The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass # 0)

 First off, I recommend reading this book in between the 2nd and 4th books in the Throne of Glass series. 

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord

So much happens in this first story. There is so many twists and turns. Deceptions are revealed but for some reason Celaena and Sam still trust their leader or so it seems. 

Celaena and Sam travel to Skull's Bay together on their leader's orders. At this point, they despise each other which is interesting given that they end up together. However, this is set aside when they find out they were sent there to broker a slave deal they didn't know about. She wants to free the slaves but Sam thinks it is too risky. They end up arguing about it which apparently is something they do a lot. 

I enjoy the insight into Celaena's character as well as her fellow assassins. It provides a background on her that helps to understand her actions and beliefs in later books.

The Assassin and the Healer

The background of how Yrene Towers and Celaena meet was an interesting addition to this story. 

The Assassin and the Underworld

Celaena returns from silent assassins to the keep with her recommendation letter. Arobynn begs for her forgiveness and wants to make it up to her. She has money to settle her debts but decides to wait. 

Why does she want to wait? Arobynn has been manipulating her from the start. Is it because of Sam? 

He gives her a mission to kill Doneval who is planning to invest in slaves. 

Relying on her good nature and her dislike of slavery. 

I liked knowing how Celaena and Sam came to be free from Arobynn. I just wish that they had become free sooner.

The Assassin and the Empire

Sam is dead and Celaena is enslaved. I don't know what else to say besides the fact that the ending is well written but so sad.