Book: Throne of Glass (#1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Site: http://sarahjmaas.com/
Category: Young Adult - Fantasy
[Note: ARC c/o BEA! Book will officially be available on August 7, 2012]
My thoughts...
Summary: After serving a year in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince Dorian, who 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 other thieves and warriors, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she wins, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 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? (Adapted from Goodreads)
The good: The author did an amazing job of throwing you right into this fast-paced story while still taking the time to build the mythology of this fantasy world. But, as always, I loved the characters best. Celaena Sardothien is probably in my top 10 of favorite kickass heroines. Aside from being a tough, feisty assassin with a big heart - she cracked me up. Not what you were expecting me to say right? But her snark and her swagger (as often described by other characters) was one of the most enjoyable things to read about her. Especially when you read everything she's gone through, I like how she never loses her sense of self. The two other main characters - Dorian and Chaol - are well-developed and great to read about too. They both play a big role in the book and each share a different relationship/view of Celaena. They also help to form the inevitable love triangle. I think the most difficult triangles are the ones where both guys are great, which is the case here. Right now, I'm rooting for Dorian.. but I could see myself possibly changing my mind later on. But characters aside for a second, the plot itself is a page-turner and was a great first book in what I hope will be a long series.
The bad: I've got a love/hate relationship with triangles but right now, I'm loving this one. Other than that - nothing bad to say about this book!
Do I recommend?: This is one of my favorite fantasy reads this year, so definitely.
Happy reading!
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