'The Assassin's Blade' in the 'Throne of Glass Collections' series by Sarah J. Maas is a collection of five novellas that serve as prequels to the 'Throne of Glass' series. The book delves into the backstory of the main character, Celaena Sardothien, showcasing her journey from an arrogant young assassin to a more mature and complex character. The plot follows Celaena's adventures, challenges, and relationships as she navigates the dangerous world of assassins, pirates, and mysterious realms.
Readers praised the book for its engaging storytelling, fast-paced plot, and strong character development. The writing style was appreciated for its ability to immerse readers in Celaena's world, evoking emotions ranging from excitement to heartbreak. The novellas provide insight into Celaena's past, her motivations, and the events that shape her into the formidable assassin she becomes in the main series.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of violence, abuse, and slavery that may be triggering for some readers.
Has Romance?
Romantic elements are prominent, particularly the relationship between Celaena and Sam throughout the novellas.
From The Publisher:
Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, she's sworn to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam.
In these action-packed prequel novellas to Throne of Glass, Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and avenge tyranny. But by acting on her own terms, will Celaena truly free herself from her master, or will she suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery?
This bind-up features all four of the previously published e-novellas along with a story now available in the US for the first time, The Assassin and the Healer.
Ratings (117)
Incredible (39) | |
Loved It (52) | |
Liked It (14) | |
It Was OK (10) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (157):
Read It (123) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (25) | |
Not Interested (6) |
3 comment(s)
Reread:
Yreneee, Hiiiii! *waves hysterically*
Celaena, Hiiiiii! Welcome backkk!!
Sam, Bye again :( *sigh*
2.5 ⭐️
There really isn't anything to say that hasn't been said. This has all the same problems of the first two books. It is boring and predictable. It also suffers from the problem that all prequels suffer from: we know how it ends. A really good prequel story can sometimes overcome this fact but prequels are almost always worse because of this. The fact that the story sucked made this even worse.
I did like Sam as a character. Was he the most golden retriever basic white man ever? Yes. But at least he made Celaena kind of fun. RIP to her being fun.
The 2nd to last story in this collection was actually kind of good. It had good tension and build up to the climax. It had good relationship building. And decent characterization. Unfortunately, the other 4 kind of suck.
The names of the towns all sound like Skyrim cities and I can't get that out of my head. Let's go to Riften. . . I mean Rifthold. Definitely Rifthold.
I wish Celaena was more interesting. Why is she such a good person? She was a spoiled princess for the first few years of her life before being turned into a human weapon. This should make her conflicted and evil at times. Or when she tries to do the right thing, she messes it all up. Where's my Daredevil story lines? Where is her struggling with morality? Where is her pushing away the people closest to her to keep them safe? Is she dead inside to all the murder? Or is she still human? She doesn't even struggle with having to kill people because she either doesn't actually kill them or she thinks they deserved it. All of the interesting flaws that authors give characters in this archetype are missing.
She is just a pretty 19 year old that can use swords and daggers REALLY well. She could have friends if she wanted. She is the epitome of a moral compass. She hates slavery, murder, oppression, tyranny, colonialism. This woman has no flaw. Good for her I guess but she is SOOO boring to read about. Give me any other protagonist I beg you. Even killing her boyfriend didn't give her any flaws. Where is her merciless killing spree because the man she loves is dead? Where is the empty void inside of her that cannot be filled because the love of her life has been taken from her? Where is her trying to atone for the horrible things she did while in a fugue murder state? Where is her crippling depression? Where is her trying to learn to love again after Sam died? This shit writes itself and yet somehow nothing interesting happens.
SJM trying to write character growth
UGLY CRYING
What can you read after
The Assassin's Blade?
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