Cinderella meets assassin in Sarah J. Maas’ fantasy book Throne of Glass. In this first novel of the series, Celaena Sardothein, prisoner of Endovier, has been chosen in a twist of fate for the nomination of King’s Champion, a position that will allow her freedom after working four years in the King’s service as an assassin. But first she must compete and win against 11 other assassins, also all vying for the position of King’s Champion and their own freedom. As if the ruthlessness of her rivals and the competition is not difficult enough of a challenge, she must learn to maneuver the difficulties of courtly life and find out why her other competitors are ending up suspiciously murdered before she ends up as the next victim.
Fans of fantasy will find the mix of politics, conspiracy, friendships, romance, and action in Throne of Glass enjoyable. The main character Celaena is by turns sassy and smart which makes for an entertaining read. However, for some readers, Celaena can come off as arrogant, selfish and vain, an unfortunate set of traits that may turn readers away but ultimately has a purpose which is revealed later in the series. Luckily, her voice is not the only voice readers are aware of: Throne of Glass has chapters which alternates between the viewpoints of several different characters which provides an inside look at the political intrigue of Adarlan and the surrounding kingdoms. These multiple perspectives also make the story accessible to all readers as both male and female perspectives are provided.
Sarah J. Maas fully intended this epic story to be a series, and as a series starter, some groundwork for the upcoming books must be laid down. This foundation work occurs in Throne of Glass but readers might be left wondering why so much time is spent in the book getting an inside look at these characters if they have so little action and effect on the story. Maas does not forget to give these characters a purpose in the immediate novel but their much more important purpose is revealed when the series is read as a whole. Readers will either be turned off by the seemingly unnecessary departures away from the action of the story or find the unfolding purposes behind each character as they read the series as wonderful and immersive storytelling. As long as readers are in for the long haul and wish to read the entire series, this diversion in Throne of Glass will prove to be a rewarding one.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No, but it does contain some strong language and some violence.
Recommended if you like: Fantasy, Magic, Hidden Identities, Multiple Viewpoints, Long books with worlds you can jump into, Hidden Passageways, Feuding Kingdoms, or Feisty Heroines.
Favorite Quote: “Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
Rating:
Fans of fantasy will find the mix of politics, conspiracy, friendships, romance, and action in Throne of Glass enjoyable. The main character Celaena is by turns sassy and smart which makes for an entertaining read. However, for some readers, Celaena can come off as arrogant, selfish and vain, an unfortunate set of traits that may turn readers away but ultimately has a purpose which is revealed later in the series. Luckily, her voice is not the only voice readers are aware of: Throne of Glass has chapters which alternates between the viewpoints of several different characters which provides an inside look at the political intrigue of Adarlan and the surrounding kingdoms. These multiple perspectives also make the story accessible to all readers as both male and female perspectives are provided.
Sarah J. Maas fully intended this epic story to be a series, and as a series starter, some groundwork for the upcoming books must be laid down. This foundation work occurs in Throne of Glass but readers might be left wondering why so much time is spent in the book getting an inside look at these characters if they have so little action and effect on the story. Maas does not forget to give these characters a purpose in the immediate novel but their much more important purpose is revealed when the series is read as a whole. Readers will either be turned off by the seemingly unnecessary departures away from the action of the story or find the unfolding purposes behind each character as they read the series as wonderful and immersive storytelling. As long as readers are in for the long haul and wish to read the entire series, this diversion in Throne of Glass will prove to be a rewarding one.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No, but it does contain some strong language and some violence.
Recommended if you like: Fantasy, Magic, Hidden Identities, Multiple Viewpoints, Long books with worlds you can jump into, Hidden Passageways, Feuding Kingdoms, or Feisty Heroines.
Favorite Quote: “Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
Rating: