Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas: Review

Synopsis:

The queen has returned.
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past . . .

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series contrinues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world.

***

"She was fire, and light, and ash, and embers. She was Aelin Fireheart, and she bowed for no one and nothing, save the crown that was hers by blood and survival and triumph."

If there's one thing Queen of Shadows taught me, it's that never, ever, EVER try to jump to conclusions. Queen of Shadows is such an incredibly complex book, the plot in this book alone can be fit into two books. This is one of those books that I have to take a break from time to time, so that I can digest it and get over the shock and emotional thrill. Sarah never fails to deliver the best content. It's easily my favorite in the series.

Why did I say not to jump to conclusions? A lot of things have changed since well before QoS begins. A lot of things change in this book. Aelin is back, making alliances with enemies, trying to defeat the two things that threatens her life, her rightful throne and her friend(s). No longer the uncertain assassin trying to discover her true destiny and her underlying powers, she's a force to be reckoned with. The "fire-breathing bitch queen" that will restore magic in the timeless gorgeous magical world (by the way, I am really fond of that title). She has to come to terms with past relationships and her own dark side. Let me assure you, this is no easy journey. Misunderstood and antagonized against, she emerges from the shadows and eventually tread into light. The details are too complicated to be described here. But know this: you will never get bored of it.

A better example to illustrate my point is Chaol. I have such mixed feelings about Chaol in the beginning of Queen of Shadows. His loyalty and fierceness towards Dorian is palpable. And yet he's stubborn to the point that I itch to slap some sense into him. His reunion with Aelin is... rocky, to put it mildly. It wasn't pretty. However, just when I thought my opinions about him were solidified, Sarah surprises me with a series of intricately written plots. I came to respect that guy. Not love, but pure respect. The amazing thing is that she did it in one single book. It's mind-blowing.

Despite my love for Aelin and possibly all the characters in the book, my fondness lies in Rowan and Manon. Manon plays a much bigger role in Queen of Shadows then she did in Heir of Fire. As the Wingleader, she's involved in a sinister plot that can potentially bring Aelin and her gang, and possibly the whole world down. Her fate is uniquely entwined with Aelin's, in the most unexpected way possible. She also meets someone that I would never dream of. That got me excited. Her thoughts also aren't as cold and cruel as it should be (because, well, she's an Ironteeth witch). It will be infinitely more interesting to read about her in the upcoming books.

Rowan is a sort of relief in this thrilling course of events. And boy, don't I love it. After Heir of Fire, I just want to see him again in this book. His passion and loyalty is even more obvious in this book. It makes me smile to read about the conversations between Aelin and him. Their relationship in the book has, well, evolved. A lot. They are the best partners. It's safe to say that the ship has sailed. Happily. 

Okay, there's just no way that I can cover every good bit in this book. I'm thoroughly impressed. It's possibly one of my favorite books of all time.

Rating: 10/10 (because 9.5 is too low of a score)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Review

Synopsis:

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

***

"The seven Courts of Prythian, each ruled by a High Lord, all of them deadly in their own way. They are not merely powerful - they are Power."

Faeries. I love those stories. They are fascinating and a little bit disturbing in their own way. There's no way I wouldn't go for it as soon as it was released. I absolutely love Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, so I have really high expectations of A Court of Thorns and Roses. It still manages to exceed everything. The book is simply stunning.

Throne of Glass is dark, brutal and deadly beautiful, able to suffocate you with endless twists and struggles that will certainly leave a mark in people's heart. This book still has these elements. But it's more natural, more subtle. The tension is built more slowly, yet explodes just as gloriously. I love the perfect balance between danger and easy humor. The plot flows more smoothly and in a more relatable way. There are so many perfect moments in the book that will be treasured forever. It's endearing

A girl with hate in her heart for our kind has managed to fall in love with a faerie. And a faerie whose father once slaughtered the human masses by my side has actually fallen in love with her too?

It's easy to love Feyre. She has this kind of positive energy that is well-hidden on the surface, but is powerful in its own (sort of twisted) way. Of course, being raised in a brutal environment, she has every reason to be bitter and cynical. But her humor and bright side is just captivating. Saying that she has a strong will doesn't even cover it. She's determined when she wants to do something. The most special thing about her is that she's, well, illiterate. But that only solidifies the fact that she's deadly smart and resourceful. I'm not even ashamed to say that I love this book more than Throne of Glass solely because of her.

