Sarah J. Maas – Re-Read Fest

12th Apr 2021 belleinpagesLeave a comment

“To whatever end,” he whispered. Silver lined her eyes. “To whatever end.”

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas is the final instalment in the loooong, looong, loong, long storyline of Aelin Ashryver ~~Whitethorn~~ Galathynius and her band of pals all trying to get her on the throne. Basically. It was, in so many ways, the conclusion we all wanted. In other ways, it was not. This is an absolute mammoth of a book. It is so, so long. Now, I don’t mind that, usually. When I do mind it, is when a book could have been a bit shorter with a bit more critical editing. And as much as I love the world S. J. Maas has built and the narrative she has grown here, it needed that critical editing. For starters – there were definitely some typos in my copy of the book…

All that being said, I did cry multiple times reading this, had a wee giggle and numerous gazing out the windows trying to imagine certain conversations/dialogue/moments between the characters. Don’t trick yourself, we all do it. As with the other S J Maas books, this one lacked some major diversity and ‘shaking things up’ in the way of romantic interests. WHY is everyone getting married at 18/19/20/21?! WHY can anyone who is not portrayed as heterosexual only be bisexual, rather than homosexual? Weird.

But, again, all that being said, I don’t think this actually requires a long review. If you have started the Throne of Glass series, it is well worth persevering and reading the entire thing. And you wouldn’t be picking up this book unless you had already come that far. Every loose end is tied up within this. The pages are teeming with emotion, tensions are high and expectations both built and shattered. Every hinted story throughout the previous books has lead somewhere, and the majority of those ‘somewheres’ are very satisfying.

Aelin/Celaena is a fantastic heroine and arguably my favourite of all time (YES – even better than Feyre… if you know, you know). Her coined ‘motto’ of “will not yield” is really just all-encompassing of the characterisation, and as a now 24 year old, I wish wish WISH I had discovered her earlier so my younger self could have looked to her and used her as inspiration for how I should be living my life. Although, 24 year old Annabelle also learned a major thing or two and I will probably carry them with me forever. The other female characters within this also make a very worthy statement in terms of powerful protagonists and heroines, and for that, I would highly recommend this book to any young women, or men, who are looking to feel inspired, challenged and empowered by a series.

Also – this. This is the quote.

Aelin walked forward. Took Yrene Westfall by the hand to guide her to the front. Then Manon Blackbeak. Elide Lochan. Lysandra. Evangeline. Nesryn Faliq. Borte and Hasar and Ansel of Briarcliff. All the women who had fought by her side, or from afar. Who had bled and sacrificed and never given up hope that this day might come. “Walk with me,” Aelin said to them, the men and males falling into step behind. “My friends.”

Again, a wee PSA for you all though – this final book, and the past 3 probably are not YA anymore. No shockers there, this has a lot of romance in it and all the other parts of relationships that come with that. Tastefully done.

A definite 4 out of 5. The only thing that would have made this stronger is, yep. You guessed it! A near 1000 page book does not excuse bad editing!

Belle xo

Re-Read

Heir of Fire // Sarah J. Maas – Re-Read Fest

29th May 202023rd May 2020 belleinpagesLeave a comment

“She would light up the darkness, so brightly that all who were lost or wounded or broken would find their way to it, a beacon for those who still dwelled in that abyss. It would not take a monster to destroy a monster—but light, light to drive out darkness.”

Heir of Fire presented us with the magical world of Wendlyn, Doranelle and Rowan Whitethorn’s angst. What a dreamboat. It’s pretty obvious, following the events of Crown of Midnight, that Rowan has been brought into the mix as Celaena’s complete mirror reflection. He’s the new male protagonist (although there are many) and matches her word for word, strength for strength, weakness for weakness.

A running theme in S. J. Maas’ characterisation – Rowan has his own demons and these dictate and guide his actions. As the audience, we are also all still reeling after THAT plot twist/name reveal at the end of the previous book, and this novel provides clarity and closure to that. Celaena’s development throughout the entire series so far is pretty impressive but this is the most personal and defining we have seen so far.

