For the first 50% of the book, I kept thinking to myself "this can't possibly be the same author who wrote Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles." For the first 50% of the book, I kept thinking to myself "this can't possibly be the same author who wrote Riyria Revelations and Riyria Chronicles." The first half of the book was terribly slow. I almost gave up.
But the second half was so fun. The mystery of the bear in the forest really kept me engaged. Persephone and Suri definitely got to shine in the second half.
The author has an introduction at the beginning of this book stating that you don't have to read the Riyria books before diving into this one. And that's 100% true. But unfortunately, that means taking the time to get emotionally invested in these new characters. Persephone and Suri carried this book. Really didn't care at all about the Arion storyline. Raithe was probably the worst. How is he a Godkiller lmaoooo. Also did not feel the chemistry between him and Persephone at all. And Nephron is just like ...more
The weakest conclusion to an SJM series by far. This book was one big deus ex machina clusterfuck. But I think most fans will overlook the huge issuesThe weakest conclusion to an SJM series by far. This book was one big deus ex machina clusterfuck. But I think most fans will overlook the huge issues in this book because we get to see some old favourite characters.
Let's start off with the good parts: - Lidia Cervos ...more
Yawn. This book should have been 200 pages shorter.
Pros: - Ruhn and Daybright!!! I lived for every scene. - Lidia "The Hind" Cervos is a scary bitch. Yawn. This book should have been 200 pages shorter.
Pros: - Ruhn and Daybright!!! I lived for every scene. - Lidia "The Hind" Cervos is a scary bitch. Add her to the list of smart and scary queens along with Manon from ToG and Helene from An Ember in the Ashes. - THAT ENDING.
Cons: - The highlight of book 1 was the friendship between Bryce and Danika. Unfortunately, Bryce isn't particularly interesting without Danika. - God, the relationship between Bryce and Hunt is so surface level. They don't communicate and barely talk about anything of value. The fight and make-up routine got really old by the second time in one book. - The book has no reason to be this long. The whole book is a set-up for something bigger, introducing new characters at the cost of dragging out the plot. - Every one of SJM's series fall victim to the "I can't tell you more" cliche for every problem. It really makes the books feel cheap....more
Even as an unapologetic Chaol fan, I was bored. This book serves as a winding path to the final book and makes the reader suffers a long journey beforEven as an unapologetic Chaol fan, I was bored. This book serves as a winding path to the final book and makes the reader suffers a long journey before the end. (Definitely do a tandem read to make the journey less painful).
First of all, this is the Nesta redemption arc of the Throne of Glass series.
In defense of Chaol: - I think he is probably the most interesting character in the series. I love that he stands for the regular folks without any power. I love that he questions all sides (including Aelin with her God-like powers). It is so refreshing and absolutely rational. - Some of the choices he made in the series have been unpopular as they do not benefit Aelin, but they were the best choices for his belief at the time. And I love him for it. I love it when characters make the best choices with what they are given at the time. He is definitely the most realistic character out of all of them and that's why I love him.
Issues with this book (as many have also noticed): - This book felt like the beginning of a new series: A whole new cast of characters get introduced in this book. Because there have been zero groundwork in the previous books for these characters, everything felt surface level. - This book had the same vibe as the first two books, where everything felt quite preliminary. Because of that lack of emotional connection, the book comes off as "boring" especially during the tandem read with Empire of Storm where all of our favourite characters are off doing fun stuff. - SJM really liked to reuse plot devices (training librarians/healers in self defense). - I love Chaol. I still don't understand why people hate him. Interesting choice that out of all of the traumatized characters, Chaol gets a whole book for his healing journey. - Yrene feels very cliché. - Nesryn is great but I disliked how her story developed. I really think it made more sense for her to heal with Chaol. The little adventure story was fun but doesn't really fit in this series.
Ultimately, so many new characters were introduced that had no mentions in the previous 5 books so it is incredibly hard to care for these new characters....more
One of the best high fantasy books I have read in a long time. (Also the tandem read is the best way to read this book).
