Customer Reviews

The Assassin and the Underworld

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am surprised at how long it took me to finish this little novella. It is not a reflection on the book itself necessary, as I did like it but I just couldn't get really excited about it.

At the end of the last novella Celaena was leaving the red desert and heading back to Adarlan in order to pay off her debt and leave the services of her master, Arobynn Hamel. She had also thought through some of her feelings about Sam and was looking forward to seeing him again. So... we start this novella and what happens? She doesn't leave Arobynn Hamel (who in the last book had done enough to warrant her services as an assassin let alone not wanting to work for him any more) and then she goes back to arguing with Sam and treating him like dirt. What? Did I miss something?

Even though I felt the storyline took a bit more to get into than with the previous two novellas I still think they are important to read in order to get the full back story of Celaena. However, I do maintain that the full novel, Throne of Glass, should be read first. I am still a bit iffy about Celaena's attitude in these. She seems so humble in Throne of Glass although I'm sure that attitude is going to come from the events of the final novella and the year she spent in the prison of the salt mines. I am still unsure if I would have liked her as much as I did in Throne of Glass if I would have read these first.

There is quite a bit of character development toward the end of the novella and we see some characters for who and what they really are. I mean we did already know but it was nice for some actions to come to light so that everybody is now on the same page.

I am also missing Prince Dorian and Chaol but as she does not properly meet them until the full novel I knew they would not be a part of these novellas. Now with that said, how excited was I when Celaena is at a party and they make a surprise visit? Nothing was confirmed by names but you know while you are reading it that it is the pair of them and I couldn't stop smiling. It was quite pathetic how excited I got over the maybe half a page that they showed up. But I do really love them both so it was a lovely little surprise to see them.

I am now off to start the final novella and will be able to have that review up and posted soon. Then it will just be the wait until book 2 is out sometime next year.

Christine
Rainy Day Reads
[...]

This is the third prequel novella to Throne of Glass, the first being The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, and the second The Assassin and the Desert. Like the earlier ones, this novella gives us an episode from Celaena Sardothien's past before the events of Throne of Glass. This novella picks up immediately at her return from the desert mission in the second novella, and focuses on her life with the assassins in the city. In a way, this novella is where we see her normal world, working for the King of the Assassins and living a double life as a young society lady, whilst preparing for a job that she's been hired to do.

The title of this one is a little less literal, but still revealing as we see the dark and seedy underworld of the city that Celaena has grown up in (as well as the actual sewers, of course). The novella is about trust and love and this is the first time I was frustrated with Celaena - not anything like enough to stop reading, more like when a friend is acting like an idiot and you want to point out the obvious to them. But then, she is sixteen in these stories (as well as being extremely arrogant) and it's hardly strange for a teenager not to see what's best for them!

I relished the opportunity to 'see' the world that Celaena inhabits and has grown up in, and to see the character of Arobynn, her master, more closely. Again, I feel this novella adds to the whole Throne of Glass experience and would recommend it.

A very enjoyable book. The whole series has been very good. I am waiting for the next one. Just a shame I read them in the wrong order. although this did not make to much difference

Totally amazing I love this book and will continue to read the full story of Celeana Sardothien I love this book

Another good teaser novella to help wait for the throne of glass sequel. This one gives you more insight with her relationship with Sam.

Great stories about Celaena Sardothiens life leading up to throne of ice. Great for character development and builds on what you know from the previous stories. I read this after throne of glass and it was much enjoyed.

I loved the Throne of Glass and all the background novellas are amazing. Even though you know how it must end (as I read Throne of Glass first) the books are really gripping you and it is hard to put them down (or my kindle as the novellas are ebooks). Can't wait for the next part of the Throne of Glass.

I read this series in the wrong order and found that while still enjoyable, the books leading up to Thone Of Glass to be shorter.

I enjoyed this novella and bought after having read 'Throne of Glass'. Would buy any other book in the series.

The Assassin and the Underworld is the third of four prequel novellas that are being released in the run up to the publication of Sarah J Maas' debut novel Throne of Glass in August. I've been dying to get my hands on the book for months now so I couldn't resist picking up the novellas while I was waiting.

I've been really enjoying these novellas and they are definitely achieving the goal of building my excitement for the full length book but I have to admit that Celaena can be a bit of a frustrating heroine at times. After the things that her boss and mentor Arobynn (the King of the Assassins) has done to her in the past I found it hard to believe that she would so willingly stay with him after returning from the red desert - especially when she now has the means to make her escape. I was also surprised that she was able to trust him so quickly and I have to say I'd guessed the major plot twist fairly early on.

However, I still liked the story and I loved the fact that Sam was back in this novella - I'd really missed him in the 2nd one! He is such a great guy and I love the way he looks out for her. I do get frustrated with her for the way she treats him though and sometimes wonder if she really deserves him. She is quite young though and can sometimes be ridiculously naive so I'm hoping we'll get to see a lot of growth in her character as the story continues in Throne of Glass. I will definitely be picking up a copy of The Assassin and the Empire when it is released in July and I can't wait to get started on Throne of Glass!