Reviewed by lizarodz on
Celaena is an incredible kick-ass heroine. She is snarky, sarcastic, realistic, loyal, smart, beautiful, and all together awesome. I really enjoyed getting to know her, although I suspect there is a lot more to learn about her and her past. Celaena is a survivor that was forced to be an assassin, and just not any assassin, but the best there is. She is surprisingly girly and well-read and educated (I’m sure we can all sympathize with a fellow book-lover), and hard to impress.
Prince Dorian and Chaol are also outstanding characters. They are both in awe with Celeana for their own reasons. Dorian because she is straightforward and doesn’t act like the simpering ladies in court, and Chaol because he is impressed with her skill, her femininity, and her resilience. This, my friends, is the beginning of a beautiful friendship and a possible love triangle. However, at this point, I’m not sure who to team up with, although I have a soft spot for Chaol.
"He saw her face each time he closed his eyes. She haunted his thoughts, made him wish to do grand and wonderful things in her name, made him want to be a man who deserved to wear a crown." - Dorian
"There was still something soft in her face. It gave him hope - hope that he had not lost his soul in the act of killing, hope that humanity could still be found, and honor could be regained... She had come out of Envovier and could still laugh" - Chaol
The characterization is altogether remarkable. I find Nehemia mysterious and delightful, Phillipa is a quiet accomplice, the king is odious, and even Fleetfoot has a strong personality. Overall, the characters are part of what makes this an amazing story.
Celaena reminds me a bit of Katsa from Graceling, but just on their knack for survival and all around kiss-assery. The plot is so well crafted, full of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. The story is told in the third person point of view, which allows is an insight into many 'minds' at once. A lot happens within these pages and the true triumph is that could have happy kept on reading. The setting is another splendid aspect of Throne of Glass, as it is very well developed. From the mines, to the forest, to the glass or stone castle; visiting Adarlan was a true adventure. The writing is surprisingly insightful, straightforward and easy to understand (this is a plus when reading fantasy!) Throne of Glass made me laugh-out-loud, scream ‘Get up!’ and bite my nails – it is a truly amazing book!
I cannot wait to read the sequel or the four pre-novellas that were just published (see them here). Thorne of Glass is a must read (really, pre-order it now!).
About the cover: It is a beautiful cover, we can see the glass castle on the background and Celeana with a dagger (although I think she’s showing too much skin for the setting ;)
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 23 July, 2012: Finished reading
- 23 July, 2012: Reviewed