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  • The Assassin's Blade

The Assassin's Blade

Throne of Glass #0.5 / 7 ✓
by Sarah J. Maas
The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.5) by Sarah J. Maas
★ 8.62 / 13
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Contains all five novellas.

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam.

In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

Contents:

  • The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
  • The Assassin and the Healer
  • The Assassin and the Desert
  • The Assassin and the Underworld
  • The Assassin and the Empire
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FantasyYoung AdultEpic FantasyHigh FantasyShort Stories
Release date: March 7, 2014
Total user reviews (1)

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Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas’s books are a gateway into worlds where magic, betrayal, and heart-pounding adventure come together in unexpected ways. With a pen that blends lyrical beauty and unrelenting suspense, Maas has become a storyteller whose characters linger in readers' minds long after the final page is turned. Whether you’re swept into the soaring heights of Throne of Glass or lost in the labyrinth of A Court of Thorns and Roses, her novels echo with the kind of depth and emotion that only a truly unique voice can create.

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Born in New York City and raised in the world of books, Sarah's love for storytelling was ignited early on. She spent her childhood exploring fantastical realms through the pages of her favorite novels, drawn to stories that explored complex characters and their journeys toward self-discovery. That same passion for vibrant worlds and powerful characters is at the heart of Maas's writing today. Her imagination is boundless, but it’s the emotional core of her characters—fierce, flawed, and deeply human—that truly captivates her readers.

Maas's journey into writing wasn't a straight path. She began her career in the world of fan fiction, a space where she first honed her craft and explored her signature blend of fantasy, romance, and high stakes. Her debut series, Throne of Glass, introduced readers to Celaena Sardothien, a character whose fierce determination and vulnerability would lay the foundation for Maas's literary style—complex heroines, deep emotional arcs, and thrilling plots that keep readers coming back for more.

But it was with A Court of Thorns and Roses that Maas reached an even wider audience, weaving a tale of faeries, power, and love, alongside themes of healing, choice, and resilience. This series, marked by its lush world-building and emotionally charged storytelling, became an instant favorite among readers of fantasy and beyond. Maas's books don’t just live within the pages—they breathe, they pull at you, and they demand your attention. It’s this raw, unfiltered storytelling that makes her one of the most beloved voices in modern fantasy.

Her writing is not just about escapism—it’s about confronting the darkness, finding the light, and most importantly, the strength to survive and thrive against all odds. Every book she writes feels like an invitation to an adventure, a journey through both the fantastical and the deeply personal. Maas’s characters don’t just overcome external obstacles—they wrestle with their own doubts, desires, and fears, creating a resonance that feels universal.

Sarah’s success isn’t defined by accolades alone, though they certainly speak to the impact of her work. Her books have topped bestseller lists worldwide, and her fanbase, a devoted and passionate community, continues to grow with each new release. But it’s the stories themselves—stories that encourage readers to face their own battles, find their own strength, and embrace their own potential—that are her greatest achievement.

In her own words, "The stories I tell are meant to remind us that we are all capable of more than we think." It's this message that drives Sarah J. Maas’s writing forward, creating characters and worlds that resonate long after the story ends. Through her words, Maas has become not just an author but a voice for those seeking hope in the most unlikely places—whether it’s the depths of a dark forest or the heart of a fierce warrior.

Her work continues to shape the fantasy genre, not through formulaic tropes, but through deep, personal connections with her characters and readers alike. With every book, Sarah J. Maas reminds us that even in the most fantastical of worlds, the human experience is the greatest adventure of all.

Photo: Beowulf Sheehan

Throne of Glass

In a kingdom torn apart by betrayal, magic, and bloodshed, the story of Throne of Glass unfolds—a tale that draws readers deep into a world where power is the ultimate currency, and survival demands more than just strength.

At its heart is Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a past shrouded in secrets, pulled from the darkness of a labor camp to compete in a deadly tournament for the king's favor. But her victory comes at a price far steeper than any contract she's ever faced. As she navigates court intrigues, bonds with unlikely allies, and unearths long-forgotten powers, Celaena’s journey is anything but predictable. With each victory, she uncovers deeper mysteries that could unravel the kingdom itself.

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The world Maas has created is rich with tension, where politics and magic collide in brutal ways. There’s something inherently captivating about the balance between light and shadow in this universe—a place where the stakes are never just personal. Magic is a forbidden force, its wielders hunted and driven into hiding, while those who dare to hold power will do anything to keep it. Ancient prophecies, shifting alliances, and unyielding ambition form the backdrop of this compelling story, creating an atmosphere that feels both dangerous and mesmerizing.

But it’s not just the world that stands out. The characters, from the complex and morally ambiguous Celaena to the stoic yet compassionate Chaol and the enigmatic Dorian, pulse with life and depth. Their relationships evolve in ways that are unexpected, building a foundation that feels as much about the heart as it is about the struggle for control. And as the series unfolds, each character must come to terms with the choices they’ve made—and the ones they’re yet to face.

With its lush world-building, evocative prose, and thrilling twists, Throne of Glass stands as a brilliant testament to what happens when fantasy embraces both light and darkness. For readers who crave intricate plots, heart-stopping battles, and heroines who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, this series is more than just a journey—it’s a revelation.


Throne of Glass consists of seven primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.5)
★ 8.62 / 13
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
★ 7.90 / 62
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
★ 7.96 / 48
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
★ 8.58 / 40
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
★ 8.68 / 32
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
★ 8.78 / 23
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
★ 8.14 / 15
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)
★ 8.86 / 21
The World of Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass)
⧗ 9.80 / 5

Book Reviews

04/27/2014
Tim avatar
Tim
566 books, 34 reviews
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

It's no secret that "Throne of Glass" must be my favourite series EVER. So "The Assassin's Blade" could not be bad. And it isn't. This book contains five novellas, all set before the beginning of "Throne of Glass" itself. The first story ("The Assassin and the Pirate Lord") starts about a year before, is then followed by "The Assassin and the Healer" (which is shorter than the other four, due to the fact it was originally a UK World Book Day Novella), then comes "The Assassin and the Desert", "The Underworld" and, finally, "The Empire". Those five stories in fact tell how Celaena found her way to the Salt Mines of Endovier, where we find her at the beginning of the first book. The story explains a lot of strange remarks, notes and thoughts you get from Celaena. If you have read the books in the main series, this is a must-read. And if you haven't, it's still a must-read.

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