Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
by: Sarah J. Maas
Published: August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children's
E-ARC-Received from publisher
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
Well, it was wayyy back in 2002. I was sixteen years old, and at home one night, listening to the soundtrack to Disney’s Cinderella. Upon hearing the music that accompanies the moment when Cinderella flees the ball, I thought that it was pretty dark and intense—and way-better suited for a story where Cinderella had done something REALLY bad. Like…steal from the prince. Or—even better, what if Cinderella was an assassin sent to the ball to kill the prince? Thus Celaena Sardothien (the heroine of Throne of Glass) was born.
2) What's one thing my readers would be surprised to learn about you?
Hmmm. I was in a Goosebumps book when I was younger. Yep. R. L. Stein’s kids went to my elementary/middle school, and for the annual fundraising auction, he donated a prize to have your kids’ names in his next Goosebumps novel. Well, I was a R. L. Stein fanatic, so my parents were awesome and bid on it—and won. So, Sarah Maas will forever be the heroine of The Curse of Camp Cold Lake (my little brother, Aaron, also got to have his name in the book).
3) What are you working on right now?
Book Two of the Throne of Glass series! I’m just starting revisions based on my editor’s feedback! And, as always, I’m just fiddling with a bunch of other, secret, non-TOG projects. ;)
4) What have you found to be the most difficult in the writing process ie: the writing, or the promoting?
Finding a balance between writing, promotion, and having a healthy social life. I think I’m still figuring out how to juggle it all, honestly.
5) What books have you read lately, any recommendations?
Recent releases?
Melina Marchetta’s Lumatere Chronicles (starting with Finnikin of the Rock).
Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard.
Shadow & Bone by Leigh Bardugo.
Legend by Marie Lu.
Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.
Um, I could go on and on and on, because there are so many fabulous YA books out there right now.
6) I read that you grew up in New York, what a great experience. What would you say is your favorite NYC attraction(s)?
If I had to pick just one…Well, for me, it’d be the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center. It’s where the American Ballet Theatre performs, and it’s probably my favorite place in the whole world. Growing up (and until I moved to California), my family had season tickets to ABT, and I just have the most lovely memories associated with the Opera House.
Though I also have a major soft spot for The American Museum of Natural History (I spent countless hours roaming the halls when I was a kid)
7) Dream Sequence: Your book has been opted for a film, what actors would you like to see played as your characters?
Celaena: Jennifer Lawrence
(she was my perfect Celaena BEFORE she was cast in The Hunger Games!)
(she was my perfect Celaena BEFORE she was cast in The Hunger Games!)
Dorian: Drew Roy
Chaol: Sam Worthington
Princess Nehemia: Kat Graham
8) Think about your favorite film, now you’re inside that movie, what character would you be, and why?
Oh, I think I’d want to be Sophie from Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s not my favorite-favorite film (definitely in my top 10 though), but it’s SUCH a magical film and magical world, and I have a major crush on Howl. :)
9) If you could travel anywhere, real or fantasy world, where would you go and why?
Gahhhh. Tough question.
Let’s just keep it to this world, so this answer isn’t a million pages long. There are so many places on earth that I’d love to go to—so many things to see and people to meet that I honestly can’t pick one.
But…My grandma is a holocaust survivor—and as a child, she was smuggled around Europe, hidden in people’s houses and in schools and churches. I’d love to someday follow the path she took, and try to find the descendants of the people who risked everything to get her to safety. It’d be the trip of a lifetime—and an honor.
10) Finish this sentence: I can't live without __________?
COFFEE. (Not even joking.)
OK, here are some fun questions:
This or That
Summer or Winter? Autumn! Ha, sorry. Autumn is my favorite season—I’ve never been that into summer or winter (though now that I live in California, we don’t even have seasons.)
Coffee or Tea? COFFEE.
Cake or Pie? Cake!!!
Harry Potter or Twilight? Harry Potter, please! :)
Little Mermaid or Snow White? Little Mermaid, all the way!
TV or Movies? Oof. Um. UM. Movies. No. TV. Agh. Both. BOTH! (This is the most impossible question ever!)
Captivating and thrilling! You will fall for Miss Maas writing style, with fantastic world building, you will become lost within the pages of Throne Of Glass
Celaena, a heroine that I adore and wouldn't mind befriending, has spent countless days as a prisoner in the salt mines of Endovier, as a prisoner/slave, whom manages to survive day by day in this ghastly place, where prisoners usually die within 3-6 month time span.