What I loved: - To say this boOne of the best high fantasy books I have read in a long time. (Also the tandem read is the best way to read this book).
What I loved: - To say this book is epic in scale does not do it justice. There are about 10 storylines that intersect in this book. The fireworks when all of the groundwork laid down from the previous books all pay off...i was left utterly speechless. - Found family trope dialed up to the max. Heartwarming to see where everyone's path led them. - Aelin is so goddamn smart. Although the series doesn't have a lot of epic fight scenes, there is no lack of mental battles. Aelin is often 3 steps ahead of everyone else and I loved every minute of it. Seeing her plans unfold was incredibly satisfying. She truly earns her Chosen One title. - My favourite, Manon, absolutely slays in this book. She gives the same energy as Helene from the An Ember in the Ashes series. - I like that the different Lords don't all automatically fall in line with Aelin. It is so rational for them to question a 19 year old's leadership. - I love Dorian. He is quiet and I love quiet guys creeping in the shadows. - Elide and Lorcan's little adventure was perfect. To be honest, I wish we got something like this for Chaol and Nesryn. - The girls really carried this book. Lysandra is such a great addition.
Other ramblings (But doesn't detract this book from being 5 stars): - Is SJM a Furry? The amount of biting, claiming, and flirting while in animal shapeshifting forms in this book.... LOL. - For a famed general, Aedion's character feels like a waste. I kept expecting him to strategize more but he doesn't contribute much. - I am tired of multiple 500 year old males falling in love with 20 year old girls. - I still wish the Rowan and Aelin connection didn't move do fast in Heir of Fire. It still feels unsatisfying. I wish they had been nothing but Queen and someone under her command until this book. The tension would have been SOOO good. - Also it is tiring to see every couple paired up....more
Ambitious and she DELIVERED. This book was incredibly smart. So many interwoven threads that have been developing through the past 4 books finally culAmbitious and she DELIVERED. This book was incredibly smart. So many interwoven threads that have been developing through the past 4 books finally culminating into a masterpiece.
Pros: - The story gets really really big in this book and everything was executed perfectly. Many long awaited plans that were buried by the early books come to fruition. It was incredibly satisfying to read. I don't know how she managed to keep up the pace and maintain the complexity, all under 700 pages. - Aelin gets so smart in this book. She really grows up in this book and gets ten steps ahead of everyone. I could not stop smiling reading as her master plan unfurls. - Chaol! Who knew Mr. Bland gets so interesting. He has the most realistic take on the entire situation. It is such a nice breath of fresh air for someone to question Aelin. His loyalty to Dorian makes so much sense and I love him for it. - The introduction of so many female characters was very very much needed. It was getting eerily close to a boys club for a hot minute. Thank god we got some female energy.
Cons: - The fight scenes were the only thing that left a lot to be desired. Really wish they were longer. - Very minor minor critique: There are some cheesy "The Power of Friendship" stuff in this. - Also what happened to Elena? Why hasn't she appeared at all?...more
I'm torn over this collection of novellas. Part of me think these stories were needed but part of me was so bored by them.
On whether to read 2.5 stars
I'm torn over this collection of novellas. Part of me think these stories were needed but part of me was so bored by them.
On whether to read this first or after Heir of Fire, I don't have a good answer. On one hand, reading this after Heir of Fire totally stopped the momentum built up by the end of Book 3. In addition, because Throne of Glass mentions some of the key points of these stories, the reader gets spoiled of some major plot points in these stories. The whole time I was eager to get these stories over with so I can get back to the main story.
However, reading this collection first would have dragged out the "boring" parts of the series for too long. I really think I would not have cared for Celaena as much as I did if I read this first. To be honest, I don't think I would have continued the series if I had to read this book, Throne of Glass AND Crown of Midnight. Overall, these three books read very YA compared to Heir of Fire. This collection of stories really should have been leftout. I was totally happy with the passing references of Celaena's time under the Assassin's Keep, without any of these stories.
Lastly, Sam oh Sam. I really thought I would be more emotional over Sam but their relationship felt so juvenile and surface level. I didn't feel their connection at all. Because we didn't see much of Sam, their relationship felt rushed.
