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A review by azahller
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The order of these books is highly contested. Many fans tell you to read this one first since chronologically, it occurs first. The author says to read it third, which honestly I wish I had. I read it fourth because another subset of fans recommends that specifically. Regardless of when you read it, this book is a collection of short stories detailing how Celaena ended up in the position she did in Throne of Glass, specifically focusing on her time with the Assassin's Guild.
I really loved getting the back story fully fleshed out, especially given how much it developed Arobynn's character. My very favorite story was The Assassin and the Desert. I genuinely could read a whole series just about her time there. I thought it was fantastic. This really reignited my interest in the series and has me ready to read Queen of Shadows!
Unfortunately the short story model did ensure that every time I was really into the story, we shifted gears and lost momentum. I wish we had jumped in more in the action of some of these. I also was wary of Sam and Celaena's relationship. I wasn't wild about their chemistry and felt everything came out of nowhere just a smidge. It probably just wasn't for me, and that's fine.
I like this book! I like this series. I definitely recommend reading it after Crown of Midnight but before Heir of Fire, as SJM has advised.
I really loved getting the back story fully fleshed out, especially given how much it developed Arobynn's character. My very favorite story was The Assassin and the Desert. I genuinely could read a whole series just about her time there. I thought it was fantastic. This really reignited my interest in the series and has me ready to read Queen of Shadows!
Unfortunately the short story model did ensure that every time I was really into the story, we shifted gears and lost momentum. I wish we had jumped in more in the action of some of these. I also was wary of Sam and Celaena's relationship. I wasn't wild about their chemistry and felt everything came out of nowhere just a smidge. It probably just wasn't for me, and that's fine.
I like this book! I like this series. I definitely recommend reading it after Crown of Midnight but before Heir of Fire, as SJM has advised.