When all seems to be lost and all hope gone, for our heroine, hope comes in the form of a group of men, and a proposition that may be too hard to refuse. This proposition, involves a death match of sorts, and freedom granted from the King himself . So, of course Calaena is eager to start but she must train vigorously and must sparr with the worst of them, she also must stay in the Kings castle, heavily watched over by numerous guards. Celaena is none to happy over being in the ice castle and is defiant verbally with those whom are trying to help. Slowly, Celaena builds relationships with the Captain of the guard, Chaol, Prince Dorrian, and Princess Nehemia.
When all seems to be lost and all hope gone, for our heroine, hope comes in the form of a group of men, and a proposition that may be too hard to refuse. This proposition, involves a death match of sorts, and freedom granted from the King himself . So, of course Calaena is eager to start but she must train vigorously and must sparr with the worst of them, she also must stay in the Kings castle, heavily watched over by numerous guards. Celaena is none to happy over being in the ice castle and is defiant verbally with those whom are trying to help. Slowly, Celaena builds relationships with the Captain of the guard, Chaol, Prince Dorrian, and Princess Nehemia.
With the tournament under way with twenty participants, whom will, one at a time be eliminated after each round. A participant's death has surfaced within the castle walls, then the mystery begins of the who? what? where? is killing more of them off. More mysteries come into light and I found them highly enjoyable as Miss Maas weaves an intricate story, that will have you enjoying every minute of it.
With a killer on the loose, Celaena is in full detective mode. She comes through with answers and manages to raise suspicion within her friends or foe. She is a strong, likable protaginist, who I just enjoy reading about.
Keenly away of her surroundings and highly mature for her age, we do see glimpse of Celaena's softer side and we actually see Celaena enjoying herself at times, as well as being her naturally carefree self.
Keenly away of her surroundings and highly mature for her age, we do see glimpse of Celaena's softer side and we actually see Celaena enjoying herself at times, as well as being her naturally carefree self.
A blossoming relationship seems to be really budding in this book, and I highly enjoy the bantor of the Prince and Celaena, but that may be as far as we get as the relationship between these two is forbidden, but I'm not sure anything or anyone can pull these two apart.
I really enjoyed reading all 4 novella's as well as this book and I am a fan of Sarah's, now as well, I am highly awaiting book #2 in the series to see Celaena's adventure continue.....
Thank you Bloomsbury for inviting me on the tour and for the review arc of Throne Of Glass.
5/5 Stars
Since I loved this book I decided to share my love with a giveaway!
Check out the rules below, Good Luck!
- Enter to win 1 copy of Throne Of Glass
- Must fill rafflecopter form
- Must be 13 yrs. older
- Winner will have 48hrs. to respond to winning e-mail
- Open to all (INT)
- open 8/22-9/14
Thanks so much for the giveaway, i had heard and read review and found that this book is really amazing, hope i have a chance to win and read this book :)
ReplyDeletethxs for the giveaway
ReplyDeletefrst time i heard abt this book it seems rather interesting
hope i get the chance to read it
resha
I don't read reviews before I read the book. Mostly because I want to find out the character's names from the book. I don't want to know anything about the book, except if it is good or bad. Just tell me that the book is amazing, and I will read it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd because many of my friends, bloggers, and authors told me how great this book is, I want to read it as soon as possible! :)
Thank you so much for the giveaway!
I love the dream cast. I can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the awesome giveaway. I've heard great things about the book and I'm dying to read it. The excerpt I read a while back was amazing. I hope I win! lol...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for this book to finaly read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks form the giveaway!
Heard so many great things about this book! Definitely in my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview! I can't wait to read this book ! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview..and i love this book its in my top 5 for 2012 so far!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I've been curious to read this book for a long time.
ReplyDeleteIncredible interview!! I think I want Sarah as a bestie now :) 1. how cool of her parents to bid and win to get her in a RL Stein Goosebumps book! 2. what a cool childhood to spend time in museums (and that she actually appreciated them!) 3. and I really hope she splurges and takes that trip to Europe - you can pass up on something like that, even if you can't find any descendants...
ReplyDeleteGreat reviews, Lisa! Thanks for having a giveaway, too!!
I'm in love with the idea of this book, and I've heard nothing but good things about it.
ReplyDeletei have heard such awesome things about this book! thank you for the contest!
