Kingdom of Ash – Sarah J. Maas | A Book Review

Title: Kingdom of Ash

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy (New Adult)

About the book: It’s the final book in the Throne of Glass series. Aelin Galathynius is captured by Maeve, and her friends are scattered across the continent. They come together to fight in a battle for a better world.

First impressions: I’ve read the other books, so I wanted to know how the series would end. I’m a fan of the title and cover. The beginning with Aelin being tortured is dark and explores some difficult themes.

Characters: There are many different characters as well as relationships. Aelin, Elide, Yrene, and Manon resonated with me the most. I appreciate all the development and growth, but I would’ve liked more diversity and representation.

Quote:

“She was done making herself appear nice for men whom she had no interest in being nice to.”

Writing: The book is almost 1,000 pages, so it’s a long and slow read. I like how Maas tells the story from several alternating viewpoints. That said, I found certain storylines held my attention better than others. There are some sexual and graphic scenes as well.

Final thoughts: In my opinion, the ending isn’t too surprising or unexpected. I anticipated that some characters would die while most would survive. A lot of them are coupled up in the end, but I wouldn’t have minded if some of romantic relationships were just friendships instead.

If you want to read a high fantasy with plenty of magic and romance, check out Kingdom of Ash. In order to follow along, I’d recommend reading the rest of the books first. Although this novel isn’t for everyone, I enjoyed the happy and heartbreaking moments.

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Tower of Dawn – Sarah J. Maas | A Book Review

Title: Tower of Dawn

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy

About the book: It’s the sixth book in the Throne of Glass series. The story mainly revolves around Chaol Westfall who suffered an injury that leaves him unable to walk. He travels to Antica in hopes of having a healer help him recover. However, Yrene Towers doesn’t want to work with him at first for her own personal reasons. With war on the horizon, Chaol and Nesryn try to convince the rulers in the southern continent to forge an alliance together.

First impressions: I read the previous novels a while ago, so I was looking forward to continuing the series. The beginning sets the stage for the rest of the story with its world-building and character description.

Characters: To be honest? I was more invested in Chaol and Yrene’s storyline than Nesryn’s. That being said, I think the author did a good job introducing each individual as well as interweaving different perspectives throughout the novel.

Quote:

“I let other people walk all over me just because I was too afraid of the consequences for refusing.”

Writing: The book is almost 700 pages long, but it’s well-written. I especially enjoyed the banter and dialogue between characters. There are also difficult issues explored and nature scenes included.

Final thoughts: I liked the ending. It moves at a fast pace and leaves readers wondering what will happen next.

If you are a fan of fantasy mixed with romance, check out the series. I would recommend reading the books in order and picking up Tower of Dawn before the last book.

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Pick One: Book Characters

While writing my Pick One: Book Series blog post, I was inspired to pit fictional characters against each other. Enjoy!

Peeta or Gale? Hunger Games 

They’re both cool characters. Younger Herminia just thought Gale was cooler.

Edward or Jacob? Twilight 

Probably Jacob. I’m old, but I believe younger me was a bigger fan of the latter.

Dorian or Chaol? Throne of Glass

I liked Chaol’s character and his relationship with Celaena.

Rhysand or Tamlin? A Court of Thorns and Roses

Rhysand. He was more interesting to me even in the first book.

Darrow or Sevro? Red Rising

Darrow is amazing, but Sevro is somehow even more amazing. But I love them to pieces.

Minho or Newt? The Maze Runner

Minho in the books, Newt in the movies. So much got lost in the film adaptations. It’s such a shame.

Brenda or Theresa? The Maze Runner

Theresa in both the books and movies. She had greater depth to her character.

John or Robert Puller? John Puller

Robert. I’ve said this before, and I’m going to say it again: I love the older brother’s brain. I need a series that exclusively follows him everywhere.

Safiya or Iseult? The Witchlands

Iseult. She helped me remember the word, homeostasis, which I coincidentally learned in my biotechnology class. That’s enough to win me over. I have low expectations, okay.

Clary or Isabelle? The Mortal Instruments

Isabelle all the way. She’s one of the few characters I grew fonder of.

This was such a struggle to write. I hope you appreciate my suffering.

Pick One: Book Series

I force myself to choose between book series to figure out which ones I love with my broken heart.

Hunger Games or Divergent?

Considering I read all three books of the former and I only read the first book for the latter, it’s no contest. The Hunger Games takes the cake. I’m not usually a big fan of love triangles, but Gale and Peeta didn’t annoy me. Maybe I also need to do a post where I pick between two characters. That’ll be fun.

Twilight or Thirst?

