This is, in fact, a post

Hello to anyone reading this!

As you have probably noticed, there was a distinct lack of any posts here for the last…two years… There are several reasons for this, the biggest ones being how much of my energy working a more demanding part-time job and being more ambitious in my second MA program took out of me, and a decline in health. The second issue is being gradually addressed, but the first issue has been more addressed by my completing my degree requirements! (And continuing to not be hired for a full-time job, which is. great.)

I’m really hoping to use this year to get back into blogging at last! The plan is to focus on books, though if I have particular thoughts on something else that might turn up too. First, of course, there’s the Throne of Glass series. I’m also thinking of debuting a series where I actually read the books I’ve picked up for free by working at a bookstore, which will have the entertainment value of “this is something I picked up because ‘why not, it’s free'” and the practical value of possibly helping to clear out the piles of books I have accrued.

So watch this space, I guess?

Let’s Read: Throne of Glass chapter 9

Hey, ready to help me procrastinate on real work?

If you are, it’s block quote time.

Let’s Read: Throne of Glass Chapter 8

Turns out that being motivated to blog about bad YA fantasy does not actually change your workload. What’s up with that?

“Celaena walked down a marble hall, her dress flowing behind in a purple and white wave.“

More like a purple prose wave am I right. That joke doesn’t even make sense; the problem with this book isn’t overwriting but the complete absence of anything that isn’t a stock phrase. Aren’t you glad I’m back.

Let’s Read: Throne of Glass Chapter 7

Alright guys I’m motivated I’m going to ride this until I get too freaked out about doing Chinese historical research and disappear.

Let’s Read: Throne of Glass Chapter 6

The fourth book in this series is currently the number one YA bestseller.

There are much worse things that are bestsellers, but that’s not really a comfort.

let’s read Throne of Glass: chapter 5

I’m back! I think. In any case, on to what you’re here for!

Are you ready for some exposition? Sarah J. Maas is!

But my sins are my strength

I borrowed The Sin Eater’s Daughter from work as a test of my YA fantasy instincts. I had a feeling from the blurb that it would prove to be one of those books with some interesting ideas but poor execution. Hey, prove me wrong, Melinda Salisbury!

Melinda Salisbury did not do that.

let’s read Throne of Glass: chapter 4

Chapter four actually starts off better than the last few have, by virtue of some actual character exploration. Celaena is lying on a bed, in the room she’s being housed in until the prince’s party leaves the next morning. It’s a real guest room, not wherever they keep the slaves.

let’s read Throne of Glass: chapter 3d

Sorry for the delay! Things got rather overwhelming for a bit.

The d after the three up there was a typo, but I couldn’t convince myself to get rid of it.

Last time in Throne of Glass, the chapter ended in the middle of a conversation in what seemed to be a very bad attempt at drawing out tension.

This time in Throne of Glass: the conversation continues from the exact point where it left off!

Seriously why couldn’t this have been one chapter.

let’s read Throne of Glass: chapter 2

Upon entering the presence of royalty, the captain removes his hood, so we can learn that he’s an age-appropriate love interest.

“Captain Westfall was not excessively handsome, but she couldn’t help finding the ruggedness of his face and the clarity of his golden-brown eyes rather appealing.“

Aren’t there more pressing matters at hand? Like what the prince is doing here? Or, you know, your possible impending death?

Serana Celaena refuses to bow to the prince because she’s hardcore like that (and still figures she’s probably dead anyway). A “large” duke forces her down, hitting her against the floor, and Celaena thinks about how she’d like to kill the guy. The prince, however, says he doesn’t see the point of forcing someone to bow, and that he thinks Celaena has had enough humiliation. He then sends Duke Perrington on his way.

Well, at least Maas is quick to establish what type of character everyone is, I suppose.