Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsMeanwhile in the south..
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 September 2017
A new novel in the 'Throne of Glass' series of fantasy novels. If you don't know anything about them, go and read book one; 'Throne of Glass'. Because this is not a jumping on point. There is no exposition to bring new readers up to speed.
Regular readers of this series read on. Although do note:
1: This is not book six in the series. This is a story involving other characters from earlier books which takes place at the same time as much of book five.
2: Although books one to four were young adult novels, this, like book five, says on the back CONTAINS MATURE CONTENT. NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER READERS.
This volume runs for six hundred and fifty eight pages. It is divided into two parts. Further into sixty eight chapters. And an epilogue.
There's a map of the setting at the start.
Said setting is the continent to the south of the lands where all the rest of this series takes place. Where Chaol and Nesryn have gone, in order to try and get the leader of this land to help in the fight. Plus to try and heal the injuries that have left Chaol unable to use his legs.
They face intrigue. And Chaol faces the ire of Yrene, a healer who could help him. If she can get past her issues with him.
There are also answers to big questions to be found...
Sarah J. Maas writes excellent prose, which one again really sweeps you into the book from the off. The Chaol chapters early on in particular are excellent in their depiction of him trying to live with his disability.
Everything that follows is firmly character driven, and all that happens comes out of the action and interaction of said characters.
Character relationships are really achingly well done at times, especially early on. But this is a very slow burn of a book, one of those that keeps the threat level firmly in the background while people go about their business. Some of what Chaol and Yrene go on to down is a bit predictable, but well written enough so you won't care about that too much.
Nesryn's story arc is a lot less predictable, and certain things in that do develop very nicely.
As does the eventual main plot. Whilst the developments to the main narrative that come from this may end up being summarised in book six easily enough, this does get very interesting at points. And it does have some good revelations.
There are references to things that happened in book five every so often, so you can parallel it with that.
How essential a read this is will end up being a matter of opinion. But I liked it a lot. Despite it being slightly predictable at times. There's some excellent writing and great character moments, and an interesting and well realised setting also. It is a worthwhile detour in the series, and worth five stars as such.