The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass, #0.3)

by Sarah J. Maas

Review originally posted on my blog Oh, For the Love of Books!

I haven't read many novellas, but if the rest are like the Throne of Glass novellas then I can't believe I've taken this long to read them! I absolutely loved the first novella, The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, and this next one doesn't disappoint.

This time Celaena finds herself crossing the unforgiving Red Desert to find the dwelling place of the Silent Assassins. After her little stunt with the release of the slaves in the previous novella, her leader sends her here to learn a thing or two.

The Silent Assassins is a place where assassins gather to practice with each other and hope for the tutelage of the leader of the Silent Assassins. Celaena is just as sassy and kick-butt as in the previous novella, but now she's not the only person thats good at what she does and she gets put in her place more than once. However, throughout this book Celaena grows tremendously learning about the true assassins art and learning to take her own path. Celaena learns to stand up for what she believes in no matter the cost. She may be an assassin, but she's still a human being.

At a mere 86 pages, Maas made this feel like an entire book. We are introduced to new characters that are quite developed for so few pages, the book evokes emotions from the reader, the plot is addicting and intriguing. What more could you ask for?

I was so completely addicted to this novella. I read it all in one sitting because I wanted to know what was going to happen. And the ending was just so good! Celaena got a lot of flack (that's a huge understatement) from her leader because of what she did but the leader of the Silent Assassins is the complete opposite. He doesn't believe that harm will make a better assassin. No. He works with them and really shows them how to get better. He truly cares about his student and I absolutely loved that about him. He encouraged hard work and determination but cared for them with his heart of gold.

To say I loved this is a huge understatement. When an author can give you so much in so few pages, that's talent! I'm glad I got the book through Netgalley because I'm going to have to start it ASAP!! XD

All the best ♥