Book Review

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

KoA

 

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: Young adult/New adult, fantasy, love scenes, kisses, make-outs, torture, violence
Length: 980 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: October 23rd, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING.

I’m so thankful for this story, for what it made me feel, and the way the words sang to my soul.

I don’t even want to write this review because it means it’s over. Throne of Glass came to an epic, exhilarating, heart-breaking conclusion. This section of the review will be spoiler-free and mostly an overall review. I will denote (and have hidden) the spoiler section (more broken down) because there is A LOT to discuss and I don’t want to forget all of my thoughts.

I’ve read the book twice now and have so many feelings that if things get messy, I apologize now, but not really. Sometimes a series fills you in all of those cracks and lets you really live in their world, even if just for a little while.

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I’m not even sure where to start. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and stayed up all night reading this. There’s so much content and I feel like I’ve been on the ride with these characters for years.

Everyone gets the ending they deserve (pro and antagonists) and each moment was perfect. The pacing is great and I never felt like a chapter was dragging. It flowed through POV change after POV change, leaving you hanging, but you were so concerned about the next group that it didn’t matter.

The battle scenes are absolutely epic. SJM is so crafty as she spends time bringing each group together to shore up the lines against Morath. The surprising members that show up will leave you cheering.

There’s love, angst, sorrow, joy, despair, and peace. Emotions tumbled from the pages wrapping you in a story that you were scared to have end.

I truly love every aspect about this book, and this series as a whole.

“You do not yield.”

Overall audience notes:
– Young adult/New adult fantasy
– Light language throughout
– A handful of love scenes (More dialed back than previous books)
– Descriptions of intense torture and violence

All spoilers from here on out! And beware, there’s a lot.

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This is broken down into pairings (then other stuff), and is mostly a ramble of my favorite scenes, why I love them overall, etc.

Aelin & Rowan

“They’d walked this dark path together back to the light. He would not let the road end here.”

  • Rowan is my love. All I wanted for Rowan WAS A HAPPY ENDING. Praise goodness he got one. There was no way SJM wasn’t going to dole that out after he had to deal with Maeve being Valg, and AND faking that Lyria was his mate.
  • That male deserves the moon for handling Aelin in all capacities. It was heart breaking listening to him want to touch her (after she’s been rescued) but respecting her space til she was ready. He continually let Aelin express herself and let her be seen and heard as she worked through her problems.
  • His never ending assurance that there was no way Aelin was giving up her life for the lock. Passion and anger for his Fireheart made me swoon, again and again and again.
  • Aelin is the sassiest and most sarcastic character I know, and boy do I love it.
  • I love that we got another side of her this time. One that was utterly shattered and broken. Her personality is so much more than the original swaggering assassin.
  • I’m so happy she finally let people (okay, at least Rowan) in on her plans!! I think this was a big step forward for her and especially in the last battle scene she needed him and they were able to use their carranam bond to destroy Maeve at long last.
  • The scene of her shouting Take it off, take if off, take it off, repeatedly…BROKE ME. That was the first time tears started coming. The pure rawness of that moment, not knowing what’s real or not, but just wanting to be free of that stupid iron.
  • I love that their first love scene is Rowan giving his claiming marks back to Aelin (and vice versa). I feel SJM wrote it this way so that they both could acknowledge the mating bond to each other in a primal way.

Elide & Lorcan

“…Lord Lorcan Lochan?”

“…I’ll use it with pride every damned day for the rest of my life.”

  • Rowan is my fav…BUT OHEMGEE, I LOVE LORCAN SO MUCH. I love how awful and wonderful he is. He was absolutely breaking my heart every time he talked to Elide. Repeatedly trying to convince her just how much he’s sorry, and that he cares about her.
  • And Lorcan saying he’ll give up his immortality to stay her with. *TEARS* I am a sucker for everyone having a happy ending. Not sorry.
  • Elide is probably the smartest character of this gang. I tagged so many moments when she was the first to comment or come up with the idea on what they should do next. Form finding Cairn, to helping with Yrene she was amazing all around.
  • She could definitely use so self-preservation though. Girlfriend riding on Farasha to save Lorcan, trying to find Cairn, coming up with the plan to snag Erawan. She cares so much for her tribe that she’ll do anything, regardless of herself, to help them. Elide is the epitome of selfless love.
  • I couldn’t be happier that Annieth and Hellas found each other.

