Prequel to the
Throne of Glass series
Celaena Sardothien owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.
Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever...
I'll review each of the novellas individually then overall at the end.
Have no fear, they are just going to be short reviews.
Also, reviews will definitely have spoilers.
The Assassin and the Pirate
Reading for the hundredth time I found that I don't love this novella as much as I used to.
I'm all for strong female characters, but I found Celaena (I'll call her that for this book) to be so painful to read when she talked so highly of herself. I cringed so much when she would talk about how amazing she is and I get it, you are beautiful, we get it.
I do think her freeing the slaves was to show the readers that even though she is this badass assassin, she has a soft side. It also plays a big factor later on, but I felt like it was showing us her compassionate side.
The Assassin and the Healer
I did enjoy reading this book, mainly because of Yrene Towers.
I should say now, I do enjoy the side characters more than the main character. Personally I think they have more character development and they are just overall more enjoyable to read.
There was one thing Celaena said to Yrene that I was thinking throughout the whole book. Basically, why did Yrene stay in that dump when she could've just saved enough money and left to Antica and work there to get more money to attend the school.
The only reason that makes sense on why she stayed was for the story (future books) and her meeting Celaena.
I still had the cringe on hearing how amazing and beautiful she is. Again, we get it.
The Assassin and the Desert
This novella got me thinking. I thought assassin's were supposed to be secret, hiding your identity. But Celaena seemed to me she wanted everyone to know who she is and how amazing she is. To be honest, I think she would be better as a mercenary than an assassin. That way, she can tell the world, and walk around, knowing that people know she is "badass".
Going to the Silent Assassin's, in my opinion anyway, was to teach her to work as a team and not be cocky. I think it did work towards the end, but it definitely didn't stick.
Okay, I'm getting ahead of myself. I don't want to be negative Nancy; like I said earlier, I do love the side characters and Ansel was no exception.
She is so flawed, but I loved reading her story. She is so much more interesting and what she did in the end, I could see why she did it. I just want to read more of her and what she would next.
My favourite quote from her is;
"Tomorrow will be better. It might be only a foot more than today, but it will be a foot longer that you can run".
The Assassin and the Underworld
I do wish Celaena would think more clearly when it comes to Arobynn, but I also see why she doesn't question him. She thinks she owes him for "rescuing" her and keeping her off the streets.
The fact that she fell for his apology however is mind boggling. The man beat you to a pulp for ruining his slave trade and you think he is just going to forget that and now save every slave. I highly doubt that.
I feel sorry for her, but it can be so frustrating.
Now let's talk about my favourite character in the entire series; Lysandra.
I know in later books it comes to light on why these two really hate each other, but hearing Celaena talk down to her because instead of this badass assassin, Lysandra is just a prostitute.
Celaena talks on and on about how she was forced to be what she is today, but she is blind to thinking, hey, maybe Lysandra is in the same boat as you.
I know things work out later on, but this just made me see so angry. The way she treats people working in sex trade is disgusting. She really does think highly of herself.
The Assassin and the Empire
How could Sarah J. Maas do that to Sam Cortland.
I haven't spoken about him throughout because I think this novella really brings him out as a character. And then SJM does that to us.
I do think that he showed Celaena how to love and not just be physically strong, but also mentally. He was such an amazing character for her.
"My name is Sam Cortland... and I will not be afraid".
As much as I love Sam, I hate Arobynn. I always thought from the beginning that he treated her like property and that last line was proving my point. "Because I don't like sharing my belongings".
OVERALL
Now, it might seem like I didn't like this book, but I actually loved it more this time than the other hundred times I've read it.
I do think that Sarah J. Maas knows how to write a story. She keeps you engaged wanting more and her world building is at the right pace.
And like I've said countless times, I'm in love with her side characters whether they are the good or bad guys. To me, they just seem more interesting.
These books were to show us events prior to Throne of Glass but also show us characters that are going to play a major role further along in the series.
Was it necessary to read or even write it? Not really, but when you are invested in a world and story, you want to know every single detail from all characters.
Personally, I enjoyed it and I can't wait to read Throne of Glass next.
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