Throne of Glass Hardcover Box Set: Sarah J. Maas

Like a lot of other readers, I originally read this series (in ebook) without bothering with the prequel novellas and I even skipped Tower of Dawn. Shocking, I know! But on my re-read, since this is the full boxed set, I read everything in chronological order. The context provided in the prequels is important because later on in the plot, Aelin calls in many favours and in these novellas, you not only get a picture of her character prior to her breaking at Endovier, but the reasons as to why so many people owe her a life debt. These novellas along with ToG and Crown of Midnight are highly YA in tone and language, with people described as cursing or swearing, and the words never spelt out on the page! You jump from these short reads to Heir of Fire which feels like quite a stodgy and depressing read at times. Rowan is insufferable in the beginning and it takes ages to warm to him. However, there's some really good action at the end of this book. I never really understood why one of Rowan's cadre, Vaughan is never used in any of these books apart from a short appearance in this one. Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms are where the books start to grow up a little. But there's also a lot of oppression hanging over the characters and it's only the intrinsic relationships that keep you reading, because this world of Maas' is really dystopian, more so than ACOTAR or CC. Empire of Storms has quite a horrific ending that makes you sit up and go "oh no she didn't" and I think this is why a lot of people skip Tower of Dawn. Because you're left on a cliff hanger and because there are so many questions that you know only the finale will answer. It's trauma upon trauma and you're awaiting the redemption Aelin so badly yearns for. She's the one you're invested in. However, if anything Tower of Dawn is a palate cleanser following the nastiness of EoS. SJM allows herself for once to take her time describing a new setting in marvellous detail. It was definitely a story with a tonal shift and gave the same push and pull as other novels, but was also a gentler read on the whole. Plot wise you can read the series without ToD but context and character wise, it adds layers. I also think that perhaps SJM with her soft spot for Chaol felt like she owed him his own story. The finale, Kingdom of Ash is a hugely complex, sprawling novel full of complexity and layers. The plot is seamless, the battle scenes written so you really feel like you're there. The only negative was that sometimes, because of the many POVs, I wasn't sure which character we were with. I also personally felt Aelin's torture was uncalled for; her masochism kind of grated on me at times throughout this series at various points. I felt it was too much, on too-young shoulders, considering other characters in the series are 100s of years old - like Manon and the witches, Rowan and his cadre. It felt slightly perverted for such a young person to be put through so much, when she's got all these older characters around her. Even the elderly humans hate on her and it stinks. But the reason why this series is better than any of Sarah's others in my opinion (despite the imperfections on occasion) is that this is a pearl of true individuality. SJM's genuine fervour for this genre shines in ToG (this was before she added heaps of sex to appeal to the masses). These books develop and grow alongside the teenage Aelin and it truly is a ride that you feel yourself being carried along as if these are real people. Highlights of the series: Lorcan and Elide, the epitome of less is more. Their attraction was palpable despite them never having sex on the page! Elide truly becomes his equal and more. Manon and her Thirteen had one of the greatest arcs and I bought in the most and cried the most over them. Manon with Abroxos, then her and Dorian. Perfection. A total turnaround character and a full arc indeed. And when Celaena or Aelin is on top form with arrogant sass, quips, surprise gestures, intelligent guesswork and general badassery, that's when the story really sings + Rowan is her perfect counterpoint in everything. What was missing from the series finale in particular: An epilogue set further in the future, plus a more appropriate punishment for Maeve (like sending her back to her husband). We're told about a couple of weddings, but what about Manon and Dorian? Nesryn and Sartaq? Yrene and Chaol's baby and the sort of life they make together. Also, does Elide finally get healed? I feel like there could easily be an adult fantasy series one day that moves all the characters on and demonstrates SJM's development as a writer. Perhaps a reality in which conquerors once more threaten Erilea... and it's not all on one princess's shoulders next time. A truly great first series from an author, with a few cracks that are easily forgiven due to all the magical characters and their quirks, comedic bickering, endearing foibles, relentless fight and determination to push back evil.

I bought these in the summer and i'm heartbroken to see they now come as a colourful set when purchased! so jealous of those! that being said, i think this is my favourite book series i've ever read. I fell in love with every character, i cried multiple times in every book - this is the best. i will talk about it to anyone who will listen, please read these books <3 *edit - i caved and bought a copy of the hardback box sets for the pretty covers and seen as my original box set is doing the rounds between friends - i got it at a really great price around £80 so look out for the deals!!!

