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A review by savage_book_review
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Since I've listened to the ACOTAR graphic audios three times since January (no, I haven't cheated and counted them as rereads...they're just my comfort books now), I figured it would probably be a good idea to switch it up and listen to the TOG audios. No graphic audios of these yet (although they are coming), so it's just the standard audiobooks read by the voice of the Maasverse, Elizabeth Evans.
I really do like the story of Throne of Glass; yes, it is relatively predictable and doesn't quite give you the full depth of the 'Life or death competiton' trope, but it's an easily digestible narrative with interesting characters and clear scope for more, which is perfectly acceptable for the opening salvo in a series. I just think it's unfortunate that this was initially pitched as a YA series - it works, but it just feels like something is missing... it needs the extra grit, darkness and detail to bring out its full potential.
As always, Elizabeth Evans' narration is very good - her range of voices for each character is fab; she is almost a one woman full cast! Although there are a few voices she uses that are just a bit too similar to those used in the Crescent City audios, so there were moments where I had to remind myself which Fae world I was inhabiting!
The main issue I have with this audio is pacing. I know a lot of people listen to their audios at quicker-than-normal speeds, but I just can't do it. I might be a speed reader, but I'm not a speed-listener! The upside is that I get to be fully immersed in the world. The downside is that it makes even the most pacy books feel a bit drawn out. In this case, I found the story dragged on just a leetle bit too long for my liking. I think this book suits my reading pace better, and I certainly got more out of the visual.
But I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the series in this format. And then again in Graphic Audio format when they get her! SJM may as well have direct access to my bank account at this point...
I really do like the story of Throne of Glass; yes, it is relatively predictable and doesn't quite give you the full depth of the 'Life or death competiton' trope, but it's an easily digestible narrative with interesting characters and clear scope for more, which is perfectly acceptable for the opening salvo in a series. I just think it's unfortunate that this was initially pitched as a YA series - it works, but it just feels like something is missing... it needs the extra grit, darkness and detail to bring out its full potential.
As always, Elizabeth Evans' narration is very good - her range of voices for each character is fab; she is almost a one woman full cast! Although there are a few voices she uses that are just a bit too similar to those used in the Crescent City audios, so there were moments where I had to remind myself which Fae world I was inhabiting!
The main issue I have with this audio is pacing. I know a lot of people listen to their audios at quicker-than-normal speeds, but I just can't do it. I might be a speed reader, but I'm not a speed-listener! The upside is that I get to be fully immersed in the world. The downside is that it makes even the most pacy books feel a bit drawn out. In this case, I found the story dragged on just a leetle bit too long for my liking. I think this book suits my reading pace better, and I certainly got more out of the visual.
But I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the series in this format. And then again in Graphic Audio format when they get her! SJM may as well have direct access to my bank account at this point...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Xenophobia, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and War