Throne of Glass

“I like music," she said slowly, "because when I hear it, I . . . I lose myself within myself, if that makes any sense. I become empty and full all at once, and I can feel the whole earth roiling around me. When I play. I'm not . . . for once, I'm not destroying, I'm creating.”

4.5 STARS

Let me just say, Ms. Maas, you have BLOWN. ME. AWAY. Truly, I rarely read fantasy nowadays, and this was not only refreshing, but has brought me right back into the genre. The writing was strong and flowed through so smoothly I read the entire book in one sitting. And now to find out it's a 6 book double trilogy...HELL YES. I thought that the characters in this book were well thought out, and though I want more information, I've got another 5 books to go so I'm sure I'll be filled in on everything I want to know. Can I just say that Celaena is one badass assassin, am I right? Like, best one I've read yet. Though I have no liking of love triangles, I thought that it was woven well within this story and it wasn't overbearing. Also, I LOVE the switching POV, showing the reader the inner thoughts of each character to help individualize them and provide each with a unique platform of ideas and personalities. **SPOILERS** Okay, so I think we all knew she was going to win the competition, but I had no idea about Kaltain (I always pronounce it Katlain in my head, but oh well) and that she would go so far to get Dorian. And then that bastard Perrington, seriously he needs to go to be beheaded or something. But back to the point. I thought that the final fight scene was a little drawn out, but it certainly had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, as did all the Tests throughout the book. But other than this little scene, the pacing of the book was very nice, balancing between action, intrigue, and snark. All in all, this is one of my favorite books of the year and I can't wait to see more of this author and her imagination!