Review: Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas

This review is spoiler free!

Publication Date: 23rd October 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 984 pages

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .
Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…
With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.
And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.
As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

There was a lot riding on this book - my re-read over the last few weeks had only highlighted that. Sarah had created such a sprawling complex world, peopled with incredible multi-faceted characters, and with such a layered and brilliant plot - followed with the mother of all endings for both "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn". I honestly didn't know how this book could provide a satisfying conclusion. How, with all of those expectations riding on it, could it live up to it?
Because Sarah is a damn fine writer, and this book showcases her skills extraordinarily, it totally surpassed all my hopes and dreams for it.

I was afraid that for whatever reason this final instalment might mar the series for me - might not manage to provide a satisfying resolution. So I was wary but excited going in, but quickly realised my fears were entirely unfounded.
It is a bittersweet, beautiful conclusion. Sure, it's heart-breaking and terrifying, and there are moments where you honest to god think it's all going to hell and there's no way anyone is getting out of this alive... But there are lighter moments too. Unexpected moments of humour that had me laughing out loud. Touching scenes that had me weeping. Thrilling moments that raised goose bumps on my arms and made me pause to catch my breath before continuing on. I savoured this book. I drew it out as long as I could bear, whilst desperately wanting to race through it, to find out what happens. 

There is heartbreak. There's devastation. Not everyone makes it through to the final pages. But that only serves to add to the overall emotion. The stakes feel very high and very real this time, and I genuinely wasn't certain at various points who would make it through, if this was finally it, if I were witnessing final desperate stands and breaths.

There are a few problems - no book is perfect. And I found myself flagging a bit before the final act because I felt almost a little bit cheated by how some things were being laid to play out. I want to talk about those properly, but not until the book has been out for a lot longer and spoilers are not so stressful. However whilst there were some issues, I didn't find that it ruined my enjoyment overall. I still loved the book, and felt it was a really wonderful conclusion to the series.

I haven't experienced the feeling of community that arose around this book since Harry Potter. Sharing updates with people, checking in at 'OH MY GOD' moments with friends. Swapping emotions and feelings and tears back and forth and feeling as though you're part of something whilst reading this. It's magic. It doesn't come around very often, but when it does it is something truly incredible to be part of.

This series has meant a lot to me. More than I will ever truly be able to articulate. I feel so incredibly grateful that all those years ago I had a parcel drop through my letterbox with a proof of Throne of Glass in, and a note from Bloomsbury saying to read it, they thought it was something pretty special.
It is a series that has developed and matured over the years, and offered me something new every time I go back and re-read it, and whilst this conclusion was satisfying and wonderful and I adore it, I am also bereft that this is it. There will be no more. I will miss this court and all those around them fiercely. I will come back to them again and again.

This is a fitting conclusion to the series. A beautiful final act. A bright beacon of hope in dark times, that reminds us to fight for a better world.

Books that have shaped me

Today, it's my birthday. Not only that, it is my thirtieth birthday which calls for some serious celebrations. It's also caused a lot of introspection, so I thought I would share some of the books that have had a huge impact on me over the last thirty years in one way or another. 
Some you will have heard me gushing about lots already, some may be new to you, but I whole heartedly recommend each and every one of these.

Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Of course this series is on here. These books defined a lot of growing up years for a lot of people, and I am no exception. They shaped a lot about my values, my beliefs, and the all healing power of chocolate - thanks Professor Lupin!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas
This book. I mean, all of Sarah's books have been important to me, but this one most of all. This was the first time that I had truly seen a character in a book that had been utterly broken, was trapped in an emotionally (and sometimes physically) abusive relationship, was suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and was at times suicidal. And she was the heroine. This was mind blowing for me, and I was so so glad that I had held off reading this book for a while, because it meant that I ended up reading it when I needed Feyre and her story the most. This book is incredibly important to me, so much so that I ended up getting a tattoo to mark the impact that it had on me. I will always love Sarah's work, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
There is something so incredibly magical about this book. It is unlike anything else Maggie has written, and it resonated so deeply with me when I first read it, and maintains that hold on me even now. It is a book I return to every autumn, called by the lure of Thisby, of the capal, of Puck and Sean and this slice of the world that holds so much of my heart, even though it is entirely fictional.
"I am so, so alive."

