Thursday, September 20, 2012

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)Throne of Glass (Book #1)
by Sarah J. Mass
Paperback, 404 pages
Released: August 7th, 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository
*Paperback ARC provided by publisher for an honest review.

Synopsis via Goodreads:
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin, Celaena Sardothien, is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. 

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

~My Review~

In my opinion, this did not live up to all the hype. Sarah is a great writer; the details and the setting were convincing, and her characters were truly believable. However, I felt like there was too much talking and not enough doing. I went into this story thinking it was going to be an adventure from start to finish. Of course, I was expecting to get to learn about the main character and who she was in that particular period of time, but I was surprised by all the chapters it took to get things moving. There were times, in all honesty, I completely zoned out. I kept reading but nothing was connecting with me. Am I disappointed? partially, yes. But again, I do commend the author on her impeccable writing. She's a pro. It was a good story. However, the pace was a killer. 

Aside from that slowness, the romance aspect of the story was too obvious. It would've been even greater to keep us guessing. And Celeana's supposed to be this badass assassin, but for some reason I found her to be quite softened to the lavish life of royalty. Like, the way she'd complain in her head about looking unappealing was just...girlish. Or in fact, maybe beneath all that butt kicking was just a regular teen girl wanting to live a normal life? And also, if she's so super skilled, how come she fell so easily for a particular trap which I will not spoil for those who haven't read the book as yet. Anyways, all I'm saying is some things didn't add up even though, once again, the writing was wonderful. 

The story did get interesting towards the end but a bit too late in. Overall, I'm not even sure if I want to continue the series. But since I'm not one to give up based on the introduction, I just might be interested in finding out  how  Celaena's story end. 

16 comments:

  1. You know, Throne of Glass just doesn't appeal to me. But w/all the hype, I thought maybe there was something wrong w/me. This review makes me feel a little less ashamed of that. Sorry you didn't love it.

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    1. I know I thought maybe I was missing something too but it really isn't all that its made out to be, at least not to me. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. This one either fizzles or explodes. Kind of like Stormdancer. I want to check it out, Sorry it wasn't better for you. Thanks for the honest review.

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  3. I am hesitant to read this one, I have heard it's amazing and so good and I have also heard it's boring with no action. I really just need to read it to judge it for myself because every time I see it I think about getting it and then I think of all the reviews and change my mind lol.

    Kristin @ Young Adult Book Haven

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    1. You should read it, you might feel differently cause we all have different tastes.

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  4. Aww... I really liked this book though. But when I think again, you were right, the pace is a killer. But I live for the romance in the book, so it kind of redeemed itself because of Dorian and Chaol ;) But I'm glad you like it at least :) Thanks for the honest review! :)

    Fara @ Tumbling In Books

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  5. I actually didn't have a problem with the pacing, but I'm a big fan of fantasy, and I've been told by those who aren't that fantasy IS usually a lot slower. I guess I just don't notice because I'm so engaged by the story. I LOVED TOG! It was one of my favorite books this year, but I can see why it wouldn't appeal to everyone. I, for one, live for witty dialogue and banter, so that aspect made for one happy reader over here. Sorry this book wasn't all you expected!

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  6. Aww, that's too bad that you didn't love if. I've had it on my TBR list for a while and I will still give it a chance. I appreciate the honest review. Not everyone loves every book. Hope the next one is a winner for you! :)

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  7. It's a shame you really like this. Maybe the next one will grab you a little more. I might just wait till my library has this one. Great review..

    Jenea @ Books Live Forever

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  8. I actually gave this one 4 stars and I totally agree about Celaena. She wasn't as kick-butt as I thought she would be and I see all your other points too :) I'm sorry this one didn't live up to all the hype for you but I agree, Sarah is an amazing writer :)

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