Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) by Sarah J. Maas
Published 2018 · 272,948 words · about 19 hours at an average pace · Fantasy, Romance
How hard is Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) to read?
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) scores 55 out of 100 for difficulty on ReadingRate, making it quite demanding. The score is a weighted composite of nine measures: four of how hard the prose is to parse, five of how hard the meaning is to extract.
- Vocabulary: 48 out of 100
- The book employs a fairly standard fantasy vocabulary, with some invented place names and titles (Terrasen, Allsbrook, Valg). While not overly complex, the language is descriptive and evocative, fitting the genre. Compared to *The Great Gatsby*, the vocabulary is less elegant but more specialized.
- Sentence structure: 50 out of 100
- The sentences are generally of moderate length, with some complex clauses and descriptive passages. While not as straightforward as *1984*, the syntax is not overly convoluted, allowing for a relatively smooth reading experience. The book uses a mix of dialogue and exposition, contributing to a balanced syntactic structure.
- Abstraction: 55 out of 100
- The book balances concrete narrative with explorations of themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the nature of good and evil. While the plot is action-driven, characters grapple with moral dilemmas and philosophical questions, raising the abstraction level. This is similar to *The Great Gatsby*, which explores social observation through its story.
- Information density: 60 out of 100
- The book presents a moderate amount of information per page, balancing plot development with character interactions and world-building details. While there are multiple plotlines and a large cast of characters, the information is presented in a way that is generally easy to follow. This is slightly higher than *The Great Gatsby* due to the fantasy world-building.
- Narrative indirection: 58 out of 100
- The narrative relies on a mix of direct exposition and indirect implication, requiring readers to infer character motivations and the significance of events. While the plot is generally straightforward, some details are left ambiguous, encouraging interpretation. This is similar to *The Great Gatsby*, where Nick's bias shapes the narrative.
- Symbolic density: 68 out of 100
- The book employs a number of recurring motifs and symbols, such as fire, darkness, and certain objects, to represent larger themes and ideas. While not as dense as *Moby-Dick*, the symbolic elements add depth and complexity to the narrative. The use of these symbols enriches the reader's understanding of the characters and their struggles.
- Ironic distance: 40 out of 100
- The book maintains a relatively low level of ironic distance, with the author generally conveying sincerity and emotional engagement. While there may be moments of humor or satire, the overall tone is earnest and heartfelt. This is similar to *Moby-Dick*, where Ishmael's humor is amid tragedy.
- Resolution withholding: 60 out of 100
- The book withholds some resolutions, leaving certain plot threads open or ambiguous. While the main storyline reaches a conclusion, some character arcs and mysteries remain unresolved, inviting speculation. This is similar to *The Great Gatsby*, which has a closed plot but open meaning.
- Structural complexity: 50 out of 100
- The book follows a generally linear timeline, but incorporates multiple points of view and occasional flashbacks. While not as experimental as *Ulysses*, the shifting perspectives add complexity to the narrative structure. The use of multiple POVs allows for a broader understanding of the events and characters.
How Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) is regarded
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, #7) holds a literary regard score of 27 out of 100, weighing its place in the canon, its critical reception, its influence on other writers, and the standing of its author. Regard is measured separately from difficulty: a demanding book is not necessarily an admired one.