{Book Review} Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

» 13 October, 2015 » 5 Star Review, 5 stars » 3 comments

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
(Website, , )Published by A&C Black on August 2nd 2012
Genres: Action & Adventure, Fantasy & Magic, General, Love & Romance, Royalty, Young Adult
Pages: 432
Format: Paperback

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Meet Celaena Sardothien.Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for greatness.In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake. She got caught.Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament - fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin's heart be melted?

Celaena Sardothien is the infamous assassin of Adarlan. However, when she’s summoned to the king’s glass palace, it’s not to kill him but to fight for her freedom. She’s paired against twenty-three other criminals across Erilea, all wanting the same thing. The Crown Prince, Dorian, will tempt her; The Captain of the Guard will train and protect her; the mysterious princess of Eyllwe will become her confidant. In a land where magic is forbidden, something is lurking in the castle and killing off the competitors. Now, fighting for her freedom comes second to surviving through the night. She is the only one who can defeat whatever lurks in the castle, and she might have to risk her life to do so.

“He was done with politics and intrigue. He loved her, and no empire, no king, and no earthly fear would keep him from her. No, if they tried to take her from him, he’d rip the world apart with his bare hands. And for some reason, that didn’t terrify him.”

I have joined the dark side, and they have Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall. I’ve heard so much about this series, so on impulse, I purchased a copy. I don’t know why I haven’t picked it up sooner! Good does not even begin to describe how wonderful this book was—try magnificent, addictive, or exquisite. I have always been a fan of fantasy, and this one just bumped up to the top of my list. I need the other books!

“’We all bear scars, Dorian. Mine just happen to be more visible than most.’”

First off, the main character was hilarious—sarcastic, snarky, and not afraid to speak her mind. No one needed to protect Celaena because she had that covered, but I loved that Chaol stood by her side. The author got the idea for the book while listening to the Cinderella soundtrack—but if Cinderella was an assassin. However, this book wasn’t a retelling, but it’s own unique tale, though there are a few nods towards the midnight princess. There hasn’t been many leads as strong as Celaena, willing to make difficult decisions for the good of everyone and, especially, herself. You won’t be able to help but like her and wish to have more of these books in your hands.

“’Well, if she does try to escape, which she won’t, then she’ll break your heart.’”

Secondly, I am a huge fan of love triangles. Some don’t care for them, and I don’t necessarily want them in every book I read, but I do enjoy them. Dorian was the gorgeous prince, the womanizer, and the one who couldn’t stay away from the assassin. His love for books and the things he did for Celaena made me fall for him, too. But Calaena also had Chaol. Unlike the obvious romantic relationship building between Dorian and Celaena, she and Chaol had a budding friendship. Choal’s feelings towards Calaena began as a casual complacency, but he started to see her as more than the name the whole kingdom feared. Whereas they didn’t have as many moments as she and Dorian, their final scene together made my heart smile.

“He didn’t know why, but seeing her made him feel like a man. She was something out of a dream—a dream in which he was not a spoiled young prince, but a king.”

By far, this was one of my favorite books of the year, so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens next—or what happened before in the prequel. If you don’t already own these books, I highly suggest it. Thankfully, the rest of the books are on their way to me as I type, and I will definitely be fangirling and hugging the UPS man.

An addictive story, two handsome men vying for her affection, and an incredibly strong lead that makes me understand why everyone is talking about these books.

“’No matter what happens,’ she said quietly, ’I want to thank you.’

Chaol tilted his head to the side. ‘For what?’

Her eyes stung, but she blamed it on the fierce wind and blinked away the dampness. ‘For making my freedom mean something.’”

About Sarah J. Maas

arah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she’s not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.

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