Introducing Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas - and the Importance of Gateway Fantasy

[@melindafoldvari5949]

It is honestly so refreshing to see a video where the creator isn't just spitting hate and calling gateway fantasy "childish".

[@Bestienjager2490]

FINALLY every video I’ve searched up about the series just has uncalled for hostility for no reason

[@Bestienjager2490]

@@bhanuverma4278 dude you’re not even saying the title right

[@O.Hölder]

​@@Bestienjager2490 Well it was the worst book(s) i have ever read ...

[@MsLaurenElizabeth22]

Throne of Glass was the first fantasy series I’ve ever read. I was 24ish when I read it. I LOVED it. It definitely opened the genre to me. Gateway books are very important.

[@Miluiel93]

stumbled upon this video and I really appreciate the "let people read what they want to read" and finding the fun in a book you aren't the audience for... I did not read past Throne of Glass but yes, let people read what they want to read damn it!

[@cronkthebookguy]

Right?! Target audience is a huge factor in making art. If it's not intended for me, that doesn't make it automatically bad.

[@maelleth1]

"I may not like it, but you might. And that's the more important thing." Instant subscribe! :)

[@JashanaC]

I am so glad this video was recommended to me! Subscribed! Seeing a “fantasy dude” talk about books like this without total judgement & pretension is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR! Throne of Glass doesn’t totally “hold up” for me anymore but man, it will always hold a place in my heart because it is indeed what truly got me into fantasy, many years ago 🙌

[@moirad3504]

I'm slowly working through Throne of Glass and its my "I want a fantasy but I also don't want to think a lot" series.

[@4fthell]

It's not that the people aren't archetypes, it's their relationships. How they interact. The most fun part of Kingdom of Ash (last book) is all the different storylines intersecting finally for one goal.

[@xlilitu]

I'm biased as a Sarah Janet fan (though I haven't read ToG yet), but I really appreciate your approach in this video! It's positive while also poking fun at the ridiculousness of the series. In general, I think the online book community doesn't understand that you can do both. It's also OK to not like something that others do. It's NOT OK to try to make others feel bad or lesser for what they enjoy.

[@ulla7378]

I haven't read Throne of Glass, but in general, thinking about fantasy romance as it's own sub genre, it's not surprising that they are lighter on the world building and fantasy elements. Getting the romance beats on the page takes space. Many "traditional" fantasy books often don't do justice to the romance subplots they have, this is very common complaint. It's a trade off, something's gotta give because there is only so much space between the covers. Fantasy romance and other fantasy sub genres just prioritize different things

[@O.Hölder]

The romance in tog is toxic. Not abusive toxic. More like immature toxicity. I am sure there must be better romance than this.

[@furroy]

the most amusing part to me was the main character who is the "worlds greatest assassin" not only never assassinates anyone, but goes out of her way to fake having killed people.

[@madokakaname4775]

I just want to leave a comment to say that I really like your attitude. I am used to people online insulting other people, saying they have bad taste. It is very refreshing to see someone encouraging others to like what they like, even when it is not what you like. :) This was a good video, thank you.

[@Karma7711]

Such a great message to say that you shouldn’t let other people tell you if you’ll enjoy a book or not. The books I enjoyed the most when I first started reading, were the ones I found by chance and just liked the synopsis/plot idea. It’s actually much harder to do that nowadays without scrolling through reviews on Goodreads and KZbin ect

[@morleywritesbooks]

i mean, i've been saying similar as i tore apart acotar. People who'd never read fantasy raved about the world building, but as a seasoned fantasy reader i was standing there asking: what world building? but the success of it absolutely helped get more people reading, and more people to read fantasy. It's an impressive feat. I despise the book, but the feat is still undeniable.

