Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Published in 2012
Rating: ★★★☆☆ – 3.5
“You could rattle the stars. You could do anything, if only you dared.”
– Throne of Glass
In Throne of Glass, Sarah J. Maas introduces us to Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin offered a chance at freedom if she can win a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion. What follows is a mix of court politics, dark magic, and training as Celaena fights for her life and future. With a prince, a stoic captain of the guard, and a deadly castle hiding secrets, this book sets the stage for a sweeping fantasy series.
– Celaena “assassin who spends more time picking outfits than enemies” Sardothien –
Celaena is a deadly assassin, but the book spends a surprising amount of time focusing on her love for fashion and books, which makes her feel more like a regular girl than a hardened killer. While she has a strong personality and undeniable skills, the disconnect between her reputation and her actions in this book left me wanting more.
– Dorian “charming prince who flirts more than he rules” Havilliard –
Dorian is the crown prince of Adarlan, and while he’s charming and charismatic, his role in the story often leans more toward romance than leadership. He’s likable and witty, but he feels somewhat underdeveloped in this first book, with hints of potential growth in the future.
– Chaol “captain of the guard, allergic to fun” Westfall –
As the serious and loyal captain of the guard, Chaol is dedicated to his duties and fiercely protective of the kingdom. He’s a solid, dependable character, though his rigid demeanor sometimes makes him hard to connect with on an emotional level.
– My Honest Review –
I wanted to love Throne of Glass, but it didn’t completely grab me the way I hoped. The premise is intriguing—a fierce assassin, a deadly competition—but the pacing felt slow, and it was hard to stay invested in the story. Celaena is an interesting protagonist, but I found myself waiting for her to really live up to her reputation. The world-building, while promising, didn’t fully pull me in either.
However, I’ve heard from many readers that the series significantly improves as it goes on, with deeper character development and a more intricate plot. I’ll definitely continue reading to see if it lives up to the hype because there’s so much potential in the world Maas has created.
Happy Reading!