Of course, that's not the only reason. While the characters in Throne of Glass are remarkable in their own way, they are more like gods being put in a high pedestal. Even with faerie unearthliness, all the characters that I have come to love are more human. Their minds and intentions are complex in a surprisingly human way. I feel closer to the characters in this book than I ever have with those in Throne of Glass series. 

There are those who seek me a life time but never we meet, and those I kiss but who trample me beneath ungrateful feet.

Reading A Court of Thorns and Roses is dangerous when it is impossible to contain all the emotions threatening to drown out everything else. This book sways my mental integrity like no other. That has everything to do with the bond between Feyre and Tamlin. I couldn't remember loving a relationship between two characters so much in other books, not when they shine brighter than everything in my mind. I love the easy atmosphere between them when they are both in a good mood, and the intense chemistry that makes my toes curl. They are just perfect together. There are no other words describing it. There are also a lot of pain, pain that can potentially lead to problems later on. I itch to find out the answers and just can't seem to come to terms with it. Reading this book is almost the equivalent of experiencing what Feyre is going through in the book. It just proves just how much of a master writer Sarah is.

I don't know what else to say about it. Words can't describe just how amazing this book really is. I have a feeling this is going to one of my favorite books of all time.

Rating: 9/10

Top Ten YA Novels 2014 #1: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

This book is just too good to be true.

The champion goes to:

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Synopsis:

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

***

Date Read: June 28, 2014

My review:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2014/06/heir-of-fire-review.html

My rating: 9/10 

***

Top 3 reasons why I love it SO DAMN MUCH:

1) It's a masterpiece

You can't deny it's not at its finest. I thought Crown of Midnight was crazy enough. Things can't possibly get any worse. Nope, I'm so wrong. The second book was trivial compared to Heir of Fire. It's filled with the most glorious and darkest scenes. Written in multiple point of views, you have a full view of just how messed-up and brutal the situation really is. It's just the third book. Things are already heating up really quick and is about to explode in the second half of the series. Don't believe me? Look at the rating on Goodreads. The rating for Crown of Midnight is 4.51 out of 5.  This is one of the highest ratings I've ever seen in YA novels (okay, Clockwork Princess has 4.58, which is the highest I've ever seen until this book). Heir of Fire has the rating of 4.61 out of 5. I'm not the only one who thinks this book is a masterpiece. 

2) Scenery

Reading Throne of Glass is like going into a magical world that only artists can create. A lot of scenes described in the book are really beautiful. Heir of Fire is like the collection of the ethereal scenery. Wendlyn is a good example. Wendlyn is described as a kingdom where Fey thrives, so of course everything there is very natural. Imagine Celaena training with Rowan to control her ability to wield fire. In a small grassland surrounded by exotic trees and colorful flowers and fruits. Not to mention that Celaena's is described as fiery and beautiful when wielding her fire. I wish I was in Wendlyn. 

3) Two great new characters... and Dorian

The addition of Rowan and Aedion is a great decision. Aedion is loyal and Rowan... oh, what am I going to do with him? He's honorable. I know that's because he's a Fey. But it doesn't cancel out the awesomeness. He's a really deep character and has a lot of history. Celaena and Rowan makes a great team and I would like them to stay together as partners or... something more, if that's possible *wink. Anyway, I hope I will be seeing more of Rowan in the next book. As for Dorian... there is a great character development in Dorian. (spoiler!) After discovering his not-so-normal powers that can possibly get him killed or worse (yes, there are a lot of things worse than death in YA novels), he has changed a lot. I can see him as a good king. My heart broke when something really foul happened to him at the end of the book. God, WHY? WHY WOULD YOU TORTURE US LIKE THAT! I'M BEGINNING TO LIKE HIM AND THAT'S HOW YOU TREAT ME?

***

Why I recommend this book or series:

Timeless paranormal series has become a thing recently. I like them because you can basically bend to world to your will. When you write a book based on some sort of mythology, things can get tricky if there's an unexplained loophole. But in these series you can basically do anything. Imaginations can run wild in these novels. Throne of Glass series is one of them. And one of the best, I'd say. You can't possibly predict what happens next. The characters are great and the world is absolutely breathtaking. 

***

Do I like the cover?

Yep. It's badass and gorgeous. I like the cover of Crown of Midnight more though.

***

Top 3 favorite scenes: (spoiler alert!)

1) When Celaena finally has control of her power by battling the evil princes (sorry, I really don't remember what they are called)

It's the very definition of glorious. Literally and metaphorically.

2) When Rowan pledged his loyalty to Celaena

Don't deny it. It brings tears to your face. It did to me, and I am not a girl who cries.

3) When Chaol evades Adarlan 

Finally! I admire his loyalty, but it's so terribly misplaced that sometimes I just want to smack him in his head. It's good that he finally sees sense.

***

OTP: Hmm, can I ship Celaena and Rowan? I've been obsessing all over it since I read Heir of Fire.

***

Aftermath:

There you go, the list of my top ten favorite novels in 2014! I will work on the listopia soon. But 2014 is surely a crazy year. Unfortunately I'm afraid I won't have a lot of time to read books in 2015 because the time to take the public exams is approaching. Let's hope, shall we?

Heir Of Fire: Review

Synopsis:

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

***

(Contains HUGE spoilers of Crown of Midnight. Beware!)

She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.

Reading Heir of Fire in June is probably the biggest mistake I've ever made. I can't wait three more months than others for book 4 with this book being so enthralling and awesome! I've thought Crown of Midnight is one of the best books I've ever read. And it's very nice to be surprised that this book exceeds my expectations again.

A lot of things is at stake in the book. Celaena is in Wendlyn, trying to find a way to restore the damage the King of Adarlan has done. Chaol needs to pay the repercussions of what he's done. And Dorian life is turned upside down with his newfound magic. As much as I want them to stick together, I think I handle the fact that Celaena is away surprisingly well. Don't get me wrong, Celaena is freaking awesome and fearless. She's actually the best character in the book. But the fact that the author entwine their story so tightly even when Celaena is in another country (another world, possibly) is completely brilliant. 

Speaking of Celaena in Wendlyn, we will encounter a new character. A really interesting and complex character that I absolutely respect (and adore). Rowan Whitethorn. He plays a really big part in Heir of Fire, and I have a feeling he will as well in the remaining three books. Since he's a new character and all, I don't think I can talk much about him without spoiling you guys. But Rowan is candor, brooding, loyal, and deep. I can foresee a legion of girls falling in love with this character. I can't wait to see more of him in the second half of the series.

Another good stuff we have in Heir of Fire is about another new character. Manon Blackbeak. Although it's a good story, I still don't understand how Manon's story collide with Celaena's. I hope the answer will lie in the fourth book. But that's not important. What's important is that Manon's story is very dark and mysterious. It's brutal and bloody and calculating. Manon herself is a cold, cunning person. Perhaps I have a thing for such characters and dark atmosphere, but I can't wait for more of her story (especially when it collides with Celaena's, which I think is very likely). It seems like she might actually be a big part in the second half of the story.

This review won't be whole without talking about Dorian Havilliard. Out of all the character (except Celaena, because she's basically on a journey of finding more about herself, so she's bound to learn a lot about herself), his character has developed the most. It's pretty stunning to see how Dorian went from the Crown Prince who doesn't really believe in magic to a grown man who actually embraces this unknown side of him and actually be okay with it. I just love this guy so much. I can't bear to have anything bad happen to him. Please, give him a good life. He deserves it. I know it's too early to say anything about the great finale but I don't care, I need him to be happy and safe in the end. 

I can go on forever listing all the characters. But I can't. I can't even talk about Celaena without spoiling anything. The greatness of her is too great to be described by words. Find it out yourself. But I still need to talk about one thing. The ending. I can't handle more cliffhangers anymore. This is seriously tiring. Another one! How am I going to survive this! How can I wait for more than a year! It's probably the most surprising ending since Crown of Midnight, and Crown of Midnight's cliffhanger level is off the charts. Jesus, woman, it's just the third book and everything has already gone crazy. I can't imagine how insane (and insanely fascinating) the second half will be.

