Review: Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass 1)

 Sarah Maas
Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass Book 1

I picked up Throne of Glass once I stopped crying from reading Assassin's Blade, so I do suggest reading that one first. It is a prequel of stories so it technically could be read afterwards, but really, where is the fun in that?

One year after Assassin's Blades ends, we are back with Celaena. She has been in the mines for one year.

and what a year it has been.

Now, she is being led away by some mysterious stranger through the tunnels... only to come face to face with the Crown Prince.  He would like Celaena to fight on his behalf in a battle of the champions that his father, the King, is hosting. No one will know her real identity.  If she wins - by beating 23 other trained dangerous men - then she will have her freedom in as little as 4 years.

As much as she hates the King, she accepts. How could she not?

Celaena is brought to the castle. She is given her own room, and is basically thrown right into hardcore training. Her main Guard, and the Prince's best friend, Chaol (Pronounced Kay-all) is by her side when he can be; they run together, they talk, they train. They become friends... and of course, who could be around Celaena and not fall in love with her.

She, on the other hand, is slightly distracted by two things.
1) The other champions fighting for their freedom are mysteriously being murdered. Viciously.
and
2) the Crown Prince, Dorian. Hello, Handsome. Not to mention sweet, and funny. and he gives her books (Honestly men of the real world - take note! give a girl a library and she'll be putty in your hands!)

There is something going on beyond anyone's guesses and Celaena is the key. Of course, it's not as easy as it sounds. There are always people lurking in the background ready to strike; Jealously is really the root of all evil in this one.

Fast paced, shocking twists, battles, deaths, romance triangle and secrets from the beyond make for a story you will be unable to put down.  You will be falling in love with this story before you know it; the characters, the history, the beauty of the world. Maas does an amazing job at bringing such a magical kingdom to life in just a short time.  You're in for a wild ride.

Do not be afraid.