Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

First of all, I have no idea how I missed all the hype surrounding this series for so long. I feel like I’ve been in a book bubble since before I had kids. One of my friends recommended this series recently and I’m so glad that they did. I am surely going to grab the next book now.

Celaena is an interesting character so far. We have some insight into her tragic backstory but on the day to day she’s a pretty typical whiny teenager. I made the mistake of perusing some reviews before I read the book and I found that a lot of people couldn’t relate to Caleana’s angsty childishness. While her antics were a bit adolescent I attributed her lack of social graces to her upbringing. The world’s best assassin must have had a vibrant focus on one thing: killing. She never had an opportunity to interact with people her own age on a purely social level. So despite her somewhat adolescent nature, I found her character intriguing and I look forward to finding out more about her past in the rest of the series.

Maas is a storyteller. The way her story flows immerses you in the kingdom: you can see the glass and stone, and hear the footsteps along the corridor. I was immediately taken with the descriptions of the castle and of course the library. “Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons”. I did not have any trouble finishing this 400+ page book in a few short days because I could not put it down. I want(ed) to know what happens next.

Nehemia is a well written character as well. Her mystery still amuses me and her quick wit matches well with Celaena. I feel like their friendship will be an important aspect in the future, and even if it isn’t, it definitely plays its part in this story because we learn a little bit more about how the rest of the world feels about the current people in power and the cruelty those in power are willing to go to to keep that power.

As for the love triangle between the Prince, Celaena, and Captain Westfall, well that is quite the conundrum. I don’t know which team I’m on just yet, but I am very curious to get to know more about both of them. The Prince is arrogant and enamored with the girl outside his standing, Chaol is supposed to be training/protecting her. They both are obviously “off limits” which makes the banter and flirting even more delicious.

Basically, I really enjoyed this book and I am starting the next one very soon. It does have it’s faults and there are moments of eye rolls, but overall I think the plot, characters, and world building are great. If you enjoy young adult romance and all the drama that entails, I think you will enjoy this fantasy world.