•Type: epic fantasy
•Tropes: magic, strong protagonist, romance
•Pages: 492
•Series: Throne of Glass #0,1 or #3
•Spice: 1/5

Favorite quote
“My name is Sam Cortland… and I will not be afraid.”

This is where it all begins.
The alpha and omega of Selina Sardothien comes in this novella to introduce us to her true character and all her psyche.
What was her life like before the Glass Throne? What events marked and shaped her character? What lies behind the most ruthless Assassin?

This novella has 2 purposes:
1. To give us information and
2. To psychologically devastate us.

The truth is that you won’t understand the reason you’re reading this novella, but believe me, the moment the events connect in a later book and you can link the information, you will shiver.

Personally, aside from the 1/3 of the book that was an emotional “rollercoaster,” I found this novella the weakest book in the series.
You might say, isn’t it a novella? Shouldn’t it just function as filler and complete pieces of the puzzle for us?
And I would say yes, and that’s exactly what it did, however, that didn’t make the book flow any easier.

In what order should you read it?
If you ask me, I would urge you to read it 3rd in the order. This novella is quite subdued and filled with over-information for the most part, which might tire you out for a first book and deter you from the entire series.
Then, because the events in this book are a flashback in time, the emotional weight the author aims for is achieved better if you have met and loved the protagonist in the first two main books of the series.
Bonus reason: you need a break before you go to the 4th book because that’s where the real chaos begins!!!

The Assassin's Blade is a collection of five prequel novellas that sheds light on the past of Selina Sardothien, the infamous assassin we met in the series The Glass Throne. Here we see Selina before everything begins: before slavery, before the palace, before she becomes who she ultimately becomes. She is still tied to the Brotherhood of Assassins and the dangerously manipulative Arobynn, but it already seems that she is determined to write her own story.

Through these missions – from exotic archipelagos to relentless deserts – Selina begins to question her employers, test her limits, and shape her identity. By her side is Sam, and their relationship adds depth and emotion to a story filled with battles, betrayal, and life-or-death choices.

What makes the book stand out is that it is not just an action-packed adventure – it is also character building. Selina is not yet the heroine she will become, but the spark is already there, and here we see exactly how it ignites. Each story adds pieces to the puzzle of her personality and helps us understand her decisions more deeply in the subsequent books.

If you are a fan of the series, The Assassin's Blade is absolutely essential. And if you are just starting the world of Maas, it is a strong, well-written first step — full of intensity, emotion, and a world that captivates you.

️ 9.5/10
.
I declare myself thrilled with this series!
I just finished reading Crown of Midnight, which for me was the 3rd book in the series since I read the novella first, and honestly, I don't regret it as I now see how important the reading order is!
In the book, Celaena is now the king's champion and begins her life in the castle with only the plan to serve the king's assassin to earn her freedom. However, things in the castle are becoming increasingly "dark" as old and new secrets call her to solve them. The secret of the king's power is revealed, and along with it, Celaena creates enemies and friends. While with Elena's help, she learns something that shocks her and urgently needs to uncover! Along the way, we encounter twists we don't expect, intrigue, love, and many secrets about the world of TOG that gradually unfolds as magic truly enters the scene!
Now let's see how I felt about it. Honestly, the only right reason to describe it to you is that I can't stop thinking about it 24/7. Something that rarely happens to me with books, and I appreciate it immensely each time! The world is magical and very well-written, while the characters are dynamic and deep! The story is on fire, and honestly, I've already started the next one because I couldn't put the series down. For those of you who haven't read it, do it YESTERDAY! Also, I will share with you why it's important to read the novella first, as I've now reached this point and I'm glad for the choice I made! In short ️ E P I C

️4/5
After the novella of the series, I continued reading with Throne of Glass, which is the first book translated by Psychogios according to the author's publication order. I'm preparing a detailed video about why I started reading the books in a different order by reading the novella "The Assassin's Blade" first!
Let's talk about the book then! In the 1st book of the series, we have a somewhat slow introduction to the world-building and to Celaena Sardothien, the famous assassin and protagonist! We first meet her as a convict living in the mines, imprisoned until she is given a chance to earn her freedom in exchange for competing to become the champion of a king she hates. Throughout the trials, a love triangle develops between the prince and heir, as well as the captain of the guard. But what happens in the castle, and why do her rival champions start dying mysteriously? Is the fight for freedom ultimately a fight for survival?

Coming from the novella, I found the book quite slow but with action and character development. The only reason I emphasize this is so that you are prepared because the book is very good and has significant action and amazing characters! I admit that I haven't yet gotten over what happened in the novella, and I was a bit frustrated in the first half of the book with Celaena. I'm not saying anything to avoid spoilers, but you'll understand when you read the novella. Anyway, I enjoyed the book, and especially for the age at which Sarah wrote it, I think it is quite strong, while I adored Celaena and can't wait to see her in the next books!