Crystal

This book is enjoyable, I think if I had chosen to read a physical book rather than listen to audio it might have taken though just because it feels like a slow start. However, Rosario Dawson did a great job with the narration, she really got comfortable and starts to shine after the first chapter. It's not my top Andy Weir book, but still worth the listen.

I will note that I had just read Project Hail Mary, and The Martian back to back before this. Had that not been the case, maybe I wouldn't have been so hard on it.

Get ready for an intense ride of emotions. This book touches on abandonment, revenge, emotional and physical torture in war times, and even school age bullying. All while tackling ancient myths of shamans who can bring down the into themselves to fight for their people.

There are many twists and turns, and you find yourself hoping that the characters find hope, or that some other forces come to save the day and prevent the need for the great sacrifices they seem destined to make.

I have to say that Rowan shows back up right at the point where you're just like ok, how much longer till he gets to be part of this story again?! Lol just love the banter, and mutual respect they have for one another. I can't wait to see their love story continue to blossom. Definitely a slow-burner.

There were a lot of twists and turns that didn't necessarily see coming which isn't that surprising because Sarah J. Maas does that really well in her writing.

But......

You know when you are just reading and in your mind, you're like, oh yeah totally know how all these different strands of the story are going to link up, and then....all of the sudden in a briliantly crafted series of paragraphs, everything you thought you understood is flipped on its head?! That is how the entire storyline with Manon, Elide, Kaltain was for me! I'm so intrigued by how the thirteen and Elide are going to play into the rest of the story now!

If you've read the previous books in this series then you should already know that this book will be great, with twists and turns that you won't necessarily see coming. An epic love story that will break your heart and reforge it again, and again. If you have not read the previous books in this series... Go do that first.

Spoilers after this point.

I was tearing up in the final chapters, reading all that Maeve had done, all that she had set into motion for centuries. The soul crushing pain that inflicted on Aelin and then her refusal to break from the physical pain. It was heartbreaking. Then to see all that she had accomplished, every life-debt and favor she had called in come to light right after being taken... I was close to tears. Rowan better find her and break her away from Maeve's grip. While I don't necessarily want Dorian to die, if it comes to it, l'd rather he forge the lock...is that an unpopular opinion?

As always, I really enjoy stepping into worlds created by Sarah J. Maas. I was left heartbroken by the Assassins Blade and now in Throne of Glass there is a whole new world to consider with Characters that dance upon the line of friend or foe right up until the very end. I'm excited to learn more about all of them and hopefully soon, delve deeper into Celesna's past and how it will effect not only her future but everyone else's as well.