The Song of Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce
Widely documented on here as the beginning of my love affair with bad ass ladies and fantasy books, this series, that wee eleven year old Rosy discovered in her school library, honestly shaped the reader I would become. I still adore these books and go back to them frequently, and when I have kids I will introduce them to Alanna and George and show them how magical the world can be. That's the lasting power of an excellent book.

Fire by Kristin Cashore
All three of the Seven Kingdoms books had an impact on me, but none more so than Fire. She was so different to Katsa, the heroine in the first book. She was softer, coming to terms with her femininity, but no less strong or powerful for that. She was incredible in whole new ways, without sacrificing her hardness and determination when needed. She showcases an amplified version of the attention women experience everyday, and that reflection is hard and necessary to see. It is a beautiful book, an important book, and I cannot fully express how much I love it.

Landline by Rainbow Rowell
Another book that sat on my shelves for far too long, and I ended up picking it up at just the right moment. Landline caught me at a tipping point in my life, and helped me to look at what was important, to focus on what I needed, and wrenched such visceral emotions from me that I hadn't experienced reading a book in some time. I'm both curious and afraid to go back to it again, because I wonder how I would experience it this time.

Paris in Love by Eloisa James
I had already read and loved Eloisa's historical romance novels, but when I moved to France for two and a half years, I was suddenly completely adrift and sought comfort in books. This non-fiction account of Eloisa and her family's own time in Paris gave me just that. The bite size snippets of daily life made me focus on the beautiful aspects, to really appreciate the wonderful things that I was suddenly living with, and it completely changed my outlook on an initially terrifying experience.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Poetic, lyrical, beautiful - this book was unlike anything I had ever read before, and something about that really resonated with me. It's still a favourite I like to sink into. The magic, the love, the characters, the sheer beauty of this world. It is a gorgeous book that means the world to me.

It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn
This book changed my view on relationships and romance. Julia's books have all done that, but this one is where I started, so it seems fitting to mark it.
This was the first time I'd really seen adult relationships depicted where the shirtless hugging wasn't seen as some closeted dark thing to be hidden. These books celebrated it, they relished in it, and it opened young Rosy's eyes to all the possibilities in the world.

The Lynburn Legacy trilogy by Sarah Rees Brennan

It was really hard to choose just one book/series from Sarah, because all of them have had an impact on me in some way. My love affair with Sarah's work began around fifteen years ago (now that's a scary thought) when I first read her fan fiction. I eagerly followed her progress to publishing and buy multiple copies of every book she publishes (because they are guaranteed to be ones that I lend out to people saying READ THIS NOW). Her - her words, her story, had a huge impact on the shape of my life. It was because of her and her blog that I realised I might actually be able to write as part of my life instead of it being a pipe dream. It was because of her that I realised I could study Creative Writing at uni, and went on to do so. She inspires me, hugely. She is a truly incredible, wonderfully funny person, and her books have shaped me into the person I am today.

So there you have ten books that shaped me into the person I am today. Someone who has a house full of books and an unhealthy reading habit that results in too little sleep.

What books have helped shaped you?

Throne of Glass re-read: Tower of Dawn

Publication Date: September 5th 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 660 pages

In the next installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, follow Chaol on his sweeping journey to a distant empire.
Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.
His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.
But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

With the long anticipated release of "Kingdom of Ash" tomorrow, it seemed the perfect moment to post my re-read review for "Tower of Dawn", before I launch into the final book in the series. And it's such a unique and curious book in the series, for the first time following an entirely separate thread to Aelin's story, and focussing instead on one of the most polarizing characters in the series, Chaol.