The latter. It’s not as well known, but I enjoyed reading Christopher Pike’s novels in high school. I finished all of the Twilight books in 22 days, something I don’t do very often nowadays. By something I mean I don’t read a whole series all at once in such a short span of time. I miss the good old days where I had no responsibilities.

Throne of Glass or A Court of Thorns and Roses?

The Throne of Glass novels will always have a special place in my heart because I started that series first. But also because I love the characters so much it’s not even funny.

The Maze Runner or The Mortality Doctrine?

I read all the books in the former and only The Eye of Minds for the latter. I even watched The Maze Runner and The Scorch Trial films alone because I have no friends.

Lorien Legacies or Legend?

Legend. I’ve been trying to pit similar series together or books written by the same author. This one is slightly questionable. I digress. I liked Legend. I didn’t like I Am Number Four.

The Ender Quintet or Red Rising?

There isn’t a series that can rival my love for Red Rising, despite my four star ratings on GoodReads. Take those with a grain of salt. I’m all over the place and have yet to get my act together. I’m not sure how I’m 20 years old.

Writing this post has made me realize how many series I haven’t read but need to. And that my memory is bad (re: I am 20, so old; did you get that memo?).

Let me know your picks down below!

Plan Your Perfect Author Panel

Not long ago, I watched an author panel about genre blending. It got me thinking how awesome it’d be if I could gather all my favourite authors in the same room and listen to them talk about writing.

Here’s how I imagine my perfect panel:

Who would be there?

Pierce Brown, Stephen King, Sarah J. Maas, and Jodi Picoult. They’re my favourite storytellers as of right now.

Why these authors in particular?

In general, I love all of their work.

I enjoyed Brown’s Red Rising series, even though it shattered my already broken heart. So now I’m eagerly awaiting Iron Gold. In fact, IG is the first book I ever preordered. Also, Brown was in the genre blending panel, and his comments were spot on. The video is on YouTube for anyone interested.

King is king. I’ve said it before. I’ll say it again. This won’t be the last time, my friends. For some reason, I have this irrational fear I won’t like one of his novels. He still continues to surpass any and all expectations of mine. Carrie has a special place in my heart. The film adaption was not as good as the book but it wasn’t bad either.

I didn’t think I would like Throne of Glass by Maas as much as I did. The hype surrounding the books almost made me pass on it. I’m glad I didn’t.

Fortunately, I found and fell in love with House Rules. Then I proceeded to read all the Picoult novels I could get my hands on. Nineteen Minutes and The Pact stand out in my memory still to this day.

What will the panel be about?

To start, I’d want them to talk about their writing journey.

I even have questions prepared. When did you start writing? What made you become a writer? Why do you write? What’s a typical day in your life like? Where do you work? How do you write? What’s the easiest thing about your job? What is the hardest?

I’m a curious writer myself, so I like listening to other writers share their life stories.

Of course, if I could only ask one question, I’d have them answer this: what’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Where would the panel take place? 

I wish more book events and conferences were held in the wonderful country of Canada. As much as I love the United States and hope to visit the United Kingdom one day, I can’t book a plane ticket without losing an arm or a leg. Probably both.

So, for obvious reasons, I’d want the panel to be held at a location near me. That way I could actually attend and keep all my limbs. In my dreams, I want to go to a Canadian book conference. Preferably downtown Toronto in a large building with awesome views of the skyline. Bonus points if it’s close to a hotel for those flying in from other countries with their two arms and legs.

When would the panel take place?

A weekend in the summer would be ideal. Or during autumn when the temperature is cool but not chilly. Then again, the panel will be inside an air conditioned room. But I’m all for having fun events take place outdoors. Beggars can’t be choosers, but planners can be picky, right?

Who should moderate?

I’m not sure. Perhaps another writer. Maybe an agent or an editor. I don’t have anyone specific in mind.

I want to hear all about your dream author panel. Let me know in a comment down below or create your own blog post and get carried away like me. I won’t judge.

Thanks to Eventbrite for inspiring this post. They are a self-service ticketing platform that helps people find and plan events like book conferences or author panels.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Completing The 30 Books Challenge

1. A book you love:

Morning Star by Pierce Brown

I love this book with all my heart. And I’m trying to make other people love it too.

2. A book you can’t forget:

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

My grade five teacher recommended it to me. Bless her for doing so.

3. A book that motivated you:

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

King makes me want to be a better writer.

4. A book that made you think about life:

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

It’s thought-provoking.

5. A book with a colour in its title:

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

I adore Brown and his brain.

6. A book with a number in its title:

Zone One by Colson Whitehead

I had to read it for school, but I liked the modernized zombie tale.

7. A book everyone needs to read:

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Timeless classic. What more can I say?

8. A book that was recommended to you:

All the Rage by Courtney Summers

A good friend of mine made me pick this one up.

