This is coming out later in the day than usual because I have been sick all week. I am literally writing this in bed. I’m hoping I can kick this thing by the weekend, but the good thing is that I’ve had lots of time to get lost in stories!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know I’m late to this series, but I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, Throne of Glass. Celaena Sardothien is the world’s most infamous assassin. At the beginning of the story, we meet her at her lowest point, as a slave in the salt mines who is regularly beaten. The crown prince and his best friend who is captain of the guard retrieve her to make her their candidate for the King’s Champion. She will have to endure several tests, pitted against ruthless murderers and thieves. Also, some of the other candidates are mysteriously dying, torn to shreds, with strange markings. Magic has been outlawed, but these markings come from something more ancient than magic, and more powerful.

This is the kind of young adult fantasy book that I like to read. I like the strong heroine in the center of the story. There is both romance and friendship. Plus, there was a hilarious scene surrounding the heroine’s cycle that was unexpected but really funny. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that talked about the cramps and nausea that can accompany a period. It wasn’t graphic but for me, totally relatable.

The book mainly spoke from Celaena’s point of view, but there were other small narratives from some of the other characters. And the book’s ending was very open-ended. If I didn’t know that there were already other books in the series, I would expect the next one to come out soon.

The only issue I had with the book was that at points, Celaena, who was supposed to be this ruthless killer who had just endured the salt mines, came across as if she had no experience at all from her adult-like past. I know she was just 18, and maybe that was part of the point – that no matter what adult situations a person has gone through, a teenager is still a teenager. But it was hard for me to believe how quickly she put her trust in some of the people in her life. It did help the story move along, though.

However, overall, I loved the book. It was funny and sweet and an adventure. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

You can buy this book at my Amazon affiliate link here: http://amzn.to/2eO3Z1q

What books have you been loving recently?