In 2012, I read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and enjoyed it. My intention was to follow up with this series, but somehow that didn't happen. 
Recently, I decided to catch up with Celaena, Chaol, and Prince Dorian and ordered Crown of Midnight. Throne of Glass is one of those books that left a strong enough impression that even four years later gave me no problems feeling right at home with characters and events. Crown of Midnight is a YA fantasy that is often brutal, but has such well-developed characters and such a mixture of evil, secrets, friendships, and suspense. Although I enjoyed the first book, the second book twists so many of the stereotypical elements of the first.
The sequel is actually much better than the first novel. Both plot and characters become more complex, more interesting, and more difficult to predict.
An exciting adventure with plenty of threats to overcome, secrets to unravel, and characters to worry about.
Purchased.
Fantasy. 2013. Print length: 418 pages.
Next one, please.
Purchased.
Fantasy. 2014. 562 pages.
What kind of map must be required to manage all of the characters (major and minor) and plot developments throughout these 4 books?
Tension increases as the reader has to wonder who will survive the wickedness of the king and the evil he has summoned into their world.
Manon's character becomes even more intriguing. Maybe not realistic to see this kind of change in such a short time, but she became a major interest over the course of the last few books and will definitely have a place in the next one.
I love that Maas includes so many strong female characters--I'm even thinking Lysandra deserves a book of her own.
Of course, the three friends from the initial book are still working through betrayals and failures and threats.
Looking forward to the final(?) entry which is due out in September.
Purchased.
Fantasy. 2015. Print length: 648 pages.
Learning to read her captor's body language helped her survive, and even though she comes back to a world a changed person, Jude is determined to get her job back.
Maybe she has something to offer that she didn't have before.
Goodread reviews are extremely positive, but this quote from Publishers Weekly is more on target: "... Jude persists on her own as connections between cases old and new lead to results both surprising and unlikely." I added the italics.
NetGalley/Thomas & Mercer
Crime/Suspense. June 21, 2016. Print length: 289 pages.
Ink and Bone is a paranormal mystery, the first in a series set in The Hollows. Finley Montgomery has had some problems in her life and has moved to The Hollows to live with her grandmother in order to gain control of her psychic powers.
In short order, Finley finds herself aiding in the investigation of a missing girl.
A fast read, but the last portion of the book was a little over-the-top for me.
NetGalley/Touchstone
Paranormal Mystery. June 7, 2016. Print length: 352 pages
I've read like a crazy person throughout April and still seem to be stuck in that mode. I still have not caught up on reviews.
You have been reading like crazy. Good for you! I hate the times when I can't seem to read at all. The Throne of Glass series sounds like it's a lot of fun...and that it has a lot of great characters. Those are the best kinds of books. :)
ReplyDeleteI go through spells like this when I have have procrastinated about things that need to be done or have high anxiety or just feel disinclined to keep up with daily life. Books offer escape! :)
DeleteThey sure do...I totally relate to that. :)
DeleteI have Throne of Glass on my TBR somewhere. I should check it out at some point! I am in the midst of so many series, though. lol
ReplyDeleteThrone of Glass was an interesting beginning to a series that became better with succeeding installments. Sometimes I will love the first book, but the following books--not so much. This one was the kind that became more intense.
DeleteI am definitely sold on Sarah Maas's books!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read her other series, but I did enjoy this one!
DeleteNow that's a sign of a good series - when you've had quite a bit of time away from it but were still able to catch up as if you'd just put it aside! I have a couple of the mysteries you've reviewed on my Kindle. I'm looking forward to checking them out.
ReplyDelete:) I hope you like them better than I did! Reading is so personal and depends on so many factors. Besides timing and mood, the last book can influence the next one. The difference in how we feel about a book is one of the interesting things about blogging!
DeleteI've been very curious about Throne of Glass series and I'm glad you enjoyed reading them all. Will have to add them to my growing wishlist! :-)
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed this series, but haven't read her other one. I have a long list for the library this week!
Delete