Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2nd August 2012
By: Bloomsbury
Source: Netgalley
Target Audience: YA
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book so much. From the first page, I really like Celaena and it wasn't long before I was a big fan of Chaol and Dorian too.
The Crown Prince of Ardalan, Dorian, takes Celaena from the mines in Endovier where she's imprisoned for being the infamous "Ardalan Assassin." He wants her to compete in a competition that his father is having to find a personal assassin for the king. Dorian wants her to be his champion, and if she wins, after four years of service to the king, she will be granted her freedom. Celaena really has no choice but to agree as she knows she won't survive much longer in the mines.
The Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall, takes charge of her. He helps her with her training to get back in shape and prepare for the competition, shows her around the castle and sometimes dines with her in her rooms, but always ensures that she is guarded.
I really enjoyed the banter between Chaol and Celaena, you could gradually see their opinions of each other change. Celaena had kind of a smart, funny attitude when she wanted to and Chaol was a more serious character but I loved the way they bounced off each other. Some of my favourite parts of this book were probably when they were together.
Celaena's character was a surprising one. I would have thought an infamous assassin would be rough and tough but she's completely girly and loves getting dressed up in fancy dresses. She's a beautiful, mostly pleasant, caring girl who just happens to also be a trained killer. It's not long before she's attracting the attentions of Dorian and he is flirting with her and hanging out in her rooms, much to the chagrin of Chaol. I felt there was also some attraction between Chaol and Celaena but we have to wait until the next book to see if anything progresses there. I was totally in love with Chaol and while I would have preferred for there not to be a love triangle, it didn't take from my enjoyment of the book at all.
Most of the action in this book surrounds the final test in the competition when there is only four competitors left. This was just a fantastic part that I really enjoyed. This book is an absolute page turner and it kept me entranced from start to finish. This wasn't a book I thought I would enjoy from reading the blurb, and it was the good reviews I read that pushed me to read it. I am so glad I did.
Sometimes, I love a book so much that I feel I can't write a review that will justify what an awesome book it really is. This is one of those times. So I just urge anyone who hasn't already, to pick up a copy and see for yourself how great this is.
Buy the book: The Book Depository/Amazon
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed this! I felt the same way about the love triangle. Although I would have preferred it if there hadn't been one, I definitely didn't ruin the book for me. I hope we can see something more happen between Chaol and Celaena in the next book. Fantastic review, Suzanne! :)
I agree w/u, when you say it's so hard to express your feelings, over the love of a great book! I too, sometimes find it difficult. I have yet to read this, as I am on a tour for it, and slowly am working thru the novella's. I find Celeana to be a fantastic character, and hopefully, Sarah will continue writing more adventures for her. Excellent review!
Awesome review Suzanne. I adored this book so much and the love triangle, talk about a hard one. Right now I'm leaning towards Prince Dorian but I reckon that could change when I get my hands on the next book. So glad you enjoyed it! Donna xoxox
I started with the novellas yesterday and the series is hella good
This is an awesome review Suzanne, I get what you mean, about it being tough reviewing such an awesome book, I had a tough time with this one too, but you definitely managed to capture just how epic this book was! I wish we didn't have to wait long for the next book! :(
I am dying to read this one. It is definitely a book that is getting a lot of buzz on the blogosphere. Most bloggers love it and I am intrigued by a female assassin with a girly side. So glad it was a good read for you, Suzanne!
I'm so excited to read this one. It sounds absolutely amazing & I've heard nothing but great things! The assassins thing is what really got my attention. Plus, I love the cover. I'm glad to hear that you liked it and thanks for the review! :)
I know what you mean! Whenever I love a book so much I just don't have the words to describe how awesome it is! I pre-ordered this one and can't wait to read it! btw the UK cover is so much cooler!
Great review Suzanne! I've seen this book around, and it looks interesting. though I'll admit I'm definitely no fan of love triangles as i always fall for one of the characters and am crushed when he doesn't get his HEA! >.< lol. still though, i'll keep considering this one :D
*cries* Ive already commented on this review once this morning, but Disqs really hates me these days. Nevermind. I wasn't aware of a live triangle in this book, but I can live with, I suppose. I love that she's an assassin, but also very girly and soft, those kinds of contrasts always work well in characters, in my opinion. I love that you loved this, now I'm even more excited about getting a copy.
Lovely review, Suzanne!
Some of my favourite parts involved Chaol and Celaena too, Suzanne :) I liked Chaol so I hope Celaena gives him a chance in the next book.
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