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The Perpetual Page-Turner

The Perpetual Page-Turner

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Home | most popular posts | The Summer I Fell Head Over Heels In Love With Fantasy Because of ONE Series

The Summer I Fell Head Over Heels In Love With Fantasy Because of ONE Series

August 7, 2014 - Updated May 7, 2019 // 46 Comments

So, dear readers, you know me. I like to read a lot of variety but the main thing I read is contemporary YA. I read other genres too but fantasy is a genre I’ve only dabbled in a handful of times. I’ve really enjoyed some fantasy novels immensely but my love affair with a series I binge read this summer absolutely has me ADDICTED.

If you follow me on Twitter, you are probably knowing exactly what I’m talking about because I haven’t shut up. (But seriously, I try to reserve my CRAZY fangirling for these times so YOU KNOW I MEAN BUSINESS).

 

SARAH J. MAAS THRONE OF GLASS SERIES OH MY GOD YOU GUYS. OH MYYY GAWWWWD.

 

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I read Throne of Glass during Memorial Day weekend and then two weeks ago started my binge read of Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WAY IS UP OR DOWN AND I AM JUST A VERY FRAGILE, EMOTIONAL MESS RIGHT NOW. (I am also having a toddler-esque meltdown because HOW DO I LIVE LIFE WITHOUT THE NEXT BOOK ON HAND??) Seriously, it’s just like this light switch just flipped on and I just really, really found myself immersed in this fantasy world.

Okay so if you’ve never read it or heard of it here’s my best spoiler-free lowdown of what this series is about.

OKAY there’s CELAENA. And she’s a badass assassin. LIKE THE QUEEN OF BADASSES because she’s been through A LOT + knows how to use a dagger or sword, isn’t afraid to make tough decisions and she has a BRAIN. And she’s snarky. SO SNARKY. I giggle snorted many a times because of her. And she lives in a kingdom (such a well written kingdom) ruled by an awful king who outlawed magic. BUT THERE IS SO MAGIC IN THIS SERIES. And guys you are going to DROOL over. And some really compelling friendships. And some crazy moments. Some epic battles and fights. Crazy reveals that will have you turning the pages. ACTION THAT ELEVATES YOUR HEART RATE. (That counts as exercise right?). JUST READ IT OKAY. It gets even better after book 1. I can’t even write you a proper summary because OH MY GOD. And there’s like going to be 6 books or something like that!! OH OH AND THERE ARE MAPS IN THE FRONT. I LOVE MAPS.

Will always can tell when I’m really obsessed with a book and he said I became SUPER obnoxious when I read these books (which is generally the biggest telltale sign to how much I love a book…the more obnoxious, the more love). Apparently I was saying a lot of “OH SHITS” and “OH NOES”, “YEAH GIRL”  and “OH MY GOD HOLD ME” and jumping up and down a lot. Okay, I half remember doing those things but they just come out because I’m so immersed. The biggest thing was how much I wanted to tell him what was happening because I couldn’t contain myself. (One thing on his list of things he’s sick of me saying). And then he said it was odd to hear me talk about swords, fae, assassins and magic so much and so excitedly (apparently I was VERY animated) because, well, I don’t read those things typically. But seriously, SWORD LIFE IS SO AWESOME.

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So needless to say my reading experience was something Will could NOT wait to be over because I was a nut..all hopped up on my fantasy high. Everyone told me to read these books since Throne of Glass came out and I always knew I would but I wasn’t expecting to become obsessed. I mean, I was just so excitable and immersed through this whole binge reading experience (AND I RARELY EVER BINGE READ) and it was just one of those experiences where I remembered that feeling in my gut of WHY I love reading and how it feels to be so totally consumed.

 

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So here’s a bit of a peek on my thoughts about the books individually. I’m going to be as spoiler-free and as vague as possible but reading my thoughts for Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire COULD spoil you. That’s your warning.

 

THRONE OF GLASS

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

I immediately loved Celaena. And Chaol. And Dorian. This book drew me in from the start and I was so into watching Celaena be a badass vs. all those other guys fighting to be the King’s Champion. I could feel her struggle between FREEDOM and having to work for someone who was so awful. I loved how twisty this book got towards the end and things were happening so fast I could barely hold on, man! But seriously let’s talk about Calaena…this girl has endured a lot and she prides herself on being a badass but there’s also this vulnerable side to her where she feels the weight of the things she’s done….but she doesn’t shy away from the fact that she does those things. That’s part of who she is. I also loved that, yeah she is badass, but she totally is a bit of a girly girl — she loves her clothes and cares about what she looks like. I think so often female main characters get pegged as one or the other but it’s okay to be a complete badass with your sword and also find your heart flutter because of a pretty dress. And as confident as she is with how badass she is..she is so relatable because she’s self conscious about other things. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE BANTER?? I loved the Celaena/Chaol banter. But also the Celaena/Dorian banter. (In Crown of Midnight my favorite banter might even be with her and Mort..god I just love her banter with everyone). I finished Throne of Glass SO ready for more because there was so much that was set up in that book and I knew the rest of the series was about to get CAHRAZY.

