Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: (Throne of Glass #1)
Published: August 7th 2012
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Categories: Adventure, High-Fantasy
 

I wholeheartedly agree with all those glittering reviews. This one is a fantastic read. Good thing I tried it and shrugged off my sister’s comment that I would not like it because I’m not ‘into high-fantasy’ (which is true, normally I’m not). But I followed my gut instinct, there’s something about it…ok, scratch that, I’m coming clean it was the two boys that got me to read it. And guess what, I super love one of the boys. And he’s not even the prince!

I find high-fantasy perplexing and it is a struggle to imagine a different world so that’s why I settle with books that are not set in alternate world. But I’m not exactly sure what Throne of Glass has that made me love it despite it is something I’m not usually fond of. Perhaps the world wasn’t really that confusing (I’m not gonna say just because it is marketed for teens that it is shallow. It’s not. I think it was lucid but still easy to read). Another reason was maybe the characters are just amazingly crafted. Yes, it was the characters. I love, love the characters whether it’s the villain or Celaena, the main girl. I love my female protagonist who knows her worth, who is strong but not violent. I’m having problems with books that portray strong-willed characters by making them doing stupid stunts and have hostile behavior (violence ≠ strong). Celaena is strong, in fact even though she’s an assassin (which I have an impression at the beginning that she’s standoffish and withdrawn) to my surprise she has fun side. She likes reading, she knows how to tick off the boys, particularly the captain of the guard, Chaol Westfall. And she could be romantic too (just like an ordinary girl). How often do you see a supposed cold-hearted slayer who was all giddy after the prince danced with her? Not often. There’s so much about Celaena that surprises me (in a good way!) and I loved her for that.

* B-bring the boys out ~♪ ♫*

I like the boys. And I love one of them. Prince Dorian was nice, all princely. I like him because sometimes he’s just like Celaena. But there’s something missing about him. Guts? Charm? Personality? I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He’s not bad but he didn’t sweep me of my feet like Chaol did. Yes, I’m now disclosing his name—Chaol Westfall. Chaol had me from the very start. I like how loyal, quiet and reserved he is. He’s the exact opposite of Celaena. He’s so serious but that’s what made him stand out for me. How he keep his feelings (this made things fun challenging for me!) to himself. How rare we see his real side (even though it was minimal it left a mark). I liked how Celaena teased him and he answered her back if not mad, detached (but I know he cares). He’s just keeping it all locked up! I was swooning when he gave her a ring. Or when he secretly observing her. Or when they hug! They just hug but I swear sparks fly. I love how simple gesture makes me happy.

I’m part of the minority who enjoys her love triangle. So with that said you’re guess is right, I’m Team Chaol! I love how different they are! He even abandoned his principles **spoiler**he killed someone**spoiler** for her. The thing with Prince Dorian is that their relationship was predictable. You can see it even with your eyes closed and blindfold on that she will fall for him because he’s the prince. I liked that when it comes to Chaol, he saw beyond Celaena’s assassin persona. I’m not gonna say he’s in love, but I know it’s starting from somewhere and not magically there (aka insta-love).

There’s more to Throne of Glass than my obsessive fangirling with Chaol and Celaena. I think it wasn’t action-packed as I expected it to be but I enjoyed the part where she was fighting to become the King’s champion. When it comes to it, the book can be in high gear when it tries. I’m not complaining I enjoyed the story for how it was.

Wrapping this up it with my usual remark, I so want to read the next book!!! When?! WHEN?!