Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)

 

While this book sets up the other books in the series, as all first books do, it also has a fair amount of intrigue and surprises. Often you are led to believe one thing when the opposite turns out to be true. 

Celaena and the other potential champions face numerous challenges in their quest to become the King's Champion. However, something or someone is trying to sabotage the competition and it's not the person you think it is. 

This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially if they enjoy a book that has a few twists along the way. 

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD 

We open with Calaena in Endovier, a labor camp where she is a slave. She is taken out of the mines after her day and led through a building by Chaol, the captain of the royal guard. She assumes she is about to be executed by instead comes face to face with the Crown Prince of Adarlan. He gives her an opportunity to win her freedom: win his father's competition, become his champion, and gain her freedom. They travel to Rifthold, the capital of Adarlan. 

The competition begins and almost at once, it becomes clear that something is wrong. One of the contestants in the contest turns up dead. And more follow. Elena, the first princess of Terrasen, comes to her and tasks her to become the king's champion and destroy the evil in the castle. 

A test is canceled because another champion was found dead. First, Celeana suspects Nehemia, the princess of Elywe but soon learns that Cain is the culprit. 

Finally, the day of the final test arrives. Celeana beats Grave in her duel then she faces Cain. However, she is poisoned. She sees creatures that Cain has summoned. Elena appears and removes the poison from her system. She beats Cain and he tries to kill her. But Choal kills him and Celeana becomes the King's champion. 

Overall, a great book, I have read it several times