Throne of Glass Hardcover Box Set: Sarah J. Maas Hardcover – 29 Jun. 2023

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.

Wonderful set of books, come completely sealed and no damages whatsoever. Very interesting story so far. excited to see what happens next!

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!

An excellent series. A great amount of action, thrill, politics and romance.I first read Acotar and loved the fantasy aspect, but understood that it was heavily romance. The Throne of Glass series has less ‘heavy romance’ but still a good amount to help readers grow attachments and gives a needed break between stressful twists and action.The box set provides all books in the series, including the prequel The Assassins Blade. I’d recommend reading it first as it provides great context for later books - but not in a spoiler sense.

No spoilers for the series. Quality of the books physically isn't ideal, the foiling on the titles is very hit and miss but otherwise a pretty collection

I have read all seven books in the Throne Of Glass over a couple of months and I’ve loved everyone of them. For someone who never read much fantasy fiction I can’t believe how this series has captured my imagination and my heart.Kingdom of Ash is an epic, emotional, and at times absolutely brutal finale to the Throne of Glass series. At over 900 pages, it’s a brick of a book, but every chapter counts in this case.Sarah J. Maas does a great job weaving together all the different storylines we’ve followed through the series. There’s a lot going on, battles, sacrifices, heartbreak, but it never feels confusing. The pacing is intense, but the quieter, character focused moments really land too.Aelin’s journey in this one is painful and powerful. She’s not the same person we met in Throne of Glass, and that growth shows in such a raw, honest way. The rest of the cast shines too, particularly Dorian, Manon, and Elide.Yes, it’s a long read. And yes, you’ll probably cry (more than once). But if you’ve stuck with this series, Kingdom of Ash is everything you could want in a finale: epic battles, emotional payoffs, and true closure.Highly recommended for fans of the series, just prepare yourself for a serious book hangover at the end of it. This box set is great value for money.

Incredible series - one of the best i've read for a long time!

This had come in a great condition, all hardcovers come in a lovely collectors box, can not fault the condition at all.