The Procrastinators Book Club discussion
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★Buddy/Group Read Retirement★
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Throne of Glass, books 3-7 (August 2022) Buddy Read Discussion - Amanda & Elley
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Hi @Elley! I just noticed that my schedule is a bit off for doing 100 pages per day. Here is a revised schedule for 100 pages per day, unless you want to stick to the original.August 6 - Chapters 1-14
August 7 - Chapters 15-25
August 8 - Chapters 26-35
August 9 - Chapters 36-46
August 10 - Chapters 47-59
August 11 - Chapters 60-68
Also, let me know what you want to do for the schedules on the rest of the books in the series so I can put them together for you and @mina.
I'll check back in later today with my thoughts for the first 14 chapters.
Thanks for creating the schedule again! Back to back sounds great regarding the other books and I think I like sticking to the 100 pages a day for each book :)
Elley wrote: "Thanks for creating the schedule again! Back to back sounds great regarding the other books and I think I like sticking to the 100 pages a day for each book :)"
Okay, great! Here are the rest of the schedules:
Queen of Shadows
August 12 - Chapters 1-12
August 13 - Chapters 13-24
August 14 - Chapters 25-37
August 15 - Chapters 38-49
August 16 - Chapters 50-63
August 17 - Chapters 64-89
Empire of Storms
August 18 - Nightfall - Chapter 9
August 19 - Chapters 10-21
August 20 - Chapters 22-33
August 21 - Chapters 34-42
August 22 - Chapters 43-53
August 23 - Chapters 54-65
August 24 - Chapters 66-75
Tower of Dawn
August 25 - Chapters 1-8
August 26 - Chapters 9-15
August 27 - Chapters 16-25
August 28 - Chapters 26-33
August 29 - Chapters 34-44
August 30 - Chapters 45-61
August 31 - Chapter 62 - Fireheart
Kingdom of Ash
September 1 - The Prince - Chapter 9
September 2 - Chapters 10-21
September 3 - Chapters 22-35
September 4 - Chapters 36-47
September 5 - Chapters 48-58
September 6 - Chapters 59-69
September 7 - Chapters 70-82
September 8 - Chapters 83-99
September 9 - Chapters 100-112
September 10 - Chapter 113 - A Better World
So, here are my thoughts on the first 105 pages.I think the first chapter was a little slow for me, but it did pick up and I am interested to find out where the story goes. The alternating of chapter focuses was a bit offputting;
I think I would have preferred if there were longer series of chapters focusing on Dorian and Chaol/Manon/Aelin and Rowan rather than one short chapter at a time.
I found Manon to be quite interesting but I couldn't really get a good feel for what she's like/who she is.
Rowan is giving me major Rhysand vibes, so I'm pretty sure I know how his characterization will unfold.
I didn’t get to put my notes in from last night :’)But, I definitely feel like the first chapter is a little slow mostly because it’s trying to catch us up from CoM. Personally, I’m not sure about the different POV changes because I’m the type of person who would want to just get to the plot… SJM definitely fleshes out this series though, which is cool to catch things that I might have missed.
I also see how Rowan is characterized like Rhysand, but Rowan is taking me way longer to warm up to him because of how he treats Aelin… I just feel for her since with what happened with Nehemia. It felt like Manon was kinda just dropped there as a character, but she seems like one of those cool, morally grey characters and will be interesting to see how SJM developed her.
I liked today's pages much better than what I read yesterday. There just seemed to be more/better action and better flow. That being said, I don't have many thoughts.
I'm still interested in seeing how Manon develops, and Aedion seems interesting so I look forward to learning more about him too.
I honestly didn't see much point in the chapters about Chaol and Dorian in Adarlan in yesterday's reading, but they seemed to have more weight and were more interesting to me this time.
I hope you're enjoying your re-read, @Elley! Happy reading!
Elley wrote: "I didn’t get to put my notes in from last night :’)But, I definitely feel like the first chapter is a little slow mostly because it’s trying to catch us up from CoM. Personally, I’m not sure abou..."
Sorry, I didn't see your response before.
