Before stepping into the whirlwind of the Throne of Glass series, I decided to begin where the story starts—not by publication order, but by narrative. The Assassin’s Blade is my first introduction to Celaena Sardothien and the world Sarah J. Maas created. Though it’s a prequel, it serves as a striking and emotional entry point. I expected pain, but I didn’t anticipate how deeply it would land.
Overview
The Assassin’s Blade brings together five novellas that follow Celaena before the events of Throne of Glass. We meet her at the height of her assassin career, still under the Assassin’s Guild, and determined to live by her own rules. Each story follows her through different missions and cities, from rescuing slaves to sailing treacherous waters—all told with the sharp confidence only Celaena can bring.
These stories aren’t just background extras. They slowly and steadily shape the woman she is becoming. As someone new to the series, this collection offered an intimate and emotional way into Celaena’s world.
Analysis & Reflection
Reading these novellas felt like watching a structure being carefully built, knowing something will eventually shake it. Each tale added new layers to Celaena—her boldness, compassion, need for freedom, and that hidden softness beneath the surface.
A certain relationship revealed a gentler side to her character. The emotional tension was compelling, and though I sensed heartache ahead, their interactions made the story richer.
What resonated most was not just the action or high-stakes missions, but how deeply the book explores Celaena’s inner world. Her loneliness, her outward bravado, and her longing for belonging all made her feel complex and real. From the first page, I felt pulled into her story.
Broader Connections
Reading this as my entry into the Throne of Glass universe gave me a fresh perspective. I didn’t carry expectations—only curiosity. Many prequels feel like extras you can skip, but this one doesn’t. It’s essential. Emotionally, it lays a strong foundation for what I imagine is still to come.
I’ve also read A Court of Thorns and Roses and found that I preferred this. While ACOTAR leans into romance-driven fantasy, The Assassin’s Blade felt more grounded in epic world-building. That difference matters to me. I’m drawn to strong female leads navigating real stakes, and Celaena hits that note perfectly.
Critique
Not every novella felt equally strong. A few leaned more on plot than emotional depth, and some moments pushed into melodrama. Still, that’s part of Maas’s voice—heightened emotion wrapped in danger and desire.
The tone does shift from one story to the next, which might feel uneven for some readers. But the central thread—Celaena’s evolution—keeps it all tied together.
Closing Thought & Recommendation
The Assassin’s Blade is more than a prequel—it’s a meaningful beginning. For me, it was beautiful, fierce, and emotionally charged. While no book is perfect, this one left an impression. It gave me a reason to care deeply about a character I’m only just beginning to understand.
If you’re thinking about diving into Throne of Glass, this is a compelling place to start. And if you’re meeting Celaena for the first time—like I did—be ready. This story has weight.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Tags: YA Fantasy, Prequel, Assassin Protagonist, Emotional Backstory, Series Starter
Trigger Warnings: violence, death, slavery, emotional abuse