9. A book you didn’t expect to like as much as you did:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Because of the hype surrounding Maas and her work, I thought I wasn’t going to like her novels. But I enjoyed ToG so very much.

10. A book that made you cry:

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

It didn’t directly make me cry, but I was holding the book while I cried. Does that count?

11. A book that reminds you of your childhood:

The Giver by Lois Lowry

I was a naïve child.

12. A book you have reread or would reread:

Thirst No. 4 by Christopher Pike

I reread the fourth book prior to reading the fifth in order to jog my memory. The second read through was just as good, if not even better than the first.

13. A book that was turned into a movie:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I read the book before I watched the movie. If you know me at all, you know I’m firmly in the camp that the book was obviously better.

14. A book you wish was turned into a movie or TV show:

The Escape by David Baldacci

This needs to be made into a movie.

15. A book you couldn’t put down:

Endgame: The Calling by James Frey

Action-packed fun.

16. A book that kept you up at night:

The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

I remember finishing the novel late at night and being blown away by the ending.

17. A book you travelled with:

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

I carried the novel in my bag with a water bottle I didn’t close properly. Safe to say water and paper don’t mix unless you’re painting with watercolours.

18. A book you wanted to toss across the room:

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Because of how it ends.

19. A book you received as a gift:

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

From my one and only older brother. Thanks.

20. A book you gave or would give as a gift:

The Elements of Style by E. B. White and William Strunk Jr.

I would give it as a gift, especially to someone who likes writing.

21. A book you think is underrated:

Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

I don’t see or hear many people talk about Norris and her books.

22. A book that lived up to its hype:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I didn’t think it would, but it did.

23. A book that broke your heart:

House Rules by Jodi Picoult

It was my first Picoult novel. I’m happy to say it was not the last. I really felt for the characters in this one.

24. A book that restored your faith in humanity:

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Young, awesome characters tend to restore my faith.

25. A book with a pretty cover:

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

It’s my aesthetic.

26. A book that reminds you of summer:

Atonement by Ian McEwan

The novel takes place in the summer.

27. A book that brings back good memories:

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

Technically it’s a play I performed with some of my best friends in high school.

28. A book that makes you happy:

Nevermore by James Patterson

I enjoyed the entire series.

29. A book you will never get tired of talking about:

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

I could go on and on about this gem.

30. A book you wish you wrote:

Carrie by Stephen King

If I had to be honest, I wish I wrote every novel King wrote. Carrie is no exception.

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This post contains many affiliate links to Amazon. If you buy through them, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Questions And Answers: Reading Edition

I grouped questions together and answered them accordingly. This was originally going to be a spin off of Truth or Truth, but clearly that didn’t happen. If you want a Truth or Truth, let me know. I grant some wishes and ignore others.

Let’s not waste any more time.

Questions:

1. What book surprised you in a good way?
2. What book surprised you in a bad way?

Answers:

1. I’m all for pleasant surprises. Sarah J. Maas definitely delivered with Throne of Glass.
2. Endgame #1: The Calling was a bad surprise. The ending in particular. Not because of the writing. Don’t get me wrong: I love the book. I just didn’t love my heart getting ripped apart.

Questions:

1. What book did you love?
2. What book did you hate?

Answers:

1. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was so peculiar.
2. I didn’t like I Am Number Four. Mostly because I read some incredible books beforehand.

Questions:

1. What’s a series you never started?
2. What’s a series you finished?

Answers:

1. I’ve yet to read a single Harry Potter book.
2. Many years ago, I read The Hunger Games.

Questions:

1. What’s a series you would reread?
2. What’s a series you didn’t finish?

Answers:

1. The Maze Runner. I watched the movie twice so I might as well read the books again. It’s been a while.
2. I read Divergent, but I’ve yet to pick up Insurgent or Allegiant. I don’t think I will anytime soon, but I might in the far future.

I want to know your answers to these questions. Are you going to grant my wish?

Fav Books Mid-Year 2015: Part 2

My memory didn’t fail me.

I published Fav Books Mid-Year 2015 back in August. Now I’m turning my attention to books I read and finished in the last six months.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I was surprised at how much I liked the characters, the writing, the plot. That has to count for something. I still haven’t read the other books in the series. Maybe I will in 2016. I won’t make any guarantees.

The Forgotten by David Baldacci

I could not not include a Baldacci novel. I still want Robert Puller’s brain. Yes, I read The Escape before reading Zero Day and The Forgotten. Reading the books out of order didn’t spoil my enjoyment at all.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I wasn’t kidding when I said I love everything about this book.

Thanks to you for creating awesome content.

You made 2015 even better.

Happy reading in 2016!