Review: The Assassin's Blade

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Holy shit, Sarah J. Maas just completely ripped my heart out of my chest with this one. Even though I knew generally how The Assassin's Blade was going to end, I seriously didn't think it would hit me this hard. I full-on ugly cried. This is honestly my favorite book in the Throne of Glass series so far. I'm a huge sucker for a good adventure, and this book delivered that in spades.

From battling pirates on the high seas to a wild summer stealing horses in the vast desert, to experiencing the bittersweet pangs of first love, and the devastating pain of loss, this book has everything. But be warned: it will absolutely break your heart. Getting to know Celaena’s past in such vivid detail really opened up her character for me. It added so much depth and complexity, making me feel for her on a whole new level. It provides a crucial understanding of her motivations and actions in the subsequent books, especially going into Heir of Fire.

This prequel truly showcases Celaena's growth and the events that shaped her into the assassin we meet in Throne of Glass. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, and the impact of the ending is truly devastating. I am officially hooked on the Throne of Glass series and highly recommend it to all book lovers. This series is absolutely essential reading.

Favorite quotes from this book were:

-“She was fire, she was darkness, she was dust and blood and shadow.”

This quote is so evocative and perfectly captures the duality of Celaena’s character. She’s a force of nature, both fierce and vulnerable, with a darkness lurking beneath her exterior. It's a powerful and poetic description of her complex nature.   


-“For a heartbeat, the silence peeled back long enough for that question to worm its way into her skull, into her skin, into her breath and her bones. And in the dark, she remembered."

This quote perfectly illustrates a pivotal moment of realization and remembrance for Celaena. The way Maas describes the question burrowing into her is so visceral and impactful, emphasizing the weight of the memory.   


-“She didn’t want to go out into a world where he didn’t exist. So she watched the light shift and change, and let the world pass by without her."

Oh, this quote just crushes me. It perfectly encapsulates the depth of Celaena’s grief and despair after losing someone she loved. It’s a heartbreaking depiction of how loss can make the world feel empty and meaningless.   


The Assassin’s Blade is an absolutely essential addition to the Throne of Glass series. It provides crucial backstory for Celaena and adds so much emotional depth to her character. While it will undoubtedly break your heart, it’s a beautifully written and unforgettable story. I highly, highly recommend it!

*Pinterest board created by me for this book: https://www.pinterest.com/isalemx3/assassins-blade/

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