Throne of Glass

For me, Throne of Glass wasn’t a book I was particularly looking forward to reading. As a rule, fantasy isn’t my favorite genre, and I was very afraid that Celaena would turn out to be some macho super-human knife-throwing chick (AKA, taking female empowerment too far). However, I was pleasantly surprised.

Celaena is an amazing protagonist. Yes, she’s tough and edgy, but she’s also feminine. She isn’t some glorified warrior princess who flamboyantly beats her male competitors and shoves her superiority in their faces. She likes dresses, she enjoys reading, she has nightmares, and she likes dogs. She was a very real character for me—Maas found the perfect balance between insipid tea-sipper and leather-eating man-woman.

I also enjoyed the cast of characters as a whole. Together they made for a dynamic story, interesting interactions and conversations, and on the whole made my reading experiences a hundred percent more enjoyable. Characters and characterization are the two things I value most in a book, and Throne of Glass delivered.

The plot itself was okay. There were no surprising twists, and I was certainly never on the edge of my seat. Truthfully, Maas employed some very predictible plot elements that I rolled my eyes at, and her attempts at suspense didn’t entirely work. However, the plot was good. It wasn’t horrendously ridiculous or irritating by any means, just predictible.

Going off of that, the pacing and style of this book were a bit unimpressive for me. Towards the middle, things started to drag, as I felt Maas was spending too much time working on the romance aspect instead of the more important stuff. And when the big end-of-competition duel came around, I was bored—the action didn’t hook me.

Oh, and on the topic of romance—love triangles. I hate ‘em, hate ‘em with a hate that goes beyond hate. In my opinion, a love triangle is THE WORST plot device to use. Ever. Period. End of story. And because the romance was such a big part of this book, I spent most of my time annoyed with Celaena’s love life. Only in a book, where you’re an absolutely stunning blonde beauty with gorgeous eyes, will you have not one, but two equally gorgeous and enthralling men vying for your attention. Only in a book. Ergh.

Okay, off of that topic. I do understand that the majority of YA readers adore love triangles, so I’ll keep my mouth shut.
One element that did surprise me about this book was the paranormal/supernatural slant that things took. Magic is a better word, I suppose. I definitely didn’t think this was going to be one of those fantasy books. Overall, I’m not sure if I liked it—Celaena’s “chosen one” aspect was a bit aggravating. I think I’ll withold judgment until I’ve read the whole series.

I feel conflicted with this book. In the beginning it was absolutely unputdownable, but as things moved on the appeal started to wane. I will say, though, that Throne of Glass is a very good book, an excellent contribution to the genre, and is recommended by me to anyone who likes fantasy. Not the most spectacular book I’ve read, but very good all the same.

17-year-old Celaena Sardothien was one of the MOST NOTORIOUS ASSASSINs in Adarlan until she was arrested and convicted to slow and painful death in the Salt Mines of Endovier. After one year, good luck finally smiles upon her when crown prince of Adarlain, Dorian Havilliard, chooses her as his candidate in contest for King's Champion (glorified name for royal assassin) and offers her freedom in exchange for cooperation. A lot of training are in store for Celaena if she is to regain her strength and defeat all other candidates. You think she has the toughest task? Think again. Because, the most troubles will have Chaol Westfall, Captain of the Royal Guard, as he needs to re-train one of the Adarlan's greatest assassins and stop her from killing any member of Royal family while doing that.

Celaena is so full of contradictions. She's girlish and vulnerable at times but also arrogant, nosy, usually out of line, smart, fast, deadly and kick-ass. Of course I liked her. :) Oh and I almost forgot to mention that she's a complete bookworm who loves to read and adores to talk about books all the time. "What's not to like?"

As I mentioned before Celaena is assassin, so expect a lot of training and fighting, but that's not all 'Throne of Glass' has to offer. There is also sweet slow-building love story. But there is one problem (at least for me it's a bad thing). Yes, we are talking about LOVE TRIANGLE between Celaena, Dorian and Chaol. I must admit I cheered for Chaol from the start because he sees not only beauty but also a deadly side of Celaena. Dorian is more enamored in her good looks, disregard for court rules and that she is not impressed with his tittle. Although I do not say that Dorian loves Celaena less, I just think that Chaol's kind of love offers a real chance of true happiness and that Dorian as a royal heir and prince should regard his position more seriously. Only in fairy tales prince ends up with a beautiful servant girl. In real life, prince marries to achieve happiness for his country and people not for himself. At least good princes do that.