There have been refrains of "do I really need to read this book, I don't like Chaol!" echoing through the internet since this book was first announced, and it still remains a hotly contested debate. My feeling has always been that if it was written and published, it's pretty essential. Would you skip one of the Harry Potter books if it was written from someone else's point of view? No. So I've always felt this is pretty important reading, and my feelings about that after finishing it again have only grown.

It's a slow start, and it's strange to suddenly be thrust into a story that Aelin has no obvious part in. She's still there, in the odd reports that filter back to Chaol, in his thoughts and his actions. She's like a spectre (which given the ending of Empire of Storms is only more distressing guys) hanging over the story in her inadvertent actions with Yrene in TAB, and in the impact that she has had on Chaol.

And let's talk about Chaol. He has been through so much over these books, and I love the growth and character development that Maas has put him through. He's grown up in a very rigid world view, and he's had almost everything he believed to be true broken down and ripped away from him. Sure he didn't react in the best way to some things, but that's because he's human. None of us are perfect, and how flawed Chaol is only serves to make him more interesting as a character.
His growth over the course of this book is particularly poignant, and has made me even more excited for his reunion with the others in the final book.

I loved Yrene, she's an excellent addition to the pantheon of characters, and one who helps to balance Chaol beautifully. She is one of many fascinating character's we're introduced to in this book, and honestly the thought of everyone coming together for the last hurrah makes me so excited.

This additional space and time to add depth to the world building, and provide crucial information is incredibly important. Some of the bombs Maas drops on us in these pages had me gasping out loud - there are some real game changers folded into this story and they are incredibly exciting.

All in all this is a worthy addition to the series. It picks up speed the further into the story you get, and it's an incredible, fraught and brilliant story that helps to move the final pieces into place for the showdown in the finale.
I love it, and I cannot recommend it enough. Should you read this book, absolutely yes. If you've not yet picked it up, get on it now before you start "Kingdom of Ash", you'll regret it if you don't.

Throne of Glass re-read: Queen of Shadows

Publication date: 1st September 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 645 pages

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .
She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.
Celaena’s epic journey has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions across the globe. This fourth volume will hold readers rapt as Celaena’s story builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world. 

You know, after re-reading this one, I think this might be my favourite book of the series. It's a tough call, but oh my word this book is truly EPIC. I get chills every time I read the last quarter, as everything kicks into an insanely high gear and the world goes to hell and it's all AMAZING.

Whilst "Heir of Fire" is the point where you realise that this series is about so much more than you originally thought, "Queen of Shadows" is the point where everything kicks off and you end up flinging yourself head first into the story whilst everything goes horribly wrong and horribly right and you realise that this, THIS, is what you've been waiting for and building to.

There's something about being back in Rifthold again, getting all of the major players together, unfolding these relationships that have been building both on and off the page for several books, that makes this book fly. I adore how centred Aelin is in this book, I love seeing more of how her mind works and her plans unfold. I love the number of OH DAMN moments where I stop breathing as I desperately read to find out what will happen next. I love the relationship that builds between her and Lysandra because dammit the world needs more female friendships, and whilst I loved Nehemia, there's something really wonderful and equal about the relationship between Lysandra and Aelin.

I love that no-one is entirely good or bad, I love the shades of grey that creep into every character. I love that we get to see more of these character's fleshed out. We get more of Chaol's complete break down in preparation for him to be built back up even greater than before in "Tower of Dawn", I love Aedion and the history between them and the new facets that show with Aelin as a result of their interactions. And I love Rowan. I've always loved Rowan, but I think I'm appreciating him even more this time around.

Basically this is one big love fest. I knew I was going to enjoy this re-read, I'd been carefully holding off going back to the series in preparation for exactly this splurge just before the final book, but I'd never really appreciated how much I would enjoy it. It's been such a joy to re-experience these books, in some cases for the first time since my first read of them. To get to really savour the characters and know a vague idea of where the story is going, that only serves to highlight just how good the writing and storytelling is.

