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smateer73's review against another edition
5.0
This book was excellent. The writing is impeccable, and it has a gripping plot and phenomenal characters. I loved every second. For once, even the romance didn’t make me scream. Celaena is so strong and fierce and independent and it was amazing to read a character like her. In all the fantasy novels I’ve read, this was easily one of the best. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
illyanadallas222's review against another edition
3.0
Alright, this book was an example of why I am not a YA enthusiast XD
Ok, cynicism aside, I would rate this book 3 stars, ONLY because it was a product of its time (re Katniss’ self centerenedness and apathy towards anything nice XD) and the fact that this was Sarah J. Maas’s first debut novel AND that the target audience is very. very. very. young. Which is beguiling because her other ‘YA novels’ are so NOT NOT YA, very adult fantasy. So hm. It did feel a bit demoralising I must admit, going from reading the uniqueness and LUSH setting in ACOTAR to this novel. This novel compared to the first book in the ACOTAR series seems very superficial, but everybody and their cousin said to forgo the cliques and prejudices you might get while reading this novel and to pull through by book #3 where things start getting reaching ACOTAR- type of fantasy. That’s when the magic *pun intended* really picks up (coincidence that ACOTAR was written then, hence why I suspect the books start to pick up and change into more of what we know Sarah J. Maas to be rn?)
Ok rant over. Final Thoughts:
- Chaol is cool, but I ain’t too fond of him. Bit toooo 2 dimensional tho
- The Prince Dorian is cool too. Get more dainty vibes from him tho (lol maybe cause he’s a pampered prince?)
- I will say I was more interested in the murder happening behind the scenes then the Competition.
- Lukewarm Love triangle present, ain’t that just the way in YAs published circa 2012 amiright hahaha
- Biggest take aways rn as I start reading Crown of Midnight (Book 2), is that Celaena, IS the world’s GREATEST assassin. And that she is very, very talented. And famous. She’s also really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, *EXHALE* really pretty. You know it cause she tells you. And everybody else tells you.
Oki.
oscarreads's review against another edition
4.0
I love strong female characters so this was right up my alley, however my main problem with this book is Celaena. Celaena is allegedly the greatest assassin alive yet wherever she goes she always wants to be the center of attention? I feel like a trained assassin would want as little attention as possible but she gets mad when she isn’t feared by the other contestants etc.
The love triangle felt a little forced but if it makes me learn more about Dorian and Chaol in the future books I’ll be ok with it I guess.
Dorian was one of the more interesting characters in the book in my opinion and I hope the next books dig deeper into his life and relationship to his father and his forbidden love to Celaena.
The love triangle felt a little forced but if it makes me learn more about Dorian and Chaol in the future books I’ll be ok with it I guess.
Dorian was one of the more interesting characters in the book in my opinion and I hope the next books dig deeper into his life and relationship to his father and his forbidden love to Celaena.
jesolis's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Writing was meh. The characters were alright. The concept was good, just not executed as well as this series has been hyped up to be.
merecat's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jhproctor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
dashareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
booksplsandthanku's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Great! But in comparison to the next books, it isn’t as good…. ❤️❤️
sesdonovan's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
A very strong book 1. I didn’t feel the world-building slog that usually takes place early in a series — the pacing was really pretty solid right from the start. It felt like a combo of Hunger Games and A Darker Shade of Magic, but still stands on its own and isn’t overly tropey. I did feel like Calaena fell a little flat for me as a main character… and why didn’t she tell anyone about Cain after she discovered him? - that made NO sense to me. But I have a feeling I’ll grow to love her and the other characters in the later books. Can’t wait to keep reading!