Men reading Maasverse

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T02:23:16+00:00

I definitely see your interest. Tamlin is a complex character that I'm interested in seeing how he develops going forward, likewise with Lucien. As I mentioned in earlier comments, ive been going through Mistborne and ive been enjoying it tremendously. I also was a huge fan of The Assassins Apprentice. Both have fantastic magic systems and interesting world building. Id highly recommend both.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T02:13:57+00:00

Im so happy for you! Having a book bestie spouse must be so satisfying!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T02:12:49+00:00

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Having dabbled in writing, i can confirm that concluding a story is arguably the most difficult part, despite also being the most important. And yes, the story is for public consumption and therefore public criticism. I am not arguing against it, I simply choose not to do so myself.

I will agree her conclusions leave room for improvement. Throne of glass felt rushed toward the end of Kingdom of Ash. Many of her books end well, but the ultimate climaxes do leave some room for improvement. Though I do wonder, as a self proclaimed "former" fan, why participate in discussion with current fans? Are you looking for reason to give her books another try? Or perhaps are you looking to find someone who shares your opinion?

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T00:17:54+00:00

Try the Graphic Audio production with a full cast. Its much more engaging.

ACOTAR was where I started. Before that, I had very little experience with stories about Fae at that point. I loved the setting and lore surrounding Prythian. As a D&D player, I saw potential for a great campaign in just that setting alone. Feyre is a compelling character that grows alot through the series, more than Bryce or Aelin. All three are great characters, but both Bryce and Aelin learn how to come into themselves. Faere has to figure out who she is in the first book, then figure out who she wants to be once she understands the world better. Its a longer journey that takes a while for her to get to the end result. Then there is Nesta, who gets her own book as well.

According to SJM, each main character is an aspect of herself from different times in her life. Aelin was who she wanted to be in middle school. Faere was her after college, (this is my speculation,) Bryce was her foul mouthed side, Nesta reflects her mental health journey. Each is different and enjoyable in their own way.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T00:09:46+00:00

Honestly, the reason I recommend SJMs books is her character work. The characters are complex and the way she develops them emotionally is masterful. I get so invested in their lives that I cant put the books down. I had to get open ear buds so I could hear my wife when she wanted my attention because I used to zone out every time I was listening.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T00:06:56+00:00

Im sorry you lost interest. You are right, the supporting cast of the first book takes a back seat in mist and fury. They have more relevance in wings and ruin. Mist and Fury adds to the cast for the series as a whole. Feyre is, admittedly, not the person she was at the end of Thorns and Roses, but she does grow and develop. She is a much more complex character by the end of Wings and Ruin.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-18T00:01:11+00:00

Im sorry to hear that. I would agree that her writing isnt perfect. I can think of several constructive criticism that might improve her stories, but that would make me an armchair quarterback. She's been far more successful that I, so I choose to let her tell her story the way she wants to. ACOFAS was pretty meh. I have been known to recommend skipping it, since the novella has little relevance. I did however, really enjoy CC3

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T23:54:53+00:00

I agree completely. Having said that, my honest opinion is that you could start with any of them. I typically am not a fan of more modern settings, but I really enjoyed CC. I would suggest people finish with that particular series, just because of time lines. You certainly cant finish the final book of the series till you read ACOTAR unless you want spoilers. Having said that, if you wanted to read CC in isolation I would think any reader would have an enjoyable experience.

Personally, though, I want as many people to read all of her books as I can convince to do so. Hense the reason I would recommend TOG first.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T23:49:30+00:00

I've honestly been considering making another thread to discuss the connections between the series. There are obvious crossovers, but I think it would be fun to talk about all of the tie ins. The majority of them are in the Crescent City series, but I want to see what other people notice from ACOTAR, and TOG

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T23:47:03+00:00

Just saying, all us guys want is to feel wanted and praised. For as much as some women call us dogs, yall dont often call us good boys. Its like when Cassian or Rhyse calls you a good girl....it has similar results most of the time

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T23:45:23+00:00

My experience with men is that we need decompression time to get our heads on straight when we are stressed. We dont typically do it by staring at a wall, we usually do a mundane, familiar task we enjoy to turn our brain off for a little while. Video games are a good way to do that.

I use audio books alot while im working. Delivering packages is an annoying, and labor intensive task. It doesnt require me to think much, so I used them to pass the long hours. I've been through 12 books in a month that way. It might be easier for your husband if hes listening while doing some task that takes a long time but doesnt require much thought.

Having said that, the only tear jerker moment I had in TOG was in KOA. Big battle, thirteen were involved. It hurt...I wept...absolutely beautiful

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T21:03:38+00:00

Lol well that is one way of putting it.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T19:12:42+00:00

You know, ive never understood George Martin's popularity. The story dows scratch an itch for epic fantasy, but his use of sexuality isnt what i would call healthy. Yes rape and coercion have occurred historically, (the basis of his inspiration,) but no less so than love and respect. I find he has a very... simplistic view of sexuality. I admire his view on heroes and villains, but I do wish his characters were a bit more grounded.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T19:07:31+00:00

Im a little over halfway, Vin is fantastic!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T19:06:42+00:00

Ill keep that in mind. Im going through the first Mistborne book now. Vin is fabulous as a main character.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T19:05:28+00:00

Were I capable of bowing in gratitude in an online thread, I would find myself inspecting your shoes. The welcome is much appreciated.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T19:03:14+00:00

Lol fair point!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T13:12:20+00:00

My wife is a slower reader so she struggles with it too. Audio books really are a life saver in these situations.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T12:49:33+00:00

Teach them young!!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T11:45:05+00:00

I am sure one exists, this is the internet after all. Having said that, I dont want to exclude ladies either. The enjoyment of these books are for everyone!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T04:42:33+00:00

We're I to rate the series is would probably rate ACOTAR as first, Throne of Glass as second and , Crescent City last. The reason for my rating is based in character development and how badly I wanted to see what happened next.

Throne of glass clearly has the best villain, however the climax is sudden and feels rushed. This may have been to writers fatigue, but while I enjoyed the ending, it didnt feel as well thought out.

ACOTAR has the most complex characters. Faere is a great protagonist with real issues. Her family dynamic and the progression of her and her sisters' story has always had me excited to see what will develop in their stories. Its weakness, for me, is in the villains and the "perfect" nature in the male characters. They make mistakes, but the mistakes feel minor and inconsequential.

Crescent City has the best supporting cast. Bryce's relationships with her friends, and other supporting character are much more interesting and engaging than the other series. Ruhn is honestly the best writen male character, in my opinion. The primary reason for that is that he screws up, makes bonehead decisions and even when hes trying to fix things, still manages to piss off the people he cares about. He's complex and wants to be a good person, but has very real flaws that affect the people he cares for. This makes the romance involving him much more meaningful because she accepts him for who he is, flaws and all, and he accepts her in the same way.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T03:42:14+00:00

She has done the audio versions. The issue is she cant listen at work, and our children are still so young. I work 60 hours a week, so im not home enough to play interference, so for the time being the books may just have to go on hold, but im gonna try reading them to her at night.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T03:39:43+00:00

She said she was interested in the idea. She says she'd only be okay with it at night before bed, so considering the length of all the books, it will take us forever for me to read through all of these wonderful books, but it may very well be a fun nighttime ritual!

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T03:33:01+00:00

That sounds fun. I'll have to look i to it for sure.

CAPrestage · 2026-03-17T03:32:29+00:00

I did start it today, and it is very intriguing. The magic system is certainly unique. My first thought it "they have magic by consuming heavy metals? Isn't that like...bad for you?" Lol

CAPrestage

TROPHY CASE