Throne of Glass
You can’t be a romantasy fan and not have heard of the reigning queen Sarah J. Maas. I have not read a major pub book in a long time. In recent years, I typically read works from indie authors. Being that I am one as well, I like to support. But recently, I got a recommendation to read Rebecca Yarros’, Fourth Wing. I LOVED IT! I devoured Fourth Wing and quickly went on to Iron Flame. I LOVED IT!
After reading these two books, I was left wanting more. I got on social media and everyone, I mean everyone was gushing not only about Rebecca Yarros, but also Sarah J. Maas and the Maas Universe. I was intrigued. I went into the rabbit hole and was lured by the fandom. I mean, I saw posts of people dressing up like the characters from the books. How awesome is that?!
The Maas Universe is made up of three separate serieses. To my understanding, the story lines are separate, but they all happen in the same world. Further scrolling also indicated that there is a preferred reading order. After asking a prior reader for a recommendation of the Maas Universe, I went ahead and decided to dive in and start with Throne of Glass.
Hmm…. I started this book about a week and half ago? Normally, I would be finished by now and well on my way into book two or three. This series has eight books total (which I was excited about). But now? OMG! I am struggling to get through the first book. I want to stop reading, but I’m 21 chapters in, and I feel like my investment of time needs to have a pay off. But, good grief, I feel like I have to talk myself into getting back into the book. Let’s just say, I’m very happy, I didn’t drop money into buying the entire series.
Based on the 21 chapters I’ve read so far of Throne of Glass, the main story centers around the most badass assassin in the land. She’s legendary, but was betrayed (by at this point, an unknown betrayer), captured by a bad king who is systematically eliminating the land of all magic. She gets captured and is thrown in a brutal mining prison camp. She’s then taken out of the prison to take part in a competition to be the king’s Champion. She’s not crazy about the king, but takes the deal because if she wins, she also wins her freedom — after serving time as the Champion. Where I am in the book is in the middle of the competition.
I mean, look at the plot! It’s fantastic and should be full of action and mayhem. But, it’s been slow going. I don’t want to give spoilers, but actually at 21 chapters in, I don’t feel like I’ve read anything that’s made me go, “OMG!” No, it’s been pretty monotone.
I don’t know… I’m not willing to give up on this book yet. I was warned that it’s slow. I’ve read books with slow starts before, but things usually pick up. I’m not there yet with this book. But I am hopeful — with such a huge following, something good and exciting has to happen, right?
I feel like Dory the fish right now. “Just keep reading, just keep reading.”
I’ll keep reading and will post a part 2 of this review once I finish.
