« The best liars are those who tell the truth most of the time. »
« My name is Celaena Sardothien, and I will not be afraid. »

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas takes us back to the origins of Celaena Sardothien, through five novellas that set the stage for the Throne of Glass series. This collection gives us a deeper understanding of Adarlan’s most feared assassin before the events of the main saga.

There are a few ways to approach reading this book, but personally, I read it after Crown of Midnight (book 2), which is also the order recommended by the Queen herself.

Each novella is a new adventure:

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
This one takes us to Skull’s Bay, where Celaena faces off with pirates. You’ll see her sense of justice shining through her cold-blooded assassin exterior, which makes her even more fascinating. Spoiler alert: Celaena is way more complex than she seems, and even I wasn’t ready for it.

The Assassin and the Healer
Here, she meets Yrene Towers, a healer who helps Celaena confront her inner struggles. It’s quieter, more emotional, and shows how a single encounter can change someone’s life forever.

The Assassin and the Desert
Celaena trains with the Silent Assassins, learning discipline and loyalty—but let’s be real, neither are her thing, and it shows.

The Assassin and the Underworld
This one dives into her complicated relationship with Sam Cortland. There’s mutual respect, a whole lot of danger, and a mission that changes everything. Prepare for some heartbreak—seriously, grab those Kleenex. 🤧 (Forever in love with Sam. I’ll never get over it.)

The Assassin and the Empire
You’ll just have to read this one to experience the full emotional punch. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Through these stories, Sarah J. Maas masterfully explores themes like loyalty, love, and sacrifice while building a rich and captivating world. The Assassin’s Blade is a must-read for anyone wanting to truly understand Celaena’s journey and the scars that shaped her into who she becomes.

So yeah, absolutely add this to your TBR!

PS: When you’re done, listen to Gracie Abrams’ « I Miss You, I’m Sorry. » Guaranteed tear fest. 🥲