Crown Of Midnight

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

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THIS BOOK GUYS. Crown of Midnight was my favorite of the series so far I think because it was just SO EPIC. Also, in general it was one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. This is where I became obsessed. I was in love with Throne of Glass but I became a full on crazy because of this book. SO MUCH WAS HAPPENING AND IT WAS NUTS….seriously my heart was racing as I devoured this book. It begins with Celaena a couple months after she wins the competition and we find out what she’s been up to now that’s she’s supposed to be doing the king’s bidding….and then shit just gets crazy. People die. People betray. Crazy things are revealed. There is so much sneaking around and Celaena is just generally even more of a badass and maybe even more ruthless. The sheer amount of emotions that I had during this book was a record level and the amount of times my jaw dropped became too many to count. Really seeing the rebellion start to form was exciting and scary. I came to love beloved characters EVEN MORE FIERCELY. Seriously Chaol and Dorian, not just even as fictional crushes, are just all around great characters and it was so hard for me to see some cracks in relationships in this one. Especially A BIG MOMENT where Celaena really doubts someone. My heart sunk! I just was thanking my lucky stars I had Heir of Fire by the time this book ended because I was flailing (for real) and the way it ENDS. OH MY HEART.  If I hadn’t had Heir of Fire I would have left with a crazy book high where I would have been jittery and inconsolable and it would have taken me a long time to come off this one.

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire Sarah J. Maas

I was still reeling from Crown of Midnight when I started this one. The pace was a bit slower in Heir of Fire than it was in CoM but look at how long it is!! (seriously, trying to hold this book gave me issues). I was trying to explain to someone that Heir of Fire was a bit more slow but not in a BAD WAY. It was actually a bit welcomed because it couldn’t keep up that Crown of Midnight pace forever and we really get even MORE insight into Celaena (and other characters).

Heir of Fire peeled back the layers to Celaena and we learn even MORE of her backstory after what was revealed at the end of Crown of Midnight. It was fascinating and HEARTBREAKING (ow, seriously) and MAN did it make everything a whole lot more interesting and complicated and AWESOME. We see a whole new side of Celaena in Heir of Fire and I loved it — she’s always been such a badass but we see a Celaena who is really struggling to know what to do next or who she really WANTS to be. Celaena is easy for her. But the other identity we learn of her, the one she’s pushed back so far, really starts to be imposed on her and she can’t hide from it. I loved watching her wrestle with it all and it made me love her more.

The other really great thing about Heir of Fire is all the new characters we get to meet!! CAN WE TALK ABOUT ROWAN? I WANT A SHIP but I don’t know to what capacity. All I can say is I was very pleased we got to know Rowan very well. And Manon. I thought the witch POV was strangely placed at first and I wasn’t sure I liked it but I really did start to enjoy seeing things coming together on another side of the story. I also loved some of the demi-fae and the rebels too.  OH AND AEDION!

The other thing that made Heir of Fire so great was that everyone was really on their own journey…literally and mentally. At first, I was like NOOOO I want Celaena to be with Dorian and Chaol and I don’t like how split they are but I actually really ended up loving that about this book. I don’t think Dorian or Chaol could have challenged Celaena the way Rowan really did to get her to step up and do what she needed to. Celaena was so far away and on this really challenging journey mentally and physically and I LOVED THAT JOURNEY — all parts of it. But I also really loved watching Dorian and Chaol. I hated how they weren’t friends but I loved how much they still loved each other and had each other’s best interest in mind. Chaol really grew because he had to face his dad and decide where his loyalty was and how far he’d go now that he knows what he knows. I loved watching him work with Aedion as well! Dorian really has to come to terms with what he is and the magic he possesses but also what that means considering who his father his. I love this line that Chaol has at the end because it sums it up pretty well about how Dorian “was the one true king in the room” because I really felt like Dorian started to grow into someone who could lead.

Heir of Fire was emotionally intense and had some crazy heart-pounding moments along with the amazing character development. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO LIVE LIFE WHILE MY FRIENDS ARE JUST LEFT HANGING THERE? I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS. But I suppose now I am going to get my hands on the novellas even though I am like morally opposed to novellas (okay not morally but it sounded good but for serious I don’t ever read them) BECAUSE I NEED MORE OF THIS SERIES.

 

So have you read this series?? Thoughts?? (Even if you felt differently than me I am still interested in hearing you perspective!!). What should be my next fantasy series??

 

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Filed Under: most popular posts, YA fantasy Tagged With: book review, fantasy YA, teen fantasy series, young adult fantasy series

About Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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Comments

  1. Angie says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:08 am

    THIS POST MAKES ME SO HAPPY OMG. I love this world and all the characters so so much and YAY ROWAN IS MY LIFE NOW. I don’t even know how to function as a person with him and Chaol and Dorian and UGHHHHHH THESE CHARACTERS. ALL OF THE RIDICULOUS FEELS.