[@cronkthebookguy]

I had one friend tell me to read it because of the 'hard magic system'! :O Then I read it and was like, "uh...what magic system?" :D

[@CarolineMolyneux4491]

Sarah j maas always feels like fantasy Jackie Collins to me. It's a bit of an occasional guilty pleasure for me these days. But Throne Of Glass was my fantasy gateway after not reading the genre for 20 years and now it's the only genre I really read. Totally agree with everything you said. Thank you for recognising it's value

[@TheJulleful]

Stereotypical "fantasy-nerds" often struggle to see past their own point of view. (Weird, considering that reading has been proven to help develop empathy.) So it's refreshing to hear you talk about the importance of resisting judgement. Back in 2013 I was a 15-year-old girl in Finland who had read most of the translated fantasy that interested me at the time. These books were great for learning fantasy phrases etc in English. If I'd started with J. Butcher I wouldn't be reading in English today.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Love your attitude about this. You arent trying to sway us away because you arent a fan. Respect

[@carla-mariahovenielsen2291]

Agree. I really had a hard time liking Cealena it got better later on. But to be fair I think Sarah was a teenager when she started throne of glass and she got better as a writer as the series went on. It would be awsome of you would make a video like this for the acotar series. 🤞🤞

[@gypsywitchgirl6257]

Sometimes I like to "visit" the gate. I love just taking a break reading something that does not require me to attack a series like I am planning a military campaign. Depends what I am in the mood for. If I am in the mood for something complicated, where you almost have to work for the pleasure you get from understanding the story, and other times I just want to relax and just follow the story. I completely agree with the statement that you people should read what they want to read. Currently reading this series, and I like it. Not my favorite "light fantasy", but it's good.

[@faithanwuri379]

This was a really lovely video. You have such a sweet personality and I personally have no interest in the ToG series, but you approached this in a really nice way that showed issues with it, without being hateful about it. It was really nuanced, gateway fantasy series/books are so important, as you said, everyone has one, we don’t have to tear people down because of it. I really hope your channel grows more, you deserve it.

[@AHand-ol2ii]

I’ve read all the “real” fantasy books and love some, hate some. Fantasy is my genre, but I’m not afraid to say that I love TOG. The very first book is written pretty poorly- but she gets way better as they go along and the story is great. I love the characters and you definitely care. The romance is fun and engaging. These books are definitely bait for snobs. Don’t be a snob, just have fun. (Don’t be a Malazan snob for sure- they’re the worst).

[@thesavingsproject]

Pretty sure she was 16 at the time when she wrote it

[@O.Hölder]

I only read book 1 and quit book 2 somewhere 1/3 in while questioning what i am even doing with my life here. I felt like the romance was toxic and Celina to be unintentionally unlikable. This in combination with subpar writing especially the grave dissonance between showing and telling make this THE worst book i have ever read in my life. Why did i sustain book 1 and even started book 2? The concept is fun. Assassins are cool. I was deprived of other things to read. And i read hoping something would change. It didn't fast enough for me so i just couldn't keep going. Maybe if i didn't find celina toxic i could have just had fun.

[@likeactualsoulmates]

This video spoke to me! It is I, this series was my introduction to fantasy as a teenager. It's really fun to look back after having read so much more fantasy Edit because I just got to the reading order part of the video. I always suggest reading Assassin's Blade after Heir of Fire and before Queen of Shadows for maximum pain and suffering

[@amelieelizabethbotha6853]

This was the series that got me into reading in general. I picked up during an extremely difficult point in my life and it really helped me get out of that dark space, so naturally it holds such a special place in my heart, so when i finished reading the whole series in like two weeks, and I saw it being criticized and hated on I got unreasonably angry.And that wasnt right. But as I've matured and got into other fantacy books, I can understand why so many people hate on it. Its not the greatest and most definitely not the most well writen true, but I love it none the less😂

[@prophetessoftroy]

I have a personal three strikes rule: if a book/series isn’t hitting for me despite coming well-recommended or seeming up my alley, I put it away and give it another shot minimum 6 months down the road. After three separate, good faith attempts, I’m totally comfortable putting it in DNF/Just-Not-For-Me pile. I started doing this as a way to give my completionist self permission not to finish things I wasn’t enjoying. Throne of Glass was one such title-to the extent that I generally don’t bother with Maas at all. I’m glad so many people have gotten something out of her work; it just isn’t for me. TBH it’s incredibly refreshing to see a booktuber approach these titles evenly rather than fawning over them or foaming at the mouth with indignity. Truly loving your channel and glad I decided to delve into the back catalog!

