The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas is a solid prequel to the Throne of Glass series, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. While it offers a deeper look into Celaena Sardothien's past and the events that shaped her into the fierce assassin we meet in the main series, it sometimes felt like a collection of stories rather than a cohesive novel. The individual novellas were engaging, with some standout moments and emotional highs. The action scenes were thrilling, and Celaena's character was as compelling as ever. However, the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on and others feeling rushed. The romantic elements were hit-or-miss for me. Some relationships felt underdeveloped, making it hard to invest in their outcomes fully. Additionally, while the book added depth to Celaena's backstory, it didn't always enhance my understanding of her character in a meaningful way. Overall, The Assassin's Blade is an enjoyable read for fans of the series, providing valuable context and some exciting adventures. However, it lacks the polish and narrative flow of the main books, making it a three-star experience for me.

To really understand the full scope of the Throne of Glass series, you must read these five stories first. They're not extras or bonus bits. They contain crucial information and characters that directly impact the saga contained in the seven books that comprise the series. Without them, you won't grasp the motivation for many of the seemingly insane choices Celaena makes. And you'll miss an important first encounter with a character who will play a critical role in the end game of the series. As for the reason behind the five stars, let me just say that I do not read most of what passes for heroic or epic fantasy published in the last fifteen years or so. Standards have become so sloppy, and I was raised on the greats. I only checked this author out because of a massive discount and a gift - and even at that, I left them in my TBR pile for almost five years before becoming bored enough that I would have read a cereal box if nothing else presented itself. But this series is good. It kept me on the edge of my seat, made my heart stop, made me laugh and cry and occasionally shout, "I knew it!" out loud. The plots and subplots are tight and clever. Many times I thought something was ridiculous, only to learn - sometimes in the next book - that it was in fact a brilliant plan. This series is worthy of being called epic fantasy.

"The Assassin's Blade," the collection of five novellas by Sarah J. Maas, serves as a brilliant prequel to the famed Throne of Glass series. These stories provide an essential backdrop to the complex character of Celaena Sardothien, revealing the depths of her early experiences as an assassin entwined in the dangerous politics of her world. Following a recommended SJM reading guide I found online, I chose to read this book after "Heir of Fire," and it proved to be a fantastic decision. This sequence allowed me to appreciate the nuances of Celaena's past with a deeper understanding of her future struggles, enhancing the emotional resonance of both the prequels and the main series. Each story is crafted with Maas's signature blend of thrilling action and complex interpersonal drama, making it impossible not to root for Celaena even when we know her fate. The narrative beautifully sets up future events, providing a richer context to her actions and decisions in the main series. This collection not only fills in the gaps but also solidifies Celaena's status as a multifaceted heroine in a cutthroat world. Overall, "The Assassin's Blade" is a great addition for fans of the Throne of Glass series. Reading it in the suggested order added an unexpected layer of insight and emotion, making the journey through Sarah J. Maas's world even more compelling and heart-wrenching. For anyone looking to fully grasp the scope of Celaena's character, this prequel is a must-read.

It was a really good book however, the way it was written was quite confusing with the different essentially books inside of the book and I read it in publication order instead of having this is the .5 book in the series so I read this is the third book so it clarified a lot of details that I didn’t know I was missing and I feel like you can go without this book but now that I know some of this stuff it’s gonna Make it easier other parts of the series

I absolutely loved "The Assassin's Blade" by Sarah J. Maas! This collection of novellas serves as a fantastic prequel to the "Throne of Glass" series, giving us a deeper understanding of Celaena Sardothien, the fierce assassin we come to adore. Each story flows seamlessly into the next, exploring Celaena's life as she embarks on daring missions and navigates the complexities of her relationships, especially with her fellow assassin, Sam. The character development is remarkable; I felt like I was on this journey of growth with her. Celaena's struggles with loyalty, trust, and her own identity are portrayed with such depth that I couldn't help but root for her. The world-building is rich, with vivid settings that transport you to different corners of Erilea. Maas masterfully balances action and emotion, making every story engaging and impactful. While some stories are more intense than others, they all contribute to the overarching narrative of Celaena's journey. If you’re a fan of strong female leads and intricate plots, "The Assassin's Blade" is a must-read. It’s a thrilling introduction that left me eager to dive into the rest of the series!