The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
A review by bookchainedsoul
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book but I wouldn’t say I loved it. Based on the foundations I think I’m going to absolutely adore the series, but this book just isn’t likely to be my favourite.
Throne of Glass throws you into this supposedly ‘to the death’ competition between highly skilled criminals for the chance of becoming the King’s Champion (assassin). I enjoyed the competitions we do get to read, and I loved some of the competitors and their dynamics. However, there was not as much blood shed or as much focus on the competition as I was expecting. There were frequently sentences like ‘another three days of training and a challenge had passed already’ and it’s not elaborated on any further. If you’re not picking this up for nitty gritty combat, then this won’t be a problem at all, as the rest of the plot is also definitely worth the read, I just personally would have preferred a longer book that focused on both the competition and the numerous side plots. That being said, from the beginnings of the magic system being created, I am so excited for the rest of the series where that can be further explored. While I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly original magic or political system, I think this one has been set up with a lot of depth and cleverly enough to be interesting none the less. (I have faith in SJM’s ability to make me love this world after the huge leap up from ACOTAR to ACOMAF - I will never judge her series based on the first book because of that alone)
I think Celaena is a brilliant character. I think I am somewhat biased towards her as I did read Assassin’s Blade before reading this, where a lot more is revealed about her and I find her to be far more likeable, but I still found her bitchyness combined with her clear moral compass an interesting character dynamic in this book.
I absolutely adore Dorian. I found him charming and interesting and I’m excited to see how his character develops through the series. I’m glad he and Celaena have agreed to be friends because I perceived their dynamic as one of partners and allies, not lovers. (Sorry for the minor spoiler there.)
I didn’t love Chaol as much, and I definitely don’t like the hints at romance between him and Celaena. I don’t care if he’s occasionally nice to her and thinks she’s pretty, he doesn’t respect her and he doesn’t even try to understand her point of view, so I have a lack of interest in him as a romantic lead (though I have a looming feeling he will be).
Overall, I think it’s a really strong start to the series with an interesting (though slightly undertold) plot and great characters. I’m excited for the rest of the series and so far I definitely recommend!
Throne of Glass throws you into this supposedly ‘to the death’ competition between highly skilled criminals for the chance of becoming the King’s Champion (assassin). I enjoyed the competitions we do get to read, and I loved some of the competitors and their dynamics. However, there was not as much blood shed or as much focus on the competition as I was expecting. There were frequently sentences like ‘another three days of training and a challenge had passed already’ and it’s not elaborated on any further. If you’re not picking this up for nitty gritty combat, then this won’t be a problem at all, as the rest of the plot is also definitely worth the read, I just personally would have preferred a longer book that focused on both the competition and the numerous side plots. That being said, from the beginnings of the magic system being created, I am so excited for the rest of the series where that can be further explored. While I wouldn’t say it’s a particularly original magic or political system, I think this one has been set up with a lot of depth and cleverly enough to be interesting none the less. (I have faith in SJM’s ability to make me love this world after the huge leap up from ACOTAR to ACOMAF - I will never judge her series based on the first book because of that alone)
I think Celaena is a brilliant character. I think I am somewhat biased towards her as I did read Assassin’s Blade before reading this, where a lot more is revealed about her and I find her to be far more likeable, but I still found her bitchyness combined with her clear moral compass an interesting character dynamic in this book.
I absolutely adore Dorian. I found him charming and interesting and I’m excited to see how his character develops through the series. I’m glad he and Celaena have agreed to be friends because I perceived their dynamic as one of partners and allies, not lovers. (Sorry for the minor spoiler there.)
I didn’t love Chaol as much, and I definitely don’t like the hints at romance between him and Celaena. I don’t care if he’s occasionally nice to her and thinks she’s pretty, he doesn’t respect her and he doesn’t even try to understand her point of view, so I have a lack of interest in him as a romantic lead (though I have a looming feeling he will be).
Overall, I think it’s a really strong start to the series with an interesting (though slightly undertold) plot and great characters. I’m excited for the rest of the series and so far I definitely recommend!