Ultimately, I think the collection of stories added more emotional depth of Celaena's story. But it really dragged on and I wish it could have just stayed as small throwbacks in the main series....more
A significant jump in quality from the second book. Excited to see where the rest of the series takes us.
Pros: - SJM masterfully weaves multiple storyA significant jump in quality from the second book. Excited to see where the rest of the series takes us.
Pros: - SJM masterfully weaves multiple storylines in this book. I loved that everyone had a role to play and no one felt left behind. She was able to fit a lot in a ~550 page book, without losing any urgency. Not sure if she just got a better editor or she matured as a writer. - Continuing the complex exploration of human emotions and choices from the second book. There was a lot of self-reflection and introspective moments which made the story feel a lot more complex and grown-up. - I love big heroic moments and this book had plenty. - Manon is a fun new addition to the story. I am happy that another fun and badass female character got introduced. There has been a very obvious lack of interesting female characters.
Cons: - I'm actually so confused why the King wouldn't recognize Aelin as she is described to look very much like Aedion. - The relationship with Rowan felt rushed. Maybe because we got to spend 2 books with Dorian and Chaol, something about the speed of Rowan and Aelin's relationship threw me off. - Although it does get explained in this book, I couldn't help but feel cheated that the goal post of Celaena's powers just kept moving. She starts off the series being the best fighter, only for the beginning of the book to completely turn it on its head. She is shown as utterly pathetic and has to go through "training" once again. It felt like an odd choice. - Not really a con, but it bored me a little bit to see so many similarities between Aelin's angsty self-discovery phase and Nesta's phase. It is good for fans who enjoys SJM's writing but it also feels incredibly repetitive and lazy....more
Take a guess how many times "thought-cage" is mentioned? Seventy.
Re-read 2023 review: Picked this back up because I decided to continue the series. AsTake a guess how many times "thought-cage" is mentioned? Seventy.
Re-read 2023 review: Picked this back up because I decided to continue the series. As the weather cools, what's better than a Norse-inspired epic. I still stand by my original review of 3 stars. Orka was the highlight of the story and it was a pain to have to jump to Varg or Elvar's POVs. I think Orka's POV was helped by the fact that she only has two companions (Lif and Mord) whereas the other POVs were littered with characters that I hardly felt connected to. Overall, action-heavy story with very weak characters. Will continue with the series.
Original 2021 review: This book came with so much hype attached to it, but I'm let down. This book is a perfect example of "good writing but not engaging". It is clear John Gwynne is a talented writer. I think his battle scenes are the best I've ever read. The way he paints a fight sequence is truly mesmerizing. Another bonus is how many strong female characters there are in the story, either as strong mothers, fierce fighters or powerful leaders (I'm an Orka stan). Lastly, there is a Found Family aspect of this book, which I enjoyed.
However, the story itself fell flat. We follow the three separate stories for most of the book, but scenes jumped around way too much for me to truly feel invested in any of their journeys. Although you can tell early on that their stories are linked, the entire book felt like I was being fed the story with a teaspoon.
Not sure if I'll continue on with the series....more
A definite improvement from book 1. I like how this book explored the consequences of the choices many of the characters made. I like how none of the A definite improvement from book 1. I like how this book explored the consequences of the choices many of the characters made. I like how none of the main characters were black and white. It was refreshing to get so many complex characters, compared to the bland cardboard in book 1.
My biggest complaint is still the deus ex machina used in this series. Everything is solved so easily, and written off as "using magic".
In addition, I hate the "I can't tell you more" trope when it comes to how to save the world. It's such an overused and tired cliche that just shows lazy writing.
These first two books definitely set up an interesting story for Book 3....more
Wow all of the mafia books I read from now on will have to measure up to this duet.
Yeeeeessssss to all the groveling. Penny is phenomenal in this booWow all of the mafia books I read from now on will have to measure up to this duet.
