April 2013 BOTM - Throne of Glass

[Ruby]

Lots of comfort stuff needed after the 4th one - I wanted to reread it with you guys, but think I would break like glass if I did (personally too emotional for me).

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Interesting to see the start of the book after the novellas. Seems like she's built a shell around herself.

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Interesting to see the start of the book after the novellas. Seems like she's built a shell around herself."

What else did she have left to do though? (not to mean snarky in anyway :)

[Elisa]

I totally agree the events that transpired in novella 4 were needed for her character development. I am hoping this book will address Arobynn at some point since she is back in Rifthold. I am a little suprised he hasn't been brought up yet especially with what happened at the end of novella 4.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "I totally agree the events that transpired in novella 4 were needed for her character development. I am hoping this book will address Arobynn at some point since she is back in Rifthold. I am a l..."

There have been a few very light touch references in the first 15%, but nothing direct! Definitely agree she'll have to meet her past head in at some point :)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "Interesting to see the start of the book after the novellas. Seems like she's built a shell around herself."

What else did she have left to do though? (not to mean snarky in anyway :)"

Well, what I sort of meant was (view spoiler)[ that she doesn't seem nearly as angry as I expected her to. She's not really thinking revenge at this point, only getting her freedom and getting away. That's fair enough but I'm just surprised as its out of character for her. Perhaps the salt mines broke her a little, although she's somewhat stronger than it seems like she should be after a year in the mines which usually kills people. Just an observation that her creating a shell against all her emotions is what she chose to do, there are definitely other ways she could have come out of it (angry, sad, broken, defeated, psychotic). I'm very interested to see whether that changes as the story goes on, I'm guessing it will. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruby]

Without giving anything away (view spoiler)[never in the novellas does it mention that she knows that Arobynn betrayed her and do what he did to Sam. That being said there the beginning is not what it appears to be yet (plus there is a huge gap between the end of 4th novella and the beginning of the novel if I am not mistaken. I don't remember if we get all the details what happened during that period. (hide spoiler)] Not sure how far you guys are, but you have to read on more, I am just too excited and jumping on everyone before the finish reading the book - sorry :$ (lips sealed). No more bounds of excitement from me anymore, promise :)

My excitement is just because my very strong reaction to this book(especially the novellas). The novel take on more than just her personality there is an underlying mystery to the entire story as well.

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Elisa wrote: "I totally agree the events that transpired in novella 4 were needed for her character development. I am hoping this book will address Arobynn at some point since she is back in Rifth..."

Spoiler about Arobynn in the novel (a small but significant detail) - so don't read the spoiler if you don't want to know. (view spoiler)[Arobynn is mentioned, but there is no plot concerning him; it is not addressed in this novel (hide spoiler)]

[Lola]

I think one of the reasons I didn't like Throne of Glass is because I didn't read the novella's first.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Lolita wrote: "I think one of the reasons I didn't like Throne of Glass is because I didn't read the novella's first."

That definitely could be the case...the novellas were pretty awesome and give lots of background to the book :)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "Elisa wrote: "I totally agree the events that transpired in novella 4 were needed for her character development. I am hoping this book will address Arobynn at some point since she is..."

Eep really? Hmmmm

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "Without giving anything away [spoilers removed] Not sure how far you guys are, but you have to read on more, I am just too excited and jumping on everyone before the finish reading the book - sorry..."

You're right, it doesn't mention it directly, but she does (view spoiler)[ have some inner thoughts about there being a conspiracy and considers Arobynn but then dismisses it in a way that suggests she's in denial. At least that's how I read into it. That was late in the 4th novella. I believe that in her heart, she knows the truth. There were too many clues for her not to know. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Ruby wrote: "Without giving anything away [spoilers removed] Not sure how far you guys are, but you have to read on more, I am just too excited and jumping on everyone before the finish reading the..."

Yeah, your definitely right about that.

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "Elisa wrote: "I totally agree the events that transpired in novella 4 were needed for her character development. I am hoping this book will address Arobynn at some point..."

Yep! Funny enough, I actually read Throne of Glass before the novellas (didn't know about them); I still liked the novel, but the novellas made it 10x more stronger. So, (view spoiler)[ I wasn't missing anything about Arobynn being mentioned or not; at the time it felt like a passing fact. After reading the novellas, I wanted there to be more. (hide spoiler)] But that is why I can't till the second novel to come out :)

[Ruby]

FYI: I don't know if I doing this all wrong; but this is my first time participating in a BOTM discussion. Let me know if there is something that I should not be doing or doing. ;)

[Elisa]

I am halfway finished and there are more references to Arobynn at this point. I really like the way the story is unraveling. David your comment on her having a shell is very true.
Question, how do you do that view spoiler thing? I don't know, so I am purposely being very vague. But totally have a few things I'd love to discuss!

