The Throne of Glass

 

The Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas was positively transporting. First, I was totally transported back to my childhood when I discovered the Alana series by Tamora Pierce. Throne of Glass reminded me of her work in all the best ways : a kick butt heroine, political intrigue,engrossing world building,  and a main character that sees lines of gray when everyone else in that world sees only black and white. Calaena has two choices, die a slow death as a slave in the salt mines, or train and compete to be the King's new assassin. While she has no love for the King, she wishes for her freedom, so she competes. And while at first life at the castle seems like a major upgrade from her time in the mines, Calaena is quickly caught up in a web of political intrigue, magical stirrings, and of course a romantic triangle. I think the best comment I can give is this: I started the book in the afternoon and had to stay up until 3 a.m. to finish because I could NOT bear to leave the book unfinished. Now I'm desperate for a sequel!