Should I Read Assassin’s Blade Before Crown Of Midnight?

“Assassin’s Blade”: The Essential Prequel to Sarah J. Maas’s “Throne of Glass” Series

Enthusiastic followers of Sarah J. Maas’s enthralling “Throne of Glass” saga frequently engage in discussions over the most advantageous sequence for reading the series. The question often arises: where does the prequel anthology, “Assassin’s Blade,” slot in? While various strategies have their merits and drawbacks, delving into “Assassin’s Blade” prior to “Crown of Midnight” presents a deeper and more fulfilling journey. Let’s delve into the reasons why:

Debate Among Fans

Within the “Throne of Glass” community, lively debates thrive regarding the optimal path through the series. It extends beyond the decision of whether to introduce “Assassin’s Blade” early; the focus sharpens on precisely when to integrate it for the greatest resonance. This aspect introduces an enjoyable touch of customization to the reading journey.

Options and Their Merits

Let’s explore the most common reading approaches:

Publication Order: This follows the original sequence, placing “Assassin’s Blade” after “Crown of Midnight.” Advantages include experiencing Celaena’s narrative as it was initially unveiled, maintaining a sense of mystery, and the gradual revelation of her past throughout the early installments.

Chronological Order: Many opt for the consistency of world-building by commencing with “Assassin’s Blade.” This choice establishes Celaena’s character and circumstances before immersing into the events of “Throne of Glass.”

“After Heir of Fire” Order: Advocates of this approach suggest that to form the strongest emotional bond with certain plot elements in “Assassin’s Blade,” it’s preferable to have encountered key characters in the first three books (“Throne of Glass,” “Crown of Midnight,” “Heir of Fire”).

The Case for “Before Crown of Midnight”

Here’s why many consider it the most fulfilling option:

Enhanced Character Depth: “Assassin’s Blade” provides insights into Celaena Sardothien’s motivations in “Crown of Midnight,” illuminating her guarded nature, occasional ruthlessness, and the underlying sorrow she carries.

World-Building Advantage: Starting with “Assassin’s Blade” offers early exposure to the political tensions, the role of assassins, and the essence of Adarlan, preventing confusion and enriching comprehension of later developments.

Emotional Impact: Delving into Celaena Sardothien’s tragic past firsthand intensifies the emotional resonance of key moments in “Crown of Midnight” and beyond. Experiencing her journey of loss alongside her fosters a deeper connection, rather than learning about it retroactively.

Understanding Celaena Sardothien: The Heart of the Series

The Quest for Freedom: Since her youth, Celaena harbors aspirations of escaping her enslavement in Endovier and liberating herself from Arobynn Hamel’s manipulative influence. “Assassin’s Blade” offers poignant insights into her fervent desire for autonomy, motivating her choices even in perilous situations.

Longing for Lost Innocence: Through the stories, we witness fragments of Celaena’s once vibrant innocence and trust, shattered by profound betrayal and adversity. These glimpses render her later hardened demeanor all the more poignant and tragic.

Vulnerabilities: Beneath the Assassin’s Mask

Terror of Desertion: Celaena Sardothien‘s parental abandonment and a devastating betrayal within the Assassin’s Guild instill in her a profound dread of losing those she holds dear. This fear drives certain rash decisions and her hesitance to forge connections.

Tormented by Sorrow and Remorse: “Assassin’s Blade” unveils the enduring anguish burdening Celaena. The toll of past violence and the absence of cherished individuals ignite both her fury and bouts of introspective anguish, revealing a character richly layered beyond the confines of a mere “lethal assassin” archetype.

Shaping the Legend: Formative Events

Instincts for Survival: We observe directly how the relentless deserts, relentless mentors, and severe penalties endured during her training forge her resilience and resourcefulness. Witnessing the genesis of her survival aptitude enhances our admiration for her.

The Decision that Altered Fate: A pivotal choice Celaena faces during her missions underscores the intricate moral framework she constructs. It demonstrates her capacity for compassion juxtaposed with ruthlessness, a fundamental conflict in her persona throughout the series.

Enhanced Connection through Understanding

As “Assassin’s Blade” provides an early glimpse into the pain, desires, and formative experiences that molded Celaena, these emotions resonate with rawness and immediacy for readers throughout the broader series. Our attachment to her struggles, choices, and ultimate triumphs deepens as we have witnessed the journey that shaped her, adding layers of complexity and potency to our connection.

Filling in the Blanks: World-Building and Context

Expanding Horizons: While the initial books delve into Adarlan’s internal power dynamics, “Assassin’s Blade” broadens our scope across distant lands. Through Celaena’s missions, we glimpse the simmering tensions in other regions, hinting at broader conflicts lurking beneath the surface.

The Influence of the Assassin’s Guild: We uncover the clandestine reach and sway of the guild, not confined to Adarlan alone but extending its grasp elsewhere. This illuminates the intricate web of powers shaping Erilea’s politics and underscores the perilous realms Celaena traverses.

