Book Review (#1) - Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
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Cover Design: This book actually has two different covers, one of which has a real person on the front representing Celaena. I read the book first with that cover, and I wasn't too sure how I felt about it. After getting to know Celaena, I suppose it touched on her more feminine side--but personally the cover I have featured here is my favorite. Maybe I'm partial to female bad-assery, but it just screams "You're dead meat, buddy" and I think that that is something that will pull more readers in.
Setting: Oh the land of the Kingdom of Adarlan. So bleak, so intriguing, and thank goodness for the map at the front of the book. I LOVE it when authors who write books with newly created worlds include a map. I kind of like being able to track where characters go. Maybe that's just the secret mappy geek in me, I dunno (ShutUpEmily).
Plot: I enjoyed this story immensely. The idea of having ruthless assassins and thieves show off their skills to become an evil King's Champion all while a darkness is rising and people are dying on the side is GREAT! (Wow that's kind of evil of me on my part. . . ) But, come on. In all seriousness having multiple things that go on at once yet still connect smoothly is a beautiful thing. I was hooked from the first page. Way to go Sarah Maas!
Characters: Don't even get me started, hunny. Evil characters pissed me off, good characters had me smitten, and the annoying ones irritated the crap out of me so much that sometimes I'd clench my teeth so hard I'd hurt myself (please, be careful of doing that guys). I enjoyed how the author allowed me to see parts of the book go on from different character point of views instead of just Celaena's. I always looked forward to seeing how Dorian and Chaol's minds worked and what they thought of the events going on, as well as their relationship with Celaena as time went on. Only thing I would've liked to see more of, was the behind the scenes with Nehemia and maybe the King.
Be aware that spoilers may appear below.
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Favorite Character: Chaol Westfall; okay, so I'm a little partial because characteristics of him kind of fall into the same ones that my boyfriend in real life has. Whoop-de-doo. Seriously though, Chaol is an awesome character. I loved watching him grow, and seeing him struggle with his relationship with Dorian and Celaena (not in a bad way, it was just intriguing. Character development guys. That's what is important!).
Favorite Secondary Character: Nox Owen; He's just a swell guy, mkay? I just imagined an adorable little thief becoming friends with Celaena that bad-ass assassin and I was like, "Awwww." For a while I was hoping their connection would grow-- but then of course, bad things happened in the castle and Celaena convinced him to forfeit the competition. Good thing though too, because I would've died if he died. </3 I hope he shows up again eventually.
Ultimate Ship: Celaena Sardothien & Chaol Westfall (duh). <3 <3
Secondary Potential Ship(s): Dorian Havilliard & Nehemia Ytger (I have my reasons).
Favorite Quote(s): "Libraries were full of ideas-perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons." - Celaena
"You could rattle the stars," she whispered. "You could do anything, if only you dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That's what scares you most." - Nehemia
Favorite Moment(s): I have two favorite parts. The first one was when Celaena decided to go to the masquerade ball. I enjoyed her conversation with Chaol before Dorian came in and interrupted it (again -_- Now, don't get me wrong, I like Dorian too.) I enjoy every interaction Chaol and Celaena have together because well, I love them. Second favorite moment is when (SPOILER) Celaena is pretty much at the brink of death during her final fight with Cain, and Chaol (surprise surprise) comes over to encourage her to get up... trying to get as close to her as he can without crossing the line of chalk.
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Overall Thoughts: This book is a must read, especially if you like Fantasy. I internally squeal inside every time this book comes up-- I mean, hell, it's a BATTLE OF THE BOOKS NOW GUYS! That has to mean something. Now, I would like to take the time to call out when critique I have seen come up time and time again.
Celaena.
I keep seeing people complain about how "frilly" she is instead of bad ass, or how much of a bitch she is and blah blah blah blah blah. BLAH. One thing I have to say? You guys lack understanding of the character. Maybe it's just me, but I enjoy every aspect of Celaena. What do you expect of a character who has no parents and was raised to kill people? Seriously? I mean, the chick had to break her own hand or let the lead assassin do it. It was either kill people or die, and well-- she was like 8. Chill. On top of that, she was betrayed and had to do time in an abusive salt mine. Of course she's not going to be all sunshine and daisies. Get real. Second note, she's a girl. Most girls like pretty dresses and reading. Speaking of which-- get over the fact that she chose to read sometimes instead of preparing for the freaking tournament. She spent her whole life working hard, give her a break.
//end rant
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RATINGS:
Stars: 4.5/5
Hearts: 10/10
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