[Ruby]

Elisa wrote: "I am halfway finished and there are more references to Arobynn at this point. I really like the way the story is unraveling. David your comment on her having a shell is very true.
Question, how ..."

click on "some html is okay" link in the top right hand corner of the comment box

[Ruby]

Elisa wrote: "I am halfway finished and there are more references to Arobynn at this point. I really like the way the story is unraveling. David your comment on her having a shell is very true.
Question, how ..."

yes, references are there, but (view spoiler)[no exploration of his betrayal (his and Celaena's connected storyline is not going to be flushed out in this novel for sure. (hide spoiler)]

[Lola]

Elisa wrote: "I am halfway finished and there are more references to Arobynn at this point. I really like the way the story is unraveling. David your comment on her having a shell is very true.
Question, how ..."

< spoiler >put your spoiler here < / spoiler >

don't forget to remove all the spaces in between the < and spoiler

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "FYI: I don't know if I doing this all wrong; but this is my first time participating in a BOTM discussion. Let me know if there is something that I should not be doing or doing. ;)"

You are making the BOTM discussion so much better! Doing everything right ;) I love when there's a substantive discussion on the book, almost like a buddy read, so keep it up!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "I am halfway finished and there are more references to Arobynn at this point. I really like the way the story is unraveling. David your comment on her having a shell is very true.
Question, how ..."

Thanks for being so conscious of not spoiling it for others :) It took me ages to learn how to do the spoiler thing, hopefully Lolita's and Ruby's comments cleared it up? Give it a try and then you'll use it all the time lol!

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Ruby wrote: "FYI: I don't know if I doing this all wrong; but this is my first time participating in a BOTM discussion. Let me know if there is something that I should not be doing or doing. ;)"

Y..."

I just didn't want to seem too strong-headed lol :)

[Ruby]

So, how far are you guys?

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "Ruby wrote: "FYI: I don't know if I doing this all wrong; but this is my first time participating in a BOTM discussion. Let me know if there is something that I should not be doing or..."

Lol nothing wrong with having strong opinions, I tend to also!

I don't have a lot of reading time right now but I'm at 30% and really into it now. I like the new friend she made but am wary about her after some of the betrayals she's had

[Elisa]

Yay! Thanks for the help! I am on chapter 29. My so called spoiler isn't really a spoiler for anything in Throne of Glass. It is more my thoughts as to where a few things are going in this book based on the novellas. I could be totally wrong too. I'd love to hear other people's thoughts on it. I had to try out the spoiler thing though!
(view spoiler)[ I really like the introduction of the Wyrd marks. I think it gives this book a needed spin since she is no longer technically an assassin. Plus, I am guessing whatever she is hiding in her past (right before Arobynn found her) has something to do with magic or the Wyrd marks. I don't know about anyone else but I am very sure that Celeana is not safe until Arobynn has been taken care of. He has to have someone on the inside spying on her, right? I can't see him really letting her go ever. < / spoiler > (hide spoiler)]

[Lola]

The spoiler did work, but there is also some extra code. If I open the spoiler I still see before the end the < / spoiler > with spaces in between. So I assume you did type it right afterwards.

[Karen’s Library]

David wrote: "Ruby wrote: "I can't wait till you guys are finished! Surprised that there hasn't been any cries of outrage yet...maybe the last novella should kick everyone into gear :) Don't want to give anythin..."

Ack!! **screams of outrage**!!!! Sort of figured. :'-( David, I agree with everything you said. Very naive!

[Ruby]

Naive? Sorry lost me there. Who's naive?

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

I think she was agreeing with my spoiler in message 41. (view spoiler)[ Basically I just thought that she really showed her age when she fell back into the same trust toward Arobynn even after he'd lied to her in major ways on multiple occasions. Plus his guard tried to warn her. Granted, she was in a fit of rage but before that she was in bed listening to everything but still put so much trust in her mentor. Sad. (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "Yay! Thanks for the help! I am on chapter 29. My so called spoiler isn't really a spoiler for anything in Throne of Glass. It is more my thoughts as to where a few things are going in this book b..."

Yay, you did the spoiler! I can't read it until I catch up, but hopefully soon!

[Rebecka]

I picked up Throne of Glass from the library, the e-library has the 2nd, 3rd and 4th novellas but not the first one (grr). Don't know if I'll read them or not. All of your comments are making me really excited for this one though.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Rebecka wrote: "I picked up Throne of Glass from the library, the e-library has the 2nd, 3rd and 4th novellas but not the first one (grr). Don't know if I'll read them or not. All of your comments are making me ..."

Ooh Rebecka you've got to read the novellas, they're amazing! And very important for you to understand how she got where she is at the beginning of the novel. I'd read them first for sure. Yay, I'm so glad you're going to read with us! Enjoy!!

[Ruby]

David wrote: "I think she was agreeing with my spoiler in message 41. [spoilers removed]"

Ah, yes. I see what you mean now. I am not sure naive is the best word to use...guess it would depend on how you defined naive.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "I think she was agreeing with my spoiler in message 41. [spoilers removed]"

Ah, yes. I see what you mean now. I am not sure naive is the best word to use...guess it would depend on h..."