    PS HAVE YOU READ THE NOVELLAS YET? IF NOT DO THAT ASAP.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 7:13 am

      I KNOW. SARAH J MAAS WRITES ALL THE AMAZING BOYS!! (and other characters…I mean MORT…a doorknocker who I LOVE..never would have thought!)

      I have not yet read the novellas but I plan to!!

      Reply
  2. Wendy @ Book Scents says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:24 am

    Ahhhh yay I’m so happy to see your love for this series!! Like, literally as I read your post, I started getting really excited about MY love for this series. I think HoF is going to be my next read!! You should’ve seen me in line for HoF at BEA. Rebecca (from the Library Canary) and I totally freaked out and fangirled so hard for our love of this series, haha. After reading CoM I just wanted to be just like Celaena and desperately wanted to kill things with daggers (don’t worry, I didn’t try). But it had that kind of all consuming affect on me! I can’t wait to dive into HoF but I’m SO nervous because I hate that Chaol and Celaena aren’t going to be together! However, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it (DUH). I can’t wait!!

    Also — I second Angie, have you read the novellas? Omg, they are freaking amazing, def read those too!!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 7:15 am

      I haven’t felt this way in a long time about a series and OMG IT’S JUST ALL CONSUMING. I am still just in disbelief that I have to wait for the next book! WHYYYYYYY. And I think you should def read HoF so we can talk!! You have some good characters to meet!! And right…I want to become a little more badass after spending all this time with Celaena!

      And I haven’t yet but I plan to!! I’m like not into novellas but I think I will make an exception!

      Reply
  3. Melissa @ Writer Grrl Reads says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:38 am

    I haven’t started this series yet, but I want to! I have the first book on my shelves, but feel like I need to be ready for a full binge when/if I feel ready. This post, combined with your series post (which were both in my feeder because I’m so behind on my blog reading!) just made me realize something. I’m terrible with finishing series too, and have a much, MUCH longer list of ones that I started and never finished … some of which I likely won’t ever finish, but they just sit on the list nonetheless. I think there’s something to be said for reading a series continuously for the pure enjoyment of it, like you have with this series. Too often, I find myself forcing myself to finish a series, which I started years ago, just so that I can say I finished it. I did that with Julia Kagawa’s Iron Fey series (which was totally MEH in my opinion) and it wasn’t enjoyable. Sure, I can say that I finished it, but I’d rather just gobble up book after book because I’m head over heels in love with the books, the writing, the characters, the world, etc. THAT, for me, is a good series, and one worth continuing. So, in a longwinded way, and totally commenting on the wrong post (forgive me?) — keep reading the series that evoke a Throne of Glass-esque response, and not the ones that don’t inspire you to continue!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 7:18 am

      Haha I love this comment!!

      And omg you NEED to read this series. You’ll def want to binge read!! I read a lot of other things in between Throne of Glass and CoM but after CoM I could NOT read anything else. Finishing series is SO HARD…even when it’s a series I love!! I just get distracted! That’s why I’m dropping a few series..I’m like I didn’t LOVE it and haven’t felt compelled to know what happens in YEARS so BUHBYE. And YES…love your last line! I think that is a good way to tackle my list!

      Reply
  4. Kim says

    August 7, 2014 at 7:26 am

    I have not read this series but I own the first book, and your extreme fangirling has bumped it WAY up in my TBR pile! Off to order the next two books… 🙂

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 7:36 am

      YESSSSS!!! This is why I save my crazy fangirling for crucial moments! Throne of Glass was really good but it’s Crown of Midnight that ups the game and makes you addicted!!

      Reply
  5. Rebecca @ The Library Canary says

    August 7, 2014 at 7:30 am

    Ahhh!!!! I’m so happy that you’re so in love with this series!!! It is absolutely epic isn’t it???? I just finished Heir of Fire last weekend and died because how am I supposed to wait over a year for the next book????? Unacceptable. But I definitely agree about Celaena needing to be apart from Dorian and Chaol in HoF. She needed to work through her stuff and I don’t think she would have been able to with them around. But there better be some Chaol/Celaena action in the next one. Rowan. I love him. As Celaena’s best friend. But I do want to find a ship for him. Because he deserves to be happy. And Manon. Loved her. I was unsure at first, but then with her wyvern, I just fell in love. And Aedion!!! Perfect older brother type figure. Fangirling all day over this series.

    P.S. I am normally against novellas, but I bought these and read them before I read HOF and LOVED them. So worth it. Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 7:40 am

      SO EPIC. YOU ALL WERE RIGHT!!! I see why Sarah J. Maas line started as the door opened because OH MY GOD HOW DID YOU GUYS ALL WAIT FOR HEIR OF FIRE!! I cannot wait a year. I cannot. I think we need to create a plot to steal the next book haha.

      I’m glad you agree!! I hated them being apart but I was like she would NOT have grown as much because Rowan was just able to push her in ways they wouldn’t have been able to. And YES Rowan..I was nervous i was going to become romancy with them but I was like relieved to see it take more of REALLY close friendship because they both had done awful things and see awful things and they GOT each other. She needs him for sure. And yes HOPEFULLY HE GETS A SHIP. SO MANY GREAT NEW CHARACTERS OMG.

      I think I’m def getting the novellas with you saying that. Because I NEVER do novellas. Only in rare instances. I did the Shatter Me series novellas and disliked them.

      Reply
  6. Sarah says

    August 7, 2014 at 7:47 am

    I am so glad to see this post. After reading the first book in this series, I was a little frustrated with how little we got to see of the assassin side of Celaena, so I was hesitant to read Crown of Midnight. I am so freaking glad I did though because there is just something about this series that has me excited to read. It reminded me of my first read through of Harry Potter, waiting in line at midnight for the next book. As far as what to read next, have you read Seraphina by Rachel Hartman? It is another absolutely fantastic fantasy read.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 7, 2014 at 8:10 am

      YES..Throne of Glass was good no doubt but Crown of Midnight SEALED THE DEAL. I think this is going ot be my series that I do that for as I wasn’t into HP when it came out!! I didn’t know what I was missing out on then apparently! But yeah..I foresee myself waiting like a crazy, counting down the minutes until next book!!

      And no I haven’t read Seraphina! Will check it out..thanks for the rec!!

      Reply
  7. Marga @ Deadly Darlings says

    August 7, 2014 at 8:11 am

    OH MY GOSH. I love this post! I agree that Throne of Glass was great but Crown of Midnight was just plain awesome! I mean, the feels was too much! I probably reread it a hundred times already. 😀 I never shipped anyone so hard like I did with Chaol and Celaena. And did my heart broke for the both of them! Oh dear.

    I have yet to start Heir of Fire but I just know that Sarah Maas will not disappoint. And I am morbidly curious about Rowan! And what will I do with my life then? The 4th book will not be out until next year. I tell you, this series will be the death of me! I have read the novellas though and if you love Chaol, you’ll also love Sam! The author sure knows how to write about awesome guys! Awww. I am reliving feels at the moment. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed this series, too!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 11, 2014 at 10:06 pm

      SERIOUSLY SUCH A GREAT SHIP.

      I can’t wait until you read Heir of Fire..I will be here for you!!! And then we can mourn the fact we have to wait a year! I can’t wait to pick up the novellas and meet Sam!!!

      Reply
  8. Jamie says

    August 7, 2014 at 8:48 am

    This is one of my favorite series!!! I haven’t read Heir of Fire yet but I’m DYING FOR IT. Some of my favorite YA fantasy novels are Graceling by Kristin Cashore, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski and Kiss of Deception by Mary E Pearson. Also the Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima. I’m curious to see what YA fantasy novel/series you’ll dive into next!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 11, 2014 at 10:07 pm

      I can’t wait for you to read HoF. I see why this is so many people’s fantasy series!! DEF MINE!

      Thanks for the recs — I LOVED The Winner’s Curse! And I’m dying to check out Cinda Williams Chima because lots of fantasy fans LOVE her series.

      Reply
  9. Chrissi Reads says

    August 7, 2014 at 9:05 am

    I keep meaning to read this book, but your post has convinced me to get to it sooner! Thanks Jamie. I’m glad that you enjoyed it so much!

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 11, 2014 at 10:09 pm

      YAY I’m so glad my crazy fangirl mode was able to convince you. I’m telling you…ToG was great but CoM just SEALED THE DEAL!

      Reply
  10. Tiffany (AboutToRead) says

    August 7, 2014 at 10:33 am

    I haven’t read Heir of Fire yet, but I’ll probably start it this weekend. I’m actually jealous you got to binge the first three. I’ve been reading them a year apart and it’s TORTURE! Especially when I finished Crown of Midnight.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 11, 2014 at 10:10 pm

      I cannot even begin to imagine the torture all of you had to endure. Binge reading them was INTENSE but I’m so happy I did. I can’t wait to see what you think of HoF, Tiffany!

      Reply
  11. Danielle Nguyen says

    August 7, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I liked Throne of Glass but didn’t love it & mostly felt the same way about the 1st half of Crown of Midnight. But then by the end I was all OMG asdfjkl;!!! Now I’m dying for Heir of Fire. High fantasy has always been my favorite genre though TBH. If you’re looking for some other recs I would say Graceling by Kristin Cashore, Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima, and Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta are all safe bets. Megan Whalen Turner’s Attolia series is also a classic & one of my faves. Happy reading!

    Reply
  12. Katherine says

    August 7, 2014 at 11:28 am

    I have heard so many good things about this series! Plus Sarah J Maas is doing a book signing in my town, so that’s even more motivation 🙂

    Reply
  13. Erica says

    August 7, 2014 at 11:40 am

    So while I was obviously not the only person who told you to read this series I’m still going to count this as a work-related victory for me 🙂

    Also, I was the same way before I read Throne of Glass–was not really into fantasy at all. Now I have cautiously been dipping my toes in even though contemporary will always be my favorite.