Dorian & Manon

“A child not of war, but of peace.”

“Who do you wish to be? …”A king worthy of his kingdom.”

  • Dorian is so slithery and secretive, in the best way. 
  • His poor soul needing healing that took him time to work though. Still struggling with Sorscha, he remained in a state of perpetual sacrificial need. He was truly willing to give himself for the lock instead of Aelin, just to prove his worth.
  • **I thought that he might actually not come back, but further explanation later**
  • Dorian taking on Maeve in his own special way had me flippin’ out. The way he takes her down, destroys Morath and finds the Wyrdkey. Y’all, Dorian is a King.
  • MANON Y’ALL. She might have had one of the biggest characters arcs of anyone. When she bore her soul to Dorian and he still got up the next day to leave, I couldn’t. I mean, come on.
  • AND THE THIRTEEN. THE THIRTEEN. THE THIRTEEN. How could you not SOB when Asterin punched Manon, told her to live and flew off, to buy them time.
  • I love her growth and acknowledgement of being afraid and owning it, but not letting it control  her. Wanting to be a good Queen, and actually bring peace to her lands.
  • The fact that she told Abraxos, I love you. More tears. I could NOT have handled anything happening to him. And seeing him struggle with losing Narene (his mate). AH WHY SJM, WHY.
  • Their ending is the most open-ended, both royals having to go take care of tasks in their homelands. But we all know they’re feeling the love.

Aedion & Lysandra

“I meant every promise I made to you on that beach in Skull’s Bay.”

  • MY POOR BROKEN AEDION, WHY DID YOU HAVE TO BE A JERK TO LYSANDRA? I know I know, he meant everything he said at Skull’s Bay, but it was still hard to watch in those initial conflicts!!
  • I love his passion and continual efforts to hold the line, like Rowan asked him to do.
  • He loves Terrasen so deeply, and he never surrendered.
  • Watching him talk to Evangeline and comforting her is all the feels.
  • Lysandra is a freakin’ Queen in her own right. She and Aelin have the best relationship. Lys loves Aelin so much she was willing to die to buy them time. I mean, guys. *still crying*
  • Can I just have ONE wedding scene!?

Yrene & Chaol

“I didn’t waste any of it.”

  • YRENE IS PREGNANT? Love it. Also, she is the most fierce pregnant woman on the land. Running around healing people, never getting any rest, GIRL DESERVES APPLAUSE.
  • Also, cause you know, she destroyed Erawan with the power of healing. If that isn’t the entire theme of this series I’m not sure what is. (Okay actually, girls saving the world. They all rocked it.)
  • Chaol is cool. I finally liked him after reading Tower of Dawn. He isn’t a huge presence in this book, but it’s nice to hear from him!
  • I love his acceptance of his disability because he still feels healed through love and appreciation.
  • He handled his terrible Father, rode good ol’ Farasha and helped win the war.

Other shiny (and shattering) tidbits:

