The Assassin's Blade
Ratings500
Average rating4
I wish we could've gotten even more of a back story with Sam. They deserved more time for their story to be told. I loved all the different past tales of her journeys. FU Arobynn.
I've read Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight and I just can't do it anymore.
Loved this pre story to the main series. The romance was for me a little unexpected, I felt like it could have also been just friends... But the story was really good and probably now leads to me having to re-read all of TOG
should have read this first, i think i would have appreciated it more. reading it 3rd really made it hard to go back in time :( still incredible tho
the last story was a stuggle to get through b/c i new how it would end but loved the additional insight in to all the characters
I’m really hoping the rest of the series is better
The last 25% was good thoughts
Awesome guilty pleasure series; like watching your favorite adult animated series. Read this book first per a friend’s recommendation and if you’re just starting the series I recommend doing the same. It gives a fantastic backstories while still leaving many questions unanswered and truly draws you into the next 7 books. Although short stories, all characters are fleshed out to perfections, while still leaving room for evolution as the tale progresses. Very much enjoyed this read, only downside was the bit of predictability at the end; but somehow the writing was still shocking, heartwrenching, and grotesque.
Pirate adventure - 7/10 - Cozy
Healer lady - 9/10 - Every POV other than Celaena is a blessing
Sand Snakes - 3/10 - Almost DNFed here. Funnily enough, this was just as bad as the Sand Snakes plotline in the GoT show.
Helping(?) Slaves - 6/10 - Pretty weak plot twist
RIP - 6/10 - This part was pretty good until the plot twist was basically the same as the last part. Also, I have no problem with stupid characters, but how did these guys ever get to be “the best in the world” when they are this dumb and oblivious?
I read this book after Crown of Midnight, mostly because I was afraid that if I read it before Throne of Glass I would not be hooked as much because these are 5 short stories. However, this read like a book divided up into 5 parts. It really is just one story. And HOLY MOLY what a story that is!! Since I read Throne of Glass and Crown of midnight already, I knew certain things were going to happen. This did ruin a bit of the surprise especially of the last story, but it also made me appreciate so much that happens in Throne of Glass. A lot of the motivations behind Celeana's actions are explained in this book. I really liked it, but I would recommend people to read this one before they start reading Throne of Glass.
Whew that was an emotional ride. 😅 You would think knowing the ending of this would make it easier but it was not. I'm so glad I read this after Crown of Midnight because I felt like I had an understanding of the characters and it really made the emotional journey hit. I'm firmly in the don't read this first camp I feel like it wouldn't hit well.
Only down .25 from the others because each short story I wanted a little more. But I appreciate they were short too.
Some things that could be mild spoilers:
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I loved seeing Celeana in her earlier days in this prequel and to really understand who she is now. This backstory was heartbreaking and infuriating and I think I'm as angry at the betrayal in this as she is. Plus really understanding why she says “I am Celeana Sardothien and I will not be afraid” just really makes it hit more now.
I really liked this set of short stories. I know there's a lot of opinions as to where within the series to read this book. I decided to start the series with this book and I'm pretty happy I did.
They help set a bit of a back story for the rest of the series.
It was pretty easy to read and was fast enough pace for me.
After hearing so many praises about the book series, to say its prequel is insufferable and boring is a massive understatement. The only novella that was worth my time was the third one.
I'm really glad I didn't read Assassin's Blade first to start the TOG series. It was a good book, but knowing everything at the start would have taken away from the impact of Caelena's history and grief unfolding.
Assassin's Blade was a compilation of 5 novellas diving into events of Celaena's life as an assassin. It detailed her relationship evolution with Sam from competitors to lovers. Sam was very lovable, and their relationship had a tragic end. I did expect Sam's ending to be more dramatic and detailed, though. Celaena's fight for vengeance just before capture really depicted her shear strength. I really enjoyed a peek into Celaena's history.
P.S. My list of hated characters continues to grow: King of Adarlan, Manon's Grandmother (Blackbeak Matron), and Arobynn Hamel.
3.5 rounded up to a 4. As the prequel to some of the books in the series that I have already read, this was good context and an enjoyable read. I am not sure that I would suggest reading it first or waiting to read it at the end, I think either would work, depending on how much of the backstory you would like in advance.
4.5
It's hard to rate the novellas since I already know what happens in later books, but it was interesting learning background information and world-building. I know these remaining books will tie even more things together.
Maybe I should have read this first to have more background explained? However, certain things have clicked into place with a stronger emotional impact in this order. Maybe I'll read ToG again to see what other connections or easter eggs I might have forgotten.
The book was good but it was hard to go back to this after reading the first four in the series, such a character development regression
4★
i'm so glad i read this one after Heir of Fire. the emotional impact with the relationships between characters hit harder during the later books in the series and even though i knew what was coming, it didn't stop the tears
I have never really hated anyone - at least until I read this book
YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH I DESPISE Arobynn!! However, this book was well-written and aside from my pure HATRED for Arobynn, i really did enjoy it....
And I understand why Sam had to die but I'm still a little sad bc I actually liked them together. I mean he was part of the reason celaena was able to get out from under Arobynns thumb and...
i'm not super keen on the background short stories.. this was a good book, don't get me wrong - i just didn't like it as much. i enjoyed reading the background of celaena but meh