Rating: 9/10

Top Ten YA Novels 2013 #6: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

I think Throne of Glass series has six books, right? And hard as it is to believe, the second book is already crazy as hell. I cannot imagine how much crazier will the series be in the following books.

The sixth place belongs to:

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Synopsis:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

***

Date Read: July 30, 2013

My Review:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.com/2013/07/crown-of-midnight-review.html

My Rating: 9/10

***

Top 5 Reasons Why I Like It:

1. Celaena Sardothien

When it comes to the assassin, almost nothing is unlikable about her. She's extremely smart, brave, and cares for those she loves very much. Though her loyalties might not be where people expected her to be, like the synopsis said, "an assassin's loyalties are always in doubt.". To top it all off, Celaena can definitely kick ass. She's kind of like a new generation of heroine.

2. The ending

Yep. The ending. It's freaking killing me! You can't just end it like that! And the most jaw-dropping part is, this is only the second freaking book and you already throw that cliffhanger to us. I can't imagine how crazy it will be in the second half of the series. But I always like a cliffhanger ending, even if it's killing me.

3. Chaol Westfall!

That's right. The captain. Sweet, loyal, and all the good stuff you can think of. Oh, how I ship Chaolaena. Except... it doesn't end well, so far.

4. There is no shortage of blades here

I love battles or duos or fights. And while I also love guns, my favorite is and will always be blades. Swords, daggers, you name it. And in a book like Crown of Midnight, There will also be blades. I mean, Celaena is an assassin, for crying out loud. 

5. (Spoilers) the whole Dorian-might-actually-have-magi thing

Yes, this just make the whole book more interesting. The king despises magic. And yet his son - his own son, with his own blood - can apparently use magic. Ironic. Really, truly ironic. I can't wait to see what will happen next for Dorian.

***

Why I recommend this book/series.

It's the whole series that I recommend, including all the prequel short stories. I read the prequels first before dwelling into the first book. It's slightly different from the main series. But no matter what, once you dive into the world of Adarlan, of how dark and corrupted it is, and how an assassin is fighting for her life, her parents and her freedom. It's almost impossible not to love this series. And when you actually start reading the main series...it's beyond fascinating. Incredibly dangerous. Read it, for you will not regret it.

***

Do I like the cover?

Hell yes. Celaena looks badass on the cover. And it's one of the top ten covers in 2013 of my choice. 

***

Top 3 Favorite Scenes:

1. The Chocolate Cake Scene (P. 169-172)

No kissing involved. But that doesn't mean the Chaol/Celaena scene isn't sweet. 

2. The Rescue scene and the scenes following

Yet another fight scene. But hey, this is one of the best fight scenes in Crown of Midnight, and Crown of Midnight has plenty of good battle scenes. And the scene following is even better because of the surprise element. Though it breaks my heart, it's epic.

3. The Dance Scene (P.132-134)

Another Chaol/Celaena Scene. :) :)

***

OTP:

Chaol/Celaena of course!

Top Ten Tuesday #8: Top Ten New Authors Discovered This Year

Top Ten Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Today's question is the top ten authors I discovered this year.

1. Ann Aguirre -- Razorland is great! I can't believe I haven't read that before.

2. Mindee Arnett -- Though I haven't read The Nightmare Affair, I'd say Avalon is another book worth-reading!

3. Brigid Kemmerer -- I like the Elemental series. They are awesome and hilarious

4. Sarah J. Maas -- I can't believe I didn't know about Throne of Glass before!!!

5. Leigh Bardugo -- Again, it's unfathomable that I didn't know about Shadow and Bone before.

6. Jennifer Estep -- Although Mythos Academy is not one of my favorite series, I enjoy reading it.

7. Michael Grant -- Gone series is beyond crazy. And I didn't realize it until like, April. 

I can think of no more. What about you?

Crown of Midnight: Review

Synopsis:

An assassin’s loyalties are always in doubt.
But her heart never wavers.

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown – a secret she hides from even her most intimate confidantes.

Keeping up the deadly charade—while pretending to do the king's bidding—will test her in frightening new ways, especially when she's given a task that could jeopardize everything she's come to care for. And there are far more dangerous forces gathering on the horizon -- forces that threaten to destroy her entire world, and will surely force Celaena to make a choice.

