Throne of Glass

I know what you're thinking. WHAT?! TWO REVIEWS IN ONE DAY? Yup, you're eyes aren't tricking you. But they may be tricking mine......

Is this book really a reverse harem? Not exactly, but it's very close (Darnit, Nox, why did you just have to be a friend?!?!?! Wait, I think tha was his name...) However, the protagonist does have two men who have the hots for her and with a triology, there will hopefully be another. BUT WAIT. A DEAD SOMETHING-MORE-THAN-A-FRIEND FROM THE PAST?! IS HE ACTUALLY A-

Anyways, Throne of Glass is about the known world's greatest assassin named Celaena Sardothian. She's been imprisoned in a labor camp where the typical person dies within two months. She's lasted a year. One day, she Celaena gets called by the prince who wants her to participate in a competition where others like her compete to win the title as the King's lap dog champion. If she refuses the offer, she'll remain at the prison camp, but if she accepts and wins Celaena will have to be at the king's beck and call for 6 (I think) years. Celaena isn't stupid and takes up the job, wondering how she will stand the man who conquered her old home and threw her into that hell-hole they call camp. With the prince constantly teasing her and the captain of the royal guard protecting her, the former assassin will fight to become the Champion and perhaps even find something she's never found before in the form of a foreign princess: a friend. But when the contest takes the dark turn, Celaena will have to find out what's taking out the competitors before it takes out herself. There is something dark and evil deep within the castle. And she may be their only hope.

Or something like that. Idk, but that's pretty much how it is. And I didn't mean for it to sound cheesy....

But the plot is a-ma-zing. After all the crap I've been reading these days, Throne of Glass is a refreshing change of pace. It's not overly layering its romance to a suffocating level but leaves you just enough to make your toes curl (my heart just doesn't beat like crazy at kissing scenes. Is that weird?). You get your action and Celaena is easy to relate to. Big surprise, I mean world's greatest assassin being compared to world's unnoticable girl? Ya right. Btw, there is magic. Nobobdy can resist magic. Or demon-like creatures. Or beating up demon-like creatures. Heo yah.

And now for the characters:

• I. Love. This. Heroine. Celaena Sardothian is the known world's greatest assassin, but was captured because of betrayal and put to work at the salt mines. She hasn't lost herself and is like any normal girl...except for the fact that she's an assassin. Very witty and cunning, Celaena is not only fast, agile, accurate, and skilled in weapons but also a killer with brains making her a deadly opponent. So basically, that makes her kick-ass, tough-as-nails protagonist who's still true to herself and still enjoys what life has to offer. Btw, she loves her books and dresses. Did I mention that I love her?
• The Prince Charming is really cute. Dorian Havilliard is the heir to the throne but has a tense relationship with his ever power seeking father. More of a scholar than a warrior, Dorian loves to read good books. (Oh my gosh, a smart and handsome prince) He isn't fond of his spoiled younger brother or his mother's never ending quest to find him a bride but warms up to a sarcastic assassin instead. He is childhood friends with the Captain, Chaol Westfall and eventually changes from an apathetic prince to wanting to become something great. He's really a sweetheart and a very likable character. He's so freakin cute.
• OUR KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR, Chaol Westfall is the first person we meet in the book after Celaena. He isn't fond of Dorian risking his life with the world's greatest assassin, but doesn't complain. At first, Chaol tried to keep his distance but eventually Celaena earns his respect and they later become friends. He also enjoys reading a good book but just doesn't have the time. You will just adore him. HE'S JUST SO ADORABLE AND A TOTAL SWEETHEART.
• Then comes our lady friend, Nehemia Ytger. She's a foreign princess from Ellywe that was sent to learn the customs of Adalarn (something like that, I forgot the country's name) and possibly to become Dorian's bride. Celaena and her befriend each other because of mutual like. In the end, you will love her. She's not there just to fill in a best friend void. No, she's here to play a part. QUICK, THE WORLD IS ENDING! The best friend actually plays a CRUCIAL role!

Sorry for the lame profiles but I guess some is better than none.

And, oh my gosh, what I love about the romance in this book is that you don't know who Celaena will end up with. Dorian AND Chaol get their fair share of momments. And trust me, you will debate who you want to end up with Celaena. IT'S SO HARD.

But in a nutshell, Throne of Glass is an book with a great plot that utilizes its characters and includes romance to an appropiate point. There is mystery and magic that you want to explore. What is killing the other contestants and who is this person who appears in Celaena's dreams (though the latter is easily answered)? ToG has an easy to relate to female heroine and you will spend an entire night just to finish it! Or at least I did... Be sure to read its sequal, Crown of Midnight, and its four prequals. More books are to appear in the series. I hope you enjoy!