TOWER OF DAWN by SARAH J. MAAS (2017)

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #6
Pages: 660
Published: Sep 5th 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I do not know why it took me a year from its publication for me to read this book. It was two years ago I read a Throne of Glass book. Which I almost feel ashamed to admit. On the other hand my mind will be fresh when I finally get my hands on final instalment Kingdom of Ash which came out yesterday.

I think the real reason I put this book off was because I knew that it wasn't going to follow the main characters but focus on Chaol and Nesryn. Chaol, I was looking forward to since I truly missed him in the last book, but Nesryn I wasn't so keen on and I suppose it put me off. Big mistake, I don't know why I ever doubted that Sarah J. Maas would allow a book to be less amazing because of the lack of favourite characters. This book smashed it!

Not only was it exciting to follow Chaol's story again but there was a new country and new politics to follow. And introductions to a whole new family, court and culture. This book did certainly not go to waste. If anything it really gave the characters the time the deserved. It also introduced a new character which adds a new spin to the plot: Yrene. Yrene is mentioned in the prequel book The Assassin's Blade and is now given her time to shine and she is such a good addition. She is fun, relatable and a very strong character who brings a lot to the table, but emotional

ly and as a plot devise. Her instalment in the story will hopefully make for a very interesting finale and I am pumped to see the role she will play in the next book.

With other words, don't let the lack of Aelin in this book or the change in book cover put you off. The danger, excitement and steamy love scenes are still there and Sarah J. Maas, as usual, does not disappoint.

Plot Summary:

A glorious empire.
A desperate quest.
An ancient secret.
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, who's vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young Lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need - and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise that it could engulf them both.
And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival - or doom them all.

My Rating:

8/10
Only because of the lack of certain characters.

Other Books in the Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

If you liked DIVERGENT...

Divergent was published in 2011 and got its film adaptation in 2014. There's no doubt that this book and its trilogy was amazing. I loved it as many other people. But despite its awesomeness  

Throne of Glass was published in 2012 and has not seen the screen but the series is not yet finished and if you had any interest in Divergent you should totally check out the Throne of Glass series.

Divergent features a group of young people who have to go through different tasks or auditions if you please. If they do not pass, they are thrown out. Although Throne of Glass is not a dystopian book, but a high fantasy, the book is focused on a competition to become the King's personal assassin. If they do not pass, or come last they are thrown out. This book is like a high fantasy version of Divergent, in relation to the layout and what drives the story forward, the competition.

However that's where the likeness stops. The Throne of Glass series has a bigger story. The Series has seven books with a much greater plot and subplots. 

If you are a fan of Divergent, or even The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and want to explore a new genre I suggest you check out Throne of Glass. It will gently introduce you to high fantasy with a theme that you feel comfortable with. 

For my review of Divergent you can check that out here. And if you want to find out more about Throne of Glass, head over here.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by SARAH J. MAAS (2015)

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Pages: 416
Published: May 5th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I have been meaning to read this for quite some time and having read the Throne of Glass series I knew this was going to be an amazing reading experience, not to mention all the talk and art there is on social media. So without hesitating I bought all three books in the series and started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses over Easter.

And God, was it good? My first was: why does this get more attention than Throne of Glass? It's just as good, but it's not incredibly 'better'. I'm a huge Throne of Glass fan by the way, and I'm not too keen in pushing it off my favourite ten books of all time any time soon, you see. This does not in any way mean that this was worse. Don't get me wrong, it was phenomenal!

Feyre is an awesome female lead. I can't help but deeply dislike her family, but she is genuinely good. Badass, responsible, selfless, were just a few of her qualities. Hurt, anger, happiness, all the feelings were there and she was truly an empowering character to read about.

Personally, however, I wasn't a fan of Tamlin. I don't know if I was meant to like him or possibly dislike him, but he just didn't agree with me. He and Feyre didn't click. In fact I was a much bigger fan of Lucien. He played the true friend, torn between his loyalty to Tamlin and his building friendship with Feyre. He was the stereotypical annoying best friend that eventually grew on you. who's sarcasm added to banter in conversation and spiced up the plot.