  • Fenrys & Aelin’s secret blinking language. The bond that they have is everlasting. I’m so grateful he lived, because I was about to throw my book (and only 200+ pages in) if he died.
  • THE THIRTEEN. I’m still not over that. Clearly.
  • I actually called Gavriel dying, I knew he was the only “expendable” character (even though I loved his calm, continual presence). What was REAL shattering was Aelin still giving him the blood oath after he passed. *tissues*
  • Having Dorian’s Father be, Nameless was my price, was a story line I didn’t even know I needed. It was so so so satisfying having him in the story to help seal the lock. AND WHEN DORIAN FOUND OUT THAT WAS HIS FATHER’S NAME? Obviously, still processing that one.
  • All the evil got their dues. *assume I’m continually applauding this section*
    • Cairn being tortured by Rowan. I have never applauded more sinister things than that.
    • Chaol’s father (I don’t think we ever got his name either, huh?) was LEFT by his wife for never sending Chaol her letters.
    • Vernon being LOCKED IN A ROOM until he died. Y’all, YAAAAS.
    • Erawan being healed to death by Yrene.
    • Maeve being stabbed by Fenrys (YUUUP) and then burning alive thanks to the ring.
    • The Gods having to deal with Aelin opening another nefarious portal in their old world.
      • “She would live. She would live, and they could all go to hell.”
  • EVANGELINE CHANGING DARROW’S HEART. Girls rule the world. Her love for a land she didn’t even know that much about yet, and the way she took care of all of the messenger children in the castle that worked with her, ah she was amazing. Always being brave and strong in her own ways.
  • Nox making a random, enjoyable appearance. Though I wish he got to meet the real Aelin at some point!!
  • Also, I’m all for a Nesryn/Sartaq Southern Continent spin off, anyone else?
  • The happy, beautiful scenes in the end when everyone said good-bye to each other, and we had the coronation for the Queen. Oh my goodness. I love it all.

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There are so many quotes, and other pieces that I absolutely loved while reading this. What were some of your favorite portions? Least favorite? Talk to me in the comments! Surely, it’s quite obvious I could talk about this book for days and would love to hear from y’all!

“I am here, I am with you.”

Book Review

Review: Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J. Maas

Tower of Dawn

 

Rating: 5/5
Audience: New adult, some language, a romance scene, kissing/make-outs, violence
Length: 664 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: September 5th, 2017
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent’s mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.
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CAN I HAVE A BOOK ALL ABOUT SARTAQ?

I decided he’s one of my top favorite side characters. I LOVE him and Nesryn. And now that he’s Heir it’ll give them an even bigger opportunity in the final battle! I need a ruk too. I’ll think of a name while I climb a mountain to find one.

I don’t love Chaol. Never really have. So I wasn’t originally excited to read this book. The first have is a bit slower because SJM word builds the Southern Continent. After that the action flows well and a lot, a lothappens.

Chaol does get his story though. That boy was HURTING. I thought it was a unique play on what was causing his disability. And you really felt the emotional turmoil he had to endure and come to terms with to be able to find happiness.

If you’re like me and weren’t too excited, I would still say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS STORY. The critical Maeve information in here will shake you. And send you down a horrid spiral trying to figure out what’s happening to our girl in the coffin with the news.

Yrene will also play a mega role in KoA if you ask me. I’m not quite sure where her healing power sits in the pawns of war, but if we spent an entire book on it then it means something, right?

This book became so large it isn’t considered a novella. It rivals with the later books in ToG.

I FEEL SO PUMPED FOR KOA NOW. READY FOR SJM TO SHATTER MY SOUL.

This installment still leans towards new adult. There is some language. A romance scene that is much less in your face as ACOMAF/EOS. Only lightly descriptive as are the other scenes that are glossed over. Minor violence.

 

Book Review

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

QoS

 

Rating: 5/5
Audience: YA, language, some kisses, almost love scenes, violence/torture
Length: 565 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: September 2nd, 2014
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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.

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Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.

Second note: I firmly believe while yes they’re similarities between her two series, they are SO DIFFERENT. Needed to throw this out there after seeing a lot of reviews claiming they were too alike. I think some phrasing, character type, etc. is similar, but overall the stories are unique.

DOWN WITH AROBYNN!!!!

I still threw out 5 stars to this book, but it definitely dragged more than others in this series. [Which is fine because EoS changed all of that]

Okay, but Arobynn dying by the hands of Lysandra? YOU BET I WAS ALL OVER THAT. I kept wondering after Assassin’s Blade when Arobrynn was finally going to meet his maker. He needed to pay for all that he did. I loved how evil (yet, “loving” — just go with me here) he was with Aelin. It made him more diverse and shows how deep jealousy can take someone.