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought the story started with a soundtrack! Also, awesome that she appeared as a character in a R.L. Stine novel! On a sidenote: completely agree - life without coffee is impossible.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your review! I'm very much looking forward to reading the book, even though I've herad mixed things about it :) Thanks for the giveaway!
I've heard some different things about this book, mostly good though :) so I'm super excited to read it myself! The premise of the book is really intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveawayy!
This sounds great!! Id love to read it! Thanks for sharing and for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteshadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you! I love the cover. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for a fabulous post and giveaway! I been reading such awesome reviews for this book and I've just downloaded the novellas :) Can't wait to start reading!!!
ReplyDeleteI love how it was inspired by Cinderella! I can't wait to read it :)
ReplyDeleteCool. I really want this book. Been on my list.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful giveaway! Throne of Glass sounds so interesting, I've read many good reviews about this book and its great to see what the author has to say :) I'd love to read it!
ReplyDeleteAfter all of the praise and hype surrounding Throne of Glass, I do believe if I don't get my hands on it soon I might just go nuts. I really enjoyed the interview, and the "dream" cast. I haven't even read the book yet, and I think Jennifer Lawrence would be perfect. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and thanks for yet another awesome giveaway! Book sounds interesting. I've wanted to check it out but haven't gotten around to it yet. After hearing so many good things about it, maybe I'll move it up my list :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway and Interview!
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I loved this one too. Chaol *swoon* :) And an excellent interview, from Cinderella, you get an assassin, definitely imaginative lol. And how cool that you got your name in Goosebumps. I hope you still have a copy :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great Interview. I'm also inspired by fairy tales and myths and I LOVE a good museum. :) Book looks awesome, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI loved the interview! I can't believe that the concept came from the Cinderella score. So cool. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletesounds a great book....thx u for the chance for winning it :)
ReplyDeleteI really want to read Throne of Glass, synopsis sounds interesting :)
ReplyDeletethanks for giveaway^^
Awesome interview and review. I can't wait to read this one.
ReplyDeleteJenea @ Books Live Forever
I loved Throne of Glass and love the actor/actress choices made for if Throne of Glass was a movie.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so good. Can't wait to read it! :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe she had her name in a goosebumps book. wow.
ReplyDeleteThe books sounds great, I love hearing about how authors came up with the concept of their novels and hers is an interesting tale. And Sarah seems like such an interesting person, her interview was fun to read. Great giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this book! It seems amazing and the cover is so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win it :)
Ah~ cutest interview, Sarah seems so sweet. And I love that she loves Howl's Moving Castle! Me too~~~ I've been looking forward to reading this and plan to get it soon :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely adore Howl's Moving Castle! Would she want to be the Sophie from the movie or books though? I found that they were a little bit different in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to read Glass of Thrones.That was an interesting little addition to the review. :)
ReplyDeleteYay, been wanting to read this book for ages! It sounds really good =D x
ReplyDeleteAhhh-turned onto another author! The winters last forever here in Wisconsin!
ReplyDeleteWill have to look into this series!
Great review...Sarah is a sweetheart!
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
I see this book on blogs everywhere. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI've been wanting to read this book so much! Great interview as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm dying to read this book! Thank you for the whole post, I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! :)
ReplyDeleteI just love the cover and the synopsis! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteHowl's Moving Castle! If that isn't one of the most romantic movies of all time I don't know what is!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for hte giveaway! I would love to read the book and see if my dream cast matches up! :)
I have now this book on my wishlist. Thank you for posting! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the interview, i'm really dying to read this book! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love Howl's Moving Castle! It's one of my favorites :D
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh!! I would totally be Sophie too!! Howl's Moving Castle is one of my favorites :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveawa
ReplyDeleteThis book looks amazing, i cant live without coffee too :)
Great interview and amazing giveaway! I've heard so many great things about this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!!
ReplyDeleteI really want this book! Sarah looks remarkably, just like Jennifer Lawrence!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity and I will be visiting this blog often-coming back to grab your button after I re-launch my blog!
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview and review! Throne of Glass is definitely one of my next must-read! :D
ReplyDeleteLove it!! Can't wait to read this book. I've read a lot of great reviews about this:))
ReplyDeletesounds great! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! Sarah must be very proud to have her book finally published!
ReplyDeleteit sounds soo great! :D Can't wait to read it! Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! Really looking forward to reading this!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway!! I loved this book!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the giveaway. I'd really love to read this book :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. You must have been the envy of all the kids, being in a Goosebumps book.
ReplyDelete