Why I loved reading ‘Throne of Glass’
'Throne of Glass' is a young adult high fantasy seven-book-series. High fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy fiction which describes an alternative magical world with elements borrowed from epics. The first book is about an 18-year-old Celaena Sardothien, a trained assassin serving a life sentence in the Kingdom of Adarlan. If one were to write a one-line description of the book, it would be as follows. One fated day, she gets offered a deal: Her freedom in return for competing with the other assassins in the kingdom. Here are six reasons why this book was number one on my TBR (to-be read) list.
The main character
Our main protagonist, an assassin, is strong and clever. She is both a hero, and a criminal, depending on your perspective. She has a mysterious past, and is a force to reckon with. This female protagonist is feisty and smart, kind and strong, and she fights hard for what is right.
Side characters
The side characters keep our hero(ine) on her toes. Friends and foes alike form an essential part of the story, and none can be taken lightly given that she has to compete with the deadliest thieves and assassins in the kingdom in order to gain the coveted position of the king’s personal assassin.
The alternate universe of Erilea
The story is set in Adarlan, a kingdom in which magic is forbidden and everyone is ruled over by a ruthless king living in a glass castle. The world created in this series is dark and dangerous yet intriguing. You will find yourself flipping back to the map to understand the geography and politics of Erilea (the continent where the kingdom of Adarlan is located) simply because it is so well-explained.
The plot (and the plot twists)
This is, of course, the most important element of a good novel. There isn’t a new problem that emerges in every book of the series. The end goal is well-determined and we see the protagonist’s journey, from making alliances to building up an army, if needed. You will laugh and you will cry. You will hold the book to your heart and wonder whether it will be alright given that there is such a roller coaster of emotions. I can assure you that it is truly an amazing ride. Keep in mind every tiny detail you come across because Maas has a way of writing the unexpected and every insignificant bit has its own moment to shine, one way or the other.
The writing style
You will lose track of time as you enter the world of Erilea and delve into Mass’ words. You will understand the intricacy of almost every action and read about every minute detail which will only enhance your experience of enjoying the world of Celaena.
Relationships among characters
Each relationship has a very realistic explanation. You can see how friendships blossomed and how they are maintained despite the difficult circumstances. The book portrays how the relationships of the protagonist evolve and how she manages to make friends along the way while creating alliances. Even the enemies to allies transition trope seems justified whenever and wherever that occurs.
If these six reasons are not enough to convince you, read the book simply because it is a marvelous piece of fiction and lets you escape into a beautiful world that you will cherish. Read it to see the journey towards achieving one’s goal and not forgetting who you are while on a way paved with difficulties.
Ayushi Kaushal is a student of Suncity School. Views expressed are personal.