The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J Maas Is a Must-Read for Fantasy Lovers

If you’re like me and love diving deep into epic fantasy worlds, The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas will definitely scratch that itch. It's a collection of five novellas that gives us a prelude to the badassery of Celaena Sardothien, who we later meet in Throne of Glass. And let me tell you—I was not prepared for how attached I’d get to the characters.

So here we are, journeying alongside a teenage assassin (before she became the infamous fire-breathing, kingdom-destroying heroine we know) as she kicks serious butt. It’s basically like watching a superhero origin story. You're sitting there like, "Yeah, okay, I know what's coming," but then you don’t—because Maas is a master at ripping your heart out and stomping on it with a smile.

A Glimpse Before the Storm

What I loved most about The Assassin’s Blade is the chance to see Celaena before the main events of Throne of Glass. This isn’t the deadly assassin you're expecting from the later books. She’s still sharp-tongued, dangerously skilled, but more reckless, emotional, and honestly… a little naïve. It’s refreshing to see a softer side of her—one that isn’t completely hardened by betrayal and loss yet. And let’s be real, watching her sass her way through impossible situations is worth every page.

But oh boy, the relationships in this book? Sigh. There’s a tension that builds throughout each novella, and the emotional weight of these stories hit harder because you know what’s coming. It’s like watching a slow-moving train wreck in the most beautifully tragic way. Every story adds layers to Celaena's character, and by the end, you're left with a profound sense of where she’s headed.

Tears, Sobs, and More Tears

Without spoiling too much, let's talk about the ending. I—quite literally—cried my eyes out. It’s one of those moments where you’re not just sad, you're sitting there in stunned silence, staring at the pages like, "Why did I put myself through this?” But also, “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” It was Maas at her finest, really pulling on those heartstrings. I had to remind myself that this is a prequel, and I should have seen it coming… but did that stop the tears? Nope. Not at all.

There’s also something to be said about Maas’ ability to make you care deeply about characters that don’t even exist in the main series (looking at you, Sam). You get to see Celaena's relationships unfold and how they ultimately shape who she becomes. And yet, even knowing what happens, the emotional punch still lands like a sledgehammer.

Final Thoughts

I’m giving The Assassin’s Blade a solid 4/5 stars. It’s a great way to dive deeper into Celaena’s backstory, especially if you’re a fan of Throne of Glass. The only reason it didn’t get a full 5 stars? Well, I might still be bitter about the emotional destruction it left in its wake. (Kidding… mostly.)

But in all seriousness, The Assassin’s Blade is worth the read, even if you think you’re prepared. Spoiler: you aren’t. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably end up hugging the book by the end, whispering, “Why, Sarah, why?”

So, grab your tissues and prepare to get way too invested in the adventures of teenage Celaena Sardothien. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.