Factions and Upheavals: Celaena’s assignments introduce us to potential allies and adversaries. Grasping the nascent formations of these factions offers crucial context for comprehending later shifts in power dynamics and loyalties throughout the series.

Delving into the Magical System

Wyrdmarks Unveiled: In “Assassin’s Blade,” we gain glimpses into the enigmatic wyrdmarks, ancient symbols entwined with the long-forgotten Fae civilization. As Celaena unravels ancient mysteries, their origins and the tantalizing hints of their potential power grow increasingly significant.

Diverse Manifestations of Magic: Through encounters with healers, potent artifacts, and mystical beings, we unearth additional facets of magic beyond Celaena’s initial discoveries. These encounters suggest that magic hasn’t merely faded into history but persists in diverse forms across Erilea.

Key Characters and Their Impact

Rolfe, the Pirate Lord: Initially introduced briefly in “Assassin’s Blade,” Rolfe emerges as a surprisingly significant figure in subsequent books. Delving deeper into his character allows readers to better gauge his interactions with Celaena in future storylines, discerning whether he might become an ally or a foe.

Ilias, the Master Assassin: As an enigmatic mentor, Ilias sheds light on Arobynn Hamel’s past, offering insights into their conflicting ideologies and how they each choose to mentor Celaena. These differences directly impact the events of “Crown of Midnight” and beyond.

Unforeseen Connections: Encounters with lesser-known characters from various kingdoms yield delightful revelations for readers as they recognize the unexpected roles these minor figures play in Celaena’s journey throughout the main series.

Understanding these additional facets of Erilea enhances the overarching narrative of the series. Readers gain insight into the interconnected politics of Erilea, the enduring influence of magic, and the significance of individuals Celaena encounters in shaping the unfolding events.

Emotional Payoff: Understanding a Key Relationship

The Birth of Hope and Trust

A Counterpoint to Arobynn: While Arobynn epitomizes manipulation and dominance, Sam embodies kindness and genuine affection. “Assassin’s Blade” grants us a glimpse of Celaena opening her heart after years of fortifying herself, reminding us of her innate longing for genuine connection.

Shared Aspirations: Sam and Celaena bond over their shared ambition to break free from constraints and forge their own paths in life. This mutual yearning for freedom reverberates in decisions she continues to make even after his passing, illustrating Sam’s lasting influence on her aspirations.

Glimpses of Vulnerability: In Sam’s presence, Celaena allows herself to reveal moments of authentic joy, playfulness, and vulnerability. This sharp contrast to her usual guarded demeanor lends profound depth to her character, enriching our understanding of her complexities in subsequent books.

Understanding Grief and Its Aftershocks

Heartbreaking Loss: The brutal demise of Sam serves as a pivotal moment in Celaena’s journey. This profound tragedy solidifies her reluctance to trust her emotions and fosters a hesitancy toward future relationships.

Survival’s Echo: Sam’s poignant words, “I will not be afraid,” resonate as a mantra that Celaena carries throughout the series. In moments of darkness, she clings to this echo of him, illustrating the enduring strength of their connection beyond the veil of death.

Burden of Guilt: Despite understanding intellectually that she isn’t to blame for Sam’s fate, Celaena grapples with lingering what-ifs and a sense of culpability. Her subsequent unwavering determination is fueled in part by a need to “avenge” his death and safeguard against further tragedy.

Heightened Impact in Later Books

Emotional Defenses: Understanding Celaena’s profound loss fosters greater empathy for her guarded emotional facade and reluctance to fully invest in relationships with both Chaol and Dorian. Her defensive stance isn’t born of cruelty but rather a palpable fear of enduring such profound grief again.

Honoring Sacrifice: References to Sam in subsequent books serve as poignant reminders of sacrifices made for both love and personal convictions. His willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good shapes Celaena’s perception of genuine heroism.

Persistent Sorrow: Despite forming new bonds, Celaena Sardothien never truly moves past the loss of Sam. Evocative mentions of him evoke waves of grief that humanize her, revealing that even the strongest are not immune to the wounds of loss.

Sam’s absence looms large in Celaena’s journey. With the deep insights provided in “Assassin’s Blade,” he evolves from a peripheral figure to a driving force within Celaena’s emotional narrative.

Sarah J. Maas’s Recommendation

The Author’s Intent:

Intentional Veils of Secrecy: It’s likely that Maas penned “Throne of Glass” with the deliberate intention of keeping Celaena’s past shrouded in mystery. The early installments tantalize readers with hints of heartache and tragedy, heightening her allure.

Intrigue Woven around Sam: Mentions of Sam Cortland in “Crown of Midnight” immediately spark inquiries: Who was he? What befell him? This curiosity injects tension into the narrative, propelling the quest for answers forward.