'Throne of Glass' is set in Adarlan, but we do not have a chance to learn a lot about the country, people and customs. I was especially interested to learn more about history: hinted fae ancestors and magic abilities, I hope these themes will be better developed in 'Crown of Midnight'.

So, if you do not set your standards for world building and character development high, 'Throne of Glass' will offer you an entertaining quick read with intriguing plot and sweet love story. It could have been better, but since it's Sarah Maas's debut I'm giving 4 stars to 'Throne of Glass' and I hope that she will not disappoint me in the next installment of the series. 27th August can not come fast enough. :)

I recommend this book to fans of: ya high fantasy, kick-ass heroines, love triangles.

I knew this would be a brilliant book, considering the amount of positive reviews and compliments it was receiving, as well as the pretty neat cover it has, and the title is eye-grabbing as well. And it is really easy to say that it lives up to my expectations, and way, way, way past that.

I knew I loved Celaena the minute I started reading. The style and attitude that she faces her challenges is so fitting to her character and the world she lives in, and it's better than most books that I've read. It was funny to have her think so highly of her self, it definitely brings a lot of humour into the story. It was cute for her to be one of the best assassins, yet have her love dresses and 'girly things', its something you wouldn't expect of a person who works in that 'career'.

It was clever to have a bit of a mystery in the story, with the champions being murdered and such. It was kinda obvious who the person behind the attacks was, and I guessed it easily the first attack happened. What I didn't understand was why Celaena didn't tell anyone that he was using magic, it would of been a certain win, which she otherwise wouldn't of gotten. I guess she didn't want to upset her pride.

The romance wasn't that important in the story, as a matter of fact, it was just another layer added on top of the main story. This book was different to most ones that I read where the main characters partner is obvious, as I couldn't see who Celaena would end up with, and I'm still uncertain. I was definitely Team Chaol, and was kinda sad that we didn't see much of him, but it was clear he liked Celaena, and did much more for her than Dorian.

Overall, Throne of Glass was a tremendous book, and I just cannot wait to read the next one.

This book met my incredibly high expectations, due to all the raving reviews and complements it was generating. So, I'm happy to announce that it WAS incredible like all those readers, reviewers, bloggers, and publishers said it would be. Here goes my RAVING review!

It seemed to me that it was SO long, even though it was only 404 pages, but then again I AM a slow reader and perhaps that is why it seemed to take forever to read. So, yes, this book took me about 5 days to read. Although, I did stop reading in the middle of it to start another book, but then I continued on with it and finished it! And ended up falling in love with it!

For me, the beginning was slightly slower paced, but all the descriptions were so well written that I didn't even notice until I looked backed and realized not that many days had passed. But, when you continue on with the story, it picks up speed. Also another thing that I noted while reading it was that, sometimes it would just skip ahead a couple days later(or weeks) and that slightly bothered me because I thought maybe something important could have happened in those missed days. I understand, though, that she had to cram about 6 months into the spansion of the book. So, all is forgiven and quickly forgotten as I was swept up into the world of Throne of Glass!

The plot of the story, was what had me loving it SO quickly and made me eager to read more. Everything, you could tell, was so planned out until the very last detail and made the bigger picture just WHAM you in the face when it came. The murder mystery was intriguing, to say the least. It kept me guessing, and although I guessed who the murderer was from the start( and guessed correctly!), I was still slightly shocked that IT ACTUALLY was the person who I thought it would be. Usually I NEVER guess correctly, AND definitely not in murder cases. So even though it may appear to be obvious...I guess just keep reading to find out if you're right? I guess?

The romance was actually kind of invisible during the story. You knew it was there, but it wasn't very distintive. I really liked how the romance was though...very slow and realistic. They didn't rush head long into a forbidden romance. There was actually a love triangle( and I'm definitely team Chaol!), but it was, surprisingly, a love triangle that I liked. I couldn't decided who she liked better: Dorian or Chaol and it kept me guessing throughout the novel! I can sense that there will be some drama in the sequel between Dorian and Celaena!

Overall, this book was such a fantastic read! I would recommend it espicially for high fantasy readers, but I'm sure every reader would end up loving it! Though, it wasn't a cliffhanger book, I will desperately be looking out for the sequel to find out what happens next!

Let me first say that when I found out that this was up on Net Galley, I literally tripped over myself to get to the computer, crossed all the things after requesting it, refreshed my email account for days (and crying a little inside for each day that went by with no word), and then celebrated like a drunken fool when it said “this title is now available on your page for viewing.” In short, I wanted this one and I wanted it bad. I’m thrilled to say that it lived up to almost every expectation that I had for it.