    Reply
  14. Trisha says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:21 pm

    OKAY now I am convinced, I’ve been putting off this series for a while now cause I thought its just another typical fantasy novel. I shall move this to my high-priority to read list!! 🙂 Your convincing power is amazing, Jamie! haha

    Reply
  15. Stacy L says

    August 7, 2014 at 12:38 pm

    You must read the novellas! They are not like normal novellas that are just side stories to make extra money; they are Celeana’s backstories up until the salt mines. They reveal so many minute, yet essential, details that answered so many questions that I had from the series, especially all of my questions about SAM!!! Oh man! The Sam plot line killed me! It was so amazing! In some ways, I don’t even think of them as novellas, especially now that they are bound into one book, The Assassin’s Blade. I read them after ToG, but I wish I would’ve read them first. They are so good; a must read, for sure!

    Reply
  16. Mara says

    August 7, 2014 at 2:23 pm

    Yea, this is why I’m trying to wait until all the books are out. Which means by the time I graduate college they should all be out. Well actually the last one will probably be just getting out so maybe I’ll read them all the summer I graduate college and then suffer through time like the rest of y’all had been doing until the last one comes out. And it shouldn’t be tooooo hard to wait since I feel like I rarely have time for free reading while in school. And hopefully I won’t cave…
    Regardless I AM SO EXCITED For this series because
    a. high fantasy badassery with magic, hot men and snarky, witty banter is MY absolute FAVORITE type
    of YA
    b. ITS A FREAKIN’ SERIES thank god, not another trilogy which makes it all the more awesome…
    c. not to mention its phenomenal badass covers. Jaw drop, Celeana looks like a BAMF. Hot damn. The original cover of ToG is just so darn wimpy and boring and typical YA. Glad they straightened that out.

    On a side note- you should try reading Poison Study and Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder because the premisses are kinda similar and both heroines are awesome and Valek is hot damnnn and Yelena’s friendship with Ari and Janko and their banter is some of the best ever.

    Reply
  17. Trina says

    August 7, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    OH! This is one of my all time favorite series! I’m so jealous that 1.) You’ve read Heir of Fire, and 2.) you got to binge read some of the series. It’s SO PAINFUL to wait between books! I’ll be shutting myself away when I get my copy of HOF.

    Reply
  18. Kayla @ The Thousand Lives says

    August 7, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    JAMIE YOU NEED TO STOP because now I have the heart pounding needed to get back to this series and just read it over and over again until I can quote entire chapters by heart!!!! ALL OF THE ABOVE for these books – there is no other way to say it! I don’t care if there’s a ship or not I just want Rowan to continue on with his badass self and stay safe for all six books. I just *dies* I NEED MORE.

    Reply
  19. Dana @ The Nerdy Journalist says

    August 7, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    Last year, I wasn’t really into high fantasy. I enjoyed Throne of Glass, but I wasn’t head-over-heels in love with it. I really need to re-read the first two books because I think I’d like them so much more now than I did a year ago.

    Reply
  20. Brianna says

    August 8, 2014 at 10:12 am

    I don’t normally love fantasy, but you’ve got me intrigued.

    Reply
  21. Amanda says

    August 8, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    Welcome to the club!!!! I’ve been waiting and waiting for you to read and love this series just as much as I do!! YAY! SJ Maas is a BAMF and I can’t wait to read Heir of Fire! 🙂

    Amanda @ Of Spectacles and Books

    Reply
  22. Melanie says

    August 8, 2014 at 8:45 pm

    I’ve been on a fantasty kick this summer too! You should try The Study Series by Maria V. Snyder if you haven’t yet. It has a kick-ass heroine with an intriguing backstory and is totally addicting! It’s my favorite fantasy.

    Reply
  23. Kat @ Perusing Bookshelves says

    August 10, 2014 at 9:23 am

    JAMIE. I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO READ THIS SERIES FOR A LONG TIME – it has been on my TBR list for a few months now (it was on one of my weekly features!) but sadly, my local bookstore does’t have it (sniff)
    I’m so glad you liked it, and I can’t wait to read it too! 😀

    Reply
  24. DanaSquare says

    August 10, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    I recently read Throne of Glass and I am so excited to continue to read the rest of this series.

    Reply
  25. Jenn (The Bookish Ginger) says

    August 10, 2014 at 4:49 pm

    Yes! This is an amazing series!! I’m dying right now because Heir of Fire is still not out and I’m (im)patiently waiting for my copy. I’m glad you loved it!

    Reply
  26. Orchid @ The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia says

    August 11, 2014 at 2:50 pm

    Oh my gosh!!!! Love this series!!! While I’ve only read the first two books, I am completely in book love with the world, characters, and the author’s writing!!! I’m crossing my fingers that my library is going to get Heir of Fire so I can see where the story will go next! *flails at prospect of waiting*

    Seriously though, I haven’t been this excited over a fantasy book, even though I love them to pieces, since I discovered Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha and Rae Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorn series.

