Throne of Glass

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.

As you may have noticed, I don't read a ton of fantasy. I prefer vampires and witches to trolls and fairies any day. However, I try to keep up with big upcoming releases and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas was getting so much buzz that I figured I should probably read it - best decision I've made in awhile. This book really blew me away. I was totally enveloped in Celaena's world and loved every minute of it. This book has everything that I love: fantastic world-building, epic battles, mystery, breathtaking romance and a kick-ass heroine! It was such a fun read while still being heartfelt. My emotions were all over the place from page one. Maas is a master storyteller! This is the first time in a long time that I've actually been craving a sequel to a fantasy novel.

LIKES:

Celaena: YA heroines often come in one of two varieties: quirky, but tough, tom boy, or beautiful, misunderstood damsel. Celaena is neither of theses. She is girly, beautiful and feminine...and she can kick your ass. I love love LOVE that Celaena doesn't have to give up her femininity to be formidable. She loves shiny weapons just as much as frilly dresses. I'm not saying that every girl has to love perfume and makeup and dolls but every girl that likes those things isn't a helpless airhead either. So 10,000 bonus points to Sarah for making Celaena a character that is believable wearing a beautiful dress with a makeshift knife hidden in the corset. Do not scuff this girls heals! I also love Celaena because she is a survivor. She does whatever is necessary to secure her freedom and won't stay down. She has had a miserable life, first being found as young child and raised by the Assasin King, she was subjected to horrifying training. Then she is caught and taken to a death camp where she works in the salt mines and is abused by her overseers until finally she is given her chance at freedom, but only after facing the toughest and deadliest men in the kingdom. She never gives up, never slows down and never, ever shows fear in the face of unbelievable adversity.

The love triangle: First of all let me say that, as a rule, I don't like love triangles. I think they are played out and over complicate the story. I always know exactly who the main character will end up with or at the very least who I want them to end up with. That is not the case with Throne of Glass . Celaena has two (very attractive) men in her life. And I love them both, completely equally. First, we have the spoiled Prince Dorian with saphire eyes and a charming wit. The relationship between the prince and Celaena changes so much through the book and is so much fun. I can't help loving him. Then there is the rugged and brave Captain of the Guard, Chaol. He is so quiet and internal. I just kept wanting to know more about him and their relationship is so intense that I couldn't get enough. There's the problem. I don't have a favorite. I love them both so much and no matter who she ends up with I'm going to be happy (and disappointed). Oh the agony!

World-building: The world that Maas creates for Throne of Glass is very well-formed. While it is similar to our world, there are marked differences (different religions, holidays and history) however it is close enough that I could still relate to it while getting wrapped up. Maas also alludes to different types of creatures (Fae, faeries etc) that have been either killed or have gone into hiding after Magic is banished from the kingdom. While these creatures do not play a huge part in this first book, the set up is great and left me yearning to find out more about the history of this world. The governmental structure was also very easy to grasp and lends sort of a dystopian vibe to the whole plot. Love it.

Depth of the story: Finally, I like that this is more than a love story. In fact, the love story is very much secondary to the main plot line. Throne of Glass mostly centers around human suffering and oppression, the lengths that some people will go to impose these on their subordinates and what others are willing to sacrifice to stop the oppressors. Maas' work takes a tried and true theme and makes it entirely believable and hard-hitting. One of the most powerful parts of the book is when Chaol is reflecting upon the fact that Celaena has spent the last year in a death camp, starving and being whipped to within an inch of her life and yet she can still smile and laugh. He marvels at her strength of character and the power of the human spirit and so does the reader.

DISLIKES:

The names are crazy: This may sound petty but the names and places in this book are sometimes next to impossible to pronounce. Sometimes I like to read out loud...to myself...in foreign accents. Don't judge me. Anyway that didn't happen with this book because I couldn't pronounce half of the names and locations.

Perspective changes: The only other thing that is a "dislike" for me with this one is that the perspective jumps from character to character very suddenly and then stays with that character only briefly before switching back to Celaena. This wasn't a huge problem though because I was happy that we got to see some different perspectives throughout the book.

Overall, I really liked this one and I can't wait to read more from Sarah. I would recommend Throne of Glass not only to fantasy lovers but also to those who don't necessarily gravitate toward that genre. It is a nice surprise and certainly worth all of the praise it has been getting.

Sarah J. Maas has written an intricate world with a layered plot and a strong and witty main character that I found myself rooting for.
Since I don't read a lot of fantasy it took a bit to get accustomed to the names, places and such, but once I did, it became more enjoyable. Though I admit, I skimmed over some of the backstory about the land because that is not what interests me. I also had a bit of a hard time with the third person just because I am not used to reading that style, it's been awhile. But all in all I think that it works for this book because we do get glimpses into the lives of other characters besides Celaena and that provides neat insights into the story and the other characters.
The characters are what kept my attention. The book begins with a master assassin Celaena being asked to participate in a contest of champions for the king, and I immediately liked her voice and thoughts. She is sarcastic, has something to say about everything, and toes the line but manages to have the good sense not to leap over it most of the time. I love her interactions with Chaol. In fact I pretty much enjoyed his character overall, the gruffness with the soft spot for her that he manages to hide most of the time. There's a love triangle going on because she also flirts with Dorian, the prince who chose her as his champion. I pulled for Chaol overall, but I don't really know where story is taking us.
I loved the friendship between Chelaena and Nehemia. Nehemia is mysterious, powerful and from a country who the king is currently attacking, so that leaves intrigue always wondering what her motives are. But it also forms a bond between the two, that is very well written.
I loved the challenges that Chelaena faces, and watching her train. It is quite an experience for me to read about a main character going through these things, because I am pretty weak myself, so it just makes me admire her. I do wish that some of the trials were detailed instead of just being told about them, but I suppose that would have been way too much, adding to an already long book. As it is, there is plenty of action and layers that keeps the story moving.
Bottom line: action packed, page-turning fantasy with a kick butt heroine that I fell for.

ISBN: 9781408832332
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 416

A heart of ice. A will of steel. Meet the assassin.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

I received Throne Of Glass by Sarah J. Maas from Bloomsbury for review, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading! My favourite character was Celaena, because of her brashness, determination and wit. I loved reading about the diverse variety of characters in Throne Of Glass! From the vicious, sly competitors to the manipulative King, and the seemingly naive Court. I really enjoyed reading about the new twist on magic / Fae in this book as well! (Although at times it was a bit hard to keep up with). I prefer my ARC cover of Throne Of Glass to either of the mass market covers, because it’s much more interesting (and inkeeping), since it only shows the mysterious silhouette of Celaena.

MY REVIEW
First of all I love the cover, with Celaena on it with all her kick-butt attitude! Celaena may look like a young slip of a girl but when you look at her face on the cover you see the determination of someone prepared to fight to the bitter end, may she win or lose.
The greys and ice blues on the actual pictured cover also go with the theme of the Palace that is built of glass upon the old stone foundations of a previously conquered palace.
I have to admit that I still love the ARC cover too, it has no blues in it just all shades of grey, which add an air of mystery to who the assassin is and what her past is too.
The book is really well written, in that it has plenty of descriptions to the point you can visualise what is being described to you. the book also has plenty of different things happening in it too, there's the training of the assassins, the false identity they gave Celaena of Lady Lillian the Jewel thief, Celaena's friendship with Nehemia as well as her relationships with Chaol (her guard and trainer), Prince Dorian, who seems to feel more than amusement towards her now, could it be love blooming? Then of course there is Celaena's relationship with the other champions. This book is packed with so many strings to the plot, yet it is so easy to follow when reading the book. There is mystery, intrigue, magic, and of course death.
Celaena has many roles in this book, she is pupil to Chaol, champion to Prince Dorian, friend amongst enemies to Nehemia. All the time Celaena is training she is also trying to solve the murders of the other champions. Celaena also has the spirit of Elena, former royalty and warrior speaking to her and trying to guide her with some rather cryptic clues.
Celaena is a strong female character, which I always enjoy reading about, she also has a past that we learn a little about as time goes on. Celaena has built herself a reputation of a ruthless assassin, which is why Prince Dorian and Chaol give her the false identity and past of Lady Lillian the jewel thief. Celaena has no choice but to play along even to the point of not standing out and having to take the middle road in the contests. Celaena treads a difficult path in that she has to show and do enough with her skills to pass the tests but not so well that she is a winner or stands out. Do the other champions find out? Can Celaena keep her true identity hidden?
I loved one particular fight scene (I can't specify which as it would give away spoilers which I always attempt not to), the excellent descriptions, made you feel the pain with Celaena, you feel her frustration, her utter degradation, then you feel her anger, her resolve to continue, you feel her drawing strength from seeing her trainer looking into her eyes, then she drags herself to her feet. her body almost broken and still she fights on with her determination to succeed with gritted teeth.
I read somewhere that this book was meant to be "Game Of Thrones" for girls, I think boys could still read and enjoy this book too.
So did I enjoy the book? Yes and truthfully it isn't the type of book I would normally go for either! So I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the book. Would I read a Bk 2? Definitely YES! Would I recommend? Definitely! Would I read more by Sarah J Maas? Would love to.