By: Sarah J. Maas
Calaena Sardothien has spent a year in the salt mines at Endovier in the harshest of conditions. As the most renowned assassin in Ardalan, Calaena is plucked from the mines and offered a chance at freedom. She must compete against thieves and assassins across the kingdom for the opportunity to be the royal assassin. After she has served 4 years, she will have her freedom.
It is no secret that I have a soft spot for thieves and assassins. Especially when they are girls that exceed expectations. With all the elements of books that I have loved, I thought that this one was a sure winner.
However, I found myself confused and slightly disappointed by Calaena. In the first few chapters I was charmed by her wit and unwavering courage. I was baffled at her frequent mentions of how much she enjoyed clothes and shopping, but that this facet of her personality didn't seem to be consistent with the rest of her. She also seemed remarkably tame for an assassin and easily trusted those around her even after a year in the mines.Though there was a lot of talk of windpipe crushing and head bashing, there was very little of the blood and gore that I expected.
Calaena's inconsistencies continued with her relationship with Prince Dorian and her trainer Chaol Westfall. There is some reference to Calaena's distaste for Dorian's family, though it isn't fully explained. Perhaps a little more introspection into Calaena's past and her connection with the royal family would have helped me really get what her motivations were.
There were so many great things going on with the story, but I kept getting pulled out by Calaena's inconsistencies. Try as I might, I just could not nail her down. In the end, I saw it through because I saw great promise in the supporting characters (particularly Princess Nehemia and Chaol) and the overall story.
Despite my disappointment, there is still a chance that I may pick up the sequel next year. If only to see how the villainy of the King pans out.
This is the first review I've read that hasn't been 4 or 5 stars. That's too bad that Calaena's character wasn't consistent:P I think I'll still give this book a try because I love fantasy:) Great review!
ReplyDelete-Danna
I love fantasy as well. But, there was just something missing from this book.
DeleteI really loved this book. This is the second review I've seen that expected more violence and gore, which kind of makes me chuckle. I have to agree, though, because I thought there would be more violence....
ReplyDeleteWell, if it's a book about an assassin, in a competition of assassins, you just expect a fair amount of violence. Rather than talking about clothes and shoes and stuff. :)
DeleteThis book is EVERYWHERE lol. I have a thing for female assassins and thieves too.. so I will probably pick it up.
ReplyDeletethanks for the review!
Sarah
That Bookish Girl
Thanks for stopping by Sarah!
DeleteI've seen a number of more critical reviews after that initial onslaught of rave reviews. I'm actually glad to go into the book with more tempered expectations. Too bad it didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteIt really read more like a paranormal romance than a fantasy to me. Which was a major bummer. I'll be interested to see what you think once you've read it.
DeleteI've heard a lot of mixed things on Calaena that I'm picking up this book with how I'll react to her in the forefront of my mind. I hope I do like her and enjoy her characterization so that I don't feel pulled out of her story.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that you like it. But, you'll have to let me know what you think.
DeleteI really loved this book it's one of the ones I've read this year that stands out to me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you liked it!
DeleteI've seen a few reviews for this, and everyone else seems to love this book. Too bad you were a little disappointed. I'm still excited to read this though.
ReplyDelete