If you've struggled to get into this series, I cannot recommend enough pushing through and getting to this point, because the pay off is glorious. I adore this series, there is so much depth to it, so many layers to unpack, and I am clearly going to end up crying like a small child when I finish "Kingdom of Ash". But for now, I'm on to "Empire of Storms" where I will be happy and joyful crushed anew by the emotional turmoil experienced within those pages...

Throne of Glass re-read: Heir of Fire

Publication Date: September 11th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 562 pages

Consumed by guilt and rage, Celaena can't bring herself to spill blood for the King of Adarlan. She must fight back...
The Immortal Queen will help her destroy the king - for a price. But as Celaena battles with her darkest memories and her heart breaks for a love that could never last, can she fulfil the bargain and head the almighty court of Terrasen? And who will stand with her?

Continuing with my series re-read before the (EVER APPPROACHING) release of "Kingdom of Ash" (LESS THAN A MONTH GUYS) I went into "Heir of Fire" for my very first re-read since it was released.
My feelings about this book were complicated the first time around. I was still under the impression that the series would only be a trilogy (so glad that was incorrect) and it meant that I was permanently frustrated whilst reading at the lack of story movement and all the threads that were tantalising me and refusing to be tied up neatly. It just felt wrong, and once I discovered that there were more books to come that was completely fine, but it did mar the initial reading for me.

So this was a fresh start of sorts. My expectations for it being the end of the series having lifted, I was able to go into this book with very little recollection of what happens (it's been four years...) ready to fall in love with it. So many people have said that this book was where they truly fell for this series, when all of their feelings exploded into full blown adoration for the books. And when I recommend this series I do give a warning that people should push through to book 3 before deciding whether they like the series or not. They usually fall in love before that.

I think the combination this time was just right. Lack of expectations, barely any recollection of the storyline for this instalment, and being a few years older and having had different life experiences created the perfect blend for me to truly fall in love. I relished this story, experiencing it as though for the first time, as I wept and raged with Celaena and watched her break down and rebuild herself back up again. It was a truly extraordinary thing to read, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I got a bit teary and goosebumpy by the end.

This is the first time that we really see the story diverge into multiple different threads, and whilst it's sad to be out of that bubble of Celaena's world in Rifthold, Maas handles the transition deftly and makes you care for every single person you follow. It's a sign of the growing world, the expanding layers that are being peeled back in the story. This is no longer the story of a girl assassin who was enslaved. This is an epic that crosses time and countries and wraps so many incredible characters up in its grasp.

And Celaena herself - oh how my heart broke for her. She is such an incredibly complex character, and the growth that we see from her in this book alone is staggering. It truly cements Maas as a writer to be watched. She has now shown in both her series' her ability to create stunningly real characters, and to show how broken they can become through their experiences. We do not get enough representation of depression, grief, anxiety, PTSD etc. in YA fiction, and I love that she isn't afraid to tackle that, and to do so sensitively and well. She shows that things can break you, but you can be reforged, you can rebuild yourself, and that is a truly incredible thing to see in fiction. 
These books are important to so many people, myself included, and I think that that is a good portion of the reason for that.

Yes, the book is slower than some of the others in the series, but it makes sense. It allows you to take time to get to know Celaena and her traumas and her past. To truly unwrap this character and allow the reader to understand her. No longer is she a spoiled and whiny teenager, she is forged into something stronger, more enduring, and is utterly incredible to watch.

In short, I loved it. I'm so glad I'd given myself so much time before coming back to it, to allow myself to almost experience it for the first time again. It's the turning point in the series, the moment when you realise that Maas has been putting the pieces in place for a much bigger game than you realised, and that this series is going to be something truly remarkable.

Books I'm Squeeing About in October

It's birthday month in the Review Diaries household! (Well, my birthday, and really that's the most important one...) So it's not only an epic book purchasing month (my husband knows me well...) but it also means that I'm going to have to change my bio because I will no longer be a twenty something book blogger. Dum dum duh.

