Series: Throne of Glass (#0.1 - 0.5)
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Short stories
Published: March 4th, 2014 by Bloomsbury Childrens
Purchase: Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
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.
I have to say that this was a well written third person point of view novellas into novel, adaptation. I don't think any author that I know can trump Ms. Maas's 3rdPoV of writing. It's simply amazing. For me, I prefer 1st person, but reading this, it felt sometimes I was reading in first person. Unlike dual PoVs, this was less confusing, because sometimes I forget which character's mind I'm reading from and I'd have to flip to the Chapter beginning to find out who it is, or I'll just confuse myself even more. But this, this is pure...I'm ecstatic to even talk and rant about this. I could tell exactly who she is talking about, it's one of the best writing style I've read. Just to throw this out: I love Marie Lu's writing.
In my opinion, I felt like this book of novellas had a hint of mystery to it. It was just fun to find out and read the next move Celaena will do, and what Arobynn has in mind.
#0.1: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
It starts off with the assassins in a meeting, then Arobynn proceeding to tell them some fascinating news. You know, I liked how she wrote the fighting style. It's not too simple like: She turns around and whips the back of his head, hard, with a slap of her palm. No. It's not like that. But it's not too complicated either like this: She jumps up and flips twice backwards before landing onto the table (like what?!), feet planted firmly, not loosing her footing; she narrowly avoids the rapids swings and strikes from the hilt of his sword. (I mean, that's not complicated, you could follow the sentence I just wrote, but like...I'm not a good writer, but I'm pretty sure you get the gist of it). You're able to follow Celaena's graceful and snake-like movement, picturing it clearly in your mind.
This particular novella shows Celaena's kindness and loving for others. It's clear. She's able to risk her life for a hundred others. You would think she'd win all her fights, but that wouldnm't make it interesting....or would it? I wouldn't find it interesting. I mean, the whole point of a novel is the drama/action/mystery in it.
#0.2: The Assassin and the Healer
This one was a bit confusing on Celaena's personality. Was she the kind girl, or the 'not caring' type of girl? I mean, I guess she was both, but yea., If you read it, you'll get me. This showed more of how Celaena fights, giving us a less broad view of her fighting style. Her kills are clean and fast, and Ms. Maas makes sure the viewer knows that Celaena
is the best.
I'd say so myself, that this was a short read, but a fascinating one. Where the opposite meets the opposite.
#0.3: The Assassin and the Desert
Where everything starts going downhill. I mean, I guess her life was already a roller coaster of downhills and bumps, but this is where it really starts to go down. This was a fun chapter! It showed how weak/strong Celaena is. It shows her limits and how far she will really go for something. I kind of ship her with the Desert master's son, but I'm good
if she ditches him. (Can't really say if she does, or doesn't, because that would be a spoiler). Celaena is so cute and adorable! She's blushing when something happens, she's able to show her face, and meet new friends(although I can't say if they'll last or not.)
Again, this chapter/novella shows how nice Celaena really is. She's able to spare someone's life, no matter how much damage they did. Do you ever wish to be like her? I mean, mastering both hands to kill and murder, but at the same time, be nice with a short temper?
#0.4: The Assassin and the Underworld
This one, I've got to say, is the most boring. I liked skimmed through this one...well, not skimmed, I only skimmed over the detailing because I could care less. If I read it a bit more carefully, maybe it would've been more interesting, but really, I was just getting sick, tired and bored of
The Assassin's Blade. Like...no? The last mission, and most...weird one is in this chapter. It was pretty...unique. Arobynn starts getting creepy and confusing that I don't know what to even think of him anmore. All I know is that I'm glad for Celaena.
#0.5: The Assassin and the Empire
This is where I develop my hate for the empire. Hahaha. Don't blame me. Blame the king and his stupid Captain of the guard, and ugly, Durian (Dorian). For some reason, again, I could care less about them after reading and finishing The Assassin's Blade. Inside me, my heart just screams, "HOW DARE THEY!" Yea. It's that much agonizing. Oh and the vaults. Yes. I need to compare. When I was reading this last part, I reached the "vault(ing)" part of the book, and if you guys have read Legend by Marie Lu, then this should remind you of their boxing scenes. I forgot the name, oopsy daisies. My bad. To read how Celaena meets her end of the assassin career, it's totally lame. I mean, I expected more of a grand escape, but considering what practically happened to her lover(I dislike the word "lover", ), I guess it's normal/natural?...