I agree with what you said about Rowan. It definitely looks like he'll take some time to warm up to. I still don't have a good feel for him, but I'm definitely still feeling like his characterization is along the same lines as Rhys (the whole tortured bad boy thing, etc.)
I definitely feel bad for Aelin (regarding Nehemia), especially after reading today's pages. It's a huge part of her drive which is keeping her alive and moving forward, however, it is also keeping her in a place where she is drowning in guilt and grief.
Manon does feel like she was just thrown in there for the sake of adding another character, but I like her type of character. I'm hoping she gets to be better incorporated soon. (I really liked the scene where she chose her wyvern, Abraxos. I just thought it was interesting.)
Again, happy reading!
From Day 2: I thought that it definitely picked up in the second half and I’m invested in Sorscha and Dorian’s relationship. It was pretty heavy on anyone but Aelin, so I’m just feening for more.
From Day 3:
We get more insight on Aedion, Manon, Chaol, and some development on Aelin and Rowan!!! She’s still Celeana in this and I’m just excited to see her transition. I love all of the other supporting characters like Luca and Malakai. I’m super excited for her character development in growing to be even more fiery than the last two books. Rather than just fighting for her survival, but to be fighting for a bigger purpose and making Nehemia proud 😤
Hope everything is reading as you imagined :)
I'm sorry, I didn't really have much to say about the chapters for yesterday other than that I enjoyed them and kept wanting to read more (I finished all of today's chapters and part of tomorrow's last night). This is more of what I had imagined the book to be like, and I'm excited to see more of what's to come.I definitely feel like it picked up. While I didn't dislike the book in the first half... I wasn't excited. Now I'm excited to see what's next.
I love the side characters too. I feel like they add more depth to the story and world, and I'm all for that. I also liked finding out more about Aedion, Manon, and Chaol, but... most of the time I just wanted to get on with the main plot with Celeana and Rowan and what they were dealing with. I usually don't mind the changes in perspective, but I guess my patience just wasn't there this time. I mean, I liked what I was reading and finding out about them, but it still felt a little choppy and it disrupted my flow a bit every time a chapter changed to someone else. I feel like Manon is still just kind of thrown in there; it's almost like her story should have been its own completely separate story/book (or at least, that's how I've been feeling).
Celeana's character development (she's definitely on her way to making Nehemia proud) is super exciting and I'm really looking forward to how she and Rowan (and their relationship) develops. I was a bit skeptical about those two with how he treated her in the beginning, but I am starting to really get a feel for Rowan, and I have to say I'm really liking him. There's room for him to grow, so it could go either way, but I'm looking forward to where he will go.
I hope your re-read is going well! Happy reading!
So, I just couldn't help myself. I finished the book... It just got so interesting! I promised I would just read a few more pages, then when I hit the end of tomorrow's pages I was like "well, it's only like... 50 more pages so I'll just finish it." I'm sorry. Feel free to ignore this until you've gotten around to finishing.(view spoiler)
I hope you enjoy the rest of the book! Happy reading!
Yes!!!! I didn’t have enough time, so I just stuck with the schedule, but I just finished it!! SJM just knows how to suck you right in!! The ending gets so epic, did you start Queen of Shadows already? I would totally understand, moving from Celaena to Aelin!!!
No problem! I currently have a ton of time, so I'm reading a little bit ahead of schedule. SJM really does have a way of making me lose track of time... I have already started Queen of Shadows, but I made sure to take notes on my thoughts, so I'll drop back later with my thoughts on today's pages.
I don’t know what it is about the first 100 or so pages of books these days… I always struggle to get into books, but I typically enjoy them after I get through those first several pages. These chapters weren’t bad, but they didn’t get me all that excited to keep reading. I don’t have many thoughts, but here are a few.I’m super glad that Chaol is back to how he was at the beginning of the first book. I like him less driven by emotion, so his characterization so far is really doing it for me. He isn’t unchanged from that original characterization (he seems more mature and maybe even more driven), but he’s closer to the character I immediately liked at the beginning of the series.
I actually really like Lysandra so far. She’s mature in a way that reminds me of Nehemia, and I hope I get to see more of her in the pages to come. I hope she and Aelin are able to get along well.