The heroine:
So, Calaena Sardothien is a bada**– like a real hardcore, dagger-wielding bada**. I fell in love with her feisty spirit, her ability to love and laugh after enduring such hardships, and her quick-wit. Did I mention she’s a total kicka**? Yeah, you get it. Girlcrush Level 5 Alert, it’s happening people.

The hero:
ALL THE SWOONS, FOLKS! I know what you’re thinking. Swoons, this is good, right? We like swoons. We want the swoons. Well, I’m cheating here because the problem is that, for me, there are two heroes, and they both had me swooning.

On one hand, you have Dorian, the Crown Prince. He may be a womanizer of sorts, but that’s only because he’s wickedly charming and intelligent. I was putty in his hands from his very first interaction with our very own Adarlan’s Assassin. I’ll just say, he gives her books and access to his library, wants to talk with her about them, and signs his letters “Most Affectionately.” Don’t laugh at me, it was very Beauty and the Beast-like. I have now deemed him “His Holy Unfness.”

Then on the other hand, you have Chaol, and he’s Captain of the Royal Guards. I swooned for this captain for a whole other host of reasons. He’s constantly challenging Calaena, whether it’s in their training or mentally or even emotionally. He’s brooding and mysterious, but caring and attentive, and… just, can I keep him?

The story:
The stacking of this story was great. You had the competition as the main focus, and while the sub-plots included romance(s) and killing and corruption, it wasn’t overly complicated or distracting. There was just enough mystery to keep you moving forward, but not enough to drive you crazy.

I've heard a lot of mixed reviews about Throne of Glass. Some readers loved it, while some downright detested the story, so I went into it cautiously, but hoping for the better.

The story starts off with Celaena dragged out from the salt mines where she worked as a slave, and brought before Prince Dorian who asks her to be his champion in the competition for a royal assassin. If she wins, she can serve as the royal assassin for a number of years and be set free, her previous charges for assassination pardoned and she can go free. She then works towards her training to become the one to come out on top in the competition. And her competitions start dying off, one by one, of mysterious causes. Since she could be next, she sets off to find the killer.

The setting wasn't bad. It was in a world of fantasy, not unlike that of The Girl of Fire and Thorns, Poison Study, and Graceling. It was described in immense detailed, and while that gave me a very good idea of Celaena's surroundings, it got to a point where it was all too much. I mean, I don't really think that a page-long description of the throne room is necessary.

The plot line especially focused around her love triangle with the Chaol and Dorian, with some interjections of her gossip-sessions with Nehemia, the foreign princess. This played down the part of the suspicious deaths of her competitions, and in the end when it was resolved, I didn't feel a lot of emotions because of the lack of focus on the conflict. It also played down the fantasy bit and made it into a big-time romance. Not my favourite of all genres, but it could work for some people. Popping around the place was bits of magic, including the late queen Elena's ghost. If the story gave a bit more information about the magical background of Celaena's world, I think it'd be a bit easier for myself to digest and not as random. While I thought that the plot was downright unbearable at first, it did get a bit better, but I didn't feel a lot of emotion throughout the book.

Celaena's supposed to be a very strong, and hardened assassin. Personally, I like my heroines strong, and just a bit hardened so that I can see how she opens up to her friends and progresses into a kind person. Unfortunately, she's strong, or rather, obstinate to the point where I saw her as very rude. She's supposed to be wary of the world around her because of her experience in the salt mines, but she immediately starts hitting on Prince Dorian and Captain Westfall as soon as she's out of her slavery. Her actions and attitude doesn't really fit that historical time period. Besides, I can only read "He's so handsome" so many times before I want to rip my hair out. Honestly, is that all she sees in her two love interests?

Usually, there's a best friend thrown in the story to be a character's conscience, or even to see the contrast between the protagonist and her sidekick. In this case, Nehemia's personality was so much like Celaena's that I didn't really see anything special in her. I genuinely find her also very rude, putting down ladies of the Endovier court because she found them to be a very chatty. Yes, chattiness can be an irritant, but gossip doesn't really solve much in that field.

As a conclusion, I think that Throne of Glass had a very inviting synopsis, with a very interesting idea of a competition for the spot as a royal assassin, but was over-shadowed by romance and characters that I really didn't like. If you're looking for a very fantastical book, this isn't it. If you'd like to read a romance, you can go take this for a spin.

Where do I start? Throne of Glass is such a stunning whole package that I'm not even entirely certain how to put my feelings into words. Does "omg-that-was-so-amazing-swoon" count as a coherent statement? Didn't think so. Suffice it to say that this is one of my absolute favorite books of the year, and probably of forever! Let the fangirlish rambling ensue.

