Bookish things: I went to SJM’s World Tour!

October 29, 2018October 29, 2018 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Y’all. I finished KoA in about a day all things said and done. And now I’ve almost finished reading it a second time to tab and note all of my favorite/critical parts. My review will be up soon!!

NO KINGDOM OF ASH SPOILERS BELOW, PROMISE!

Now on to better things…my hubs (who I just adore, he’s my mate and totally judges me when I call him that) took me to the SJM event in Houston. It was such a great time! I got some great swag (pictures below), got to hear from Sarah about ToG, ACOTAR, and new books coming out in the next few years! She was incredibly funny, and there was even a live proposal they helped orchestrate. I took a lot of notes. So here they are!

00000img_00000_burst20181029194511857_cover — Signed book, pin, and a print from Charlie Bowater (also received a tote bag!)

General Stuff about the Throne of Glass Series

She’s been writing this book since she was 16, but it was pretty different from our version now. For instance, Rowan & Aelin weren’t together, but she was writing fanfic smut about them going behind their current partners back enough that she decided to make sure they did end up together. (This re-write started in 2008).
KoA’s final page count was around 1008 pages, but the specific glue that was ordered to bind the books couldn’t hold anything above 1000. Bloomsbury worked around the clock to play with margins, headers, etc. to cut it down to the 984 pages it is now.
SJM thought it was absolutely hysterical that we liked Tamlin after reading ACOTAR. And she’d have to fake it every time she met someone at a signing, etc. Thinking to herself, just wait!
There were originally a handful of endings for ToG, but in 2013 on a vacation in Costa Rica in the Monte Verde Cloud Forest she burst into tears when they came over the summit and knew exactly what the last line would be.
Aelin as a character never did what SJM wanted her to do. Only Rowan was a solid character she could count on.
SJM absolutely loves Lysandra and mentions that all the women in ToG are uniquely strong.
She never cried more than when writing a critical scene for Manon in Koa.
Guys, she married her first boyfriend. They met when they were 18, and she feels like she can write love stories because she truly has that in her life.
Anytime they’re are eating scenes in the books you can safely assume she’s either eating or thinking about eating.

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

September 10, 2018 GoodeyReads1 Comment

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 lot, happens.

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.

Review: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas

September 1, 2018September 5, 2018 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: 5/5
Audience: New Adult, language, some kisses, descriptive love scenes, violence/torture
Length: 693 pages
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: September 6th, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don’t.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she’s to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

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Note: Review totally contains 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.

I HAVE TOO MANY FEELINGS OVER THIS.

So you should join me in the comments to rattle the stars over this.

I stormed down the stairs after finishing this book *again* to exclaim my horror that AELIN IS IN AN IRON COFFIN. I mean, Maeve, come on now hunny, WHY WHY WHY. Imma come take you down my self when I figure out a way to literally go into a book world.

And my heart just BREAKS FOR ROWAN. His mate y’all. And she leaves, never expecting to return to Terrasen!??? Someone has to agree with me that there is no way Aelin, or Rowan dies right? The *dies* but *lives* stunt was pulled in her other series already so I’m thinking there must be a loophole to Elena’s problems. Seriously a case of “sounds like a personal problem”. *sighs*

Speaking of loopholes, HOLLIN. Did you forget Hollin? Because I did. Now I’m thinking he has to play a role somehow. At least I hope so.

I am thinking that Dorian might be the real sacrifice. I haven’t decided how I feel about this fact, but that’s where my inkling is leading me. He’s been darker since the Valg invasion, so I think this plays a part. Thoughts? The Gods are hell-bent on ruining someone’s life, why can’t we ruin there’s instead?

I’m also alllll over side characters in this book. Fenrys, he needs a hug. And someone to break him from that stupid blood-oath. His snarky, sassy self should get the freedom he deserves. I am seeing a Garvriel-saves-son-through-sacrifice as well. Someone’s gotta die. I’m just hoping it’s a sideish characters that won’t make me through a book across the room (thanks, Divergent series).

Also, totally in love with where Aedion and Lysandra are going. And Dorian and Manon. Okay, I secretly always hope that everyone gets a happy ending. Can’t help it. I need everyone to be happy so I’m happy. I hope they aren’t mates though. *side story*: I hope that NOBODY else has a mate. Perfectly content with others getting together/being in love/blah blah blah, but the mate thing is supposed to be rare. Rowan and Aelin have that, let’s let them have that.

Though now that I’m saying it, Lorcan should be Elide’s mate, IF ANYONE is going to have one. Lorcan’s character arc is still framing itself and I think needs a touch of Annieth, to bring him fully around. He’s already agreed to help in the end after BREAKING DOWN IN TEARS. He’s my favorite evil, broken soul. Elide is so strong and capable of doing more than she’s been allowed, and I appreciate so much she gets the opportunity to con, lie, and stand up for herself.

I do miss Dorian a bit in this book. I felt his part wasn’t really in here. This is making me thing he’s going to play a much bigger role in KoA. He’s on his own adventure with Manon now, so anything can happen at this point.

SJM ups the ante in her love scenes with this book. Definitely along ACOMAF lines. While I’m always pushing for a couple to finally come together, these scenes can definitely be a bit much. I prefer gloss-over/only slightly detailed scenes. Don’t let this deter you! You can easily skip them and not miss the story itself at all.

Language, and violence of course. VIOLENCE THAT WILL BREAK YOUR SOUL.

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

September 1, 2018 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

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.

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.