Sarah J. Maas The Assassin’s Blade is a thrilling, emotional rollercoaster of a prequel that throws us headfirst into the chaotic, brutal, and often downright tragic life of Celaena Sardothien. It’s packed with all the action, drama, and heartbreak you’d expect from Maas—but if you’re here for a good cry over Sam Cortland, you might be left a little dry-eyed. Let’s dive into the highs, lows, and everything in between!
Introduction
Let me start by saying that The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel to the Throne of Glass series, and I chose to read it first. I would highly reccomend doing so! This collection of novellas introduces Celaena Sardothien, a sharp-tongued, dagger-wielding assassin with a rebellious streak a mile wide.
I went in expecting feels galore, especially given how much people rave about Sam Cortland. But while his death was brutal (and the details of his eyes being pulled out still haunt me), I didn’t quite reach the level of devastation I’d hoped for. Maybe if I’d read this after diving into the main series, it would’ve hit harder. That said, this book had plenty to offer—devious villains, betrayal, high-stakes drama, and the perfect setup for what’s to come.
Plot Overview
Think of The Assassin’s Blade as the origin story for Celaena Sardothien. Across five novellas, we follow her on daring missions, watch her navigate the twisted politics of the Assassin’s Guild, and see her make some pretty questionable (but entertaining) life choices.
And then there’s Sam Cortland, her fellow assassin and eventual love interest. Their relationship is sweet, a little angsty, and doomed from the start. The events of this book set Celaena on a path of vengeance, heartbreak, and growth that will carry through the rest of the series.
My Thoughts
Characters
Celaena is a firecracker of a heroine. She’s arrogant, talented, and full of sass, but you can already see the cracks in her tough exterior. Sam Cortland, on the other hand, is the cinnamon roll of this story. He’s brave, loyal, and head-over-heels for Celaena—and definitely didn’t deserve the brutal end he got.
Speaking of villains, Arobynn Hamel and Farren are the actual worst (in the best way). Arobynn, in particular, is so manipulative and cruel that I spent half the book wishing someone would throw him off a cliff.
That said, I needed more from Sam’s character. His death was sad, yes, but it didn’t completely wreck me—and I blame the lack of time spent fleshing out his personality. For a book that’s supposed to break my heart, it didn’t quite deliver on the emotional devastation I was hoping for. Maybe if I’d read it a couple of books deep into the series I would have got that?
World-Building
The world of Adarlan is gritty, dangerous, and full of intrigue. Maas gives us glimpses of the bigger picture—politics, rivalries, and the looming threat of the King—but this prequel keeps the focus mostly on Celaena’s immediate world. It’s enough to draw you in without overwhelming you, especially if you’re new to the series.
Writing Style
Maas ‘s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and easy to get lost in. The novellas move quickly, keeping the tension high, but the trade-off is less room for deeper character development—especially for Sam. Still, the witty dialogue and emotional moments make it a fun read.
Themes and Messages
Betrayal, loyalty, love, and loss are at the heart of this book. It’s a story about trusting the wrong people, fighting for freedom, and learning how much you’re willing to risk for love. Sam’s death is a painful reminder of the stakes Celaena faces and the price of her choices.
What I Loved
• Celaena’s sass and badassery. Her one-liners and arrogance are endlessly entertaining.
• The villains you love to hate. Arobynn and Farren brought out my frustration and tension in spades.
• The setup for the Throne of Glass series. You can feel the weight of these events shaping Celaena’s future, and it makes me even more excited to see where her journey goes.
• The emotional moments that almost broke me. (Sam, I’m looking at you.)
What Could Be Improved
• Sam needed more development. His death was tragic, but it didn’t quite have the gut-wrenching impact I was expecting.
• The pacing of the novellas. While the fast pace kept things exciting, it left less room for deeper exploration of the relationships and world.
Favorite Quotes
My name is Celaena Sardothien and I will not be afraid
-Celaena (Inspired by Sam)
Final Verdict
The Assassin’s Blade is a strong start to Celaena Sardothien’s story, offering action, drama, and just enough heartbreak to leave you wanting more. While I didn’t fully connect with Sam’s character, the book still sets the stage beautifully for the Throne of Glass series and introduces some unforgettable characters.
Rating:
4/5 stars
If you love morally grey characters, high-stakes drama, and a fiery heroine, you’ll enjoy this book. Fans of the series will appreciate the backstory, while new readers will find it an exciting introduction to Celaena’s world.
What are your thoughts?
Have you read The Assassin’s Blade? Did Sam’s death wreck you, or were you left wanting more? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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