Throne of glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Spoiler Warning (nothing major, just light details about book one!)

Is Throne of Glass Epic Fantasy?

I’d say this series falls into epic fantasy/high fantasy, but not in a Brandon Sanderson way—more of an entry-level epic fantasy that starts off as YA fantasy but gradually shifts into New Adult/Adult fantasy in the later books.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into it.

Magic. Assassins. A Deadly Competition. What More Could You Want?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE this series. I think about it at least three times a day, and if you’ve ever asked me for a book recommendation, chances are Throne of Glass was the first thing out of my mouth.

This book changed my reading journey, and even though I’ve read countless books since, Throne of Glass still sits at the top of my favorites list.

Let’s talk about why.

What Is Throne of Glass About?

Imagine spending a year in a brutal prison camp, fighting for survival every single day, only to be pulled out by the crown prince himself, who offers you a chance at freedom. The catch? You have to win a tournament of assassins, warriors, and criminals to become the King’s Champion.

No pressure, right?

That’s exactly what happens to Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin who was once the deadliest killer in Adarlan before she was betrayed and imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. When she’s dragged before the royal court, she’s given an offer:

• Compete to become the King’s Champion
• Serve him for four year
• Win her freedom

She agrees, but once she arrives at the glass castle of Rifthold, she realizes there’s more at play than just the tournament. Competitors are turning up dead—murdered in gruesome ways—and something far darker is lurking in the castle.

Between surviving the tournament, dealing with court politics, and uncovering the kingdom’s secrets, Celaena has to figure out who (or what) is hunting the competitors before she’s next.

And that’s just book one.

My Thoughts on Throne of Glass

Celaena Sardothien – The Ultimate Main Character

Celaena is cocky, dramatic, and absolutely full of herself, and I LOVED every second of it. She’s an assassin, she knows she’s good, and she doesn’t waste time pretending otherwise. She’s also hilarious, smart, and surprisingly vulnerable beneath all the bravado.

Is she a bit much at times? Absolutely. Did I eat it up anyway? Yes.

What I love most about Celaena is that she’s so much more than just a deadly fighter: she’s a book lover, a music enthusiast, and a girl who has suffered but refuses to let it define her. She’s complex, flawed, and one of my favorite female characters ever.

The Competition – A Deadly Game with High Stakes

The tournament itself? So fun. Watching Celaena go up against 23 other assassins, warriors, and criminals was intense, brutal, and full of strategy. But it’s not just about fighting, she has to play the political game, prove herself in tests of skill, and hide her true strength.

It’s a battle of power, deception, and survival, and I was hooked the entire time.

The Mystery – Dark Magic Lurking Beneath the Surface

I went into this book expecting a tournament with assassins, I did NOT expect the creepy, supernatural murder mystery happening behind the scenes. The way the magical elements slowly creep into the story was so well done, and it made the stakes feel so much bigger than just winning the competition.

Also, the castle itself is genuinely eerie, with hidden passages, whispers in the dark, and a history that is far more dangerous than anyone realizes.

The Side Characters – Some I Loved… Some I Hated (Chaol, I’m Looking at You )

Let’s talk about the men in Celaena’s life for a second:

Dorian Havilliard – Crown Prince. Bookworm. A flirt with a rebellious streak. I LOVED him in this book. He’s charming, witty, and surprisingly kind, considering he’s the heir to a ruthless king.

Chaol Westfall – Captain of the Guard. Grumpy and emotionally constipated. I’m gonna be honest, I did not like Chaol from the start. He’s constantly judging Celaena for her past while completely ignoring the fact that his king is literally evil.

Nehemia Ytger – The only person in this book with a functioning brain. I ADORED Nehemia. She’s a badass, politically savvy, and doesn’t take nonsense from anyone.

Does the Book Feel a Bit YA at First? Yes. Does It Get Better? Also, yes.

Look, I get it. If you go into this book expecting an epic high fantasy war, you might feel like it starts off a little YA. Celaena is dramatic, loves dresses as much as she loves knives, and is kind of full of herself.

But trust me, this series grows into something massive, and by the end, you’ll look back at Throne of Glass and think “Wow, that was just the beginning.”

Final Thoughts – Should You Read Throne of Glass?

If you love:

• Strong female leads
• Court intrigue & political drama
• Slow-burn fantasy with a side of romance

Magic, destiny, and ancient secrets

Then YES. Throne of Glass is the start of something so much bigger, and if you stick with it, it will ruin you in the best way possible.

⭐ Overall Rating: 4/5 ⭐

Let’s Chat!

Have you read Throne of Glass? What were your thoughts? Did you love Celaena or find her too much? Are you Team Dorian, Team Chaol (why), or just here for the magic? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Please just remember this is my opinion and my thoughts on the book. Follow my Medium Blog and my Pinterest page.