Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) in The Not-So Austen Bookclub

Jul 09, 2012 J.J. Bonds rated it it was amazing

What can I possibly say about Throne of Glass that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing. As usual, I'm late to the party, but that's never stopped me before, so I'm going to keep on writing because TOG was an amazing story! If you follow my reviews you know that I'm selective (read: stingy) about giving out 5 star ratings, but this book earned it! It's hard to believe that Sarah J. Maas is a debut author or that this epic tale was ten years in the making. Thank hades for persistence!

First What can I possibly say about Throne of Glass that hasn't already been said? Probably nothing. As usual, I'm late to the party, but that's never stopped me before, so I'm going to keep on writing because TOG was an amazing story! If you follow my reviews you know that I'm selective (read: stingy) about giving out 5 star ratings, but this book earned it! It's hard to believe that Sarah J. Maas is a debut author or that this epic tale was ten years in the making. Thank hades for persistence!

First and foremost, TOG has an intriguing and original plot. I'm not really into fantasy, but this book sucked me in ala Hunger Games style, and after just a few pages, I was hooked. There are several storylines unfolding as TOG progresses and I loved that Maas allowed us to see the inner workings of the glass palace through the eyes of multiple MC's.

As for the protag? Celaena is a girl after my own heart- smart, strong, and attitude to spare. Oh, and did I mention that she's completely unapologetic? It's hard to reconcile such a young girl with the word 'assassin', but Mass does a wonderful job presenting Celaena as both lethal and endearing. She's proud of her accomplishments and elite status, yet Celaena does not relish in taking lives. She's grounded -or as grounded as a troubled teenage assassin with a penchant for fancy dresses can be. This was another thing I loved about Celaena: although she's survived unimaginable horrors, and despite her less than trusting demeanor, she is not calous or cruel. Celaena has a good heart and is fiercely loyal to those around her.

And the dreaded love triangle? It was done so well I was completely unable to choose between Chaol and Dorian. Both had something Celaena needed and each connected with her in a very different and gratifying way. Ultimately, I found myself flip-flopping with each turn of the page, unable to determine who I felt was best suited to hold the assassin's heart. After all, how's a girl supposed to choose between a guy who radiates heat and one who understands the very fiber of her being?

The only down side? Book two, which is currently unnamed, will not release until next year! This is extra brutal since it's already written!
...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Dec 21, 2012 Kristen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc-or-galley

Wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars
Review from my blog, My Friends Are Fiction

The Story:

Maas’ story is engaging but I want more world-building beyond the information relevant to Celaena’s story; since this is book one of a series its understandable to have gaps in world history and lore. I’m excited to read more of this world she has started to build. I feel some of the story is bogged down midway as the characters relationships are being developed. Usually, I really enjoy this aspect of a book b ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Ria [The Beaucoup Review] rated it really liked it · review of another edition

4.5 STARS

*******ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THE BEAUCOUP REVIEW*******

I originally started this book a while ago, but then put it down for another. Whilst the beginning of the novel was enticing, it was just too slow paced for me to be completely involved in it. But once I got past the first 70 or so pages, I was captivated.

Celaena was just the perfect, kick-ass heroine. Seeing her blossom throughout the novel was so wonderful to read about. It was impossible to dislike her; her wit and charm were ac 4.5 STARS

*******ORIGINALLY POSTED ON THE BEAUCOUP REVIEW*******

I originally started this book a while ago, but then put it down for another. Whilst the beginning of the novel was enticing, it was just too slow paced for me to be completely involved in it. But once I got past the first 70 or so pages, I was captivated.

Celaena was just the perfect, kick-ass heroine. Seeing her blossom throughout the novel was so wonderful to read about. It was impossible to dislike her; her wit and charm were accompanied by quick thinking, sarcasm and the ability to kill. These qualities draw two desirable young men to her, though she can't stand either of them. Once she finally begins seeing the people around her as friends, we meet a whole cast of brilliant characters.

I don't know what I feel about Dorian... He sincerely annoyed me at some parts, then I was in love with him at others. His father, on the other hand, [AKA the King] was not somebody I enjoyed reading about. He's the villain that you just have to hate. Ruthless and horrible, his appearances at the beginning and end of the book weren't pleasant ones. Mass managed to convince me that he was an absolutely horrible character, which is just one of the many things I loved about her style.

Mass' writing style manages to keep you entertained and wanting more at all times. All the characters-- Celaena, Dorian, Chaol [the man training Celaena for her tasks], the King, Elena-- seemed so REAL. The relationships between the characters were so wonderfully painted, I could imagine meeting them all.

I just wish that some of the tasks had been focused on more at some points. But other than that I have no complaints. Seeing Celaena and Dorian try to deny their feelings about one another was so cute. CUTE describing the relationship between an assassin and the Kings son-- the same King who's responsible for the murder of thousands in other lands. Chaol also had feelings for Celaena, and I couldn't help but root for him!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, watching Celaena battle her way through the competition in order to become the King's Assassin and avoid being sent back to prison. The mysterious creature killing off all the champions added to the mystery of the story, whilst I adored the set of characters I met [though I did question a few of Celeana's decisions].

Thanks so much to Bloomsbury for sending me this to review!
...more

1 like · Like · see review

Feb 05, 2019 Cyndi Goodgame rated it it was amazing

Shelves: e2l-enemies-to-lovers

Absolutely great! I couldn't put it down. This was one I kept on my shelf and promised myself to read one day, (my daughter wanted to read so intended to check it out and screen), so...I picked it and and turned out to be a definite top book list.

With that said, it was well written other than a few cheesy parts in the in that do not fit the depth of story it writes into. For an assassin, she is sometimes too emotional and easy to seem off guard with it. It says it throughout the novel by other ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Latoya rated it really liked it

Celeana is a cunningly calculating, feisty and bold female heroine. I heart her! She is something serious. I love that she is an assassin and a girly girl, as these two sides of her are unexpected from someone like her. The thought of her brings fear to many men but they didn't expect her to be so young. She suffered the loss of her parents at a very young age; she is locked up and whipped in the salt mines. It is a wonder that her will is so strong that her spirited nature is intact. She does h ...more

Like · see review

Aug 08, 2012 Cheshire rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourites

A wicked novel. The writing style is good, the plot is thick and the heroine has a bakbone. It is the kind of novel that fans of Graceling, Fire and Bitterblue would like. Or anyone who wants a change from the whiny annoying heroine's that currently occupy todays novel. ...more

Like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 Ngaio rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-fantasy, romance, young-adult, read-in-2013

I enjoyed this a lot, it is an awesome book! I love the world created in this book and am looking forward to reading Throne of Midnight to see more of Celaena's continual growth and find out what she decides to do. I am torn between the two guys though :) ...more

2 likes · Like · see review