A few days ago, someone in one of my writing groups made a comment that the author whose books I’ve been reading is overrated. They probably didn't mean it to come off as rude, but I'm rather sensitive about books I love, and have been stewing on that comment for days.
Good news: it motivated me to write a blog post to get the thoughts out. Yay!
Actually, I initially wrote this as a Twitter thread, but then deleted all twelve posts, afraid the person whose comment sparked my happy little rant would be offended. Not that they should. This isn’t about them, it’s about me. But then I got to overthinking that maybe they’d see my Twitter posts and turn it into an awkward situation, and I’d have to explain myself, and it really wasn’t worth it.
Then I realized, they won’t see my ramblings on Hive, and it’s been way too long since I’ve done a blog post. So here I am!
Let’s talk books!
The wonderous, soul-wrenching books of Sarah J Maas.
If you don’t know who Sarah J Maas is, she’s the author of a slew of fantasy novels with a massive fanbase, much of it thanks to TikTok fame. Some of these books are spicy! Especially the ACOTAR series.
I’ve read two series by Sarah J Maas this year: the Throne of Glass series, and the ACOTAR series. That stands for A Court of Thornes and Roses, which is the first book in the set. Yes, I bought the hardcover box set. No, I have no regrets.
One of my writer friends said she hasn’t read any SJM, but has heard her fans are obsessive. True story. When I was devouring her books, I immersed myself fully in her worlds. I joined a FB fan page and have had a lot of fun discussing the characters, plotlines, plot holes, and many twists.
There are still two books of hers I haven’t yet read, but I have actual work to do so I’m saving them for another time. 🤣
I'm not about to say SJM is the best author ever, or that she hasn't made mistakes in her books. There are plenty of examples of things she could've done better.
But here's the thing: if you look too closely at most stories, threads will begin to unravel.
The fact that Maas isn't perfect soothes my imposter syndrome and makes me (a humble writer) feel like maybe I can aim that high, maybe I can write that well.
Being inspired by others' success is a good thing.
I think it’s fantastic that Maas's books are as popular as they are. Rather than being jealous of her success, I’m grateful for it!
I’m happy for her! It gives me something to aspire to.
And, honestly, I think the hype is deserved.
I cannot get her stories out of my head. Her characters are a part of me now. Her books found me in a reading and writing slump, and lit a fire in my soul. I’m reinvigorated in the best possible way. 🔥
Some of her characters and plot twists are downright brilliant. My brain boggles just trying to figure out how she came up with them. Aelin from the Throne of Glass series is a freaking masterpiece.
Some of her plot twists are straight up cruel. I have not gotten over one specific sacrifice in Kingdom of Ash, and I don't expect I ever will. Those instances make me think very carefully about what I'm willing (and not willing) to do to my readers.
I've learned a TON about the writer I want to be by reading Sarah J Maas’s books. Yes, I'm late to the party (many of these books have been out for a while). No, I don't really care. All I know is that these stories have changed me. In a good way.
The sheer volume SJM has published is impressive as hell to me, having struggled to plot long series myself. Throne of Glass is a 7-book series. The ACOTAR series is 5 books and it isn’t finished yet. These are my kind of stories. They've gripped me to the point of stealing my breath, chapter after chapter. Especially Empire of Storms! That book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. It was AMAZING!
I actually read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn as a tandem read, the first I’ve done. Basically, someone has outlined the chapters to read, and you bounce back and forth between the two books, reading several different storylines set at the same time. It was wild! And so much fun.
There are a bunch of opinions of the proper reading order for Throne of Glass. I read The Assassin’s Blade first, and I’m so glad I did. It really set the stage for the rest of the series.
For someone who DNFs many of the books I start, the fact that I've devoured 12 of Maas’s books in the last few months is pretty damn impressive. It makes me happy, among a slew of other emotions.
Her books have inspired me, and that alone is invaluable.
I get that some people don't think her stories deserve the fame they've received, but maybe they do. Maybe, if they make that many people FEEL this strongly, the popularity is valid.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and it's fine to point out things you notice. In fact, I've really enjoyed the discussions I've had about these stories, even talking about parts the author could've done better. She writes morally grey characters who do bad things, and I’m here for it.
Maybe some people think she’s overrated, but I don’t. The fact that her writing inspires me is a wonderful thing in this exceedingly chaotic world.
TL;DR: If someone finds something that makes them happy and it isn't harming anyone, let them have that joy.
Read the books you love, no matter what anyone else says. There are enough stories out there for all of our complex, beautiful souls.
I'd LOVE to hear what books have inspired you lately, so please feel free to drop recommendations in the comments, or let me know if you’ve read any of Maas’s stories and what you think! 🥰
Whatever happens, keep singing your song!
Peace @Katrina-Ariel