But there are some truly awesome books hitting the shelves this month which will help to ease that transition.

Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor

October 2nd 2018

In the wake of tragedy, neither Lazlo nor Sarai are who they were before. One a god, the other a ghost, they struggle to grasp the new boundaries of their selves as dark-minded Minya holds them hostage, intent on vengeance against Weep.
Lazlo faces an unthinkable choice—save the woman he loves, or everyone else?—while Sarai feels more helpless than ever. But is she? Sometimes, only the direst need can teach us our own depths, and Sarai, the muse of nightmares, has not yet discovered what she's capable of.
As humans and godspawn reel in the aftermath of the citadel's near fall, a new foe shatters their fragile hopes, and the mysteries of the Mesarthim are resurrected: Where did the gods come from, and why? What was done with thousands of children born in the citadel nursery? And most important of all, as forgotten doors are opened and new worlds revealed: Must heroes always slay monsters, or is it possible to save them instead?

Confession time, I've not yet read Strange the Dreamer, but I've heard so many wonderful things about it, and I've adored all of Laini's previous books, that this is an auto buy for me. I'm really looking forward to having both books on my shelf, partly because oh my god those covers, and partly so that I can storm through both books without a break.

Two Dark Reigns by Kendare Blake

October 4th 2018

The battle has been fought, blood has been spilt and a queen has been crowned, but not all are happy with the outcome.
Katharine, the poisoner queen, has been crowned and is trying to ignore the whispers that call her illegitimate, undead, cursed.
Mirabella and Arsinoe have escaped the island of Fennbirn, but how long before the island calls them back?
Jules is returning to Fennbirn and has become the unlikely figurehead of a revolution threatening to topple Katharine's already unsteady rule.
But what good is a revolution if something is wrong with the island itself?

Urgh, this series. It completely blew me away with the first book. I adored it so much, and then the second book was brilliant too, and frankly I have been desperate to read this third book ever since I turned the last page in the second. It's brutal, it's brilliant, it sucks you in and that's it, there's no escape. It's just that good. Plus the marketing for book one was genius and was what first caught my attention - three different covers, one for each sister, so you could choose your allegiance. Brilliant.

Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria

October 9th 2018

In the city of Eldra, people are ruled by ancient prophecies. For centuries, the high council has stayed in power by virtue of the prophecies of the elder seers. After the last infallible prophecy came to pass, growing unrest led to murders and an eventual rebellion that raged for more than a decade. 

In the present day, Cassa, the orphaned daughter of rebels, is determined to fight back against the high council, which governs Eldra from behind the walls of the citadel. Her only allies are no-nonsense Alys, easygoing Evander, and perpetually underestimated Newt, and Cassa struggles to come to terms with the legacy of rebellion her dead parents have left her — and the fear that she may be inadequate to shoulder the burden. But by the time Cassa and her friends uncover the mystery of the final infallible prophecy, it may be too late to save the city — or themselves. 

This is an example of Bookstagram at work. I saw the cover, I found the description, I was intrigued so it went on my October list. I know nothing else, but I'm very excited to find out.

Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

October 9th 2018

The biggest lie of all is the story you think you already know.
The del Cisne girls have never just been sisters; they’re also rivals, Blanca as obedient and graceful as Roja is vicious and manipulative. They know that, because of a generations-old spell, their family is bound to a bevy of swans deep in the woods. They know that, one day, the swans will pull them into a dangerous game that will leave one of them a girl, and trap the other in the body of a swan.
But when two local boys become drawn into the game, the swans’ spell intertwines with the strange and unpredictable magic lacing the woods, and all four of their fates depend on facing truths that could either save or destroy them. Blanca & Roja is the captivating story of sisters, friendship, love, hatred, and the price we pay to protect our hearts.

I've really enjoyed McLemore's previous novels, and her haunting and lyrical "When the Moon was Ours" has stayed with me in the back of my mind to be remembered at odd moments. I'm hoping that I'll experience that same beauty and magic with her latest.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

October 11th 2018

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price–and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone…
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.