WE GET AEDION IN THIS BOOK TOO. I love him. He’s one of the best side characters around. He loves so fiercely and cares so deeply. It’s also great that SJM gave Aelin, Lysandra as her new BFF. Those 2 could bring down the world together.

It was hard watching Chaol and Aelin come to terms with their relationship, but I love that it HAPPENED. There was a discussion it wasn’t just thrown to the side. It was nice to get closure on that chapter.

I keep remembering how many characters get added in this book, because LORCAN is here too. And I love him as well. Really, the side characters are awesome in this series. Now that I’ve read it so many times, I’ve been focusing on the other POV chapters besides Aelin, I’ve come to appreciate them so much more.

Manon meets Elide too. Their friendship (or guardianship?) between the two is the stuff. Getting out of Morath (and finding its secrets) was the goal and them working together was a wonderful dynamic. We also see that Elide can hold her own too. And while afraid, always brave.

Dorian has become a hidden POV at this point. I truly thought we were going to lose him at first to the Valg (PLOT TWIST, right?). Alas, that did not happen, we did see his character change though. After Sorscha, then the Valg, Dorian really starts to change. Still a sweet Prince, but now a more hardened and burdened King.

Okay, have to mention the scene with Aelin and the gold nightgown *falls out of chair laughing *. I LOVE SCENES LIKE THIS. Where things are simple, humorous, sweet, sexy, and nefarious all in one. It’s nice to have those breaks in between all of the action. I think SJM writes team dynamics really well (the Court of Dreams is #friendshipgoals).

Still language. Some love-adjacent scenes with discussions of things they want to do to each other. A few make-out/kiss scenes. As always, a heavy dose of violence and torture.

 

 

 

Book Review

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

HoF

 

Rating: 5/5
Audience: YA, language, some kisses, almost love scenes, violence/torture
Length: 565 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: September 2nd, 2014
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

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. 

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Note: Review does contain spoilers. I have read this series 3 or 4 times. I have no chill over this series. This is a re-read I’m doing specifically before KoA comes out in October.

Second note: I firmly believe while yes they’re similarities between her two series, they are SO DIFFERENT. Needed to throw this out there after seeing a lot of reviews claiming they were too alike. I think some phrasing, character type, etc. is similar, but overall the stories are unique.

ROOOOOOOOWAN.

I am so team Rowan. TO WHATEVER END Y’ALL. I know some people have an issue with him being “ancient”. First off, you’re reading waaay to into the story about the ancient issue. He’s a Fae, he’s handsome, a warrior, etc. Let’s just let them love each other, kay? At least this wasn’t her first pick. An appreciate nod to SJM to give some other love interests (but, not in a love triangle way) before she meets the real one.

This book was a bit slower for me. I generally don’t like when the main character ends up in a totally different place for a book, but this one at least had more reasoning than some books I’ve read. We got a lot more history of Maeve, and the cadre (WHICH WE ALL KNOW PLAYS A BIG ROLE LATER).

Dorian and Sorscha, while cute, I found through this re-read, odd? It was kind of thrown in there for Dorian to have more of a presence throughout the book. I will say towards the end I started to see the point. He needed to break. Calaena never loved him in return so he wasn’t fully invested, but since Sorscha and Dorian loved each other it was horrid when she met the King.

And this is where we meet, Manon. I did not like her at first. I didn’t know where she was going with the story and how it was going to flow together. She was too random at first. By EoS, I definitely appreciate and love her witchy self. And I’m obsessed with Abraxos. Can I get a wyvern? I’m suuuper curious what happens in KoA with the Witch Kingdom in the Wastes. I hope a happy ending evolves there. I think she needs Aelin as much as Aelin needs her to accomplish this.

Language, but not in your face. No full love scenes, some late night thoughts about it though. Some kissing scenes and definitely violence.