Rhysand on the other hand I couldn't get enough of and he was not mentioned nearly enough. I can't wait to hear more about him in the next book.

The next book, which I can get to reading as soon as I finish reading a book about brains that Dad is forcing me to read (it's surprisingly good), I hope will bring us out of the Spring Court and allow Feyre explore more of Prythian and be more involved with the greater politics.

Plot Summary:

Feyre is a huntress.

She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price...

Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her closer. As Feyre's feelings from Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she'd been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows.

Feyre must find a way to break a spell, or loose her heart forever.

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in this Series:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows Throne of Glass #4)

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

HEIR OF FIRE by SARAH J. MAAS (2014)

Title: Heir of Fire

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #3
Pages: 565
Published: Sep 2nd 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children


In the third instalment of the 'Throne of Glass' series, 'Heir of Fire', Sarah J. Maas has brought this young adult high fantasy series to a new level. We have moved away from the King's court and actions have a larger, more political meaning. Our assassin is no longer just Celeana Sardothian, Arobynn Hamel's heir. No, she is Aelin Galathynius, heir to Terrasen and fae.

This book had me hooked from the first page, it was so intriguing. This book is at a completely different place than where we started off in 'Throne of Glass'. Things are getting serious and we're starting to see the bigger picture. The book is significantly longer and more complicated, but stays true to the young adult high fantasy genre. Definitely one of the best high fantasy series out there, especially for young adults who don't want to be overwhelmed by 900 pages long books full of complicated politics and names. 'Heir of Fire' is easy to follow, yet constantly intriguing and has you captured by its plot and characters.

As plots unfold and questions are answered, new characters are introduced. Heir of Fire is an incredible example of strong and fascinated characters. I sometimes find myself nervous with new characters, being afraid that they may take up to much space in the novel or ruin exciting relationships or influence the plot in a negative way. This was not the case. Our new character Rowan was an absolutely positive character that improved not just the plot, but Celeana as a character. He brought out things of her personality that made me laugh and cry at random places and I appreciated that their relationship was at a friendly basis rather than leading into romance. Personally I still have faith in Celeana and Chaol, despite what happened in the second book, and I hope, for both of their sakes that they solve their feud.

Aedion was an interesting character that I at first found myself hard to get my head around, not unlike Chaol. He appeared like the dominant self centred male character until later on in the book where his emotions shine through. Sarah J. Maas has managed to created a series with constantly new characters, that all have such depth. Having said that, I did struggle to connect with Manon several times. Manon had some really interesting chapters that added to the plot, but I found myself wanting to rather read about the other characters that I already knew or truly felt for. It's clear, however, that Manon's chapters have meaning and are important for the further books and I believe I'll enjoy her story more later.

Plot Summary:

"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?"

- back of book

Favourite Quote:

'What are you doing?'

'What?'

Emrys didn't raise his voice as he said, 'To that girl. What are you doing that makes her come in here with such emptiness in her eyes?'

'That's none of your concern.'

Emrys pressed his lips into a tight line. 'What do you see when you look at her, Prince?'

He didn't know. These days, he didn't know a damn thing. 'That's none of your concern either.'

Emrys ran a hand over his weathered face. 'I see her slipping away, bit by bit, because you shove her down when she so desperately needs someone to help her back up.

- Emrys and Rowan from 'Heir of Fire ' by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

9/10

Only brought it down one because I'm still getting to know Manon and adapting to a storyline where Chaol and Celaena are not together.

Other Books in These Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Emperor of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT by SARAH J. MAAS (2013)

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Pages: 418
Published: Aug 27th 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens


I brought this book with me on Holiday to Antigua when I went with my friends this summer and I was reading an unhealthy amount for a week with your friends. I finished this book when we were on the balcony and I just threw the book really hard on the floor when my theory was confirmed (and trust me, and I was insanely nervous that my theory wouldn't be correct because I desperately wanted it to be). This may or may not have startled my friends you know.