Why do you have this book on your list Rosy? Surely you've already read and loved this book when it first came out? You are correct dear reader, but this version is pretty and beautiful, and I need it, and by this point my husband is used to the fact that I sometimes require several beautiful copies of the same book...

Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J Maas

October 23rd 2018

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…
With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.
And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.
As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

I can't believe the journey is nearly over. From that very first page, when I sat down with my (now very battered) ARC of Throne of Glass, I have been completely hooked on this story. It has grown and evolved and become such a complex and layered story, and I am so not ready to see it be over. But at the same time, my heart was in pieces after the ending of Empire of Storms, so some closure and possible heart mending (along with a whole new load of heart break) is going to be a good thing. Plus Maas has confirmed that Fleetfoot is safe, so it can't be all tragedy...

Given that the final book of the month is Kingdom of Ash, please send tissues in preparation for November's book list. 

What are you excited about reading this month?

Throne of Glass re-read: Crown of Midnight

Publication Date: August 15th 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 418 pages

Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapon. She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celaena fakes, every lie she tells, put those she loves at risk.
Torn between her two protectors - a captain and a prince - and battling a dark force far greater than the king, Celaena must decide what she will fight for: her liberty, her heart or the fate of a kingdom...

And so the re-read continues, with for some people perhaps one of the less loved instalments in the series. Yet I really love this book, and that feeling held even on this re-read and knowing what's to come.
It's a truly impressive sequel, with Maas taking what she's built in the first book and developing it further as well as chucking romance and a terrifying mystery into the mix.

We also start to see the start of one of the things I particularly love about her stories, she gives her heroines the chance to grow, evolve, and for their loves to change with them. There's none of this 'true love and that's it, straight off with the first person you meet'. No Maas allows her characters to fall in and out of love, for circumstance to change feelings, and her characters to not be slut shamed for having multiple love interests over the course of their lives. It was something I first came across with Tamora Pierce in the Alanna quartet, and it makes me stupidly happy to see Maas allowing her characters the same freedom in her series.

Maas takes her time with this series, to progress character development and take her time unveiling the layers and facets to this world and the arcs she has plotted for everyone, and I just love revelling in that. This book is filled with some gasp worthy moments, as well as a fair dollop of heart break and tragedy. But it all feels so real, and that is a mark of a truly brilliant story.

I enjoyed getting to see more of Rifthold, to see what being the King's Champion means, and on this re-read paying particular attention to the little clues that Maas peppers the story with pertaining to the characters and what's to come for them.

I'd forgotten how much I love this series, it's been a while since I've let myself go back and revisit it, and I'm really enjoying seeing that my love hasn't changed with the break, more it has evolved and I now find things that used to frustrate me bother me less, and I can appreciate some aspects of the characters that I never fully embraced before.

This is an incredible series, one that deserves all the recognition it has garnered over the years. If you've been hesitant about picking it up let this be the nudge to get you started. I cannot recommend them enough, and there's nothing quite like spending time with these characters.

Throne of Glass re-read: The Assassins Blade

Publication Date: March 13th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 430 pages

Celaena Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.
Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever...
Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine and find out how the legend begins in the five page-turning prequel novellas to the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.

With the upcoming release of the final book in the Throne of Glass series on October 23rd, it seemed like an excellent excuse to go back for a full re-read of the series, partly because who really needs an excuse? And partly because this is such a complex, well plotted series, that I really need a bit of a refresher before diving into the final behemoth. (over 900 pages!)

I haven't touched the prequel novellas since they were first released as individual e-books, mostly because Celaena at 16 is a spoilt and irritating brat. I found her incredibly difficult to deal with at that age. This highlights a) what a good writer Maas is to fully capture the arrogance and insistence of being an adult that can come at that age (I remember that well for myself...) and b) the incredible character development that Maas puts her through over the course of the series. Because that character development is a masterpiece, and should be praised as such.