Well, that’s all I’ve got.
I hope you’re finding the reading enjoyable! Happy reading!
I agree... I guess it's because they have to build up from what happened in the third book and are setting us up with the plot, but I was devastated with what happened with Dorian and Sorscha. I was wondering what you thought about the tension between Aelin and Chaol, because a lot of fans actually don't like Chaol from what I've read/heard. I admire SJM's capability in not making every character seem too perfect and that they all have flaws in certain ways.
One big thing that stood out to me in these chapters was Lysandra’s and Aelin’s budding friendship!! They’re so sassy together, and Aelin needs a friend. I also like the characterization of Nesryn, kind of being Chaol’s only friend throughout this. What I like about the series is the dynamic relationships between all of the characters. I can only hope that Aelin and Chaol get better. It sucks to see them hate each other so much when they used to be close friends, so I look forward to Elide and Manon’s chapters together. I need Abraxos in pet form. I was also conflicted about Dorian… do you think she should have killed Dorian? It would have put him out of his misery from the two chapters we read from his point of view. I feel like SJM made it seem wrong for Chaol to want Dorian to be alive, being hopeful. I also don’t think it’s wrong for Aelin to want to kill Dorian, because the Valg seems to have taken over Dorian completely.
I'm quite familiar with most of the fandom's opinion of Chaol, and while I see where they are coming from, I think he deserves more love. I may be biased as someone who basically immediately liked him, but... Aelin is a queen with her own interests and has technically been an enemy of both Chaol's empire and close friend the entire time. She kept secrets that ultimately put everything in Chaol's life in danger of destruction, and from his perspective, she deliberately deceived him and Dorian without any good reason other than to gain a foothold "behind enemy lines." Aelin may be on a mission that she sees as justification for her lies and deception (and as the main protagonist of the series, most people would be inclined to put more stock in her mission and intentions), but Chaol's goals and mission are not the same; all he wants to do is save Dorian and keep him (and his kingdom) safe. Aelin is a threat to Chaol's goals, and her deceit (lying about her identity, getting so close to them, etc.) was not only dangerous but made Chaol appear as if he had failed (at least in some aspects). So, to answer your question about what I think about the tension between those two... The tension is understandable, and honestly, I think that Chaol's distrust is valid and well warranted. I see where Aelin is coming from, but Chaol is unlikely to feel inclined to compromise on his own view of the events in the series.
There was a lot of action in these chapters, and I liked that. As usual, after the first 100 pages, I was able to really get into the book and what was going on. Lysandra and Aelin's friendship is probably one of my favorite parts so far. The relationships portrayed between characters are definitely one of the best parts of SJM's books.
The plan to rescue Aedion was really interesting, and I thought it was pretty cool. I liked the more emotional scene between Aelin and the leader of the dancers, and the whole plan was really something. My favorite part was Aedion’s description of how Aelin disguised herself and switched from dancer to nobleman.
If I hadn’t already disliked Arobynn, everything about him in these chapters would have done the trick. However, he does make for a good villain… so I guess I kind of like his character as well if that makes any sense.
So far, the most interesting thing (in my opinion) going on in Manon’s chapters is Elide. I’m super curious about who she is. There is so much mystery…
I do think that SJM portrays Chaol's desire to try to save Dorian a bit unfairly. Dorian has been Chaol closest (and before Nesryn, his only) friend, so I feel he's justified in wanting to preserve his life and that friendship. I don't think Aelin is wrong either. Killing Dorian to help him escape the Valg prince does seem the merciful thing to do. I don't think either of them is wrong, and both of them are doing it out of a place of love for Dorian as their friend. I don't want to see Dorian dead, but I don't want to see him suffer too much either.
I hope you enjoyed these pages as much as I did. Happy reading!
Yeah, I totally agree with you on Chaol, I'm happy to find a fellow Chaol-sympathizer. SJM really makes you think about what's right and wrong... I also think the same on Manon/Elide's chapters; it makes me want to read more on them and see how the plot unfolds.
I'm also happy to find a fellow Chaol-sympathizer. I feel like there are so few of us...------
I apologize in advance for how disorganized my thoughts are. Here goes nothing!