[@surpriseitsus9622]

This was brilliant. I do not need another book tuber in my life.....except you! Subscribed at 14:00, but could have at 2 minutes. I'm a middle age woman and always read mystery, thrillers, but picked up this series and read them all in a week. Then read Anne Bishop the Others series, Jim Butchers Dresden Files, Patricia Briggs, then Mistborn, etc....found out I love urban Fantasy best. Thank you. Lynn in Arizona 🌵

[@katejoseph6547]

Throne of Glass was my first fantasy and it will always be held near and dear to my heart. I’m a more seasoned fantasy reader now!!!

[@brightwatcher3757]

I just want to say usually people’s intros feel long and I want to click out… Yours is a delight and as soon as I saw you tucking in the Dresden Files I was SOLD. Then you playing a guitar - beyond fabulous. Ok now I’ll watch the video.🤣 Great tshirt by the way. And a TARDIS? Impeccable taste in books and shows.

[@brightwatcher3757]

Adding on: Ok ok I’m subscribing. Give me all the MASH appreciation!!! - So I read this series because a friend recommended it. I recommended Mistborn to them and they ended up neck deep in the Cosmere and I felt obligated to read something for them. If not for that obligation I would have jumped ship in book one. Book 3 I kind of had a “Wait that was actually kinda okay” and book 4 was “Guilty pleasure.” The final book had me distraught on the couch. I was incredibly INVESTED. I honestly loved it I and don’t care that the battles make no sense. I read KoA in one night.🤣 I went on to read Maas’s ACOTAR series. They’re just a really good time and like a bag of chips. Delicious and crunchy and addicting. The ending WAS initially too clean for me, BUT I was tired of the romantic drama and relieved it was tidy. Thanks for the great video! You approached this series in such a refreshing way that isn’t dismissive OR completely in love with it. XD

[@GamenRead]

Throne of Glass was my first fantasy book after getting back into reading after many years. While it’s certainly not my favorite series, I greatly appreciate it for bringing me back into the fantasy genre!!

[@JessicaaMusica]

love this! I've been looking at picking this series up but it's so hard to find someone objectively looking at it for what it is, not speaking about how it's either the best thing ever or the worst thing they've ever laid their hands on. Reading fantasy as an adult is hard sometimes because you don't need or want eons of history or intense/intricate political manoeuvres, sometimes you want something a bit lighter with still a decent plot and characters which, for me, is what Sarah j Maas is (based on ACOTAR anyway) Gateway fantasy like this is almost certainly some of the most fondly remembered for us all--think of all the children's books you remember in comparison to adult. thank you for your nuance and clearly having such a passion for reading :)

[@FerSanchezArt]

I bought the first four books and I'm finishing the first one. After finishing for the second time ASOIAF, this story seemed... lackluster. But I enjoyed it! As an artist, it inspired me a lot to draw and it being an easy read I enjoyed for what it is. Simple, more romance and a story to read while I have breakfast and practice my English.. (I'm from Argentina and love reading books in English)

[@freyahadgett9617]

i’ve read this series multiple times and i love it. i love it when i see it given a proper chance by people who are into the popular epic adult fantasies (sanderson, WoT, asoiaf…) because it’s often looked down on by people who enjoy these series, despite it being entirely possible to love both like i do :)

[@cronkthebookguy]

Great! I love that you loved it! Hope I didn't roast TOG too much for you, cause I'm genuinely happy for you. Yes, it's absolutely possible to love multiple series that are different in style. :)

[@paulas.6517]

The best introduction to Throne of Glass I've ever seen! I never thought I would ever read this, but now I've ordered it at my library 😂

[@pattypage6723]

Thanks!! Nice to hear your take on series. I have it and haven't started yet. Refreshing style and got me subscribed. Totally agree on reading whatever entertains me best👍😎

[@kalareadsagain]

Obsessed with everything you’re doing here! I enjoyed ACOTAR (fully going into it just expecting fun silly fae smut) and have been wondering about ToG for a while so this is super helpful!