    Reply
  27. Stephanie Allen says

    August 13, 2014 at 11:54 pm

    I LOVE THESE BOOKS THEY ARE THE BEST. And I really can’t think of anything else to add because I still haven’t recovered from CROWN OF MIDNIGHT and I needed to read HEIR OF FIRE, like, months ago. And I am so, so, so happy there are going to be SIX BOOKS in this series.

    I think the only other fantasy series I’ve been this obsessed with lately is Rae Carson’s Girl of Fire and Thorns series, which you should totally read if you haven’t already because Elisa is also a BAMF, and also because Hector 5ever <33

    Reply
  28. Ashleigh says

    August 14, 2014 at 2:24 pm

    How did you manage to get a hold of Heir of Fire when it isn’t going to be released till Sept 2nd? I’ve been with this series and Sarah since nearly the beginning on FictionPress and I haven’t been able to get my hands on it.

    Reply
    • Jamie says

      August 30, 2014 at 9:41 am

      I was invited to an event at the publisher’s HQ and they gave out copies for us to review.

      Reply
  29. cyndy deleon says

    August 15, 2014 at 2:18 pm

    I work part time at Barnes and Noble, and I just walk up to people in either the YA section or fantasy and give them ToG. I’m like, no, you need to read THIS book. I loved the first, and then I read the novellas, and that’s when I became obsessed. Sam. Sam is just amazing. I’ve already read Heir of Fire twice, sobbing and laughing both times through. I love finding fellow ToG fans. I’ve converted most of the staff at my BN.

    Reply
  30. Angela says

    August 16, 2014 at 4:22 am

    OH YES MAN! I TOTALLY GOT YOUR CRAZY BOOK HIGH! And it was a TORTUROUS wait since CoM came out. But HoF high lasted a week! I couldn’t sleep the night I finish HoF. GOD! How are we suppose to wait till the next one comes out?!

    Reply
  31. Claire says

    August 24, 2014 at 8:38 am

    You just completely encapsulated my whole reaction to these books. I discovered them in January and have been in a state of torture whenever I remember THAT ENDING. can’t wait for Heir of fire ( that doesn’t do justice to my feelings). Please tell me we aren’t left hanging like that diagonal waiting for book 4?

    Reply
  32. Alexa S. says

    August 27, 2014 at 1:21 pm

    I’m very, very happy that you decided to read Throne of Glass and binge read the rest of the series! That’s the only way to go with a story as intense and well-crafted as this one. It just keeps getting more and more epic with each novel, and I can only imagine what a wreck I’ll wind up being by the time the 6th book is in my hands. But seriously, you know that I recommend this series ALL.THE.TIME. and it’s reactions like this that warm my heart and get me excited (even more than I already am) about these books all over again!

    THRONE OF GLASS FANGIRL BADGE for you 😉

    Reply
  33. Frannie Panglossa says

    August 27, 2014 at 8:35 pm

    I’ve just finished reading Heir of Fire!!!
    First of all, I LOVE THIS SERIES. That being said… Thank God I’m not the only one who wants a ship with Rowan! I mean, there would be problems with Celaena (i won’t say to avoid spoilers) but what can I say? I’m so in love with his character and together they’re so strong and compatible and there’s just something more, like little sparkle that could explode any moment!
    But I have a feeling he won’t be in the fourth book. Ugh, I hate this feeling. My problem, I guess, is that I don’t like Chaol. I know, one in a million, but his character never amazes me and all his doubts in HoF? I guess I just don’t get him. And with Rowan, I don’t even want to get him if that makes any sense! xD

    This is my review if you’d like to come by, I’d appreciate it! 🙂
    http://franniepanincloudsofpages.blogspot.it/2014/08/arc-review-heir-of-fire-by-sarah-j-maas.html

    Reply
  34. Lillia says

    October 12, 2015 at 4:11 pm

    All materials copied from a different source

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Weekly Recap| Aug 3-9, 2014 | Oh, the Books! says:
    August 10, 2014 at 1:02 am

    […] Jamie says this series made her fall in love with fantasy. […]

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣
I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past I was on a hot reading streak and now for the past few days I get all cozy in bed to read at night and am asleep by 4 pages in. Will got a kick out of waking up to me basically spooning my kindle. Ebbs and flows, y’all.⁣
⁣
Let’s do a little reading update with an edition of Last, Current & Next.⁣
⁣
Last - The Girl With the Louding Voice: Adunni is by far one of the most memorable voices I’ve read in a book in a very long time. Her hope and resilience in the face of some awful situations kept me turning the pages and rooting for her. I can’t believe it took me so long to finally read it. Highly recommend!⁣
⁣
Now - Deep in Providence (thank you @fiercereads ): I’m about halfway through after I carved out some time to read early this morning and I’m enjoying this story of grief, love and magic. I’m nervous about these girls trying to resurrect their dead friend though! When I put it down today I was getting a little creeped by some things happening.⁣
⁣
Next - The Kiss of Deception: I’m rereading the first book in this YA fantasy series because it’s been forever and I really wanna finish the trilogy. I’ve been really wanting to go through series I’ve left unfinished for years (not for lack of interest but because I suck at juggling all the series I start) so this is one of them. I remember loving it so I’m excited to dive in and binge. 