I REALLY enjoyed today’s chapters.
Maybe it’s stereotypical, but I really enjoyed all of the Rowan in today’s pages. There is just something about his character now that really appeals. I like how he’s still the fae warrior prince but has softened with the friendship and feelings toward Aelin. I’m looking forward to more of him in the pages to come.
I am also thoroughly enjoying Lysandra and her friendship with Aelin. In her earlier appearance (I forget if it was in The Assassin’s Blade or in Throne of Glass…) I really didn’t like her much at all, but she’s so very different now. I can’t help but like her, and I think she’s a good friend for Aelin (much like Nehemia was).
I’m enjoying how Nesryn, Aedion, and Chaol are all incorporated in the plot and how they manage to stand on their own despite the main story being about Aelin. I also like how Chaol has become more like who he was at the start of the first book; I appreciate that more cautious duty-bound version of him more than the emotion-driven version that his romance with Celaena brought out.
While Manon still has my interest and I can’t deny that her story is now linked with the main storyline, I still feel like her story is separate in some way, like it should be its own thing.
Is it wrong that I laughed during the scene with Lorcan? I couldn’t help it! He shouldn’t have fallen for the trap (he should be smarter than that after five centuries) and Aelin’s comments (and later her conversation with Rowan)… I just had to chuckle. I know he’s supposed to be the bad guy here, but… Comedic relief.
I get why Dorian’s parts have been so hazy, but I find them so different from the rest of the chapters that they disrupt the flow. I don’t dislike them, but they feel a bit uncomfortable. Maybe that’s the point.
Well, happy reading!
These were my notes from last night's readings... I love how Manon desperately hates to be human, yet she makes a lot of human choices whether it’s helping Elide or Abraxos. Wow, right when Rowan gets to Aelin, you could sense the TENSION!! Oof, I’m itching to see how the relationship progresses and I forgot how Chaol and Rowan meet up together, it’s definitely going to be super awkward. The whole thing with the territorial tendencies gets me annoyed particularly because we know that Aelin could handle herself.
Yeah, I agree with all of the things that you said... I think it's so funny that you laughed with Lorcan. Not going to lie, all these old people fall for traps of a 19-year old. I'm not sure if she's just that skilled or Lorcan did nothing with the 500+ years that he's lived. I think it might have been cooler if SJM left the parts of Dorian's mind out of it so that we're left guessing if he's still inside.
It WOULD be cool if Manon got her own story; she's main character material.
The territorial tendencies are a bit strange considering that Aelin can handle herself, but I look at it as 1) part of the fae's behavioral patterns (perhaps because they have animal forms they are more animalistic?) and/or 2) just because Aelin can take care of herself doesn't mean she couldn't use the backup. She might not need people to fight her battles for her, but it's nice to fight next to someone and have people look out for her (although I'm sure she doesn't always appreciate it). That's just how I looked at it.Here are my notes for today:
I think it’s strange how much I actually liked the scene where Aelin visited Sam’s grave, but it is what it is. It was an emotional scene, particularly for Aelin. She’s always been pretty emotional, but this felt softer, truer. She truly loved/loves Sam, and her relationships since him haven’t changed that; I think that is pretty great. This is to SJM’s credit as a writer; along with great friendships, she writes great loves. A lot of romance books have this “true love” that is greater and truer than any relationship in the past (and tends to overwrite or overshadow those past relationships) but that just isn’t realistic in my opinion. Aelin loves Sam and all he did for her even as she continues to move on and live her life, finding new love and entering new relationships. I think that’s pretty great, and I think the grave visiting scene did a great job of portraying that.
I also really like how Aelin and Aedion’s relationship has unfolded; they’re cousins, yes, but friends too. She loves him dearly and wants to protect him, and he is the same toward her. There is no rivalry between them as I’ve typically seen familial relationships portrayed, and it’s refreshing. I do think that there should have been a bit more tentativeness in the beginning (they were separated for, what? A year?), but I like how things are going so I’m not going to complain too much.