[@Quileryn]

Cronk! New subbie here! Gotta say, a metal guitarist AND a fantasy book lover? My metal brother from another mother! \m/ Never read these books and to be honest, I'm rather intrigued... because I never really saw this series as a "gateway" series, but more of a staple of "romantasy" that well... I'm not 100% into, but hey! It is a thing for a lot of other people! The way you described the characters, it reminds me of the term "large hams", which really, there is nothing wrong with large hams, but they tend to be... well, hammy! What an amazing review, though. I never knew about the mental health-focus in her characters and her story into fame. Well-deserved and good for her. "We see ourselves represented and we may not even necessarily know how much we needed that." - and good on you, well said! Looking forward to your next one, bud!

[@kristenhayden458]

Just finished my reread of the series (which I started years ago and stopped at Tower of Dawn). And your points perfectly echo my thoughts. I have been binging your other videos and love your analysis and respect for other people's view points!

[@maybelore]

I loved that intro so much I'm sticking around for more. I also really like your veiw of things

[@aliaibrahim4517]

I started throne of glass when I was 12 and waited for new book until I was 18. It’s definitely one of the reasons why I kept reading fantasy. It’s not the type of book I read now but I am still very nostalgic over it!

[@aliaibrahim4517]

Also stumbled upon your channel recently and I’ve been really enjoying your content !!

[@Anni0212]

I just stumbled upon this Video and I find it so refreshing to see someone not bash a series just because they are not the target audience! I am actually someone who enjoyed throne of glass because sometimes I just wanna read something that is easy to follow and not to dark and a cliche romance (sub)plot is always a bonus in these kinda books. Also it reminds me of my Teenage years since these were the kinda fantasy books I read as a teen. Nowadays I am more of a darkgrim fantasy reader but once in a while I get the urge to read something like Sarah J. Maas. And it really bothers me when people just absolutely bash these kind of books especially when they are clearly not the target audience. Also not every book/movie/show needs to be an absolute masterpiece and groundbreaking for someone to like and enjoy it. Some of my all time favorites actually could be considered absolute trash and I am very much aware of their faults but it worked for me and I had an amazing time reading the book or I just have memories linked to it because I read it when I was younger. I just think it is not fair to compare for example throne of glass to something like the Poppy war or Robin Hobb or George r.r. Martin because it is not trying to be something like that and has a completely different target audience but that doesn't make the books worse.

[@JessicaSilva-gq7zc]

When I read this series years ago I was advised to read Assassin's Blade after heir of fire and that’s what I did. I think it makes sense since some stuff in Queen of Shadows just wouldn’t have made as much sense otherwise and there’s some references that you just wouldn’t pick up on if you read the novellas first

[@janoyvinderlandsen]

Just discovered the channel. Really good stuff! Subscribed!! I wouldn’t mind seeing some Brandon Sanderson content in the future

[@cronkthebookguy]

Ooooh it's coming!!! :D great suggestion.

[@elizabaum]

Randomly found this, and now I'm a new subscriber. I greatly appreciated your approach to this video, particularly the idea that one person's 2-star read could be another's new favorite book. There have been so many times that negative reviews have actually made me *want* to read a book, because the reviewer disliked things that I love, and the same goes for 5-star reviews that make me avoid books entirely. (Also I'm pretty sure I own most of the books on your bookshelves that I can see, so I'm gonna vibe with your content.)

