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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
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
spatterson7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Slavery, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Excrement, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
anguawolf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Bullying and Panic attacks/disorders
ladypalutena's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
This is the first book in the series where I found myself caring slightly about Celaena, even though she spends the majority of the book being insufferable. It isn't until about 2/3 of the way through that she has a breakthrough and finds herself making progress in her life.
Having said that, I still found everyone else's stories much more interesting than Celaena's. I'm a fan of Aedion, and the witches were a great side plot to read.
Some of Celaena's flashback scenes were tough/emotional to read, but in the end, she gets where she needs to go. Mostly.
Having said that, I still found everyone else's stories much more interesting than Celaena's. I'm a fan of Aedion, and the witches were a great side plot to read.
Some of Celaena's flashback scenes were tough/emotional to read, but in the end, she gets where she needs to go. Mostly.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Slavery and War
liesthemoontells's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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
My favourite entry in the series so far. The fantasy and worldbuilding is much more mature than in the first two books. While the pacing sometimes faltered a little bit with the array of characters going back and forward, the widened scope and perspective was welcome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Slavery and Vomit
bi_n_large's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
emsavors's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
lacuion's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
One thing SJM knows how to do is write an insufferable character with one hell of a redemption. Celaena has been through a lot of pain and strife, but her being mean to Emry’s and Luca was pissing me off. Her getting on her knees and begging forgiveness was the only way for me to not be totally done with her.
Her relationship with Rowan was weird. They’re cousins and she was noticing his “muscled back.” When she was getting overheated at the spring festival and he gave her some air she “moaned with relief” like girl…what in the sweet home Alabama is going on??? I hope that’s where the weirdness stops with them two.
Chaol was trying to play both sides but luckily he chose right in the end.
The king is a bastard and for him to do that to Dorian in the end and how he did Sorcha??? That was crazy. He needs to burn in hell.
Maeve was annoying and she lost Rowan so…yay I guess. And she knew to surround herself in water incase a descendant of Brannon came back but Aelin showed her just how useless that was.
When the Valg princes feasted on Celaena’s fear and then her family surrounded her saying, “Get up” I was literally crying. Such a beautiful moment.
I hope Aedion is ok because THAT last scene was nuts. Arobynn better NOT give Celaena any problems when she ask for her necklace back…but he’s a monster so I know he will.
Now Manon’s storyline…I won’t say which book and author [allegedly] stole directly from this bar for bar…but it was VERY similar to one of my favorite series and that was a little disheartening. This new series damn near went bar for bar down to the war games, wyvern, communicating with your wyvern, Imogen, Manon wanting the strongest one but then getting the weakest one(but not really weak), her motherly figure being a complete asshole…it was a bit much for me. The witches are really cut throat and I personally just wanted to get back to Celaena or Dorians storyline the entire time. It was a lot of POV jumping and that was annoying but…this is a long and well thought out series so I’m sure everything will tie together seamlessly.
But…I will say that the Cochran witch made Manon open her eyes to the person that she was; so it’ll be fun to explore that in the next book.
I’m excited to get through the SJM universe, still.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gore, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War