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After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
"A teenage assassin, a rebel princess, menacing gargoyles, supernatural portals and a glass castle prove to be as thrilling as they sound. . . . Celaena is still just a teenager trying to forge her way, giving the story timelessness. This commingling of comedy, brutality and fantasy evokes a rich alternate universe with a spitfire young woman as its brightest star." — Kirkus Reviews
"Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a tale full of surprises and shadows, where deadly seeds are sown with the promise of more danger to come. A fascinating glimpse into the dark side of Cinderella." — Colleen Houck, the NYT Bestselling author of the Tiger’s Curse series
The tale begins when we meet eighteen year old Celaena Sardothien. She is Ardarlan’s most feared Assassin. The world is at war, and Celaena has spent the past year in the deadly salt mines of Endovier. Known for being a brutal prison; most do not last more than a few months. Starved and scarred she is summoned and assumes it is for her death. Prince Dorian Havilliard of Adarlan makes her an offer. If she wins the king’s competition for a royal assassin she can gain her freedom. Despite her hatred for the king, she readily accepts the prince’s offer. At Rifthold Castle she trains, makes friends and discovers secrets about herself and the castle. The tale that unfolds kept me riveted. Filled with romance, mystery and danger, I devoured this novel in two evenings. The characters were all fascinating from the cruel and power hungry king to the mysterious Princess Nehemia. Celaena has to be one of my all time favorite protagonists. She is smart, fearless and charming. She can be snarky, quick witted and utterly delightful. Trained from the age of eight she is a deadly weapon and yet she can be completely feminine. Her conversations with the main characters had me laughing aloud. She is complex and I loved seeing all the different sides of her. The novel hints at things to come with Celaena and I cannot wait to see her growth in this series. The Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall, is assigned to watch, train, and guard Celaena. He doesn’t trust her in the beginning but their relationship grows. I really connected with him and found him to be noble, sensitive and loyal. The Crown Prince, Dorian Havilliard hasn’t yet learned to stand up to his father. I felt sorry for this quite, sensitive man. Celaena draws him out and allows Maas to reveal the many facets of this would be king. The elements of a love triangle are in place, and I waivered back and forth between the two men. Other characters added to the intrigue, suspense and mystery. Some I adored like Nox and some I loathed like Cain and Lady Kaltain. I seriously wanted to scratch her eyes out more than once..LOL. The world building was fantastic, brilliant and spell-bounding. Maas breathed life into the glass castle, the characters and the world of Adarlan. In a world filled with Fae, witches and magic, the mortal king has outlawed all forms of magic. Celaena is well versed in the Fae and has a healthly fear of them. When she discovers Wyrdmarks around the castle she is intrigued and sets out to learn their meaning. I became swept up in the mystery of these marks and the discoveries she made. Something is brutally killing off the competitors and it doesn’t appear to be human. This adds a great deal of suspense to the tale. I loved the competitions the champions had to endure. I found myself on the edge of my seat as Celaena completed each phase. Maas has done an incredible job of weaving many different plots into a tale that is rich with well fleshed out characters. While this tale doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger, Maas leaves us with enough unanswered questions and suspense to have this reader itching to read book two. I want to thank Bloomsbury Publishing and netGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
16 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lots and lots of mixed feelings about this book!
Okay, let me start of by saying I love the story line of this book. There was something about the building of this world that I could see so clearly, especially at the start with the opening scene being at a salt mine. It gave the aura of oppression and of a story just ready to be told.
The whole journey and the events in the castle itself kept me riveted and the pace kept me alert and interested in what was happening around me, especially when the killings started happening. I liked the whole mythical side to the story and how it was brought out in the plot.
However, reading Throne of Glass was somewhat bittersweet. I had an extreme love/hate relationship with all the characters.
Most of all with Celaena - She was proud of who she was and there was no denying that, but at the same time she was narcissistic and totally full of herself. Now I know that wasn’t the way she was meant to come across, but every now and then she said something or thought something that made me, well, want to slap her. Haha, never mind that she could possibly kill me with my own fingernail. While she was virtually fuming because she couldn’t tell the whole world who she was, I was silently thinking, ‘Don’t be too proud because you’re nothing more a glorified hitman.’ And, what’s really weird is that I didn’t feel that way at all about Ismae from 'Grave Mercy'.
I think I questioned some of her wisdom too. Within certain situations of the book, I could see why something was being done and I thought it was pretty smart, but not Celeana. Because she didn't have anyone going 'ooh I scared. I am in the presence of a great and powerful murderess...' -cough-'assassin.' I think the reason I couldn't relate to her was because I didn't know enough of her back story. I felt that only minimal information was given to the reader and so didn't help with my overall impression of her.
But, there were moments when I could have liked her. In certain scenes within the book, I saw her softer side and that was the side that made me warm up to her. She wasn't being selfish or shallow in those times. She cared about things – like her dog and the princess. She got hurt easily especially when she felt she had been betrayed. Maybe she was just a complex character, but I've read other complex characters and they didn't leave me feeling like this.
