Start On: July 10, 2023
Finished On: July 18, 2023
Format: Physical Book

Throne of Glass, Book #0.1-0.5
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Book Summary

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. (Summary from Goodreads)

“My name is Sam Cortland… and I will not be afraid.”

Review/Thoughts

I know there is a lot of debate on what order to read this book. After lots of research (AKA TikTok) – I decided I wanted to read it as the fourth book in the series, right after Heir of Fire. I am very happy I chose to do it this way. I don’t think I would have enjoyed this book as much or really connected with the stories if I would have read it first. 

It was really interesting to read about Celaena’s life before becoming the King’s Champion. I adore Sam and loved getting to learn more about him. I want 10 more books about Sam and Celaena. Reading these novellas really filled in some missing pieces about Celaena and why she is that way she is. 

As far as villains go, I thought Arobynn’s character was very well written. He is one of my favorite villains I’ve ever read, and absolutely hate him (which is what makes a good villain, I guess?).

The first three short stories were entertaining, but a bit slow. The last two stories ended up being my favorites, and they are absolutely heartbreaking. If you’re in need of a good cry – The Assassin and the Empire will do it for you.

This review feels very jumbled, but that’s how I feel after reading this book. I don’t remember the last time a book made me feel this shattered. 😭

“Life isn’t easy, no matter where you are. You’ll make choices you think are right, and then suffer for them.” 

Since I’m buddy reading this series with my husband, and had him write down some of his thoughts:

4/5 ⭐️

🔪🔪🔪🔪

Be prepared for the emotional roller coaster. This books has 5 stories within and each one allows you to dig deeper into Celaenas past and really begin to understand her motives behind every decision she makes. All of the subtle clues fall into place and the allows you to see the story from another angle.

The first story is a little boring with her taking on a pirate lord and seems a little generic of a lot of other fantasy stories.

The last story deserves its own paragraph. Prepare for the emotional impact to hit like a freight train. I’ve never had so many emotions will reading a fictional story until this one. We get to read the back story of her and Sam. I can’t say much about it because I don’t want to give any spoilers. ITS A MUST READ 👏🏼👏🏼

Overall this book definitely belongs as the the 4th book in the series for its emotional impact and really ties everything together.

“I can wait,” he said thickly, kissing her collarbone. “We have all the time in the world.”