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tishag's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
My interest in the storyline has brought me this far in the series, but with each book I don't have that feeling of "I can't wait to read the next book!"
What I liked...the introduction of Rowan and his development throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing Aelin chip away at his tough personality. The storyline was great with a couple twists and turns, and learning more about her history was interesting.
What I didn't like...the length. Way too much description for my taste. I feel like this book could easily have been 200 pages shorter. I also didn't care for the witch & wyvern subplot. That's clearly being set up for a more prominent role later in the series, but it made the book feel really disjointed.
Will I continue with the series? Yes. Because I'm interested in the impending battle and to see how everything plays out? No. Because I want to see who Aelin ends up with in the end? Yes. So to say that I'm willing to continue with a series from a genre I don't love just to find out if, and with who, the FMC gets her happily ever after must mean I'm invested a decent amount. And there better be a happily ever after!
What I liked...the introduction of Rowan and his development throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing Aelin chip away at his tough personality. The storyline was great with a couple twists and turns, and learning more about her history was interesting.
What I didn't like...the length. Way too much description for my taste. I feel like this book could easily have been 200 pages shorter. I also didn't care for the witch & wyvern subplot. That's clearly being set up for a more prominent role later in the series, but it made the book feel really disjointed.
Will I continue with the series? Yes. Because I'm interested in the impending battle and to see how everything plays out? No. Because I want to see who Aelin ends up with in the end? Yes. So to say that I'm willing to continue with a series from a genre I don't love just to find out if, and with who, the FMC gets her happily ever after must mean I'm invested a decent amount. And there better be a happily ever after!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
booksemmahasread's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Genocide, Slavery, Medical content, Grief, and War
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
mrsjburgin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Slavery, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
savage_book_review's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The calm before the storm. Although objectively this is not the best book in the series, I think it's my favourite precisely because it's predominantly about the characters rather than the significantly progressing the plot of the series. And the audio version of confirms this.
I would love to be able to devour this audio in a single sitting, as I think I'd enjoy it even more without the interruptions, picking it up mostly felt like I was sliding back into something relatively relaxing. However, I think this one will properly fly when it gets the graphic audio treatment.
Of course, the massive draw of this book is the introduction of Rowan Whitethorn. Now, IMO he doesn't reach Bat Boy levels of sexiness until later on in the series, but he's by far the most interesting character in this whole series and this book gives him a great foundation. Elizabeth Evans does a great job bringing him to life (as she does with all of the characters), but he is the one character that I think does need a proper voice actor to do him justice.
The biggest shift in my perception of these books that has come about due to listening to the audios is I've realised just how fleeting the characters' feelings seem to be about their relationship partners. When I read the physical books, because I read quickly it comes across fairly naturally, but where the audiobooks are slower it's really hammered home the immaturity here. Four books in, and Celaena is on man number four. Dorian is on girl two with more to come, Chaol is a bit behind but about to get going... and it's not like they're painted as teenage crushes or casual relationships either - the feelings always seem to be all-consuming, end game feelings. It's 100% just an observation, not a criticism, because they story and the characters work, but it's just something I can't necessarily relate to.
The other thing I love about this book is that I can picture the majority of scenes in my head with absolute clarity - certainly more than in any of the other books. I still see Abraxos as Toothless, but that just makes it cuter! I see Maeve as Miranda Richardson's Queen Mab from 'Merlin' (the Sam Neill version from the 90s), and the image of her surrounded by her cadre of warrior Fae is crystal clear. I think the gentler pace allows the scenes to build more completely and immerse the reader more fully, and then the slower speed of the audios and the wonderful narration boosts the effect even further.
I would love to be able to devour this audio in a single sitting, as I think I'd enjoy it even more without the interruptions, picking it up mostly felt like I was sliding back into something relatively relaxing. However, I think this one will properly fly when it gets the graphic audio treatment.
Of course, the massive draw of this book is the introduction of Rowan Whitethorn. Now, IMO he doesn't reach Bat Boy levels of sexiness until later on in the series, but he's by far the most interesting character in this whole series and this book gives him a great foundation. Elizabeth Evans does a great job bringing him to life (as she does with all of the characters), but he is the one character that I think does need a proper voice actor to do him justice.
The biggest shift in my perception of these books that has come about due to listening to the audios is I've realised just how fleeting the characters' feelings seem to be about their relationship partners. When I read the physical books, because I read quickly it comes across fairly naturally, but where the audiobooks are slower it's really hammered home the immaturity here. Four books in, and Celaena is on man number four. Dorian is on girl two with more to come, Chaol is a bit behind but about to get going... and it's not like they're painted as teenage crushes or casual relationships either - the feelings always seem to be all-consuming, end game feelings. It's 100% just an observation, not a criticism, because they story and the characters work, but it's just something I can't necessarily relate to.