Yeeeeessssss to all the groveling. Penny is phenomenal in this book. She really knows who she is and won't waver for anyone. This book focused on the emotional part of Rafe and Penny's relationship more than the first book. It was done really well. Just the right amount of toxic behaviours.
Rory is so much more tolerable in this duet compared to her own book. Very intrigued about Gabe and Wren. Love the sisterhood forming between these girls.
The duet is very romance-focused. So if you are expecting more of the business end of being in the mafia and all of the drama, you'll be disappointed. It didn't bother me because I loved every momement between Rafe and Penny. Having their story unravel in two books was the perfect decision. Well done pacing, with enough tension between the two characters so nothing felt rushed. I get the hype....more
This really is an one-of-a-kind romance. This is who Colleen Hoover wishes she could be.
Unlike most romance, this one felt so intimate. Yasmen and JoThis really is an one-of-a-kind romance. This is who Colleen Hoover wishes she could be.
Unlike most romance, this one felt so intimate. Yasmen and Josiah's relationship felt so tender and intimate that I felt bad peeking into their private relationship.
The good: - It's incredible how Kennedy Ryan was able to portray a genuine long-term relationship. It felt so believable. All of that in less than 400 pages? That's talent. The tension, the yearning and the love between Yasmen and Josiah. ...more
This is the second series I have tried from Carissa Broadbent and it is the second I am DNFing.
What didn't work for me: - Her firstDNF at 39%/page 187.
This is the second series I have tried from Carissa Broadbent and it is the second I am DNFing.
What didn't work for me: - Her first person POV are incredibly monologue-heavy. We get told a lot about what the character is feeling and their thoughts on every little thing, and usually drawing connections to events in the past. It's the reason I stopped The Daughter of No Worlds series by book 2, and it is the reason I can't continue with this series. Oraya thinks a lot and it often becomes rambles. I understand it is a way for us to feel connected to her, and build her back story. But it really impacted my enjoyment of the book, and affected the pacing. - The use of modern day slang and swear words was jarring. Overall, the main characters Oraya Raihn and Mische all talked very modern, and casual. It just didn't fit the fantasy setting. - The tension of the trials was non-existent. None of the vampire contestant felt menacing. By 39%, Oraya hasn't faced any challenges, and it is hard for me to feel invested as I know she will be perfectly fine (main character energy)....more
I have to admit, this was purely a "cover-buy". This cover is the most stunning thing I have ever laid my eyes on.
Pros: - A feminist re-imagining of aI have to admit, this was purely a "cover-buy". This cover is the most stunning thing I have ever laid my eyes on.
Pros: - A feminist re-imagining of a Chinese classic "The Water Margin" that really highlights the author's stunt background. The fight scenes were fascinating. I love how each person on the team had a weapon specialty and incorporated them into the various fight scenes. It really suited the over-the-top wuxia vibe of the book. - Although Lin Chong is the main character, Lu junyi stole the show for me. I love a woman in STEM.
Cons: - The bandit team was a massive crew and the majority of them were introduced together at the beginning of the book. It really diluted each person's characteristics. I wish we had gotten to get closer to fewer of them and then learned about the rest throughout the book. By the end of the book, I still had a hard time connecting to each character. I know the general appeal of set-ups like this is the "found family" feeling of camaraderie. Somewhere in the deep recess of my mind is a memory of watching the 1998 adaptation of The Water Margin so I went back to check the number of episodes in that show. Forty-three episodes. So to develop characters in the span of one 500-page book versus a 43-episode tv show is a no-contest. - The magic system is really hazy. I don't think it is really well explained in the 1998 tv series either but the vagueness in this book left a lot to be desired. - The dialogues were pretty bland. I felt like the characters talked to each other in an unnatural and dry way. Perhaps it's a stylistic choice that I'm just not used to. - A glossary of terms would have been greatly appreciated. Often times I encountered Chinese words that weren't explained (e.g. Sixty-jin, where jin is a unit of measurement for weight). Sometimes you can get the meaning of words based on context but I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I could flip to a glossary to confirm my understanding....more
For those who love Howl's Moving Castle. An imaginative and dreamy book that delivers on vibes.