The guys weren't quite as bad, but they were bad enough. I hated how they seemed to lose a sense of themselves with Celaena. Can't we have one book, just one, where ALL characters remain true to themselves? And why do we have to have these love triangles?! Why can't a girl just be left alone, or have the relationship develop over time - to ONE boy? You can build romantic tension with just one boy. You don't need two. I think another thing that got to me was I never even got a sense on why each boy fell for Celaena. No legit reason! None!
I must seem like I'm ranting and I guess I am in a way. But, I was just so disappointed in a story that could have been so much better than what it was. That's not to say that I won't go on to read the sequel, because I will. I want to see what happens in the world Sarah J. Maas created. I want to know more about Celaena and what drives her. I want to see what happens to the Rulers, the princess and the people, including Elena's purpose.
Overall, I thought the book was okay. I didn't hate the book, but I didn't like it that much either. It was just okay. I would recommend this to anyone who likes action, love triangles, female assassins and fantasy.
Book review by Sandy from Magical Manuscripts.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 11, 2012
Amazing. I luv it!!! Wish there was a sequal....
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.2.5 stars
I enjoyed the first thirty percent and the final twenty percent of this book. The opening was fun intriguing, with a great hook. Celaena, an assassin, is removed from the death camp where she was sentenced to fight for the right to become the King's Champion—for a king she despises. A young prince is the one who gets her out of the camp, and the captain of the guard is assigned to watch her. Immediately, we see the beginning of a romance with one or both of these men.
I was enthusiastic about the story through the journey to the castle and when introduced to the other champion candidates. Sadly, the competitions between the champion candidates were not as exciting as I'd hoped. We're not talking about fights to death here; instead, the candidates have to perform physical tests and least successful candidates are eliminated from the competition. This was a bit of a disappointment for me. Some of the candidates are murdered, and I appreciated that twist.
Because the competition proved less exciting than I'd hoped, and because even the murder investigation fell flat, I skimmed a large portion of middle fifty percent of the book. Additionally, during this slow middle, other problems presented themselves: (1) The extent of Celaena's abilities was unbelievable and overemphasized. (2) Her girlishness seemed at odds with her killer instinct. (3) The writing style didn't appeal to me.
Too often, Celaena thinks about how easily she could kill people. I'm paraphrasing, but it sounded something like this: "I could smash his head into the floor, and he'd be dead in seconds." "I could wrap this chain around his neck and he'd be dead in seconds." "I wondered why he wasn't more afraid of me." Sometimes, she thinks these things about very large, very capable men. The impression I got was, instead of showing us Celaena's capabilities, the author chose to tell us over and over again. I found it unbelievable because I never saw Celaena's abilities reach the level of skill that Celaena seemed to think she had.
Despite being a hardened killer, as she'd like us to believe, Celaena was quick to swoon when the prince or the captain of the guard entered the room. I'm not saying a woman can't be both hard and soft, but Celaena was too extreme on both counts. For an assassin fighting for her life (because losing would mean she'd be sent back to the death camp), she made poor choices with respect to her priorities. She was just as interested in kissing boys and wearing pretty dresses as she was in training. I couldn't believe it.
Lastly, the writing style fell flat for me. I found it a bit unsophisticated, with not many strong, active verbs. It was difficult for me to visualize any scene. The words didn't move me, didn't excite me.
I'm sorry to say that I will not read the next book in this series.
3 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 4, 2012
Couldnt put the book down. The third time reading it!!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 9, 2012
Sucked me in from the begining
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I was überexcited to get my hands on Throne of Glass and it was totally worth getting excited about. Firstly because I read the first novella and absolutely fell in love with the main character's fierceness. Secondly because Maas' writing is amazing. Thirdly because I was in need of immersing myself in a great adventure, and Throne of Glass certainly fits the bill. All these reasons should already have you running to pre-order it! Nevertheless keep reading to learn more about this great novel.
The Plot: If you haven't read the novellas, I strongly recommend you to read them; besides being awesome and short, they give you a great insight into the main character's life and how she ended up in prison. The story and its development was done amazingly. The story gets better and better the further you read. Maas writes a story full of action, adventure and mystery yet with all that, there is still time for a lot of romance. I do have to admit I was a bit confused about the magical aspects of the story but hopefully we will learn more about it in the sequel. Nevertheless I was expecting more of a connection to the novellas like her relationship with Arobynn and avenging Sam (you should read the novellas!).