First off, I absolutely adored Celaena. It's completely fair to say that she makes the book. She is the epitome of everything that I love in my female characters! Raised as an assassin, and condemned to the salt mines, it's more than accurate to say that Celaena is a bit rough around the edges. She's strong, cunning, and as charismatic as they come. Gorgeous, and yet completely capable of killing you in an instant. However underneath her gorgeous, yet rough, exterior beats the heart of a loving person. Celaena has a soul, and it makes her that much easier to love.

If it wasn't enough that I was enamored with the main character, my love for Throne of Glass was cemented when I met the rest of the characters who surround her. From a feisty young warrior princess, to a love struck Captain who tries to play gruff, right down to the spoiled Prince. Every single one of Sarah J. Maas' characters are expertly written. They have vivid and unique personalities. It's like you can see them moving around on the page. This is what I want when I read! Characters to believe in. Characters who keep me coming back.

Setting this book on maximum overload, and thus fully earning my full five star rating, is the gorgeous world that Maas builds for her characters. Her descriptive writing is spot on and never overdone. Sweeping plains, desolate mines where workers go to die, and castles made of glass that stretch to the heavens. Reading Throne of Glass is like watching a movie. It all flows together into something more perfect than I have words for. It's all too much and, yet, just enough.

Let's get one thing straight. I love Fantasy. I love well-written characters. This book has both of those elements, and so much more. There is no doubt in my mind that Throne of Glass will be my favorite book of the year. Nor that I'll have a copy that I read incessantly until it falls apart. It's that good. Get this please, and for the love of everything bookish will someone please make a movie? If you are looking for a book that will taunt you, begging you to read just one more page, you need Throne of Glass.

When I first read the blurb for this book I was so excited for it! I was lucky enough to win an ARC from the Throne of Glass Facebook page (Thank you Throne of Glass Facebook!!!) and within a few days it arrived in the mail. Gosh, I cannot say how much I loved this book even the cover looks amazing. Like really, its that good! Sarah is so creative with her words that it just makes you want to be a part of that world. And c'mon! A glass castle? How awesome is that??? This book is one of the best books I've read this summer. There's action, romance, mystery, and humor all within one book. The action was good enough that it just makes you wish you were as kick-ass like Celaena. The romance was adorable and sweet that it slowly creeps up on you. The mystery was so intense that it keeps you on your toes, wondering who's the bad guy. The humor in this book literally had me laughing out loud at certain parts and with that, I received weird looks from my sisters. I just gave them the *No I'm not crazy look*

Celaena is SO AWESOME! She never backs down from any challenge and that's what I admire about her. I like how she's a tough chick, but yet we also get to see the girly side of her. Oh and she loves to read! =) She's very sassy, kick-ass, arrogant, adventurous, and confident, and has the right to be because she really is that good at everything. Dorian, the prince, I thought he was an interesting character but I feel like he's not stepping up to the plate. His character is the funny and flirty type but also immature. He chose Celaena as his champion only because he knows his father doesn't like her. To me it seems like he never really speak up for himself and defends for what he wants. I hope that in the next coming book, we will get a chance to see Dorian change and take control of his life. Now Chaol, Ahhh! I just love him! This guy is honest, loyal, and reserved but can be romantically awkward at times.*which is so adorable!!!* I feel like his relationship with Celaena is more of an understanding, slow attraction. Where as Celaena and Dorian was more of lust, you look handsome and I just want to kiss you. It can pretty much go either way, but I'm rooting for Chaol!!!

I really really love this book! This is a definitely must read for everyone.This high fantasy book is amazing! One thing I recommend first is reading the 4 e-novellas first. That was one mistake I did, not reading those e-novellas. I was a bit confused at the beginning until I realized a lot of the answers can be found in those. So yes, definitely read those before reading the main book. It will make more sense. =) Can't wait for the next book in the series!

I wasn't sure what to expect going in. I loved the concept and some people I really trust loved it. But some people I really trust also hated it.



Celaena....oh this girl. She had a lot going for her and she was an interesting read but...she was basically perfect. Beautiful, talented, clever, witty, had all the guys falling for her. Her only real "flaw" was her arrogance. It wasn't something I really minded while reading, but when I was done, I noticed it. And I know it was the big problem for a lot of people I know that didn't like this book. But she was complex and interesting and not what you'd expect an assassin to be. I thought she was pretty badass and strong.

The story itself was really intriguing. I mean, a bunch of criminals fighting to become the ultimate assassin? Then they start getting killed off? It was an awesome story filled with insane twists and things they don't explain in the summary. There was so much action and drama, but it never felt like too much or too made up for the sake of drama. I honestly loved this story.

