Exploring Identity and Strength in Throne of Glass

Maas Train

My friends recently got me into reading fantasy novels. The one recommended to me was A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). I instantly fell in love with Sara J. Maas’ writing style and was encapsulated by the sheer imagery and story line. It’s hands down the best series I’ve read.  It inspired me to continue reading Maas’ work.

Manon Blackbeak

I went on to read one of now new favorites, the Throne of Glass series. I instantly fell in love with a character named Manon Blackbeak, leader and heir of the iron-teeth Blackbeak clan.  She is also the commander of the legendary Thirteen. An elite group of witches who are incessantly trained for war. They are all cold, ruthless, and deadly. Manon has been taught that mercy is a sign of weakness and that obedience is strength. 

What stands out about Manon to me is that she’s powerful with killer instincts. It’s also her depth. Beneath that icy exterior is a kind heart that she didn’t know she had. Throughout the series, we see her evolve.

She makes choices based on honor, loyalty, and love rather than the traditional fear she instills in everyone. She questions the brutal code she was raised with. She challenges her elders, and makes choices that are admirable. Her arc is one the most emotionally satisfying transformations I’ve read.

Abraxos

But then there’s Abraxos, her wyvern and battle companion.  And quite frankly my all-time favorite character in any series I’ve read thus far. He isn’t the strongest or the scariest of them all, but he’s loyal, intelligent and brave beyond measure.

He reminds me very much like a dog. He loves rolling around in the wildflowers. He has a particular sweet tooth for meat. He enjoys the warmth of the sunshine. All of the things

Their bond is truly beautiful. Abraxos softens Manon in all the right ways. He encourages her strength and brings out the best in her. They’re a team through and through. They fight together, grow together, and survive together. 

Why Manon Blackbeak & Abraxos Resonates with Me

I admire her ability to walk the line between hard and soft, loyalty and rebellion, fury and forgiveness. She reminds me that strength isn’t about shutting off emotion, it’s about choosing who and what is worth fighting for.

I relate to her deeply. Her internal battle with identity resonates with me. Her hidden softness affects me profoundly. She struggles with what she was raised to be. She also faces who she really is. This speaks to me more than I ever expected.

Manon is like me in many ways. I’m rather icy at first, but inside I have warmth, strength, and love. Abraxos, too, is like me.  He is a creature written off by others but turns out to be a hero.

I’m not saying that I’m a hero by any means, but I do have dignity and resilience. I’m truly fascinated and enthralled with these two characters and the series in general.  I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. 

So yes, if I could be any character, I’d be Manon Blackbeak. I’d soar on my wyvern soulmate Abraxos, holding my head high, heart cracked open, and wings spread wide. 

“We do not yield. We do not bow. We do not break.”

Empire of Storms