The Characters: Celaena is badass! Probably one of my favorite heroines ever. She is an assassin, and not just any assassin, she is the best there is! Besides being a determined, strong and a bit sarcastic, what I enjoyed most about her is that she also has a sensitive side. She is the typical hard shell on the outside, soft on the inside. I enjoyed how her story was told in pieces, so we didn't get to know everything about her from the start, however I still do have some questions about her past. The prince, Dorian, was a nice character but who stole my heart was the captain, Chaol. So I should warn you that there is a love triangle but it shouldn't be a problem since it wasn't overdone. I also enjoyed another badass character: Nehemia. She doesn't look the type but she can totally take care of herself. Hopefully she will play a bigger part in the next one.
Overall, Throne of Glass was a page-turner. Even though it has 400 pages, I read the whole thing in one sitting. It was really refreshing to read something so original and different from what I've been reading in the YA genre nowadays. Maas' novel has everything someone looking for an adventure seeks: badass characters, amazing plot and world building (yes, it even has a map!) and a riveting mystery. Throne of Glass is like Game of Thrones or even Lord of the Rings for the young adult genre; so if you are a fan of these novels or fantasy in general, you should certainly check this one out.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 18, 2013
Oh this is such an amazing book to read that made me hunger for more words as my eyes searched. A great read for everyone.
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Posted May 12, 2013
Never underestimate the power of a woman with a debt to settle...and certainly, never underestimate that woman because of her age or beauty. These are wise concepts that most dystopian novels tend to play with and Sarah J. Maas does not disappoint in Throne of Glass.
World famous (and beautiful) 18-year old assassin, Celaena Sardothien is selected by Prince Dorian and pulled out of the prison salt mines of Endovier (where many criminals are sent to die) and sent to the beautiful Glass Castle and thrust into the world of dresses and court life to act as his selected champion in a competition to find the new royal assassin. If she can somehow win this competition, the Prince promises her freedom after her four years of service to the crown are up. Both Celaena and Prince Dorian have something to prove, but will they be able to overcome all of the obstacles ahead of them? And what of this new interest in gruff Captain Westfall who seems to be the first who both appreciates and seems to understand her. Can Celaena overcome the great challenges before her? Can she figure out who or what is killing off the competition before she, herself falls victim to the murders? Is all that is, as it seems?
Anonymous
Posted March 28, 2013
This was an awesome book (so was the novellas)! It is brutal for a teen book which I loved! The main character is so perceptive and deep. Well developed! A+!
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Posted March 17, 2013
Well she thinks its cuz your ignoring her....idk im just telling you what shes telling me...but ive tried convincing her. Idk why but it seems to be so hard to get through you twos head that you two reallly lik each other..
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 17, 2013
I don't have time to text..
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 5, 2013
My new favorite seriese
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Posted February 12, 2013
Great book. period.
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Posted February 10, 2013
I thought the book was pretty good and I liked the main character. $10 was kinda steep for this book and the ending kind of sucked.
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Posted February 10, 2013
just so u know The Assassin and the Desert is the same book for .99 cents
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Posted February 8, 2013
Loved the strong female character that gets beat, yet continues fighting on.
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Posted February 4, 2013
I loved this book! I was really pleased with the Authors adventure AND creativity in this book. Like the Other world and the dead queen alive!
I was wondering if there was another book? Because the story doesn't seem like it ended in this book, and its confusing for me to find some info on another book. Please put some kind of your own post of what/when the next book will be.
Here is a book that I've been anxiously awaiting to hit the shelves and I must admit I wasn't quite sure what to expect. Since it's a first for Maas I had no prior experience or predictions for what her writing style what be like, how fast or slow her pace would be, or what to think her characters might turn out like. I'm glad I went into this read with no firm expectations or ideas because it was a fresh start and one I found myself enjoying. The world Maas has created and dreamed up for this series was fun to be introduced to and get to know along the way. There are still many secrets and hidden histories that I'm sure she's waiting to reveal in future installments down the line but for now we get a good idea of what's what and who is who.
There's always a lot of pressure on the female leads in books like these I find. I'm not sure if its the genre they fall into, or if readers (like myself) just expect them to be a certain way or hope they've behave a certain way. Whatever the reason, I am happy to say that in my opinion Maas created a strong, brave, and quite (pleasantly so) outspoken leading lady. But along with this new female lead we're introduced to many side characters and dare I say it....the beginnings of a potential love triangle? Granted there were only hints here and there through this series opener, but I'm ashamed to admit I've already chosen sides should there end up being a ring for these guys to throw their hats into, and I'm firmly on Team Chaol! There, I said it!
I know this title has gotten mixed reviews around the blogging community, but truthfully I found Maas' writing style to be smooth and entertaining. I felt like things moved along at the pace I was hoping for and there was definitely more than one moment where I caught myself wanting to cheat and look at the end of the book to see what would happen because the tension got to me and almost pushed me over the edge. So if you're looking for a new author to check out, this one might be the way to go.
Anonymous
Posted January 22, 2013
This book was great I just finsh it and I'm happy my libarian recomended this book to me. I love the plot and I can't wait to read the sequel
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Overview
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of ...