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A review by gymnerdreader
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
4.0
I am hopping on the bandwagon and reading the TOG series, which some have told me that it is better than ACOTAR. Let's be real: that is some high praise considering how popular ACOTAR is. Anyways, I am reading this series before reading ACOTAR. I was recommended by book friends of mine to start off with these first before reading the rest of the series, which is what I decided to do AND let's just say these novellas did not disappoint.
ALSO I literally NEVER read novellas because to me, they are just useless extras, but I actually loved these and I really appreciated the stories within them. So I guess my opinions on novellas have changed. I do not know how essential these are for understanding the story as I have yet to read the other books so the jury is out on that.
What I liked:
-World-building is fantastic-There is not a lot of information dumping and a little bit at a time is revealed. It kinda leaves you guessing in a way, which I loved. Also, I got really immersed in the world itself and I loved reading about Rifthold and the surrounding kingdoms and cities. It is interesting and intriguing. Also, the whole world of the assassins is freaking badass. Like yes please sign me up for all assassin things!!
-Sam Courtland-I love him. I would prob die for him.
-Novellas 3-5 are so amazing. So much character development in Celaena and you get to see a different side of her throughout the book. Also, my heart was pulled in so many directions because of these characters. I literally do not know what to feel about some of them.
What I didn't like:
-Novellas 1 and 2 were rather slow for me. They were not anything special for me. Novella 2 was kinda useless in a way. It took me some time to get through the first 2, but once I got to novella 3 I was hooked and could not put this book down! I read the last novella in one sitting, which I literally NEVER do.
-More background info-I wish I had more background info on Cel and her childhood, but I suppose that will be revealed in the actual series. Maybe I am expecting too much from a novella in this sense as the purpose is to make you want to read the rest of the series. This book accomplished that!!
Overall, really solid!! I loved it! Now onto TOG!!
Extra Note: I was sobbing at the end of novella 5 so keep tissues handy**
Rating: 4/5 Stars
CAWPILE Rating: 8.71/10
ALSO I literally NEVER read novellas because to me, they are just useless extras, but I actually loved these and I really appreciated the stories within them. So I guess my opinions on novellas have changed. I do not know how essential these are for understanding the story as I have yet to read the other books so the jury is out on that.
What I liked:
-World-building is fantastic-There is not a lot of information dumping and a little bit at a time is revealed. It kinda leaves you guessing in a way, which I loved. Also, I got really immersed in the world itself and I loved reading about Rifthold and the surrounding kingdoms and cities. It is interesting and intriguing. Also, the whole world of the assassins is freaking badass. Like yes please sign me up for all assassin things!!
-Sam Courtland-I love him. I would prob die for him.
-Novellas 3-5 are so amazing. So much character development in Celaena and you get to see a different side of her throughout the book. Also, my heart was pulled in so many directions because of these characters. I literally do not know what to feel about some of them.
What I didn't like:
-Novellas 1 and 2 were rather slow for me. They were not anything special for me. Novella 2 was kinda useless in a way. It took me some time to get through the first 2, but once I got to novella 3 I was hooked and could not put this book down! I read the last novella in one sitting, which I literally NEVER do.
-More background info-I wish I had more background info on Cel and her childhood, but I suppose that will be revealed in the actual series. Maybe I am expecting too much from a novella in this sense as the purpose is to make you want to read the rest of the series. This book accomplished that!!
Overall, really solid!! I loved it! Now onto TOG!!
Extra Note: I was sobbing at the end of novella 5 so keep tissues handy**
Rating: 4/5 Stars
CAWPILE Rating: 8.71/10