[@Deni-mt9bj]

This video deserves second like for the intro. Amazing video 🤩

[@amiliaeaton7906]

*slow clap* um.. that was amazing *cheers and applause now* 👏🏽👏🏽

[@WhyisPerryBlue]

Throne of glass was the book series that got me into fantasy books in general, by the time the last book had come out though i'd outgrown the series in a way and never finished the series.

[@marialunita]

I've been a fantasy nerd since I first read Lord of the Rings in the 3rd grade. I picked up TOG when it first came out and I LOVED this series. Is it literary perfection? No. But its my trash and I will love it all the same. Its really great seeing you take such an even hand in talking about this series because I think this series (and SJM in general) has been unfairly hated on in the fantasy/bookish space. I think you hit the nail on the head with discussing its place as gateway fantasy that could be part of that prejudice. I would also add that I think that because its very clearly targeted at first time fantasy readers who are women/girls it gets even more flack than a gateway fantasy written for a more general audience.

[@diannthus]

both your channel and your approach to books are a breath of fresh air 🥹

[@viktoriaalexander4117]

Currently on Tower of Dawn and this series just... I'm not wildly into fantasy but I have a decent history with it. That being said I can't tell if it's just that I've read a lot of YA fantasy or that this series is simply too long for its own good. It's not BAD, it's just ALOT. Personally, this could've been six books, not eight. With that being said, I agree with you on most of this! It's very much a gateway series! Also, personally I would recommend this BEFORE ACOTAR because then you're reading the books as her writing style grows up.

[@phoenixashes0013]

Love your thoughts, it’s not just slamming a book, because that’s so ways to do. You’re nuanced and I think pretty fair in criticisms

[@ariane_bn]

I'm so glad I got recommended your videos, I'll definitely keep watching! I also checked out some other videos and I definitely noticed how the sound has already improved, but you might want to keep the microphone somewhere, so you don't move it around and affect the sound! :) Are you thinking of adding a community element to this channel? I would definitely love to discuss these series or buddy-read the new ones!

[@WubBwaaah]

"The world's greatest assassin..." just made me burst into laughter at work. I'm on Throne of Glass right now and read Assassin's Blade beforehand. It's just not getting it's claws into me like I feel it should be and I came for some insight. Thank you!

[@sydneyomo7382]

I’m currently on Queen of Shadows and I’m in love with the series. The first two books were definitely a bit hard to get through but Heir of Fire blew me away. I loved your takes and opinions thank you so much!!

[@cronkthebookguy]

Thank you! Glad to hear it. Queen of Shadows was probably my favourite. Enjoy!

[@TomerArmarnik]

I have found the ToG series to be a good starting point to the SJM universe, especially as later series will eventually connect. Yes, these may be considered to be some guilty pleasure books, but it does not diminish from the joyous experience.

[@level87code]

Subscribed for the intro alone

[@MichaelSmith-zx5lw]

Okay my favourite series are: Tad Williams- Memory, Sorrow And Thorn Robin Hobb- The Realm Of The Elderlings Robert Jordan- Wheel Of Time And I'd happily put ToG in my top ten

[@yelena86]

Yes! Robin Hobb is an excellent writer, i love her books.

[@neysta2136]

I am half was through throne of glass and am loving it! But it is in fact the first “fantasy” book/series I have ever read. I’m so glad this video popped up in recommendations because it was really great to hear your insight. I 100% agree on the gateway fantasy… I think that’s all I’ll be reading from here on out! Subscribed 😊

[@BrittaneyOwen]

Thank you! I’ve never been much of a reader, but I went back to school in my 30’s last year and found that the setting lifted the mom fog off my brain and made me interested in reading. ToG is on my list, but I feel like ACOTAR has been my gateway book into fantasy, and it definitely left me wanting more! I’m also a big believer in just letting people enjoy things. Life is too short and heavy to spend it reading books you don’t enjoy just to impress people you don’t know.

