“My name is Celaena Sardothien," she whispered, “and I will not be afraid.”

Celaena Sardothein is the most feared assassin in all of Ardalan. She is part of the assassin's guild and she must be loyal to her master, Arobynn Hamel. When she is dispatched on a mission to the remote southern islands ruled by pirates she finds herself questioning her allegiances and pushing back against Arobynn. Through her adventures she will make friends and enemies alike, and discover that Sam Cortland, her long time nemesis, may be much more important than a friend to her. But defying Arobynn risks unimaginable punishment. She must decide whether to risk it all for her freedom or play it safe and be loyal to the assassin’s guild. 

Sarah J Maas’s The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel novel to her thrilling Throne of Glass series. While it is a prequel novel you can either read it first or fourth. Personally I would read it fourth as knowing what Celaena goes through and knowing more secrets from her past make the stories much more meaningful. You also know how it will eventually end which makes it more emotional.

This book contains five prequel novellas but they are basically one long story as they all happen immediately after one another. This book is very well written and the world-building is amazing; since they are travelling a lot, it’s really cool to read about all the different places. Reading about Celaena being betrayed and making friends is really emotional and it is beautifully written. There are also many plot twists that you’ll never see coming. There are lots of characters introduced as well who will return in later books and it's so amazing to see them meet now then reconnect. Overall seeing Celaena’s character grow and learn through this book is really incredible.

If you enjoyed this book try reading the rest of Sarah J Maas’s Throne of Glass series or Jennifer L Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash series.