Bought for my daughter for Christmas, looks a great set and good value for money .

A doorstopper of a book brings to an end the the Throne of Glass saga, even if the name stopped having any link to the story several books ago. A strong conclusion, if a little overlong. There were genuine moments of emotion that brought a tear to the eye, and others that felt just tacked on. The conclusion to the story of the keys which had occupied so much of the story in past books seemed an afterthought in a hurry to get to the big battles at the end. I understand the urge to have a more “human” conclusion but it left a somewhat bitter taste in the mouth. While some of the characters leap off the page others are more elements of convenience than anything else. The various powers held by the characters also tend to vary based on the needs of the moment. Overall a good read. As a series, the books remain somewhat uneven, and while I would recommend it to readers, you definitely need to have a fair amount of time and no little amount of patience to get through the full story.

As a longtime fan of Sarah J. Maas, diving into the Throne of Glass box set was like opening a treasure chest of fantasy gold. This complete paperback collection had me hooked from page one, every twist, every battle, and every surprising romance kept me glued to the story. The world-building is rich and immersive, making the kingdom of Erilea feel as real as my own backyard. The compact paperback format is perfect for slipping into a bag for on-the-go reading, and the beautiful cover designs make this set a stunner on any bookshelf. Whether it’s your first time meeting Celaena Sardothien or a return to an epic saga, this set is a total must-have for anyone who loves action-packed fantasy with heart and soul. Prepare for sleepless nights, you won’t want to put these books down!

If you’re an ACOTAR fan - this series is for you! I loved every moment of this journey! I found it tough to get into at first, but I suggest starting from “Throne of Glass” instead of “The Assassins Blade” and the finishing the series before reading assassins blade! But that’s just my personal preference - I also think it helps with the TOG hangover!

Arrived two days early in a very secure package with all the books in good condition. The box is a little damaged at the sides but it’s barely noticeable and there was also a cute poster inside the box. The only thing i found weird is that the books in my box were out of order. Updating this while i’m reading them: The covers paperbacks of two books of the series are kind of falling apart, i had to buy a special glue and fix them myself of the covers would’ve broke. I don’t know if it was the material used by Bloomsbury or just not done right but it was very annoying. The rest was great.

This Throne of Glass paperback box set is a great way to own the full series in one purchase. The books arrived in good condition, the covers look nice together and the paperbacks are comfortable to read. It is an immersive fantasy story with strong characters, steady pacing and plenty of twists that keep you hooked through the series.

Cn't express in words ...😭🤌🏻🫶🏻

Ich liebe diese Serie! Ich gebe zu, der Start war für mich schwierig. Ich habe gelesen, das geht den meisten so. die ersten zwei Bücher sind aber wichtig, um die Geschichte aufzubauen. Und WAS für eine Geschichte das ist! Wow! Liebhaber von Spice sollten sich nicht zu große Hoffnungen machen, denn diese Szenen sind selten und meist nur angedeutet (zum Beispiel: "Show me everything" - and he did. Fertig. nächstes Kapitel) Wer aber eine unglaublich packende Story lesen will. zum Mitfiebern und Mithoffen, zum Lachen aber auch tatsächlich zum Weinen, der sollte wirklich zugreifen. Tipp: im Internet nach der Lesereihenfolge suchen, da es sich wirklich anbeitet, die vorletzten zwei Bücher im Tandem zu lesen - sowie sich die Frage zu stellen, wann Assassin's Blade gelesen werden soll.... Facebook ist voll von Diskussionen. Manche lesen es als erste Buch, manche als letztes, manche als viertes, ich empfehle es als drittes. Es handelt sich um die Vorgeschichte, und da nach Buch 2 eine natürliche Zäsur entsteht, finde ich es dort wirklich passend! Ich rate davon ab, es ganz auszulassen. Alles, was vorkommt wird irgendwann wieder aufgenommen. Alle Fäden finden ein gemeinsames Ende. Wichtig: bei diesem Artikel handelt es sich um die englische Version. Ich lese meine Bücher nur auf Englisch, daher kann ich zu deutschen Übersetzungen nichts sagen.

It turned out exactly how I wanted with the coloured spines , but unfortunately the box .arrived slightly damaged