Rebecca Ross knows how to write atmospheric books. EveFor those who love Howl's Moving Castle. An imaginative and dreamy book that delivers on vibes.
Rebecca Ross knows how to write atmospheric books. Everything about this book screams Studio Ghibli. I want to see this book animated.
But this book suffered from a lack of reasonable plot. There are way too many characters so no one feel developed. By 70% through the book, when all of the characters meet up, things felt increasingly muddled. Things just happened "because", especially with the wishy washy magic.
Semi-spoiler: To that same effect, why would the characters even support Clem as sovereign? She is literally just a girl who has shown no leadership skills?...more
What a fantastic way to end a duology. Everything I loved about the first book only got better in this book.
Pros: - Elm Elm and Ione stole the show. ✨
What a fantastic way to end a duology. Everything I loved about the first book only got better in this book.
Pros: - Elm and Ione were so good in this. I love their tension even more than Elspeth and Ravyn. - The dark atmospheric vibes of this book was perfect. - Very fast moving pace that picked up right at where the first book ended. - The magic system of the cards continued to be utilized well.
Cons: - Because Elm and Ione were sooo engaging, I found myself bored whenever Elspeth and Ravyn's chapters would appear. They really became secondary characters in this book. - The plot, although very well done, felt rushed by the end. There wasn't enough challenge for my liking. Would have liked to see the characters struggle just a bit more.
(Not a con but just a commentary. Thanks to random pharmacology courses that I took in university, there was one twist that I saw coming way too early and it kind of ruined the fun a little bit)....more
The most erotic thing about this book is a house that drops off cake and books for you on command.
Pros: - My favourite book in this universe to date. The most erotic thing about this book is a house that drops off cake and books for you on command.
Pros: - My favourite book in this universe to date. Nessian supremacy. Everyone deserves a patient and loving person like Cassian. - Nesta genuinely made me cry. Her disappointment over her friend and sister choosing Feyre over her stirred something deep within my soul. Although her stubbornness was abrasive to me at the beginning, SJM really developed her well over the 750 pages. - Unlike Feyre's story, I am so impressed at how this arc of Nesta's story was contained in one book. The story was perfectly paced. - Emerie and Gwyn were great additions to the story although they felt like props at time just to let Nesta shine. Hoping to see them in more books so they feel less like set extras. - And of course the smut was good.
Cons: - It's not news that SJM's stories are cheesy. There were some really eye-rolling cringey tropes in this book. These tropes felt soooo silly and cheapened the story. Reading some of these tropes during tense and heavy moments in the story broke my immersion. - See Emerie and Gwyn points above. - There is some strong y/n vibes. It almost appears that SJM wrote Nesta for us to self-insert, especially Nesta's love of smutty romance books. - The underlying story of this book felt torn from the previous ACOTAR books. Is there no variety? ACOTAR formula: there is a Big Bad, time to be intimidating, superhero struts, let's do the same political dance as last time, time for a ball, some flirting, some jealousy, we must go find magical artifacts, woohoo power of friendship, Rhys' power roared, and one of the Archeron sisters does something badass....more
Moody, atmospheric, and so fun. Would be fun to read in the Fall for full enjoyment.
Maybe because I just read the Once Upon A Broken Heart s3.5 stars
Moody, atmospheric, and so fun. Would be fun to read in the Fall for full enjoyment.
Maybe because I just read the Once Upon A Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber but the two series had some parallels. Both are heavy on the fairy tale-esque atmosphere, with kings, princes and riddles. If Evangeline was the white swan then Elspeth was definitely the black swan. If you wanted a darker, more moody version of Once Upon a Broken Heart then this book is perfect for you.
One thing the other series does better is the romance. That one is truly slow-burn. The romance happened a little too fast for my liking. The relationship between Elspeth and the side characters also felt a bit rushed. Another just personal preference is that I disliked that the book is in first person POV.
The book ended at a good place. Unsure if this is a duology or trilogy but given how this book ended, it would be much better as a duology....more
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