Throne of Glass

Wow... Just Wow. I dived into reading this book blindly. I have heard/seen this one around the book community and heard it was about a girl who was an assassin. That was pretty much the extent I knew of it. And I really just never thought to look more into it. One day I saw it, bought it and when it arrived, was like 'I'll browse through it tonight'...then BAM! I pretty much read this book in about two days. This book does very into multiple points of views but is written well that it flows together. Even though I can be a bit fussy when it comes to reading multiple people’s views I still loved this book. I was hooked to the story from the beginning and was still intrigued to find out what was going to happen on the next page half way through. It has fantasy, magic, action, adventure and even a slight love triangle forming. And although there was a love triangle forming it thankfully wasn't what this book solely evolved around. At times some events, past stories and plot twists popped up unexpectedly. And usually I'd pick at those types of things, but it kind of played out well in the end that I didn't mind how they came about. I love the dialog and wittiness that was contained in this book. And, at multiple times, I even found myself giggling and hollering out load (to my own embarrassment). Overall I just loved it. This book really did surprise me, and in a way I'm glad I plunged into it without much knowledge of the story. I think it deserves the five stars of Goodreads. Now, onto the second book! :Dshow more

One of my most highly anticipated reads of the year and it didn't disappoint! The story focuses a lot on the characters, which is something I adore. Celaena is a multifaceted gem of a character. She has her ups and downs, her moments of foolishness and stupidity mixed in with those of great intelligence. I felt sorry for her one moment and intrigued in the next. Even the secondary characters felt richer and deeper than they are often written. I can see why Maas has an online following of faithful readers. The one part of the story that I felt was lacking was in relation to the title of the book, The Throne of Glass. While there is mention of this castle and the glass walls and so on, it still felt as if there were no reason for it. Maybe it will come into play in a later book, but it wasn't significant enough in this one to merit the title. I'm not quite sure why it's even like this. It's not a metaphor, but literal glass. The storyline of the assassin's competition was wonderfully written and I loved hearing about the different aspects of the tests. There is a fantasy element to the storyline, one that isn't even mentioned in the description of the book. While it is featured throughout the story, it isn't something that should turn non-fantasy readers off. I found the element to be unique and it helped to move the story along appropriately - it wasn't just added in order to have some fantasy thrown in. Fans of historical fiction with strong women characters and some action are sure to enjoy this one. ARC reviewed by Jessica for Book Sake.show more

Sarah J. Maas has written an intricate world with a layered plot and a strong and witty main character that I found myself rooting for. Since I don't read a lot of fantasy it took a bit to get accustomed to the names, places and such, but once I did, it became more enjoyable. Though I admit, I skimmed over some of the backstory about the land because that is not what interests me. I also had a bit of a hard time with the third person just because I am not used to reading that style, it's been awhile. But all in all I think that it works for this book because we do get glimpses into the lives of other characters besides Celaena and that provides neat insights into the story and the other characters. The characters are what kept my attention. The book begins with a master assassin Celaena being asked to participate in a contest of champions for the king, and I immediately liked her voice and thoughts. She is sarcastic, has something to say about everything, and toes the line but manages to have the good sense not to leap over it most of the time. I love her interactions with Chaol. In fact I pretty much enjoyed his character overall, the gruffness with the soft spot for her that he manages to hide most of the time. There's a love triangle going on because she also flirts with Dorian, the prince who chose her as his champion. I pulled for Chaol overall, but I don't really know where story is taking us. I loved the friendship between Chelaena and Nehemia. Nehemia is mysterious, powerful and from a country who the king is currently attacking, so that leaves intrigue always wondering what her motives are. But it also forms a bond between the two, that is very well written. I loved the challenges that Chelaena faces, and watching her train. It is quite an experience for me to read about a main character going through these things, because I am pretty weak myself, so it just makes me admire her. I do wish that some of the trials were detailed instead of just being told about them, but I suppose that would have been way too much, adding to an already long book. As it is, there is plenty of action and layers that keeps the story moving. Bottom line: action packed, page-turning fantasy with a kick butt heroine that I fell for.show more

Review By Alaiel Kreuz: Celaena Sardothien is the famous Adarlan's Assassin... but nobody knows who she really is and after being betrayed and imprisoned, she has spent the last year inside Endovier, a mine where cruelty was the reality of each day. Now she is sure no one would ever remember her. But the gods (or whoever was listening) gave her an opportunity to find freedom in the hands of Dorian, Crown Prince, son of the very man who sent her to Endovier, the cruel King of Adarlan... Of course, her freedom had a price: she would have to become the King's Champion and serve, as his personal assassin, during four years. The bottom line? There was a competition to choose the Champion. And someone wasn't going to play fair... Of course Celaena wasn't afraid of anything and took the chance. Now, under a false name, she is going to have to train again alongside Chaol, Captain of the Royal Guard, to become again the assassin she once was. The only problem was: could she really forget what the horrible King had done to every country he conquered? The screams, the suffering and pain she had witnessed in Endovier of all the slaves he kept? Through sticks and stones she would realize that someone was watching over her. That the magic the cruel King had tried to vanish was hidden waiting for the right time to come out and that she had an important part to play in Adarlan's destiny. Personal Opinion: I'm 100% sure that Throne of Glass has become, in less than a day, my favorite book of 2012... And I don't think there will be a book as good as this one until next year. At least for me. Have you ever found yourself gawking, gasping, closing a book only to remember how to breathe and then opening it again while wondering what could happen next? Or even afraid of reaching the end because you knew that, after reading the last line, you would be completely devastated knowing the wait - that excruciating wait- could kill you? Well, there's where I am right now. I can't believe I have to wait, who knows how long, for the next book to come out. I loved every second, every page, every quote of this book. Beginning with characters like Celaena, who besides being beautiful is also strong, fearless and deadly. Four ingredients that together create the perfect assassin for a world where war, suffering and death are a constant reminder of the tyrant ruling it: the king of Adarlan. But what made Celaena special was her human side. After being in Endorvien during a year - a place I fear completely- her soul is not broken but wounded. There are things she has seen, things that could make anybody break until nothing remain... except Celaena. Despite being scared at times she overcame those fears and controlled her live as best as she could. Two of her best qualities are her quick movements and witty retorts. And why do I like her so much? She likes being a girl, using pretty dresses, reading (OMG she reads so much!) and plays the pianoforte like nobody else. Then we have Dorian, the Crown Prince of Adarlan. Known as a womanizer he only wishes to find a way out of his world full of conspiracies and lies. He is clever, funny and sweet but at the same time a stranger during most of the book. To see him develop his personality was amazing and I honestly can't wait to read more about him. Chaol, the Captain of the Royal Guard, is the opposite: quiet, distant and very private. As Captain he doesn't trust Celaena during most of the book but, little by little, he starts to acknowledge her intelligence and respect her perseverance. I'm not lying if I say that right now I can't possibly choose between Dorian and Chaol... They both have won a place in my heart and I know that, whatever happens, I will cry for the one that stays alone. If that happens, of course. The book is also full of other characters that will make you smile like Princess Nehemia or Philippa. And you will cringe and shout with Cain, Kaltain or the King. As for the plot all I can say is that Sarah will rock your world. From the very first line you will see the book flow to your mind recreating every corner of this amazing story so you can share every adventure with the main characters. The sudden change of POV will help you understand all the conspiracies and feelings besides increasing your adrenaline. There is something different about this book, something that will charm you until the very end. Maybe its promise of magic, maybe it's the desire to know Celaena's complete history or the writing itself but I know you'll be thinking about the book several days after finishing it.show more