Whatcha reading? Have you read any of these? Anyone else on the struggle train with reading at night right now?
Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hop Braved the downpour to get my library holds. I hope they are worth it! Please tell me they are!⁣
⁣
This is also, before I get to the stack,  an appreciation post for my tiny library and wonderful librarians.⁣
⁣
They normally open at 9am during the week —except Fridays. Did I remember that? Nope. So I was I was SO proud of Riley and I for getting our butts in gear to be for around opening time to drop off a stack and get my new ones.⁣
⁣
And alas, I go to open the door and it’s locked. Now I’m holding Riley’s hand, two tote bags full of books, an umbrella that I’m trying to keep over the both of us, mind you. I’m thoroughly confused until it hits me that it’s Friday.⁣
⁣
So I’m like, welp, guess we are just dropping off in the bin so I try to grab my books out and put them in one-handed while juggling the umbrella and less than enthused Riley.⁣
⁣
Mercifully the door opens and  our children’s librarian takes pity on us and lets us in to drop off and pick up the holds.⁣
⁣
Is this what being a VIP as a celebrity feels like?? Sure feels like it to me 😆 for real though, it pays to be a regular and have a cute kid in tow who is being pelted with rain.⁣
⁣
Anyways excited about this stack but especially Wahala, Daughter of the Moon Goddess and How High We Go In The Dark the most.⁣
⁣
Also have been meaning to snag The World Gives Way after @jordys.book.club recommendation!⁣
⁣
Have you read any of these? Any that you think were definitely worth the rain-soaked journey for??⁣
⁣
Alright now I’m off to curl up and read on this rainy, dreary day which is really what I think a day like this is meant for.
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More about Jamie

Jamie is a 32 year old married lady (with a new baby!!) who is in denial that she's actually that old to be a married lady and a mom. When she's not reading you can find her doing Pilates followed by eating ice cream, belting out Hamilton (loud and offkey) and having adventures with her husband, daughter and rescue dog.

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“Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — “Why is it so hard to pick my next read?” — she says as she is surrounded by piles on piles of books on the floor and desk and packed on her bookshelf and book cart. (Partner @berkleypub - thanks for the review copy).⁣
⁣
I managed to pick my next read, as chronicled in these photos, but it was not easy with so many options! 

Decided to go with a most anticipated book of 2022 for me from an author who has written books I’ve really enjoyed.
⁣
I am about halfway through and cruising along because I NEED to figure out if Joseph is the worst or what really is going on here in this story that starts with 3 women being stood up by the same guy on Valentine’s Day.  I feel like there is something more to this one but I can’t quite put my finger on it yet! ⁣
⁣
Hoping to finish it this weekend! What are you reading this weekend? And do you have trouble picking your next read? How do you choose amongst all the options?
Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perf Sunshine on my face and a mass market fitting perfectly in my hands.⁣…
⁣
Truly felt like there were zero things more joyful than the warm sun on my face after colder, dreary days and remembering how much I love the feel of reading a mass market paperback. It’s probably a very specific little joy of mine and I definitely reveled in it today.⁣
⁣
But the real big joy has been rereading this book and experiencing it all over again before @bridgertonnetflix season 2 — especially the Pall Mall scene. And something to do with a 🐝 😅 iykyk⁣
⁣
With all the joy I’m getting out of this reread it makes me wonder why I don’t prioritize rereading like I used to before I started blogging 10 years ago.⁣
⁣
In my head I just want to experience all the new stories and try to make a dent in my TBR but I forget, until I do it, the genuine pleasure in revisiting old companions and how it’s a different side of reading one can experience — the nostalgia, the person I’ve become since reading the book and the way I approach a book already knowing what happens. Well the general sense of what happens because my memory is 💩!⁣
⁣
Anyways that’s what I’m up to currently. Trying to finish this up so I can pack my books for a short trip I’m going on later this week. My first ✈️ since 2019!⁣
⁣
Whatcha reading? Do you reread often? And tell me a little teeny tiny joy from your day.
If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow m If I was a person who made Reels I would somehow mash up the “screaming, crying”  Blank Space clip with the “emotional damage” refrain to the Bastille’s Pompeii to let you know how I feel after the last few chapters of #TheGildedCage !!⁣
⁣
And if you don’t understand what that means, I’m sorry 😅⁣
⁣
But woo boy do I need the third installment of this series!!! But I also think I’m going to be even more emotional damaged after that one soooo.⁣ 
⁣
Seriously, one of the best simple joys of my life is the feeling of being so wholly and totally invested in a series that you have to remind yourself it’s fiction lest you spend all day in bed crying about the devastated look a character had on their face — a face you didn’t even see with your own two eyes but you are so invested that you feel nauseous and gutted like you sure did.⁣
⁣
Just me orrrrrr?⁣
⁣
No but for real. If you love YA fantasy, go start #theprisonhealer so you can be caught up when The Blood Traitor comes out in June (and be my emotional support person for the duration of reading it). I love these characters and I dying to see what happens next. 

