Throne of Glass reviewed

Throne of Glass is the first book in a popular series of novels among young adults and fantasy book lovers. Sarah J. Maas crafts a riveting world that she has built upon in later books in the Throne of Glass series.

Our review looks at the book that started everything off and later titles in the series you may want to read.

The story and motifs of Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass follows the story of Celaena Sardothien. An assassin living in the fictional kingdom of Adarlan, she receives an invitation to the king’s court.

Only she isn’t there to kill the king.

She’s there for a chance to become the king’s champion, thus escaping her destiny of imprisonment in the Salt Mines of Endovier for her crimes.

However, her freedom won’t come without trials.

Sardothien must enter a competition in which she’ll face twenty-three other killers and criminals. Only by coming out on top will she earn her freedom.

Along the way, she finds that the Crown Prince of Adarlan, Prince Dorian Havilliard, offers protection. But she also receives unexpected help from Chaol Westfall, who serves as the captain of the guard.

As a synopsis, this makes Throne of Glass sound similar to The Hunger Games. We have female protagonists, in this case, a teenage assassin, and a deadly competition where killing offers a route to freedom.

However, Throne of Glass distinguishes itself with its fantasy setting. You could call it a cross between The Hunger Games and Game of Thrones, though that description is reductive.

Without getting into spoilers, it’s the relationships that build between the characters that propel the book forward. While the fantasy setting is novel, the love triangle between Chaol, Dorian, and Celaena that maintains your interest.

Sarah J. Maas also takes an interesting approach to Calaena’s personal story, unveiling small fragments of the assassin’s past as the novel progresses.

For parents worried about adult content, Throne of Glass is also one of the best books to introduce to your teenagers. Though it involves violence, there are no sex scenes or situations of a similar nature.

Character breakdown

The Throne of Glass books have developed a fascinating group of characters. The first title in the series introduces us to the following:

Celaena Sardothien 

Celaena is the main character of the book. Orphaned at an early age, she seems destined for a life of imprisonment due to her work as an assassin. However, she gains a chance at freedom, which allows her to demonstrate her powerful will and physical strength.

Princess Nehemia Ytger

As a visitor to Adarlan from the kingdom of Eyllwe, Nehemia’s experiences outside Celaena’s home sees the two become friends. She’s often involved in many of the character-building elements of the novel.

Prince Dorian Havilliard

As Adarlan’s crown prince, Dorian offers a contrast to his evil father. He serves as Celaena’s patron and offers protection, as well as being one of two love interests.

Chaol Westfall

Chaol serves as the captain of the King’s Guard. He’s a stoic and reserved young man who trains Celaena for the trials she’ll endure in the king’s competition. His duty forces him to mask his feelings for his charge.

Lady Kaltain Rompier

As a Lady of Adarlan, Kaltain is already in a relationship with a character named Duke Perrington. However, she develops an interest in Prince Dorian, leading to her becoming a romantic (and dangerous) rival to Celaena.

Series overview

Throne of Glass, and the later books in the series, is published by Bloomsbury. The collection is available as a box set. But if you want to read the book series in the right order, here’s how to do it.

The Assassin’s Blade

The Assassin’s Blade is a collection of five novellas that explore Celaena Sardothien’s early life. They serve as a prequel to the main series.

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass is the first book in the series. It’s almost as much a Cinderella story as it is a fantasy novel.

Crown of Midnight

This is the second book in the Throne of Glass series. It introduces some new characters, such as Manon Blackbeak.

Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire takes Celaena across the Wendlyn Sea so she can avenge the death of her friend.

Queen of Shadows

Caleana returns to Rifthold to do battle against those who took everybody she loved from her.

Empire of Storms

The fifth book in the series focuses on the war that threatens to tear apart the land of Erilea.

Tower of Dawn

Serving as a parallel novel to Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn follows Chaol and his group as they try to get help from Antica for the upcoming war.

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FAQ

Does Throne of Glass have inappropriate scenes?

All scenes in Throne of Glass are appropriate for a young adult reader.

Can a 14-year-old read Throne of Glass?

A 14-year-old can read Throne of Glass. Though it depicts violent scenes, they’re not grossly violent. It also contains no sex scenes.

Is Throne of Glass a romance?

The romance between the three lead characters is a constant subplot in the book. However, it’s more accurately categorized as a fantasy novel.

What does Throne of Glass mean?

Throne of Glass is the title of Sarah J. Maas’s New York Times book. Several later titles in the series have also become bestsellers.

What is Celaena Sardothien’s other name?

Aelin Galathynius.

Does Sarah J. Maas write other books?

Yes, she’s the author of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. She also writes the Crescent City series.

Who is Elena Havilliard?

Elena is the first Queen of Adarlan. She is also the daughter of King Brannon, the Fae king.