Where do the assassin’s loyalties lie, and who is she most willing to fight for?

***

Crown of Midnight is a hell of a ride. I can't even fathom how crazy this journey is. The story is way more complicated and sophisticated than Throne of Glass. Every character has their dark secrets deep in their hearts. Suspicion and surprise are always present in this book. One can never tear his or her eyes from Crown of Midnight once he or she starts it.

In Crown of Midnight, Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan's most feared assassin, became the king's champion. She had to carry out tasks directly ordered by the king that she never wanted to complete. Living in the castle, Celaena quickly discovers the dark truth about the king being the conqueror so fast and the secrets behind everyone she held dear. 

This book is full of surprises. I couldn't keep my jaw from hanging open right after I started this book. In this book things are more intertwined with folk tales and legends rather than practical fighting stuff. It's a very nice twist because who can imagine a world that is suspiciously similar to a dystopian world can filled with great legends and tales? Describing it as brilliant will truly be an understatement.

Emotional rides are just as breathtaking as the paranormal stuff. It's really hard to believe things can change so fast between the characters. I suppose misunderstandings and secrets hold jaw-dropping powers to change relationships. You will be awed by how the emotions tangle so tightly with the events in the book. If you are not impressed by this, than I don't know what will.

This is utter perfection that you don't want to miss, and it's just the second book out of SIX. I can't wait to see how epic the story will be in the upcoming books.

Rating: 9/10

Teaser Tuesday: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3.  Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5.  Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Today I choose Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas

"When you said you knew him, I didn't realize you meant that well." He fought the strange, sudden temper that was honing itself again. Even if she'd been charmed by his looks, she was going to kill Archer, he had to remind himself.













Add Crown of Midnight on Goodreads:

Throne of Glass: Review

Synopsis:

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian 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 men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

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? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

***

It will be an understatement to say I love, LOVE, LOVE Throne of Glass! Why didn't I read it sooner? I don't even know how to properly review this book because of its awesomeness. Sarah J. Maas created a world conquered by an ambitious and hateful man with rebels and assassins trying to win freedom. It's also filled with tales of the Fair Folk and other stuff like otherworlds as well. It's hard to not love this dark world.

Throne of Glass is about the most feared young assassin, Celaena Sardothein, trying to win her freedom by completing a series of obstacles and battles in one of her most hated place: the Glass Castle. Celaena is way more interesting than I originally thought while I read the prequel novellas. (Prepare for a stream of praise in the form of adjectives :D) She's bold, straightforward, fierce, strong, cunning, and she really has her own sense of humor which I deeply appreciate. She's officially one of my favorite kick-ass heroine now.

Throne of Glass is written in multiple point of views. Which is really surprising, because I really didn't see it coming. This is Celaena's journey, and I really didn't expect other PoVs. But hey, I love this kind of multiple perspectives. Especially when it's cute and funny to see Dorian and Celaena talking... in Dorian's perspective! Excuse me while I swoon a little.

There are too many good things to list and I don't have time right now. All I can say is this: Throne of Glass is a perfect combination of enthralling, terrifying and exciting. This story is unforgettable. 

Rating: 8.5/10

The Assassin and The Empire: Review

Synopsis:

Celaena Sardothien is the assassin with everything: a place to call her own, the love of handsome Sam, and, best of all, freedom. Yet, she won’t be truly free until she is far away from her old master, Arobynn Hamel; Celaena must take one last daring assignment that will liberate her forever. But having it all, means you have a lot to lose . . .

This fourth fantastic e-novella gives readers an inside look at the characters who appear in the full-length novel Throne of Glass. Don’t miss out!

***

Damn, wasn't that a rush. My questions raised in The Assassin and The Underworld are answered. But I am quite angry right now. I mean, having all your hope and possibilities right ahead of you squeezed and vanished into nothingness isn't something anyone wants to encounter. In this short story, Celaena Sardothein has to bear this burden of loss. Despite her still being a bitch sometimes (though not often), I can feel her loss and heartbreak and truly feel bad for the once fearless and cold-hearted assassin.