So going in on my re-read I was prepared for annoying!Celaena, which helped, because the first time I really, really wasn't and I struggled to enjoy the stories as a result. It's fascinating to get these glimpses into life pre-Endovier, and it's really lovely to see some of the characters and story threads get set up so early, to then have such a pay off in later books. It's a master class in the long game of plotting and storytelling.

Some people question whether the books are necessary to read, and what order you should read them in. Firstly, they're not necessary, you can get by perfectly well without having the information conveyed in these stories, because Maas fills you in on the really important bits when they become relevant. But it's really lovely to see these stories and threads and then watch them play out their repercussions over the series.
Secondly, I wouldn't recommend reading these first when approaching the series. Yes chronologically they are, but I think if you are faced with sixteen year old Celaena straight off, I think a lot of people would find that off putting and wouldn't continue the series. Start with Throne of Glass, and come back to this book at a later date when you've already fallen in love with the series - you'll appreciate it much more at that point.

I've also found it fascinating to go back and re-read my original review and see that a lot of my initial feelings still stand, but that the furthering of the series has mellowed a lot of my feelings, and proven that Maas is truly a writing force to be reckoned with.

Check back later for my re-read review of Throne of Glass!

Review: Catwoman - Soulstealer by Sarah J Maas

Publication Date: August 9th 2018
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 384 pages

When the Bat's away, the Cat will play. It's time to see how many lives this cat really has...
Two years after escaping Gotham City's slums, Selina Kyle returns as the mysterious and wealthy Holly Vanderhees. She quickly discovers that with Batman off on a vital mission, Batwing is left to hold back the tide of notorious criminals. Gotham City is ripe for the taking.
Meanwhile, Luke Fox wants to prove he has what it takes to help people in his role as Batwing. He targets a new thief on the prowl who seems cleverer than most. She has teamed up with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, and together they are wreaking havoc. This Catwoman may be Batwing's undoing.
In this third DC Icons book - following Leigh Bardugo's Wonder Woman: Warbringer and Marie Lu's Batman: Nightwalker--Selina is playing a desperate game of cat and mouse, forming unexpected friendships and entangling herself with Batwing by night and her devilishly handsome neighbour Luke Fox by day. But with a dangerous threat from the past on her tail, will she be able to pull off the heist that's closest to her heart?

Confession time again, I've not yet read the first two books in the DC Icons series, despite having them sat looking pretty on my bookshelf. Which may well answer your first question - do I need to have read the other DC Icons books before starting this? The answer is no, this stands on its own two feet, whilst still being based in the same world that the others inhabit, which is nice because you can read them in any order and dip in and out as you fancy.

Maas has long been a favourite author of mine, so it was her name on the cover that had me excited more than this sudden desire by DC to make these characters appeal to a young adult audience (although that's also awesome, but secondary at this moment). I've enjoyed all her original characters and I was looking forward to seeing her put her own mark on Selina Kyle, because bad ass assassin of the night? This has Sarah J Maas written all over it. 

It didn't have a lot of the depth and complexity that I've come to expect from Maas, but it was still a very enjoyable read. Selina was a curious character, remarkably simple at heart with her desire to protect her sister, but with a fascinating moral greyness that makes you root for her even when she's robbing people and taking names. She's a delight to cheer on, and her friendship with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn only accentuates that. Stand out moment has to be the first heist the three women pull, which someone needs to commit to film asap because it is glorious.

If you're a fan of Maas then you'll enjoy this, but don't expect to be blown away by it - it doesn't have the time or possibility to truly let her trademark complex plotting and characters come to fruition. If you're a fan of superheroes and villains then you'll definitely enjoy it. And if you just like picking up well written young adult books then it's definitely one you shouldn't miss. It's enjoyable, well written, surprisingly fun at times, and an excellent example of a super hero/villain romp done well.

Top Ten Books You Need to Read Right This Second to Help Your Queen of Shadows Book Hangover

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by the lovely folks over at 'The Broke and the Bookish'. Want to join in? Follow the Link!