Yeah it wasn't my word and I purposely didn't use it although I can see where it does seen somewhat naive as I feel like much of what transpired near the end of the 4th novella was a result of her lack of life experience. I mean, she's only 16-17 years old early on. Both her and Sam are so young it's only natural they'd be targeted by more experienced (and conniving) tyrants. Again, sad (but makes for a wonderfully captivating story!)

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "Yay! Thanks for the help! I am on chapter 29. My so called spoiler isn't really a spoiler for anything in Throne of Glass. It is more my thoughts as to where a few things are going in this book b..."

I caught up! Finished chapter 30 so I read your spoiler :) I agree (view spoiler)[ Maas has added a much needed element of mystery to the story. I'm completely confused as to who "the evil" is that's ripping up bodies. At first I assumed it was the king ensuring Celaena would win, but now it seems like it could be that Duke ensuring Cain wins. But it just seems strange because both of them have the best chance of winning anyway. I'm guessing its not something supernatural but that is always another possibility. (hide spoiler)]

[Reymart]

Since this book is a trend... I should try this!!!

[Elisa]

I'm glad you caught up. I do think the new direction this book takes is a great one. I can't wait till you finish because there are a few interesting things that come up which could use discussing.

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "I'm glad you caught up. I do think the new direction this book takes is a great one. I can't wait till you finish because there are a few interesting things that come up which could use discussing."

Eep you finished? Yay! I'm at 73% now, lots happening!

[Elisa]

I did. 73% done is good! A lot happens towards the very end and it was hard to put down!

[Ruby]

Awesome!!!! Almost there guys! Are you guys lovin' it like "I refuse to eat until I finish reading this" or meh "It's a really good book, but I don't mind watching the next episode of..."

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Hahaha! I love those options! I'm somewhere in between those two but definitely toward the lovin it end of things. I think I loved loved loved a couple of the novellas so much that the novel had a hard time living up to it, but it's still an awesome book. Although as Elisa pointed out (view spoiler)[ the Wyrdmarks added a lot to the story and made things very interesting, in some ways they took away from what I liked about the novellas, which was her battling against real foes and not monsters or magic. But everything is very well done, so overall this book is a big winner for me, definitely up there with Graceling and I'm already recommending it to others :) So thanks for the rec Ruby, I'd never have nominated it for BOTM if not for you! (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "I did. 73% done is good! A lot happens towards the very end and it was hard to put down!"

85% eep!! (view spoiler)[ they kissed! Please God, no more tragedy for Celaena and the people she loves! (hide spoiler)]

[Elisa]

It is somewhere in between those two great options. I really liked it and the novellas definitely made me enjoy it more. Thanks again for telling us to read those first! (view spoiler)[ At this point, I do think the Wyrdmarks are a good addition. I can also see how they take away from the assassin story line which was one of my favorite parts of the novellas. I am slightly worried that the novels won't do justice to her assassin story line which I feel is unfinished. I am hoping Maas won't go in a totally magical direction (or focus too much on the magic) in the next novel. That would really bother me. (hide spoiler)]

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Elisa wrote: "It is somewhere in between those two great options. I really liked it and the novellas definitely made me enjoy it more. Thanks again for telling us to read those first! [spoilers removed]"

I agree with everything you said :)

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Hahaha! I love those options! I'm somewhere in between those two but definitely toward the lovin it end of things. I think I loved loved loved a couple of the novellas so much that the novel had a ..."

Np :) Didn't think anyone took my recs seriously lol...cheers.

I guess I was more taken with the novel because I actually read the novellas after reading the novel. Perhaps the order makes a difference depending on what you are looking for...but I really like the fantastical part as much as the more realistic elements. Plus, I was reading the story because my brain was really reading the subtext of the novel.

[Ruby]

David wrote: "Elisa wrote: "I did. 73% done is good! A lot happens towards the very end and it was hard to put down!"

85% eep!! [spoilers removed]"

Guess you will have to wait and see what happens after (view spoiler)[the kiss? So, I have to ask which team are you voting for lol (Since, Twilight it seems that no one can get away from triangles...*sigh* I'm leaving it at that. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruby]

I definitely want to her to reveal more plot (view spoiler)[between her and Arobynn, her past, and Captain Westfall (hide spoiler)]

[Ruby]

Got a feeling that until we get the whole story (entire series), we won't fully comprehend Maas' literary decisions *saying that with my most un-sooty voice possible*

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "Got a feeling that until we get the whole story (entire series), we won't fully comprehend Maas' literary decisions *saying that with my most un-sooty voice possible*"

Yeah, very true, you have to give her the benefit of the doubt until the whole thing is done, there's so much potential still to come!

[David, Mr. Blue Eyes; He's the Best--Ain't no lie!! ;)]

Ruby wrote: "David wrote: "Elisa wrote: "I did. 73% done is good! A lot happens towards the very end and it was hard to put down!"

85% eep!! [spoilers removed]"

Guess you will have to wait and see what hap..."

Lol I'm not huge into that sort of thing either but I find myself rooting for Chaol although he doesn't seem to have much of a chance.