The other thing I love about this book is that I can picture the majority of scenes in my head with absolute clarity - certainly more than in any of the other books. I still see Abraxos as Toothless, but that just makes it cuter! I see Maeve as Miranda Richardson's Queen Mab from 'Merlin' (the Sam Neill version from the 90s), and the image of her surrounded by her cadre of warrior Fae is crystal clear. I think the gentler pace allows the scenes to build more completely and immerse the reader more fully, and then the slower speed of the audios and the wonderful narration boosts the effect even further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, and Vomit
ali1311's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As always, a bit of a slow lead up but wellll worth the wait! I love Rowan. I love Aelin. This book was such a great analysis of grief and loss alongside the supernatural and other-worldly. I cried, I gasped! I'm so glad our girl finally got a true friend and was able to come out of her grief on the other side of things. Only thing was that the witch chapters sure did drag. The book was brutal and unrelenting and so so good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Vomit
incognitoexisting's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
She was Aelin Ashryver Galathynius—and she would not be afraid.
3.5☆ but I still enjoyed it pretty much a lot. I couldn't put it down.
The writing is really good, addictive. The world, the magic, Celaena's adventures - all were very interesting to see. Not gonna lie, I was here mainly for Celaena kicking the King's ass and Chaol and Dorian helping her in that. I mostly enjoyed the book, however! There were triggering upsetting moments present (
P.S. it's really cute that Sarah Maas included her dog in acknowledgements!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
miss_berry315's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Ooohh this book was good!
Every storyline was interesting and served to move the plot forward in a way that made sense.
Celaena's character growth in this was great. This book really feels like a turning point in the series, and I love it!
As usual, SJM puts the last 20% of the book in chaos mode and I have never been more grateful to not have to wait for the next book in a series to come out.
Every storyline was interesting and served to move the plot forward in a way that made sense.
Celaena's character growth in this was great. This book really feels like a turning point in the series, and I love it!
As usual, SJM puts the last 20% of the book in chaos mode and I have never been more grateful to not have to wait for the next book in a series to come out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Genocide, Slavery, and Torture
puzzling_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Self harm
ofclumsywords's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"...and then I'm going to rattle the stars."
This is the third time I have read this book, which proves just how amazing it is. Out of the entire Throne of Glass series, this one is my favorite as there is such an incredible character growth.
In the first two books of this series, the reader is introduced to Celaena Sardothien who is chosen as one of the competitors to become the kings champion and new assassin. But at the end of the second book we find out that Celaena is just an alias and instead she is Aelin Ashryver Galathanius, the presumed dead princess of a once great kingdom that was destroyed by the evil king she now serves. The beginning of this book finds Celaena lost and broken after her friend was brutally murdered. She has lost all will to fight or do anything other than wallow in her grief after losing one more person she cares about in her life. But she is forced to face her past and learn how to use her uncontrolled powers so she can take up her rightful place as queen.
Even though it is revealed that she is really Aelin, Celaena refuses to be called by her given name and all through the book she is still referred to as Celaena. In the very last chapter of this book, Celaena finally allows herself to be addressed as Aelin. It is only when she has forgiven herself for her past and has overcome her fear of her powers that she accepts who she is and that she is the rightful queen. In those final moments, that is the last time she will ever call herself Celaena and also the last time the author uses that name when the chapters are in Aelin's POV. It is such a powerful and incredibly cool moment to not only see Aelin accept herself but for the author to switch gears and fully change a characters name, especially in the middle of a series.
I will always have a love/hate relationship with Sarah J Maas as an author. But I cannot give up these books for the life of me. This was her first series she ever wrote and for that it will always be my favorite since it was before she got too famous. This series fills me with the exact same joy as the Harry Potter series does every time I crack open its covers. It will never get old to me and I find comfort in returning to this incredible world Maas has created and unforgettable characters who feel like old friends.
This is the third time I have read this book, which proves just how amazing it is. Out of the entire Throne of Glass series, this one is my favorite as there is such an incredible character growth.
In the first two books of this series, the reader is introduced to Celaena Sardothien who is chosen as one of the competitors to become the kings champion and new assassin. But at the end of the second book we find out that Celaena is just an alias and instead she is Aelin Ashryver Galathanius, the presumed dead princess of a once great kingdom that was destroyed by the evil king she now serves. The beginning of this book finds Celaena lost and broken after her friend was brutally murdered. She has lost all will to fight or do anything other than wallow in her grief after losing one more person she cares about in her life. But she is forced to face her past and learn how to use her uncontrolled powers so she can take up her rightful place as queen.
Even though it is revealed that she is really Aelin, Celaena refuses to be called by her given name and all through the book she is still referred to as Celaena. In the very last chapter of this book, Celaena finally allows herself to be addressed as Aelin. It is only when she has forgiven herself for her past and has overcome her fear of her powers that she accepts who she is and that she is the rightful queen. In those final moments, that is the last time she will ever call herself Celaena and also the last time the author uses that name when the chapters are in Aelin's POV. It is such a powerful and incredibly cool moment to not only see Aelin accept herself but for the author to switch gears and fully change a characters name, especially in the middle of a series.
I will always have a love/hate relationship with Sarah J Maas as an author. But I cannot give up these books for the life of me. This was her first series she ever wrote and for that it will always be my favorite since it was before she got too famous. This series fills me with the exact same joy as the Harry Potter series does every time I crack open its covers. It will never get old to me and I find comfort in returning to this incredible world Maas has created and unforgettable characters who feel like old friends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
aas's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury