Summary:
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 exhilarating. 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.
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Age Group: Young Adult
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Source: NetGalley
Review:
What a thrilling debut! I have been on a fantasy binge lately, and Throne of Glass served to remind me of everything I love about the genre. The fantasy world, the plot, the magic, and the characters were all so well done. I liked how Mass's world was not so intricate that I had a hard time following things. I've still got the 'Mommy brain,' in fact it seems to be getting worse (how can that be?) so I appreciated the fact that I could easily follow the story and understand the world.
I liked how Mass weaves the world building into the story. Sometimes, with fantasy, when the world building is at the beginning of the book, the story drags. I get bored, and need action. Mass delivers, providing action from the very beginning of the story. The plot moves at a steady pace throughout the entire book.
Celaena is a study in contradictions. She is as tough as nails, but at the same time, feminine and loves pretty dresses and jewelry. She loves to dance and attend balls, but can kill a man in seconds. I love characters that are nuanced and more than they appear to be. I loved that Celaena is tough but is still very much a woman. She had a great sense of humor, and her witty comebacks made me smile. I love how she stands up for herself without being too pushy, and how she doesn't take anything lying down. Celaena's friendship with Nehemia really softened her, and also furthered the magic element of the plot, which I really enjoyed.
There were several good surprises throughout Throne of Glass. One being Cain, one the ending, and lastly, the final duel. I really liked how Captain Westfall 'saves' Celaena during the duel. His quiet strength, and steady belief in her was really heart-warming. I liked how he starts off despising Celaena, moves to grudging respect, then an eventual genuine friendship and attraction for her. I love a slow burn to relationships, and Throne of Glass had that in spades.
The magic part of the story was trending towards ghosts and I was starting to get freaked out. You know how I'm not a fan of ghost stories. But, Mass reined it in just in time for me to keep reading without being afraid. I thought that part of the story really added a lot of depth and mystery to the book, especially considering the king's involvement.
I loved everything about this book. I couldn't read it fast enough! I highly recommend Throne of Glass. It reminds me of Kristin Cashore's work, in the best of ways. I cannot wait for the sequel!
I'm so glad you loved this book. :) It is one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI really need to read this one. Most people have raved about it. I like that the pacing is good. I agree that world building can sometimes drag a book down.
ReplyDeleteThis book is a must read. I'm a huge fan of books but I've never read many books of this genre. I absoloutley had to get it once I found out about it. I travelled to every book store I knew, none of them had it. And four days ago I finally came across it, gleaming with joy when purchasing it. Now four days later, after reading it. I'm so upset that it's finished. I was crying when I ended it. I recently found out about four prequels, avaliable to read online or download as an ebook. But sadly, I prefer books on paper. That old classic effect. I do hope they are avaliable in book stores soon! And I was thriving with excitment at the extra chapter at the end, which parted with - To Be Continued. I just had to read it all over again! I am absoloutley excited to see what Sara J Maas has in store for us next. Her book is a thrilling tale, entirley addictive. I actually felt as though I was Celena Sardothien, whilst reading this book. Definatley five out of five stars. I recommend it to any book lovers. You'll soon find your self eager not to put the book down. All the best, and lets see what the future holds for The Throne Of Glass!
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