[@cruisingismylife63]

Love that you did this, I'm a middle school librarian and read this series and then pulled it off my shelves as the content was a little racy for my age group, but I think it is perfect for high school and above :) I cringed a lot when reading but I think you are correct and it is a great gateway book!!

[@Heliz14]

Thanks for this review!! Just found your channel, please continue doing more of this. Love your videos and your intro is epic!!

[@TheMonkey0King]

8 bookshelves?! Sounds like you need a library tour video.

[@evablue1444]

Great video! Love your vibe and humor. 🙂

[@joybush9519]

OMGEEEEEE This series was amazing. I laughed and I cried. Bad Ass Young Ladies!!! Love the reviews though. Keep them coming.

[@luckyowl6432]

Love the way you cover these books! I could take or leave the main plot but I really liked the entire witch storyline. Thats all I remember about the first couple books 😅

[@NicolesBookishNook]

I stumbled across this randomly and I very much appreciate your take in this series! Absolutely let peopler read what they want! HUZZAH! I'd like to add also that people need to remember what age the main character is. The MC in this novel is young, so she's going to say and do dumb things. Likewise, she had to grow up really fast, so she's also going to be smart and strong in some areas too. It's all about nuance.

[@heatherruiz9490]

I'm currently reading this series, and I just started Empire of Storms (will do tandom read with Tower of Dawn). As I've read roughly 500 📚 books, I totally agree with all your points. This is gateway fantasy, and she does a great job with mental health and female empowerment! The Lord of the Rings is my favorite fantasy series of all time!!

[@pantasticalB.I.C]

I started with the final book in the series, not knowing that it was the final book. I was still in high school, and I was invested in that book. The way the main character was just tortured, let alone the trauma that dealt, and then the final battle!! Dude, I don't know what to think at the time, but man, was it cool.

[@paulafox9482]

I was half way through this video when my TV crapped-out and exited the KZbin app... As I stumbled across you by accident, I couldn't quickly resume my viewing.... So I dedicated a whole 10minutes trying to find your channel so I could come back and subscribe.😂 You're a sweet and I like your humour! I haven't read this series but I see a lot of basic people posting about it (I guess I'm a bit of a gatekeeper myself 😂). It's safe to say that after your review, I'll be avoiding it as much as I avoid The Saviors Champion and the plague.

[@hectatereads105]

What a refreshing commentary. So well articulated!

[@KaiInMotion]

Paranormal romance and fantasy romance are both huge, beloved, valid subgenres with tons of devoted fans, readers, writers, etc. It's pretty telling that the subgenres that are the most ignored and insulted by mainstream fantasy nerd circles are the ones developed for/by and mainly popular with women and gay dudes. Of course they can't be taken seriously because they're girly stories with kissing! It's annoying when even in 2023 people will dismiss this entire genre as "Twilight stuff" while they read yet another in an endless line of identical gritty white boy edgelord fantasy novels with a grimdark protagonist, and *his* trauma storyline is taken seriously but for some reason the ones people like Maas write for their female characters somehow can't be.... Honestly the climactic sequences in A Court of Mist and Fury were some of the most intense, crazy shit I've ever read. The betrayals, reveals, payoff, character interactions, all of it had me sitting there shouting at the book. Huge spoilers but the scenes in Silver Flames where Nesta literally spends the entire book being told she's a monster, and a danger to her sister and unborn nephew, and then when she's given ultimate power over the universe uses it to save them instead? And when God, literal God, takes the powers back, she thinks Nesta has been through so much she lets her keep some of the power as an acknowledgement? And because of said gift from God Nesta is finally able to accept she's not unlovable or a lost cause? I'm a 27 year old man and I was crying like a bitch. Maas can be corny as hell sometimes but she clearly actually cares about her work and it shows; her books are absolutely cheesy romance, but they're also clearly her love letter to fantasy and a direct message to lonely or broken people that they should keep trying - once you grasp that it's hard to see the hate the fantasy community has spewed at her and her readers as anything less than pointless mean-spirited gatekeeping. It's also just fun. She has fun. It's *fun* to read about pretty dresses if you love fashion. It's *fun* to correlate wingspan with dick size and make jokes about it. Maas is doing what she enjoys and millions of readers around the world love it and are responding to it, and the old guard just can't stand what it represents, even though it's for a subgenre they don't read anyways. Anyway that's my rant lol. Thank you for not dunking on other people's interests just for the sake of it.

