It's no secret that "Throne of Glass" must be my favourite series EVER. So "The Assassin's Blade" could not be bad. And it isn't.
This book contains five novellas, all set before the beginning of "Throne of Glass" itself. The first story ("The Assassin and the Pirate Lord") starts about a year before, is then followed by "The Assassin and the Healer" (which is shorter than the other four, due to the fact it was originally a UK World Book Day Novella), then comes "The Assassin and the Desert", "The Underworld" and, finally, "The Empire". Those five stories in fact tell how Celaena found her way to the Salt Mines of Endovier, where we find her at the beginning of the first book.
The story explains a lot of strange remarks, notes and thoughts you get from Celaena.
If you have read the books in the main series, this is a must-read. And if you haven't, it's still a must-read.
Contains all five novellas.
Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.
In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.
Contents:
- The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
- The Assassin and the Healer
- The Assassin and the Desert
- The Assassin and the Underworld
- The Assassin and the Empire
The series
In a kingdom torn apart by betrayal, magic, and bloodshed, the story of Throne of Glass unfolds—a tale that draws readers deep into a world where power is the ultimate currency, and survival demands more than just strength.
Read full series description
At its heart is Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a past shrouded in secrets, pulled from the darkness of a labor camp to compete in a deadly tournament for the king's favor. But her victory comes at a price far steeper than any contract she's ever faced. As she navigates court intrigues, bonds with unlikely allies, and unearths long-forgotten powers, Celaena’s journey is anything but predictable. With each victory, she uncovers deeper mysteries that could unravel the kingdom itself.
The world Maas has created is rich with tension, where politics and magic collide in brutal ways. There’s something inherently captivating about the balance between light and shadow in this universe—a place where the stakes are never just personal. Magic is a forbidden force, its wielders hunted and driven into hiding, while those who dare to hold power will do anything to keep it. Ancient prophecies, shifting alliances, and unyielding ambition form the backdrop of this compelling story, creating an atmosphere that feels both dangerous and mesmerizing.
But it’s not just the world that stands out. The characters, from the complex and morally ambiguous Celaena to the stoic yet compassionate Chaol and the enigmatic Dorian, pulse with life and depth. Their relationships evolve in ways that are unexpected, building a foundation that feels as much about the heart as it is about the struggle for control. And as the series unfolds, each character must come to terms with the choices they’ve made—and the ones they’re yet to face.
With its lush world-building, evocative prose, and thrilling twists, Throne of Glass stands as a brilliant testament to what happens when fantasy embraces both light and darkness. For readers who crave intricate plots, heart-stopping battles, and heroines who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, this series is more than just a journey—it’s a revelation.
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