This short story also explains the one thing in the first book of this series: how Celaena Sardothein, the best assassin in Adarlan, ended up being a criminal and being tortured. I sense a great story is coming ahead. I really, really like this novella and I can't wait to read Throne of Glass.

Rating: 8/10

The Assassin and The Underworld: Review

Synopsis:


When the King of the Assassins gives Celaena Sardothien a special assignment that will help fight slavery in the kingdom, she jumps at the chance to strike a blow against an evil practice. The misson is a dark and deadly affair which takes Celaena from the rooftops of the city to the bottom of the sewer—and she doesn’t like what she finds there.

***

The Assassin and The Underworld takes place after The Assassin and The Desert, where Celaena Sardothein completed her quest with the Silent Assassins and back to North. This book is... slightly annoying but nothing intolerable. Because there are (SPOILER!) a tad bit of girl fights. (End of spoiler) And there are some real honest-to-god declarations. 

In this story what you can expect are rage and despair. Don't worry, not as much as you think. But in this novella, there are some twists in the plot that you will hardly be able to imagine and process. And yeah, it makes me angry because it's Celaena who feels DESPAIR, an emotion that the best assassin should not feel. I really, really feel bad for her this time. Surprisingly she's not as cocky as before. The days in the desert did her good.

Overall this book is just as good as The Assassin and The Desert. But this book raises a lot of questions. I don't know if Sam will show up in Throne of Glass, but I will be terribly annoyed if he doesn't. I kinda like him, actually.


Rating: 7.5/10

The Assassin and The Desert: Review

Synopsis:

The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive.

***

The Assassin and The Desert sets after The Assassin and The Pirate Lord, where Celaena Sardothein defy her master's rule and sets free a bunch of slaves. Now, Celaena is sent to the Silent Assassins as a punishment. In this story you will learn about the short life she makes in the Silent Assassins' place. And the danger lurks right inside the chamber.

This book is more like a short book rather than a short story because the story is way more complex than the first one. We met a lot of new characters in this novella, and quite a number of them are interesting. The Silent Assassins are unlike those in the North because they are well cared. The book gives us a more transparent perspective towards the assassins. They are not all ruthless, cruel killers like the ones in the North. It's nice to know they are not all horrible, because that's what the mass thinks of assassins: ruthless, cruel and without mercy. 

After reading this book, I hope some of the characters in this short story (and also the first one) will intertwine with the major story. It will be so much fun. I also can't wait to read The Assassin and The Underworld because these short stories are surprisingly addicting.

Rating: 7.5/10

Teaser Tuesday: The Assassin and The Desert by Sarah J. Maas

This weekly bookish meme is host by MizB @ Should Be Reading

To participate you:

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3.  Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5.  Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

This time I choose The Assassin and The Desert (Throne of Glass #0.2) by Sarah J. Maas, a prequel novella of Throne of Glass.

The Mute Master. She had expected him to be ancient, but he seemed to be around fifty. She kept her chin held high as the approached him, following the tile path in the floor. She couldn't tell if the Master's skin had always been that tan of if it was from the sun. He smiled slightly - he'd probably been handsome in his youth. Sweat oozed down Celaena's spine. Though the Master had no visible weapons, the two servants fanning him with palm leaves were armed to the teeth. Her escort stopped a safe distance from the Master and bowed.









Find more about The Assassin and The Desert on Goodreads:

The Assassin and The Pirate Lord: Review

Synopsis:

A Throne of Glass novella.

On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

***

That is the first of the four prequel stories of Throne of Glass, centering a surprisingly good female assassin, Celaena Sardothien. It's about two years before Throne of Glass, and sets on a ship where the assassins will have a deal with the Pirate Lord.

In this story we will get a glimpse of what Celaena is like. She's arrogant, fierce and clever. Besides the whole arrogant part, I totally like her. But underneath all the masks and makeup she's a girl with a heart. She can't stand to see slaves being traded and possibly tortured. She wants to free them and have them be done with slavery. It's gonna be hard, but she's determined. Underneath all she's a girl who cares. At least, that's what I think about her in this novella.

I'm excited to read the following novella, The Assassin and The Desert. I really like the world building and how the stories centers not at the supposedly good guys but assassins, with a longer-than-life reputation as heartless killers. This series is going to be interesting, I think.

Rating: 7.5/10