I swear from the moment Celeana first mentioned Aelin's name I had a feeling she was or had a very deep connection to her. What I didn't know from the beginning was that she may be fae. Yes, we knew that she had a connection to them in the first book where she defended the fae and found flowers by her tent the next day in the way to the King for the competition. So I had my theory as Chaol did the research in the end and was terrified that he wouldn't get it or that my theory was wrong and my joy when he found out!! I felt superior for once when reading a book and no dramatic irony was used.

I am so grateful that Celeana finally admitted that Chaol is the one. Every scene with them was heaven. The waltzing scene and the birthday scene etc. I was hooked. But then Nehemia got herself killed (literally) and it ruined Chaol and Celeana's relationship! I think Celeana was too harsh at judging Chaol, but Chaol also made a stupid mistake. I understand how upset Celeana was, who wouldn't be?, but she was unreasonably angry at Chaol and blaming him for everything.

Let's just talk about the ending for a second. That kick ass climax! It was gorgeous. Different worlds. Dorian having powers. Celeana being fae!!! This is heading into such a good direction. The plot is starting to develop an we start seeing where this is going and it's affecting not just the court or Adarland now, but the whole kingdom which is always a plus in fantasy. 

And before I forget, praise for Chaol running after fleet foot. 

Plot Summary:

Crowned by Evil.
Bound by Duty.
Divided by Love.
Celaena Sardothien, royal assassin, is the King of Adarlan's deadliest weapons. She must win her freedom through his enemies' blood - but she cannot bear to kill for the crown. And every death Celeana fakes, every lie she tells, puts 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...

Favourtie Quote:

'Dance with me, Celaena.' - Chaol from 'Crown of Midnight' by Sarah J. Maas
'In that moment, after ten long years, Celaena looked at Chaol and realised she was home.' - Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

10/10
Chaolaena all the way!!! Finally!

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

THE ASSASSIN'S BLADE by SARAH J. MAAS (2014)

Title: The Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass (Prequel)
Pages: 430
Published: Mar 4th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens


This book has been in my brother's book shelf for almost two years. I even helped my mum pick it out for him. I didn't realise it was the prequel to the Throne of Glass series until after I had started reading it and I thought I recognised the cover on the inside of the book. So I asked to borrow it (it has a home on my bookshelf though) and brought this with me to Antigua on holiday together with the second book 'Crown of Midnight' as I didn't own the third book. I am very happy that I read it then and not until after the series.

I highly recommend you read this book before the fourth book 'Queen of Shadows'!!!

These short stories stretch of a period of time a year before Celeana gets sent to the salt mines in Endovier when she still lives Arobynn Hamel's heir and assassin in the Assassin's Guild in Rifthold. It is a series of five short stories written in the order they take place in Celeana's life. Technically they are all part of one complete book, but are written so that one can read them separately (they were originally published as separate e-books). However, I recommend you read the book front to back as it will make more sense. The short stories are all written in chapter form so it feels almost as reading a normal novel rather than novellas. The stories tell Celeana's missions and tasks set by Arobynn and her relationship with Sam (who is mentioned in the Throne of Glass novels as a former lover).

When reading this I gained a deeper understanding for Celeana and understood her better in the following books in the series. I understood the references and her reasoning. It was very helpful to have read this before 'Queen of Shadows' as people will reoccur and it will make Celeana's relationship with Arobynn much more understandable. I felt like I truly connected with Celeana her and understood her deeper feelings and got a true insight to her background.

While reading 'Throne of Glass' I almost thought that Celeana's references to Sam was a obstacle in the way of Celeanas potential relationship with Chaol (or Dorian for that matter) but reading this book I truly fell in love with Sam and when I realised what had to happen in the end it killed me. The worst is knowing what is going to happen and you can't do anything to stop it and the future you start building up for the two is not a possibility at all. It leaves you in a form of dramatic irony where you know Celeana's future and she has a completely different view on it. It is completely heartbreaking and agonisingly hard to come to terms with. I recommend reading this as a complementary book to the 'Throne of Glass' novels as it will give you more insight and understanding for Celeana and her life.