[@mei.__]

Im a teenager but i read many “real” fantasy novels and i just picked up throne of glass(looking for something easier to read), the first books were kinda hard to get through BUT I really liked Heir of fire. Reading Queen of shadows now and enjoying it :D

[@Mira_Poix]

You had me at Frank Burns! Great overview of the series with a balanced look at strengths/weaknesses. Subscribing to see more!

[@scatteredperceptions890]

Nice review! I really enjoyed books 1 & 2 of the TOG series, but never finished book 3 as I lost interest - though the series definitely was a gateway fantasy book for me. Spotted The Lunar Chronicles on your shelf and would love to see you talk about it 😊

[@eneyavorodecky]

I don't think i have ever seen anybody else acknowledge that it is an entryway fantasy series. Kudos for mentioning it. That said, i absolutely admit that if that was the first fantasy book i have read, i would have dropped it and maybe avoid the genre. I would love to hear your opinion on Pale lights. Do you accept recommendations for books/series?

[@cronkthebookguy]

Oh I hadn't heard of Pale Lights. Had to look it up. Unfortunately I don't read enough independently published books. (And I better start, cause I wa t to independently publish myself soon!) Absolutely make suggestions! Always happy to hear your thoughts.

[@samanthacayce2215]

That was the best video intro I’ve ever seen!

[@royceshatzel]

Randomly got recommended this video after a Daniel green vid annnnnnd I’m now subscribed. Love the attitude and content

[@HABS74CH]

So funny and refreshing!! Keep going on!!! I’m definitely going to keep watching. Will you do Stormlight Archive?

[@cronkthebookguy]

You bet I will! Stormlight is a dear favourite of mine.

[@ChickenLegFriend]

Great video! I've never read SJM and have been influenced by the gatekeepers not to but i have watched a lot of reviews and retellings of her books on yt. You make great points and I really appreciate what you're doing for the fantasy community. I'm so happy yt recommended me your channel! I do have one suggestion. It might be just my problem.. I mostly just listen to book videos so i noticed the sound quality fluctuate a lot as you move your microphone around. I would keep it closer and at a steady height. Other than that keep up the good work!

[@cronkthebookguy]

Thank you! Yeah you're right about the mic. Good advice. I'm still new to this. :) Hope you keep watching!

[@jhart1127]

1 minute 30 seconds in and I'm already clicking subscribe. You're the sort of youtuber I've been looking for! 🫡 keep going!

[@markfrantz4612]

I read this series through middle school and high school and thought it was amazing. Especially kingdom of ash and heir of fire.

[@brooket1269]

Just found your channel! Very excited to see more booktubers with non bias takes while still making it fun :)

[@theproseandcons]

I just found your channel! This is awesome, so excited to watch your videos.

[@amygarlitz9574]

I love the way you approached this video! I recommend doing the tandem read of Tower of Dawn and Empire of Storms tofether. It made my reading experience so much better!

[@skybelowus_]

Love the intro 😂😂😂 glad I found this channel, subbed

[@aluralorrell3297]

I never finished the series but I do remember being excited about it as a teenager it probably wouldn't hold up for me today but 15 yr old me loved it

[@katiedalton9841]

I truly appreciate the way you talked about this series. And how it’s about enjoying what you read instead of talking down about other peoples reading choices. For Tower of Dawn - I think the reason it felt so disjointed/unnecessary for the series is that it was originally supposed to be a novella. But as she was writing it, she had enough to make a whole book - so she did lol. The intent at the start of writing may have been to not make it vital to the main plot, which may not have translated when the switch from novella to novel was made. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@himawarisunnyly9766]

What an awesome video! I know that this won’t be a series for me but I really like your point of the gateway fantasy❤ thank you!