Have you read this series yet? Last book series that had you SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP because of the EMOTIONAL DAMAGE it inflicted?
A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be A real life reading photo because I couldn’t be bothered to make it pretty — mismatching fuzzy sucks, coffee almost gone and Christmas pajama pants that are super old.⁣
⁣
But y’all Black Cake is so good!! I’m almost halfway through and I know it’s A Choice to declare it one of the best books I’ve read all year but I’m feeling bold based on how it’s going.⁣
⁣
I love a good family story (especially one with a family secret!) and this is top notch. The writing is 👌🏻 and I know I’m going to be screaming when the pieces come together!⁣
⁣
In other news, I’m 65% of the way through The Dry by Jane Harper and I’m enjoying it so much that I ended up staying on the treadmill twice this weekend after my allotted time was over just so I could keep listening.⁣
⁣
Will and I FINALLY started Ted Lasso this weekend. It is a damn delight!! For all the hype and praise, it has overdelivered for me which is kind of shocking because normally hype is scary. I told Will that I feel like all the praise hasn’t even come close to how much I could love it. We are only 7 episodes in so no spoilers!⁣
⁣
I’m kinda mad we sat on starting it for so long but at the same time I think the timing is right to help me see my way out of this February funk I have found myself in the past couple weeks.⁣
⁣
Anyways, hope everyone is having a good weekend! Have you read Black Cake or The Dry? Where are my Ted Lasso fans at? I’m happy to join your ranks! Also please tell me your fave character bc I am finding it impossible to pick this far!
No but seriously every year I contemplate organizi No but seriously every year I contemplate organizing a search party for one Katjay Millay who wrote one beautiful and amazing book and then...vanished.

Like for real. She wrote a tweet in 2015 that she was taking a few weeks off and then.... no tweets, no new books. Radio silence.

I hope she’s okay, for real, and that she knows I obsessively stalk Goodreads/Twitter/the internet to make sure I haven’t missed new book news from her at least twice a year. 🥺

Is there any author who you’ve been waiting forever for a new release from??

I’d also like to add YA author Sarah Ockler to this list! Last release was 2015 😭😭
Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are Ahhh some of my absolute OG young adult faves are becoming movies/tv shows soon! And one of them is out TODAY!⁣
⁣
The Sky is Everywhere — it’s out today on AppleTV+ and I can’t wait to sob my brains out. One of my absolute most favorite books ever by one of my all time favorite authors. It’s gorgeous and heartbreaking in its poignant depiction of grief, first love and healing — all woven together in Jandy’s signature gorgeous, lyrical writing.⁣
⁣
Along For The Ride (out April 22) — one of a handful upcoming @sdessen books being adapted in the near future and I can’t wait! These books are so near and dear to my heart.⁣
⁣
No release dates yet for The Summer I Turned Pretty tv series (the ultimate coming of age summertime story!) or The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight (the cutest meet cute of all meet cutes all set in 24 hours) but I am HYPED and have all my fingers crossed for 2022 🤞🤞

Have you read any of these? Anyone else hyped for these adaptations.

Also, for the past few years, I’ve kept a running list of books becoming movies/tv shows for the year. Head to my bio to check out the list! I try to update it weekly and keep on top of it all but life ya know 😆 but I try!
Is this a book club? I think we just started a boo Is this a book club? I think we just started a book club. Or maybe just a @jenniferesmith appreciation club?? (partner @randomhouse )⁣
⁣
Either way, after loving Jennifer E. Smith's YA books for years, it's been a real treat to also read her debut picture book with Riley (we loved!!) as well as her adult debut out in 3 weeks!⁣
⁣
⁣So let me tell you about that adult debut — The Unsinkable Great James!!

This one just was the perfect warm-hearted read for a cold and gloomy January.

A perfect setting to escape into (Alaska), a tender-hearted meet cute and a poignant look at the shared grieving experience of those left behind.

I was initially drawn, like I always am, to the daughter losing a mother storyline and an exploration of that grief but I was so taken by the father/daughter relationship between two people who were left untethered by losing the person who held their family together.

Greta and her father don't see eye-to-eye on basically anything when they are thrown together on this Alaskan cruise, a trip Greta's father and mother were supposed to take, and you can feel the tension of their long-standing tumultuous and fractured relationship -- a relationship that feels like its hanging in a balance and could not recover.

The two are both hurting so much from this loss  and it took my breath away at times in how true it rang to be in your own grief bubble and feeling like the loss is yours and yours alone while forgetting about the others shouldering their own piece of this loss. I loved watching them very slowly SEE one another.

I can't say enough good things about this one -- great setting, Greta's music, the meet-cute, the messy and imperfect nature of family and love. Definitely recommend!⁣

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