Violently Beautiful: Throne of Glass

This book is sitting on my nightstand, next to three other novels. It will probably stay there until I lose the ability to read. I know that doesn't mean much to y'all, but having only four books on my 'favorite' list is...meaningful. Over the last ten years, I've read well over a thousand books. I mean that literally. I love, love, LOVE to read.

But only a very few, very rare books hit home. I'm not just talking about books that have brought out my emotions or made me think deep thoughts, but actually hit home. The impact is something you don't forget. Considering that, Throne of Glass definitely makes my favorite shelf.

The world is decline, almost completely overtaken by a cruel tyrant. Cool story, Bro.

There is a love triangle. Ugh. Neither guy would be my first choice, but whatevs.

There is a competition that moves the pace along like good, obedient plot device. Meh.

...but then there's Celaena. Forget everything else. Forget the magic-less mess of a world, the dueling heartthrobs, and the competition. None of that matters. I swear to you, the rest of the novel will fall away if you focus on her.

Not because the rest of the novel is bad, mind you. No, I don't mean that at all. But the rest of the novel has nothing on this one character. Of all the character-driven novels you've ever read, this one takes the lead. Celaena is my ultimate girl-crush.

She's not perfect. In fact, if Celaena had any more flaws she'd be useless as a champion. It was a razor-thin edge to walk, but she's *just* flawed enough. As contradictory as it sounds, Celaena's truly amazing. Not once did I ever think huh? why would she do that?--and that's rare. Writing an organic, original character is hard, which is why soppy, simpering idiots are the heroines in most YA novels. UGH.

The unwinding of Celaena's mysterious background, as well as her secrets, is also beautifully done. You won't find annoying info-dumps that bog down the writing. Sarah Maas knows what she's doing, and her skill kept me up 'til dawn, reading like a fiend.

I give this 5 stars--not because it's perfect, but because Maas has made me crave more. Seriously, I feel like a druggie waiting for my next hit. In my opinion, that's more valuable than a "perfect" novel.