woodbookclub's review against another edition
4.0
This fantasy adventure follows Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin that has spent her last year as a salt-mine slave and, suddenly, faces the chance of being free at last. But first, she has to win a contest to become the King’s Champion for four years. Unfortunately, it will not be easy, and there will be a greater evil than her competitors.
Full of suspense and thrilling moments, this is definitely a page-turner. The start is slow, but then everything falls in place: it’s a perfect brew of mystery, romance, action and humour. And, although the writing is nothing special, the premise is very, very interesting, beginning with a world where magic has been suppressed and outlawed and using it it’s punishable by death.
I didn't love Celaena right off the bat, but she grew on me. Badass and girly in equal measure, she knows what she wants. Well, unless it comes to boys. There are two love interests: Chaol, the moody Captain of the Guard, who seems to care only about his duty; and Dorian, the handsome Crown Prince, who just wants to enjoy life’s little pleasures. And then, there’s also the matter of the mysterious, intelligent and brave Princess Nehemia of Eyllwe. Celaena’s friendship with her is one of my favourite parts of the novel. But, I have to confess; it was pretty obvious to me I was in for heartbreak in the second instalment.
Oh, boy.
Full of suspense and thrilling moments, this is definitely a page-turner. The start is slow, but then everything falls in place: it’s a perfect brew of mystery, romance, action and humour. And, although the writing is nothing special, the premise is very, very interesting, beginning with a world where magic has been suppressed and outlawed and using it it’s punishable by death.
I didn't love Celaena right off the bat, but she grew on me. Badass and girly in equal measure, she knows what she wants. Well, unless it comes to boys. There are two love interests: Chaol, the moody Captain of the Guard, who seems to care only about his duty; and Dorian, the handsome Crown Prince, who just wants to enjoy life’s little pleasures. And then, there’s also the matter of the mysterious, intelligent and brave Princess Nehemia of Eyllwe. Celaena’s friendship with her is one of my favourite parts of the novel. But, I have to confess; it was pretty obvious to me I was in for heartbreak in the second instalment.
Oh, boy.
laurabraune's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ellsm_l's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.0
_millie's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
maxim_cattus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
readgeek29's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sgmarshall's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
kaylsalad's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
claudia_lin13's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
lindseylarkreads's review against another edition
5.0
I have read this series so many times. Honestly this is what got me into Fantasy. I read this first almost 10 years ago, when it first came out. Fast forward a couple years, I picked it up to read it again and got sucked back in. I could read this series a million times and never get tired of it.