On a separate note, I think it’s pretty awesome that while Arobynn’s plot was devious and complex, Aelin’s plan was better. She was super smart, very strategic, and acted like the true queen she is/will become with her own complex plot. She does need to learn to trust her allies a bit more and rely on them (I say this even as I realize allies aren’t all they’re cracked up to be in this series… oh, the betrayals…).
For today's reading... I’m really invested in the stories of Manon and Elide. You can definitely see the tension within Manon fighting for blind following v. loyalty to the people she’s closest too. I just want Manon to break away from Grandmother and fight for what’s right :(I was so happy that Lysandra did that to Arobynn; he deserved it >:(
Also… ooOOooOoooOo more tension between Rowan and Aelin. They should stop being so stubborn and just get with each other GOSH.
We’re also getting to the ending… the plot is thickening!!!
Yes!!! Her scene at Sam's grave... her life is so devastating with all of the people that she's lost. Especially since she was so vulnerable in front of Rowan too, I thought that it was a touching moment where Aelin grieves the moments of her past. I feel like, given the number of pages there are, she does a good job in weaving the intricacies of relationships. Aedion and Aelin's relationship definitely could have been more complex than some blind loyalty that he seems to immediately have for her (from the beginning at least).
Sorry, I didn’t post yesterday; I got a bit sidetracked, but I have finished the book.It was an exciting and enjoyable read, but everything just sort of blended together in the end. I love action and all that, but there was a little pause to really digest each bit on its own, so I don’t have much to say in the end. This will be pretty brief and probably pretty disjointed.
I like how Aelin and Rowan’s relationship is developing. It feels pretty natural compared to some of the other relationships I’ve come across in other books.
Chaol and Dorian’s friendship equates to friendship goals. Chaol always believed in Dorian; he believed that Dorian was fighting even when there was little sign of it. While the blind trust is… questionable, it is quite inspiring and characteristic of Maas’ typical “I would die for you” friendships (a feature of her books that I’ve really enjoyed. And when Chaol decided that it would be more merciful to finally end Dorian and save him from the Valg prince, he pushed aside his own real desires to see his friend continue to live for the perceived reality and what he believed his friend would most appreciate.
I think Dorian will make a good king: fair and aiming to be just.
Manon is finally part of the actual plot, and I really appreciate that. I’m less sure of how I like her in the main plot than I am about if I like her character. I’m totally on board with how she has been developed as a strong leader who has reached a turning point and chosen hope over how things are and have been done for many years.
So, those are my thoughts. I enjoyed this final stretch a little less than I enjoyed the rest of the book, but ultimately, I would still give the book like a 3.75 stars (which I rounded up to 4). I hope you enjoyed the book too. I look forward to your thoughts and to Empire of Storms! Happy reading!
I've also finished the book! Maybe we can bump up the dates for empire of storms?I split my notes for Queen of Shadows though so I'll just put them here:
August 16 - Chapters 50-63
We finally got to see Manon and Aelin meet! It’s actually crazy to me how a 19 year old managed to best Manon who’s 100+ years old. I feel like they’re similar but different in terms of their physical ability. I loved the interaction between Manon and Dorian too. I also liked how Aelin and Chaol managed to apologize to one another and come together not as lovers but as friends.
August 17 - Chapters 64-89
It was so heartwarming to see Aelin, Chaol, and Dorian come together. The Throne of Glass series is such an epic one with different kinds of stories weaving together. It was nice to see Manon’s POV from Heir of Fire shift to somewhat adding more to the plot in QoS; her POV’s didn’t bother me. It broke my heart all over again when Dorian’s dad was dying.
I just can’t wait for the epic battle that brings everyone together.
On Chaol and Dorian's friendship, I completely agree! I loved how it's not Aelin but his closest friend that really snaps him out of the Valg Prince, which got me so emotional. I also think that Aelin and Rowan's relationship feels natural to me too, from them hating each other to them being able to rely on each other.
We can definitely bump forward the dates for Empire of Storms. What were you thinking? How many pages?
I can move around what pages you think you can do in a day, I was just thinking we could just start EoS today or tomorrow
I can do up to 200 pages in a day. We can start tomorrow if that's alright with you.