Plot Summary:

The twist of a knife, 

the birth of a legend...

Celeana Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home in the Assassin's 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 desert. Celeana 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...

The prequels to the international bestseller Throne of Glass.

Favourite Quote:

'"When we die," she said, "I don't think the gods will even know what to do with us." '- Celeana in 'The Assassin's Blade' by Sarah J. Maas

My Ranking:

9/10

Of course it is harder to settle with a book when the all the characters you've come to love is not included. Nevertheless, for being a prequel this book was fantastic and Sarah J. Maas does not disappoint!

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)

THRONE OF GLASS by SARAH J. MAAS (2012)

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Pages: 404Published: Aug 2nd 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

It's taken me so long to get to read these books. And it's been all over BookTube and Bookstagram. When I finally got to it though I read half of it in a day (I know, not in one sitting) but I was crazily obsessed.

I absolutely loved the genre!! For those of you who have read high fantasy such as A Song of Ice And Fire series by George R.R. Martin (aka Game of Thrones) there's always loads of politics, dual narratives and characters. But this book managed without crazy complications. There we're enough characters and narratives to keep track of. Nothing got confusing but not once did I get bored because it wasn't enough.

The characters were really strong. I liked that Celeana wasn't just a badass assassin without emotion or girly aspects. She may have had boyish aspects but she loved her dresses and shoes and she liked reading!! Her sass was everything. This is probably why I like Tyrion so much in A Song of Ice and Fire. All the witty remarks!!! I haven't read much about the love aspect of Throne of Glass online because I didn't want my views of the characters to be affected by other people's opinions but personally I am more of a Chaol person. Why was she attracted to Dorian so much? I love his kindness and the fact that he has a library etc. but Chaol is the one! I can't express how much I love his character. The only thing that bothers me is his incredible loyalty to the King, but his loyalty still makes him a good and, well, loyal person. I can't find anything bad except for the fact that he can't admit that he has feelings for Celeana and it's crystal clear that he has. I personally just genuinely believe Celeana should be with Chaol an I don't understand why she chooses Dorian. 

Nehemia's character was another good addition for Celeana's girlier side. She was clearly involved in the greater plot and I thought just like Celeana for a moment that she might be responsible for the murders.Throne of Glass was almost like a mix between The Hunger Games, Divergent and A Song of Ice and Fire. The Hunger Games because there was a competition where there could only be one winner and she had to train for it. Also, archery. Duh. Divergent because people were eliminated, but not necessarily killed and they similarly train prior to the competition. If Celeana had fallen for Chaol it would have been incredibly similar. And of course A Song of Ice and Fire because of the fantasy and magic and similarity in setting. So if you have had any interest in any of there books or series before, I suggest you check this book out. I promise you, you won't be bored.

As most of you may know Throne of Glass is inspired by Cinderella, as implied by the title. She also dresses up for a masquerade even though she's not allowed to go and dances with the prince. Fairytale come true!

The magic is very cleverly interwoven with the narrative and the involvement of several other characters. The link to the past Queen is also a great satisfaction as it creates two challenges for Celeana that she has to solve or achieve and introduces a bigger picture for the story in the long run.

Plot Summary:

Meet Celeana Sardothien.Beautiful. Deadly.Destined for Greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got fought.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celeana must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament - fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celeana will be free. Win or loose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin's heart be melted?- as on the back of the book

Favourite Quote:

"I can survive well enough on my own - if given the proper reading materials." - Celeana from 'Throne of Glass' by Sarah J. Maas

My Rating:

10/10

Completely hooked! 

Other Books in this Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)

Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)

https://thesasanachslibrary.blogspot.com/2018/10/tower-of-dawn-by-sarah-j-maas-2017.htmlOther Books by this Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses novella)