Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas
Bloomsbury Children’s Books
ISBN: 978-1-59990-695-9
Reviewed by Paula Erickson


Celaena Sardothien is the most notorious assassin in the land of Adarlan. Just the mention of her name strikes fear in the hearts of people. However, it has been a year since she was betrayed, somehow captured and sentenced to work in the salt mines of Endovier. The mines are a sure death sentence, but Celaena has managed to stay alive with her cunning and wits. But now, the Crown prince of Adarlan, Dorian, offers her a deal she can't refuse. If she goes back with him to the glass castle and competes in a tournament to find the King's Champion and wins, she will eventually be set free.

With the promise of freedom, Calaena travels with Dorian and the captain of the guards, Chaol, to the glass castle. She begins training and is soon pitted against soldiers, thieves, and assassins in a series tests. If she fails, she will be sent back to the salt mines.

As if the tests were not enough, a mysterious darkness is taking over the castle and killing the other competitors. With the help from the ghost of the first queen of Adarlan, Elena, Calaena sets out to find the killer.

With a mix of action, adventure, mystery and just a little romance, this book has it all. Fans of Kristin Cashore's Graceling and Fire will become instant fans of Throne of Glass. Readers will be sucked into the world created by Maas and never want to leave.