We receive continuous perspective changes throughout this which is effective but slightly confusing. You really need to focus for this one. New characters are introduced (Manon Blackbeak; Elide Lochan; Aedion Ashryver) and their movements in both Ardalan and a shiny (or should I say, bleak) new setting, Morath, are smattered throughout Celaena’s progressive transformation alongside Rowan in Wendlyn. Dorian and Chaol also have altered perspectives throughout this and you can really feel the tension beginning to build up in preparation for what is bound to be a big finale.

All in all, really enjoyable and a solid 3 stars (in comparison to the other books within the Throne of Glass series). My appetite has been wetted and I’m excited to see where these lot go next!

Once again, READ THIS SERIES.

Re-Read

Crown of Midnight // Sarah J. Maas – Re-Read Fest

23rd May 202023rd May 2020 belleinpagesLeave a comment

“When you do, I want you to remember that it wouldn’t have made any difference to me. It’s never made any difference to me when it came to you. I’d still pick you. I’ll always pick you.”

I’m going to keep this quick, because if I’m honest, this is my least favourite Throne of Glass book. That is for 2 reasons mainly. 1) The events of this are heartbreaking and painful, I cry every time I read it. That is testament to S. J. Maas’ writing, and the plot of this story. It is remarkable when you find a book that makes you feel so deeply that you cry, the emotions connecting with you on that level to result in a physical reaction. But, I digress. 2) In hindsight, it does contain many plot-moving elements but it’s also a little bit dull. We’re within a setting we have experienced already, with characters we have also experienced already, and each and every one is slightly… stale? They don’t seem to DO much, apart from live it up in the castle.

For that reason, this gets 2 stars. Celaena undertakes her role as The King’s Assasin with all the fervour you would imagine of a trained assassin, which was one of my favourite elements of this book. She develops further with her relationships and there is a sense of comraderie built up which you can definitely see forming into strong undercurrents throughout the rest of the series. We are also introduced to the initial foundations of a rebellion looking for a certain long-lost queen. Little do we know, as readers, that this long-lost queen reveals herself at the end of this book (not a spoiler as it’s pretty intrinsic to the whole franchise). Dorian is depicted as the ever-galavanting Prince but a discovery of flaws fleshing out his own storyline begins to form, alongside that of Chaol. I already know what happens, but this did spark excitement inside me and I can’t wait to see how this plays out (and who with…).

Ultimately, this final 20% were the most interesting moment of the whole book (sorry!) for me. Definitely got filler vibes and second-book syndrome from this, however not enough to totally nullify my interest and I will be picking up the third in the series.

Re-Read

Throne of Glass // Sarah J. Maas – Re-Read Fest

15th Apr 202023rd May 2020 belleinpagesLeave a comment

“You could rattle the stars,” she whispered. “You could do anything, if you only dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That’s what scares you most.”

Hello! Okay, I admit it. I caved. With the current circumstances and international pandemic we are experiencing, I made a decision over the Easter Weekend. It had been coming for a while; with the release of Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood, my Maas appetite had been teased out. I first read the Throne of Glass series in early 2019 (so late to the game – I know?!) and soon after got through A Court of Thorns and Roses also. I think I got through all 10 books in about a month and a half? They were that good. I couldn’t believe I had gone so long having not discovered S. J. Maas or reading her work – however was also chuffed to bits that I had managed to wait long enough to binge all 7 books and then all 3 of ACOTAR. My confession here is this, though. I have a terrible habit of skim-reading books. I think it’s a skill I picked up throughout university and have unfortunately transferred it to my reading of books I actually enjoy!!!

From this, we hit the re-read desperation. 1 year on – I realise that I can’t remember HALF of what went down in ToG and ACOTAR because I skimmed them and read through so quickly! And so, here we are. The review series you never asked for, and hopefully never realised you wanted. Until you see what I have to say. Kicking us off – Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Throne of Glass

You know what? The first time I read this book – I gave it 3 stars. I have now bumped that up to 4. This is a fantastic debut novel for the Throne of Glass series. I didn’t realise it the first time, but I’m acknowledging it now.

