The next book in my Throne of Glass series reread! After reading the first three books in the series, it’s time for the bind up of the prequel novellas. These stories are pretty important and provide you with some much needed backstory. I personally think reading The Assassin’s Blade in between Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows is the perfect way to do it but there are different opinions for sure! Let’s take a look of what I thought of every different story.
Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom’s most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless Assassin’s Guild, Celaena yields to no one and trusts only her fellow killer for hire, Sam.
When Celaena's scheming master, Arobynn Hamel, dispatches her on missions that take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, she finds herself acting independently of his wishes—and questioning her own allegiance. Along the way, she makes friends and enemies alike, and discovers that she feels far more for Sam than just friendship. But by defying Arobynn’s orders, Celaena risks unimaginable punishment, and with Sam by her side, he is in danger, too. They will have to risk it all if they hope to escape Arobynn’s clutches—and if they fail, they’ll lose not just a chance at freedom, but their lives . . .
A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling—and deadly—world.
Included in this volume:The Assassin and the Pirate LordThe Assassin and the HealerThe Assassin and the DesertThe Assassin and the UnderworldThe Assassin and the Empire
The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass, #0.1-0.5) by Sarah J. Maas
Published by Bloomsbury Children’s Books on 14/02/2023
Pages: 451
Goodreads
The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
Right of the bat there’s that mention of the smell of home and it being pine and snow. Knowing that that smell doesn’t only reference Terassen is such a nice feeling! When I started this first story I had totally forgotten Sam and Celaena used to be at each other’s throats. But that also made it really fun seeing their relationship develop. Also, I didn’t remember Ben at all, I guess he just wasn’t important enough in my head.
It was really fun seeing Rolfe again. He used to be a bit of a prick haha. I can’t wait to see him again later on in the series, it’s going to be so much fun! This story was also a fun way to see Celaena at her sassiest. She wasn’t really ‘hardened’ yet and my heart already breaks for all that she will go through.
The Assassin and the Healer
This story was the last one I read when I first read this. I had read the ‘loose’ stories before I got the bind up and when I finally got the Assassin’s Blade I only had to read this one still. Just like that time, I loved meeting Yrene. She is a wonderful character.
The self defence class was my favorite part of this (very short) story, it was just so so good. Also, ‘if she dared’ was mentioned again. It’s my absolute favorite quote of the series and I loved that we got to see it here again. Reading this novella gets me actually really excited for Tower of Dawn, can’t wait to see Yrene Towers again.
The Assassin and the Dessert
There were some little details in here I really loved. Ansel with her wine red hair, important detail to remember! The horses were wonderful and I loved reading about the spider silk and meeting that merchant (IYKYK). Also the mention of the ‘formerly know as the Witchlands’ territory….
This used to be my favorite novella in the bind up but I don’t think it is anymore. I did like the friendship with Ansel, I think it opened Celaena up to the possibility of female friendships. And I loved that she saw a different mentor-mentee dynamic with the Mute Master as we all know Arobynn is extremely toxic.
The Assassin and the Underworld
Apparently this happens to me every time I reread these novellas but I forgot this story even existed. Well I did until I saw the mention of the slaves. The whole story came back to me right away haha. This was such a good story and I feel like it’s pretty underrated. It shows us more of what kind of persons a lot of the characters are. And just to be clear; Arobynn is the worst human being ever.
I loved seeing more of Celaena and Sam together, they are such a great couple. After rereading this I can’t believe I didn’t see the heartbreak in Crescent City coming, I should know better by now and not get too attached early one (or later on as we know after KoA….). Sarah J. Maas just keeps on breaking my heart and ‘We have all the time in the world’ was just too much!
The Assassin and the Empire
I will never be ready for this one. That was first chapter was already killing me and I was very close to just not reading it haha. There isn’t much to say about this one, I was once again not ready and my heart is broken into a million pieces. I will say though, it’s going to be so satisfying reading Queen of Shadows after this one!
It’s so wrong that there are people who skip the Assassin’t Blade, if only they knew what they were missing! There is a lot of pain, especially after this last novella but the pay off it pretty much worth it in the end. Also, all the details turn out to be important and you just shouldn’t miss out on them.
I guess this review was more vibes than anything else haha. But I guess that was mostly what my reading experience was about anyways haha. I loved the reread and I’m more than ready to jump into Queen of Shadows. Have you read The Assassin’s Blade? What’s your favorite novella? Let me know in the comments!
