![Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1)](http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1335819760l/7896527.jpg)
Her opponents are men—thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the kings council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.
Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined (GoodReads).
- Originality: 7. This is fantasy, so Maas has free reign to include any elements she might like. I found the mystery of Celaena's background, outlawed magic, and mythic history rooted in the castle made for a fresh read (although the prison bit reminded me a lot of Finnikin of the Rock).
- Absurdity: 6. The NAMES. Celaena, Chaol, Dorian. Why is there no one named Mary in fantasy?
- Level of
ParanormalRomance: 3. Dorian was handsome but not very interesting, but I would read about Chaol any day. Not to mention the ending of the romance aspect of this story surprised me in a GOOD way. Celaena does not pander to handsome boys. - Level of Harry Potter-ness: 5. This book is LONG and I think it could have used a bit of streamlining. That said, I was sick with a cold when I read it and it held my attention Harry-Potter-style for a full day of reading on the couch.
Sounds interesting. I've been hearing mixed reviews, but I'm glad you liked it. Hurray for kick ass characters!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah! Throne of Glass! You are so right about FUN. It sounds weird, but it's true. This is what all those other books (The Selection anyone?) are trying to do but not quite succeeding at, I think.
ReplyDeleteShe is DEFINITELY not a panderer. Yay for that.
Ah man, I did like Dorian, he was a charming as well as handsome. :) And I can't wait for the next book. And... I can't read when I'm sick at all!! I am still getting over being sick and blogs is about all I can manage. I listen to audiobooks instead when I'm sick. :)
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