Having withdrawal from the lack of Aelin in your life? I think a lot of us are experiencing a rather huge bookish hangover after Queen of Shadows, so that got me thinking about all the books that I wanted to read because of similarities, assassins, fantasy worlds and brilliant writing. So without further ado, my top ten books you should really get onto to help get you through the next year of waiting.

If You Loved... 

The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas

You Need to Read... 

The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce
This is the series that first got me into fantasy books way back when I was but a little wide eyed eleven year old who was attempting to read all the books in the school library, and I can pinpoint this series as being the one that set my love of fantasy off. Kickass heroine who won't let her being a girl stop what she wants to do with her life, a brilliantly real and detailed fantasy world, plus a whole heap of magic.


His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin La Fevers
Heroines with a healthy dose of murder? No problem. These three ladies each have a book of their own in the trilogy and all three of them are deadly. If your favourite aspects of Throne of Glass are the murderous sassy ladies, with a hint of utterly gorgeous romance then these books need to go to the top of your to read pile asap.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman
Seraphina may be more comfortable playing with an instrument rather than a weapon, but if you're after a detailed an fascinating fantasy world then this is one of the best. There isn't any magic, but there are dragons. Seriously, actual dragons. I think that kinda balances it out. Plus the writing is gorgeous.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R R Martin
The fantasy world with the politics, intrigue, machinations and murder that come along with it are what you want more of? Look no further than the books that the show Game of Thrones is based upon. They're hefty tomes so they can look daunting, but they are chock full of brilliant writing, complex characters, murder, mayhem and power plays.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Kind of an obvious one but always worth mentioning. Maas has started a whole new series, so if you're simply after another fix of Maas and her fantastic writing then look no further than this book.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore
So you like your heroines with a healthy dose of murder? Katsa is definitely one you need to get to know. There are three books in this trilogy, but Katsa is definitely the most murderous. All three ladies are fascinating, complex and very very different, plus there is magic in the form of Graces, beautifully constructed fantasy realms and some truly gorgeous prose.

Scarlet Trilogy by A C Gaughen
Less murderous than Katsa but still highly skilled with her knives, this gender-twisted Will Scarlet offers a fresh and beautiful retelling of the Robin Hood story. It's one of the most gorgeously written stories I've had the pleasure of reading, with a wonderful strong, feisty and determined heroine at its heart. This series is a definite favourite as we get to know Scarlet from knife wielding girl disguised as a boy to the woman she becomes as her past is revealed.

The Study Series by Maria V Snyder
I cannot believe how long ago the first book 'Poison Study' was published, because it shows just how long I've been reading it and loving it. Another book that rekindled my love of fantasy worlds and the people and politics that come along with magic, if you're after another 'magic is bad' fight like we've been seeing in Throne of Glass, then this series is a must read.

The Bekka Cooper Trilogy by Tamora Pierce
I picked this trilogy because of the setting, right in the heart of the city of Corus, which reminded me a lot of Rifthold, plus Bekka is part of the guards, so any Chaol fans will love her. However this could easily be any of Tamora Pierce's books and series because she is the official queen of fantasy children's and YA as far as I'm concerned. You want magic? Complex and interesting characters? Feisty and strong heroines? Interesting fantasy worlds? Diversity in every book? Seriously, look no further than Tamora Pierce.

The Girl of Fire & Thorns Trilogy by Rae Carson
Another diverse and brilliant fantasy world with a breathtaking plot and a complex heroine. Elisa may not be as badass with a sword as Celaena, but she is strong and powerful in her own ways, and watching her grow over the course of the books is so wonderful. This is another stunning series.

So there you have it, the top ten books or series that you should be stockpiling to see you through the bookish hangover left after reading 'Queen of Shadows'. It's going to be a long wait for the next book, but these will help get you through. And when you make your way through all of these there's always re-reading the Throne of Glass series on repeat...