[@Wildflower1013]

I haven't read Throne of Glass, but I have read the first 3 books in the ACOTAR series from the same author, and I had the same impression. I could understand how someone new to the genre would be in love with it! I've been reading fantasy since the first HP book came out (98 or 99 when I was 9-10 years old. thanks mom, that was my gateway!!), and even as an experienced fantasy reader, it was still entertaining just not something that impressed and blew me away. Solid 2 to 3/5 star territory. I appreciate it for what it is.

[@Cpw819]

I really loved this and enjoyed your constructive criticism. Your commentary is hilarious. I finished Throne of Glass last week and I really did enjoy the first 6 books sooo much! I wholly agree with Tower of Dawn being so boring and not really caring about the story at all. Even though I don't mind Chaol as a character, I think it could have been like 300 pages as opposed to 600, like a 6.5 book like A Court of Frost and Starlight in Acotar. I found myself dreading reading it and did the tandem read of that and Empire of Storns, which I enjoyed EOS so much.

[@elyam.]

At exactly a second to 28 minutes you've managed to bravely handle this massacre without annoying any of the romantasy readers whooow, nailed it meeen 😂

[@sofia2222]

Throne of glass was my gateway fantasy series! I read it when I was in middle school and liked it but my feelings did start to turn by the end of the series (I especially started hating aelin for never being called out and always being right). Kingdom of ash is still the longest book I’ve read 😅 SJM definitely needs an editor. Thanks for not blindly hating TOG, it deserves criticism, a hefty amount, but it’s nice to see things targeted for teenage girls being treated fairly.

[@nerdgirl8978]

I recommend everyone to tandem/parallel read Tower of dawn side by side with empire of storms. (I actually liked that book) There are some good chapter-reading-order-lists to find on the internet that you can follow. I started the series with The Assasins blade and Im really glad I did.

[@rebeccanelson6240]

If I loved Throne of Glass, but want to start getting into more full on fantasy, what would you recommend?

[@cronkthebookguy]

Great question! If you like the romance vibe, I would recommend Maas's other series A Court of Thorns and Roses. But if you want a deeper fantasy, I'd recommend Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy. It's a bit more complex and deep, but not too intense. I am planning videos on both those series, so if you wait a few weeks I can take you through a deep dive and give you more insight on them if that'll help you.

[@woodlandlady7011]

A Court of Thorns and Roses would be an interesting assessment.

[@charissewagner5965]

This is a great channel!

[@radrose4864]

I’ve been trying to get through the court of thorns and roses series and it’s so interesting to me. Maas’ ideas are good (in a junk food kind of way) but her writing is so flowery and melodramatic I can’t stand it. But it sounds like throne of glass is even worse so I’m just not gonna go there 😅 Really dig your style of video btw. I subbed

[@roxanacasuso3376]

I love the series, and I like your review. it's funny and it's spot on.

[@megalyon]

Great review thank you, I just finished the ACOTAR trilogy and was wondering which of her series to start next, based on this review I’ll probably try Crescent city lol.

[@evanstansbury7483]

Awfully good discussion. Maybe you could do Crescent City series. I agree with you. There is something interesting going on in these books.

[@xtruthx]

I just saw your guitar playing than.. I saw the stack of terry pratchett and robert jordan. That's when I knew I had to subscribe.

[@santamariagallardo]

The thing with the king's name has a reason and it's sooooooo good ❤

[@megalyon]

Ok I gave in and started reading it, but started with the Assasins blade novellas as you suggested, so far so good 👍🏾