Scan barcode
A review by mxcopmy
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I apologize if there are some translation errors in this review. English is not my first language so there may be some linguistic errors.
After the book started out slow, it was really a surprise that I could still feel so much compassion and emotion! What a strong start to dive into this series!
After watching thousands of videos and posts, I chose to read TAB first (and thus in publication order). I obviously can't tell yet if this was the best option, but I will update this review as I progress through the series! 😉
After the book started out slow, it was really a surprise that I could still feel so much compassion and emotion! What a strong start to dive into this series!
After watching thousands of videos and posts, I chose to read TAB first (and thus in publication order). I obviously can't tell yet if this was the best option, but I will update this review as I progress through the series! 😉
Updated 23/01/2024: I understand where the idea came from to read TaB just before QoS, but I still remain grateful that I read it first. On the one hand because there will be spoilers in the sequels about the plot of TaB and on the other hand because I am quite absorbed in the flashbacks. This also allowed me to understand all the minuscule details of the first 4 books, which also had, for me, more emotional impact. I do not agree with the fact that reading TaB thirdly is labeled as a 'romantic order'. I actually have the feeling that you will get much more satisfaction on a romantic and emotional level if you read TaB first, which will also allow you to anticipate the events in QoS more.
But in short: if you are someone who cares more about Celaena as a main character, wants to see her grow as a character and really wants to feel like you were there at the events, then I recommend checking out TaB first. If you're someone who cares more about the gist/core elements of the entire series, are a more plot/action related reader, and want to feel like you're getting instant answers to what happened in TaB, then I recommend you read it just before QoS.
In addition, I think it may be important to mention that it is best to read as third if you are someone who easily forgets certain events or characters.
TAB is a book divided into 5 novellas set BEFORE the TOG series. You get an inside look at the main character Celaena, with her fellow assasin Sam and brief elements of the world you will find yourself in for the next 7 books.
I have to say that the first Novella (the assasin and the Pirate Lord) was my least favorite. It took a huge amount of getting used to diving into this world and especially the fact that combat happened relatively soon. As a result, I experienced it as a bit boring ... nonetheless, I found it genuinely enriching to experience how a larger scale fight was described after all this time. I sincerely hope Maas will keep this!
When the second story (the assasin and the healer) progressed, I really started to like it. Also because it had already hinted at the magical elements that will come in handy going forward. In doing so, I have high hopes that Yrene Towers will return to the series!!!
The third Novella (the assasin and the desert) again started slow for me. However, I did not yet see the connection in the 3 stories which really lowered my hopes as to whether I would find this book good, but as soon as the story came more into its entirety I was immediately wrapped up! From this story I felt genuine emotions like anger and sadness and also felt more like I had insight into Celaena's character. From when Celaena also arrived in the red Desert the puzzle pieces started to fall together a bit more. Sincerely awesome!
And yes, I guess for those who have read TAB I shouldn't get a picture of the last 2 novellas.... absolutely heartbreaking!!! The assasin and the underworld was the beginning of a sad ending in the assasin and the empire. I had unfortunately seen spoilers for the ending, so I thought before starting TAB that I wouldn't feel enough emotions anymore, but OH YEAH! Still did shed a tear, by golly... Also how the last story closed was powerful and pure fire.
The only criticism I experienced was that the worldbuilding was not yet strong enough for me. A lot of details were missing for me to properly visualize the world. I hope Sarah J. Maas continues to do this.
In addition, I think it may be important to mention that it is best to read as third if you are someone who easily forgets certain events or characters.
TAB is a book divided into 5 novellas set BEFORE the TOG series. You get an inside look at the main character Celaena, with her fellow assasin Sam and brief elements of the world you will find yourself in for the next 7 books.
I have to say that the first Novella (the assasin and the Pirate Lord) was my least favorite. It took a huge amount of getting used to diving into this world and especially the fact that combat happened relatively soon. As a result, I experienced it as a bit boring ... nonetheless, I found it genuinely enriching to experience how a larger scale fight was described after all this time. I sincerely hope Maas will keep this!
When the second story (the assasin and the healer) progressed, I really started to like it. Also because it had already hinted at the magical elements that will come in handy going forward. In doing so, I have high hopes that Yrene Towers will return to the series!!!
The third Novella (the assasin and the desert) again started slow for me. However, I did not yet see the connection in the 3 stories which really lowered my hopes as to whether I would find this book good, but as soon as the story came more into its entirety I was immediately wrapped up! From this story I felt genuine emotions like anger and sadness and also felt more like I had insight into Celaena's character. From when Celaena also arrived in the red Desert the puzzle pieces started to fall together a bit more. Sincerely awesome!
And yes, I guess for those who have read TAB I shouldn't get a picture of the last 2 novellas.... absolutely heartbreaking!!! The assasin and the underworld was the beginning of a sad ending in the assasin and the empire. I had unfortunately seen spoilers for the ending, so I thought before starting TAB that I wouldn't feel enough emotions anymore, but OH YEAH! Still did shed a tear, by golly... Also how the last story closed was powerful and pure fire.
The only criticism I experienced was that the worldbuilding was not yet strong enough for me. A lot of details were missing for me to properly visualize the world. I hope Sarah J. Maas continues to do this.
I think Sam and Celaena are going to reverberating in my head for a long time. And by the way, from this moment on in the assassin and the healer. "Signing, she slipped into her room and bolted the door. After a moment, she slid the old chest of drawers in front of it, too. Not for her own safety. Oh, no. It was for the safety of whatever fool tried to break in - and would then find himself split open from navel to nose, just to satisfy the boredom of an errant hitman." I became truly obsessed with Celaena. And even "obsessed" is still an understatement. I look forward to the sequel!