Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #0.1-0.5
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Genre: YA Fantasy
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 Stars
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Synopsis
from Goodreads:
Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.
My
Review:
The
Assassin and the Pirate Lord:
The novellas start off with a bang in this one. We get to
see two sides to Celaena. One: her badass self that can take out anything and
everything in her past. Can I just say that I adore the fact that she wears a
badass hood and mask. Just makes her feel that much more dangerous. Two: Her
protective, softer side with her take on slavery and her vehement refusal to
participate in it no matter the consequences. And we get a brief glimpse of Sam
who I have been curious about since the first book! I love how much they
bicker.
The
Assassin and the Healer:
This was probably my least favorite of the novellas just
because not too much happens. I'm hoping that we end up seeing the Healer later
in the series. I think that would be pretty cool actually. But I do love that
Celaena takes the time to teach the girl some kickass moves. And of course,
this novella just shows that Celaena's blood does not run icy. She has a heart,
and a huge one at that, something that I love about her.
The
Assassin and the Desert:
I LOVED this one. Reading about how another group of
assassins trains was amazing. The Mute Master was so awesome and I totally
pictured him as this sweet old grandpa who was also totally kickass. I loved
seeing Celaena form a friendship in this one and just watching her develop and
grow through her whole experience with the Silent Assassins.
The
Assassin and the Underworld:
Okay so
first of all, I seriously think that the two guys that she bumped into at that
one party (one guy was of noble birth) were totally Dorian and Chaol. I'm
convinced. Anyone else think this? Anyway, I loved that we got to see her and
Sam together in this novella. We really got to see their relationship develop
and I loved it.
The Assassin and the Empire:
This was
my favorite of all the novellas, even though it was definitely the most
heartbreaking. Celaena and Sam are so amazing together (don’t worry, Chaol, I
still love you), but honestly, I am so in love with Sam which of course, made
it that much more devastating to read. And then that hopeless ending when she's
heading to the salt mines. :( Poor, Celaena. And Arobynn... oh does my blood
boil with rage for this guy. I despise him. This one I believe was the longest
and definitely the most action-packed and exciting. Knowing how it was going to
end didn't change the tense feeling while reading. In fact, I think it made it
worse. LOVED it.
The Book as a Whole:
Overall I loved all these novellas. Reading them back to back made it feel like I had a whole new book in the series which of course was amazing. I loved reading about the events that led up to Celaena ending up in the salt mines of Endovier. I loved getting to know Sam, her first love. And I loved/hated getting to know stupid Arobynn. Of course after finishing, I browsed through my bookshelf and finally just gave in and picked up Heir of Fire. I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED. Happy reading all!
Have you read all the novellas? Gush about them with me? Which was your favorite? Didn't you just love Sam??? Wasn't the last one heart-breaking?? Do you want to bash in Arobynn's face?
Oh oh oh! The ones she bumped into were totally dorian and Chaol!! I read a scene in either Chaol or Dorian's POV about it...I think it was posted on a blog? Or something....I'll try and find it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not crazy. Lol. If you find it let me know!!
DeleteOr maybe it was at the end of one of the books? Hmmmm.
ReplyDelete*runs to search end of books*
DeleteI'm going to try to start fitting one in every few weeks to make them last as long as possible. I need a SJM fix every so often until the next book comes out! And your reviews have make me extra excited to start them! <3
ReplyDeleteThat's a good idea. I need more of these books. I might just have to reread them all during this horribly awful wait.
DeleteSammmmmmmmmm!!!!!!! That's all I have to say. You know it's coming and it still hurts. ~Pam
ReplyDeleteI know!!!!!! I'm so in love with him. I think that made it hurt even worse. And the way it happened.... *sobs*
DeleteI just finished this a couple of days ago, before diving into ToG as a whole! I am soooo loving Sam (<3 :((( ) and yes! I do want to punch Arobynn in the face. LOL.
ReplyDeleteOmg I'm so excited you are reading this series!!!!! It's my fav fantasy so I must hear all the updates!!! Sam is so amazing!!!! And I read ToG and CoM before the novellas so I knew what was coming which I think made it worse. I can't wait for Celaena to take Arobynn out. Seriously hate that guy.
Delete