Celeana is an absolute fiend, is she not?! Just, impeccable powerful female protagonist writing. I wish I was as forward, assertive, sassy and down-right no bullshit in character as her. Half her statements make me laugh out loud with a “Sheesh – slayed.” vibes. She is also intrinsically good, the Robin Hood of her series and utterly relatable (Not her assassin tendencies, obviously, but her emotions, relationships, desire for justification and righteousness!

Now, I’m not going to spoil this, but since I have read this series before I do know what the outcome of her relationships with Chaol and Dorian are. What this re-reading gave me was a different perspective on both characters and wanting a different outcome for them both. As Tower of Dawn (6th instalment in series) has such a frontal focus on Chaol, it was really Dorian who I saw in a different light and he is just dreamy. So sweet and I feel his story is going to be a great one. And one which, I’ll confess, I skimmed over the first time.

I think that’s the true beauty of S. J. Maas’ writing, with both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, she introduces so many characters in depth, with enticing story-lines and traits that are both fundamentally flawed and desirable at the same time. As such, I want to read this story, and every other, over and over again to focus and hone in on different characters and portrayals.

So excited to read the next one again. Crown of Midnight coming up!

TOP 10

TOP 10 OTP’s

3rd Feb 202028th Mar 2020 belleinpagesLeave a comment

I couldn’t not kick this off with indulging in my romantic self, could I?! OTP’s, also known as ‘One True Pairing’ are a derivative of ‘ships’. They are crucial to a successful romance story. And often the reason why I keep going back to a book series for the next installment. See below for my Top 10 so far – in no particular order. (Potential spoilers and artist credits have been applied where possible).

Feyre & Rhysand

I mean, are we really surprised? Feyre and Rhysand from Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses series are the ultimate enemy-to-lovers paradigm. And I love it!

Warner and Juliette

Another classic enemy-to-lover story, Warner and Juliette from Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi are, quite frankly, stunning. Their relationship blossoms over the course of the Shatter Me storyline and is empirical to both Warner and Juliette’s character development.

Thomas Cresswell & Audrey-Rose Wadsworth

Ooft. The Stalking Jack the Ripper series by Kerri Maniscalo was definitely one that got me out of a reading slump and I think it is all down to these two. The whole series is fab and all the better for them being in it.

Cresswell and Wadsworth – *Morgana0anagrom*

Adam & Ronan

From the moment these two were introduced I knew there was more than meets the eye… and there was! Just love them. The perfect contrasting couple from the most FANTASTIC YA fantasy series – The Raven Cycle.

Aelin and Rowan

Another on SJM couple – are you shocked, yet? There may be a theme here… I love Aelin and Rowan. ULTIMATE power couple. Their love stroy is a bit less mature than that shown within ACOTAR, however nonetheless gorgeous. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, READ THRONE OF GLASS.

Lou Le Blanc & Reid Diggory

A pretty fresh one for me, but Lou and Reid were the OTP I never knew I wanted (or needed!) I feel like Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin is one of those new cult classics within the fantasy genre and Lou and Reid’s relationship is just, lovely.

Thorne and Cress

From Marissa Meyer’s fairytale retelling bonanza series The Lunar Chronicles Thorne and Cress were the all-reigning couple that stole my heart! There were a lot of relationships going on in this series, and I did enjoy the development of all, but I think they get the ticket. Also a sci-fi series rather than fantasy made a nice change – I’m trying to expand!

Cartier & Brienna

I feel like The Queen’s Rising series doesn’t have the attention it so, SO deserves…! Cartier and Brienna’s relationship is fantastic, and their character writing is truly stunning. Brienna is defo the sassy heroine we should all aspire to be more like!

Mare & Cal

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard was the first book I read post-uni; the first one I read for leisure rather than essays, anyway! Mare and Cal (and actually Mare and Maven)’s turbulent relationship(s) made for a wild ride, and their story was pretty intense…

Fitzwilliam Darcy & Elizabeth Bennett

My forever favourite novel and pairing – Darcy and Bennett from Pride & Prejudice are the romance I have always wished for and think I have now found! It was a slow start for them but they got there in the end and Austen’s writing makes it magical when they do get together.

That’s it! Who are your all-time favourite OTP’s? I’m almost looking for new stories and romances to dig my teeth into so let me know!

Annabelle xo