The Assassin and the Throne of Glass Novellas Review

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord (Throne of Glass Novella 0.1)

- Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

A Throne of Glass novella.
On a remote island in a tropical sea, Celaena Sardothien, feared assassin, has come for retribution. She’s been sent by the Assassin’s Guild to collect on a debt they are owed by the Lord of the Pirates. But when Celaena learns that the agreed payment is not in money, but in slaves, her mission suddenly changes—and she will risk everything to right the wrong she’s been sent to bring about.

This was so much fun to read! Celaena Sardothien is a sixteen year old assassin – beautiful, confident and deadly. When she and her colleague and rival, Sam are sent to the Pirate Lord by the King of Assassins in order to conduct a business exchange, she is horrified to find they will be bringing back slaves. Celaena is cocky but extremely competent – always looking for an edge. Yet despite this prickly service she has real heart and a strong sense of honour. Not that she has a heart of gold – but I feel she may have a streak of gold in her heart somewhere!

Added to this is an exciting world where pirates and assassins have leaders, there is a conquering land hinted at in the back ground and there is plenty of action. The action is smoothly done, thrilling and very visual. I could easily see events in my mind and would love to see a TV series or film with these characters! While short, this is the perfect introduction to a new fantasy world and one I very much want to explore! Luckily for me there are another three novellas and a full length novel which is published soon so I will definitely be exploring this world in more detail!

Recommended for fans of Robin Hobb and Rae Carson. 8 out of 10.

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The Assassin and the Desert (Throne of Glass Novella 0.2)

-       Sarah J Maas

Kindle Book

The Silent Assassins of the Red Desert aren’t much for conversation, and Celaena Sardothien wouldn’t have it any other way. She’s not there to chatter, she’s there to hone her craft as the world’s most feared killer for hire. When the quiet is shattered by forces who want to destroy the Silent Assassins, Celaena must find a way to stop them, or she’ll be lucky to leave the desert alive

Following on from The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, this story follows Celaene as she spends time in the Desert with the Master of the Silent Assassins, hoping for a letter of recommendation to allow her to return home. The difference between the Master and his silent assassins and the Kind of Assassins who raised Celaene is marked – particularly the difference in how they treat their followers – one encouraging and the other dissenting is fascinating. The desert is always a interesting place to set a story and this is no exception. I loved the chase scene as well as Celaene’s frustrations that the master won’t train her.

I found this story more enjoyable than the Pirate Lord, Celaene is more relaxed in this story as she’s not on a mission. Her developing friendships with people in the desert is a joy especially given the different personalities of them all. This felt like a much more emotional story with Celaene making some decisions on how she wants to live her life, but at the same time there is plenty of action as Celaene doens’t lack for skills!

Fun, exciting and fulfilling this is a perfect teaser for Throne of Glass – as soon as I finished this story, I pre-ordered the novel which is out in August!

Recommended for fans of Rae Carson and Maria V Synder. 9 out of 10