SJM, my queen

After completely losing myself in the enchanting world of ACOTAR, I finally took the plunge and started the Throne of Glass series! It feels like such a 'new' adventure, even though these books have been around for a while. I’m only a few chapters in, but I can already feel the magic starting to pull me in. I’ve heard so many amazing things about Celaena Sardothien, and I’m so excited to see how her journey unfolds. It’s wild to think I’m just at the beginning of another epic saga by Sarah J. Maas. One of the things that truly captivates me about S.J.M.'s writing, and what I’m hoping to find again in Throne of Glass, is her ability to craft characters who embody that powerful sentiment: "You could rattle the stars. You could do anything, if you only dared. And deep down, you know it, too. That's what scares you most." This quote, often associated with the series, perfectly sums up the journey of her heroines. They face immense challenges, discover incredible strength within themselves, and push past their fears to achieve greatness. It’s incredibly inspiring to read, and it makes you feel like you can conquer anything, too. For anyone else just starting out or considering their next S.J.M. book, diving into Throne of Glass after ACOTAR is definitely a unique experience. While both series share S.J.M.'s signature intricate world-building, strong female leads, and epic romances, there are some distinct differences. ACOTAR felt more fairytale-esque initially, with a strong focus on Fae politics and romance right from the start. Throne of Glass, from what I've gathered and am currently reading, seems to lean more into high fantasy, assassins, and a slower burn for certain plotlines. Don't go in expecting another Prythian, but rather prepare for a fresh, equally compelling world. The magic systems are different, and the tone feels a bit grittier, which I’m actually really looking forward to. If you’re like me, constantly on the hunt for your 'new' S.J.M. fix, here are a few tips I've picked up from the fandom: Reading Order Matters (Sometimes!): For Throne of Glass, there are debates about when to read 'The Assassin's Blade'. Some say before, some after 'Heir of Fire'. I'm personally going with the chronological release for my first read-through, but it's worth researching what suits you best! Embrace the Journey: S.J.M.'s series are long, and the true magic often builds over several books. Don't rush it! Let yourself get lost in the details and the character arcs. Connect with the Fandom: Platforms like Lemon8, BookTok, and Goodreads are treasure troves of discussions, fan art, and theories. It’s so much fun to share your 'currently reading' thoughts and connect with others who love these books as much as you do. You might even discover details you missed! As I continue my journey through Throne of Glass, I'm already anticipating what new S.J.M. books or series might come next, or which of her other works, like Crescent City, I'll pick up. The excitement of discovering a new S.J.M. world, whether it's a new release or just new to me, is truly unmatched. What 'new' S.J.M. book are you hoping for or currently enjoying? Share your thoughts below!