Synopsis from Goodreads:

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king’s champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass—and it’s there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena’s fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

My review:

“Libraries were full of ideas–perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”

This could have been great. Like, really great. I’m not saying that I didn’t enjoy reading this book. I did enjoy it. It just could have been so much better.

Yes, Celaena’s arrogance is annoying, but this behaviour wouldn’t have put me off so much if the assassin was a guy. In fact, it might have made him one of those cute, arrogant jerks. This is why I tried not to let it bother me. I do not want to support a double standard. Although irksome, it was also refreshing to have a YA heroine who is actually sure of herself. That being said, this could have been done without her constantly seeking validation from everyone around her. She knew she was good, but she wanted other people to acknowledge how good she was. Always. And narcissism is an unattractive trait no matter what gender you are. In any case, I got over it.

The basic premise of this book has been done many times over, but that did not deter me from reading it. I just wanted to bear witness to this epic love triangle that everyone flips out about. And I have to say, this triangle can hardly be called a shape. There was no substance. I know that instalove and several males vying for your attention is a commonly used plot device, but usually they are still fun to read. This was so boring. Where was the romance? It just seemed so tame. I’d probably be 10x more satisfied if Chaol and Dorian just ran off together. That would have been less predictable.

I know this may seem like I am writing a negative review, but that’s only because there was nothing very special happening. It was just a good book that didn’t excite me. Another book crushed by hype, perhaps?

In any case, I will be continuing with the series. I’m still not sure if I support the sailing of any of these “ships” though.

★★★ (3.5 stars) because #Chaorian #Doriol.