Mod
Amanda wrote: "I can do up to 200 pages in a day. We can start tomorrow if that's alright with you."Tomorrow sounds great and, @mina, reading slumps suck but it would be great if you could join. Does 200 pages sound good to you guys?
@mina, reading slumps are pretty aweful but you are more than welcome to join in! 200 pages sounds good to me.
I'm sorry but I probably won't get to the reading for today. a family emergency came up so I don't know when I'll have time today. I'll try to catch up for tomorrow or Saturday.
Mod
Mod
It's okay, I wasn't able to make it to the 200 page mark either. I get that feeling when you have to try to figure out characters, especially if it's an ongoing series too.
I also had another emergency so I still didn't get to the 200 pages yet :'(
I probably won't get to the reading until tomorrow night.
So, it's been way longer than I thought it would be, but I got around to reading the first 200 pages of Empire of Storms last night so... If you are still up for the BR, let me know. I'm sorry it took so long.Here are my notes:
The first 100 or so pages were pretty slow for me, but it did pick up a little bit after that. I'm still just warming up in this book, so I don't have too much to say.
It is clear that Aelin and Rowan face some challenges. Aelin is bound by duty to Terrasen (and by extension, Rowan is as well), and it really bothered me that Darrow so easily dismissed Aelin's pretty steadfast loyalty. I am hoping that Rowan and Aelin are the endgame, so I hope that (even if it might benefit Terrasen) she and Rowan find a way around her having to marry for an alliance. Just based on having read SJM's other books involving fae relationships, I am getting the feeling that the two are mates, and Aelin is denying it for Rowan's sake (because of Lyria). I'm not certain about whether or not Rowan knows it or not (maybe he just doesn't acknowledge it?). I do like how their relationship is developing; it feels more natural than some others I've come across.
I REALLY don't like Darrow just based on how he comes across as self-important and over-confident. Hopefully Ren decides to side with Aelin and her court. He seems like he has potential.
Dorian's escape was interesting (especially with Manon's aid). It was a good scene, but I thought it maybe could have used some more drama... maybe? I liked the part Rowan played in it.
Finally, I'm looking forward to what Skull's Bay and Rolfe have to offer in the coming chapters.
I hope you might be enjoying your reading. Let me know if you want to continue with this BR. Happy reading!
Mod
I finished the series. I waited to see if anyone wanted to continue but never heard back, so I just went ahead on my own.
Mod
I'll wait a bit to see if Elley says something, but I'll be closing this thread soon.
Sorry! Things got really busy on my end, but it's probably best to close this thread. It was fun reading HoF and QoS though!
This topic has been frozen by the moderator. No new comments can be posted.
Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:
Heir of Fire
August 6 - Chapters 1-14
August 7 - Chapters 15-25
August 8 - Chapters 26-35
August 9 - Chapters 36-46
August 10 - Chapters 47-59
August 11 - Chapters 60-68
Queen of Shadows
August 12 - Chapters 1-12
August 13 - Chapters 13-24
August 14 - Chapters 25-37
August 15 - Chapters 38-49
August 16 - Chapters 50-63
August 17 - Chapters 64-89
Empire of Storms
August 18 - Nightfall - Chapter 9
August 19 - Chapters 10-21
August 20 - Chapters 22-33
August 21 - Chapters 34-42
August 22 - Chapters 43-53
August 23 - Chapters 54-65
August 24 - Chapters 66-75
Tower of Dawn
August 25 - Chapters 1-8
August 26 - Chapters 9-15
August 27 - Chapters 16-25
August 28 - Chapters 26-33
August 29 - Chapters 34-44
August 30 - Chapters 45-61
August 31 - Chapter 62 - Fireheart
Kingdom of Ash
September 1 - The Prince - Chapter 9
September 2 - Chapters 10-21
September 3 - Chapters 22-35
September 4 - Chapters 36-47
September 5 - Chapters 48-58
September 6 - Chapters 59-69
September 7 - Chapters 70-82
September 8 - Chapters 83-99
September 9 - Chapters 100-112
September 10 - Chapter 113 - A Better World
PARTICIPANTS
~ Amanda
~ Elley