I listened to 2 different series this summer. I know summer is not quite over yet, but mine is about to be. I report to work tomorrow morning at 8am. Yay!
Getting back to reading, let's talk about the Throne of Glass Series vs the Harry Potter series. They had more in common than one would think. I believe I saw the similarities because I was reading both series so close together.
Let's talk about each series first.
Throne of Glass series. I'll be the first to admit that I did not read "The Assassin's Blade" which is a prequel written after the first 2 books. I decided I knew enough about the main character and didn't need any more background information. Of course, I may change my mind and read it later, but I am good for now.
For those who have not read this series, I highly recommend it. This is a YA series I have in my library, but as an adult, I found it highly entertaining. In this series, Celaena Sardothein, who is a legendary teen assassin, has been imprisoned for her crimes. When she is offered a chance to win her freedom by competing in a deadly competiton to become the King's "Champion," she takes it. However, she soon realizes there is something else going on here when some of the contestants are murdered. It is apparent there are dark secrets and even darker magic at work.
As the series unfolds, Celaena discovers her true identity and her connection to an ancient magical world. Along the way, she builds some unlikely friendships, finds love (of course), faces powerful enemies, and becomes a key figure in a massive battle between good and evil. (For those who have read Harry Potter, does this sound familiar?)
Harry Potter series. This series is also highly entertaining. This series follows Harry Potter who at first seems like an ordinary boy until his 11th birthday. On that day, Harry finds out he is a wizard who has been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. At Hogwarts, Harry makes lifelong frieds, learns magic, and discovers the truth about his mysterious past.
As the series unfolds. Harry and his friends uncover secrets about the dark wizard, Voledmort, who is determined to return to power. Together Harry and friends, face increasingly powerful challenges where Harry becomes a key figure in a massive battle between good and evil.
Some of the similarities in both series.
- In both series the main characters have a family tragedy in their pasts, and because of those tragedies, they both bond with their friends to form a "found family."
- In both series, the main characters learn their true identities.
- In both series, the main characters are key figures in massive battles between good and evil.
- In both series, each of the books gets progressively darker in tone.
- In both series, sacrifice is a major theme.
Some of the differences in both series.
- The Main Character - Celaena is already a highly skilled assassin when her story begins. Harry begins his story as a fairly ordinary boy.
- Romance - In Throne of Glass, romance is a much stronger component. Romantic relationships are major parts of the characters' developments. In Harry Potter, there is romance, especially as the characters age, but it is not a central focus.
- Age and Maturity - The Throne of Glass audience is definitely high school and above. Whereas Harry Potter is more for the middle school and above audience.
I am sure there are many more similarities and differences, but these were the ones I noticed when reading both series around the same time. I would have loved to give you passages from the books to solidify my opinions, but I was afraid of giving away spoilers.
If you have different opinions, let me know. I love a good book discussion.
