A review by a_booklovers_dreamland
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I think I keep mentioning this in all my thoughts about this series, but Sarah j. Mass and her portrayal of her characters even in a fantasy world is so real! Can’t stress more that Celaena is a mere teenager when she starts her journey and all the emotions that are shown in the books that I’ve read till now illustrate the reaction a teenager might have to situations even if some of them she’ll handle maturely to her age. 

This books comprises of five short stories about Celaena before the first book of the series: Throne if Glass. How many times have we wanted to read a prequel, to see the hero of the story be molded into that smoldering personality. Each story shows a character trait of Celaena. More importantly, it shows that despite being Adarlan’s Assassin, Celaena has a heart full of love. 

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord shows us her integrity.  The Assassin and the Healer portrays her empathy. The Assassin and the Desert illustrate her demeanor and friendly side. The Assassin and the Underworld show her loyalty. Lastly, The Assassin and the Empire display her undying love, a love that knows no bounds with Sam, a love story that will forever be remembered among others. Does anyone else hate Arobynn as much as I do after reading this?

This book could just be dedicated to Sam, to what he allowed Celaena to feel and her approach to digesting grief and making something so productive of it. I’m reading for reading Queen if Shadows now, Celaena here I come!