Now....I think Lanna described the romance portion best in her review (basically, I agree with the whole thing, honestly). This is another one of those rare cases of love triangles done right. Dorian and Celaena were so adorable and cute together and slhgaedgjlnsgs. But...Chaol and Celaena were so adorable and cute together and sflgsnjfhgfsn. I just...I don't know guys. They were so perfect and lovely and I would like the three of them to make something work.



There were a lot of characters in this book and not all of them got a ton of page-time, but most of them were super well developed. I really felt like I knew most of these characters, I understood them as well as Celaena did. There's this one character that we only actually meet like three times, but Sarah manages to convey him so well in those brief meetings.

Which brings me to the writing. Sarah's totally earned her Author Badge. She earned all of the fame she had from FictionPress and she definitely made a good decision in deciding to publish it. The writing is brilliant and engaging and rich. Celaena's voice was never too heavy or too light, it was distinctive. Sarah tells an incredibly brilliant, complicated story as well as some of the veteran writers.

I just...I loved this book, guys. No it wasn't perfect, but I loved it anyway. And I'm so glad I still have all but one of the prologue stories to read because I don't want to just be done with this world and I definitely don't want to wait another year to read book 2.

If you love fantasy, subtle-but-awesome romances, and really well built characters, you should be heading to your nearest bookstore now. Or clicking a "Buy Now" button if you don't want to/can't get to a bookstore.

Guys! This book was SO perfect for me. Like, seriously, how did I not read this sooner, because it is made of awesomeness. Believe that I don't say this lightly: Throne of Glass is like The Hunger Games meets Grave Mercy. As with both of those delightful books, Throne of Glass features a powerful heroine, lots of action and some delightful, non-instalove romance.

The opening of Throne of Glass finds Celaena in the salt mines, where, after having been captured, she has been sentenced to work until she dies. Lucky for her, she now has another option: she can serve as the Crown Prince's contestant in a competition to decide the new King's Champion, aka personal assassin. An eighteen year old girl might seem an odd entrant, but Celeana Sardothien is actually the most feared assassin in the country.

I expected to have some trouble believing in Celeana as such an epically intense assassin, especially since she had quite the reputation by the time she was 17. However, Maas totally sold it. At every turn, Celaena strategizes possible escapes and considers the various ways that she could murder or maim the people around her. Her thoughts are bloody and focused. She has been raised to be an assassin since childhood, and she does it well.

Trust does not come particularly easily to Celaena, but she is still capable of humor and caring. In fact, if I had any issue with the book at all, it was that she seemed almost too quick to re-humanize after what happened in the salt mines. However, I want to believe that she could bounce back like that; it's part of why she is so strong. Celaena has power mentally and physically, and, despite being a trained assassin, she's a genuinely nice person, rarely mean out of spite.

The other characters are just as vibrant, if a bit black or white. I really appreciated Celaena's friendship with Nehemiah. What made it so delightful was that they seemed to bond over real things, not their situation or boys. Instead, they found common ground in both being powerful women forced into lives that don't especially suit them. Also, they both hate Lady Kaltain, who fills the classic money-grubbing, evil bitch role perfectly.

Then we have the boys. Yes, Throne of Glass has a love triangle. Weep not, though, because this is a tolerable one. Interestingly, from what I've heard, the story didn't have one initially, which is curious. However, it's here now and I deem it acceptable. I really like both guys, even though there's only one I would allow to guard my heart. Ahem. Crown Prince Dorian is sweet and passionate, definitely a bit of hopeless romantic, who's undoubtedly going to have to choose between the crown and his heart. Chaol is gruff and obnoxious at first, but entirely loyal and wonderful on further acquaintance. He's also definitely the kind of guy to encourage strength in a woman, rather than trying to protect her.

I thought the world building was fascinating, although I definitely think we've only barely reached the surface. There's so much more going on here than has been described yet. I anticipate faeries and alternate universes, as well as more to be made of this glass castle. Still, I'm really liking the foundations that Maas has laid here. The world thus far is fairly typical fantasy, but well-written and with excellent action scenes.

Speaking of action, I haven't explained the comparison to The Hunger Games yet. Well, the competition between the various assassins, thieves and soldiers is very reminiscent of the arena. There are definitely differences, but the similarities are stark. The training room scenes definitely reminded me of the ones in THG, as well as the fact that there were 24 competitors. Oh yeah, and some grisly deaths!

If you love fantasy novels like I do, you will most definitely not want to miss out on Throne of Glass. It comes out on August 7, so go get yourself a copy ASAP!