now I'm Team Chaol. 
    Overall, I was really impressed with Throne of Glass. The A Court of Thorns & Roses series is still much better in my opinion, but I'm still really impressed with the quality of Maas's writing. I love her books so much.

 Other Maas Reviews:



Happy reading!
Olivia
~LivTheBookNerd~
@LivTheBookNerd on Books Amino

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