Preserving Revelatory Moments: By withholding detailed revelations about Celaena’s history, the narrative allows for genuine surprises in her character arc to unfold naturally in subsequent books, enhancing their impact.

Benefits of Maas’s Suggested Order

Witnessing Celaena’s Evolution: Diving into “Throne of Glass” introduces us to the arrogant and brash Celaena, leaving a strong initial impression. However, peeling back the layers of her past in “Assassin’s Blade” enriches her character development, adding depth to her struggles in “Crown of Midnight.”

Appreciating Emotional Depth: Approaching Celaena’s character without the context of the prequel allows readers to grapple with her more ruthless or flawed decisions initially. As the layers of her past are revealed in “Assassin’s Blade,” understanding blooms, offering insight into the complexities behind her choices.

Sustaining Narrative Momentum: Introducing “Assassin’s Blade” between “Throne of Glass” and “Crown of Midnight” may disrupt the narrative flow established in the first book and carried into the second. Maas likely aimed to maintain this momentum to keep readers fully engaged.

Why the Publication Order Doesn’t Match:

It’s essential to keep in mind that “Assassin’s Blade” was conceived after the initial triumph of “Throne of Glass.” It was intended as a treat for dedicated fans craving deeper insights, while also ensuring that newcomers could enjoy the early books with Celaena’s past gradually unveiled.

Ultimately, the “optimal” reading order is subjective. Maas’s recommendation seeks to enhance the sense of mystery and gradual character development she initially crafted, resulting in a unique reader journey.

The Argument for Alternate Orders

The Chronological Approach: “Assassin’s Blade” as the Foundation

Pros:

World-Building Clarity: Starting with “Assassin’s Blade” establishes a cohesive understanding of the political landscape, the rules of magic, and introduces key players early on, preventing confusion or disorientation later.

Full Context for Celaena: Seeing Celaena’s early experiences sets a clear understanding of her skills and motivations from the start. This might offer more immediate sympathy for her in “Throne of Glass” where she can come across as prickly.

Cons:

Loss of Mystery: The surprise of learning about Celaena’s tragic past is partially muted, as you witness it rather than uncover it piece by piece in the main series.

Interrupted Pacing: Shifting gears after the action-packed ending of “Throne of Glass” to step back in time may be jarring for some who want to keep the narrative momentum rolling.

The “Post Heir of Fire” Approach: Maximum Emotional Impact

Pros:

Increased Emotional Weight to Sam: By having read the first three books, you’re already invested in Celaena’s relationships with Chaol and Dorian. Learning the extent of her relationship with Sam carries significantly more emotional weight due to those bonds formed by the reader.

Enhanced Appreciation for Growth: You get a stark “before and after” with Celaena by observing the confident assassin in the early books, then learning the events that made her that way. It highlights her evolution throughout the series.

Cons:

Potential Confusion: “Heir of Fire” introduces multiple storylines and characters. Reading “Assassin’s Blade” after may be disorienting if you’ve bonded with those characters who were absent from the prequel.

Delaying Character Backstory: It’s the longest wait to get more backstory on Celaena. Some readers find this wait unsatisfying and prefer having answers sooner.

Personal Preference is Key

Truly, there’s no strictly “right” or “wrong” answer. The ideal reading order comes down to what kind of experience you value most as a reader. Consider:

Do you thrive on clear world-building and in-depth character backgrounds from the start? The chronological order may suit you best.

Do you enjoy gradual discovery, mysteries to unravel, and experiencing plot surprises alongside the characters? Then Maas’s suggested order offers the path for you.

Are you most focused on having the strongest emotional experience possible, even if it requires waiting? Opt for the “after Heir of Fire” approach.

Final Verdict: Read it Before “Crown of Midnight”

Enhanced World-Building

Political Tapestry: “Assassin’s Blade” sheds light on tensions between Adarlan and other territories, foreshadowing the looming dangers on the horizon. Grasping these power dynamics early adds weight to alliances, betrayals, and the increasing complexities that Celaena navigates.

Understanding “Normalcy”: We witness Celaena Sardothien functioning in a pre-Endovier capacity as an assassin. Seeing her in a more controlled setting helps define what exactly sets her apart and underscores how truly formidable she becomes. This also clarifies why she feels restricted at the beginning of “Throne of Glass.”

The Magical Thread: Hints about the Wyrdmarks and various forms of magic in “Assassin’s Blade” become essential puzzle pieces later on. It introduces the concept that magic still influences Erilea despite being mostly dormant, leading to greater appreciation for its eventual resurgence.

Deeper Emotional Connection to Celaena

Vulnerability Beneath the Facade: Witnessing Celaena’s youthful hope and heartbreak allows for greater empathy with her emotional armor throughout the later series. It clarifies her inner turmoil beyond the “deadly assassin” exterior that we initially see.

Motivation vs. Manipulation: Understanding her fierce longing for freedom and how it was exploited emphasizes the profound difference between Celaena’s ambitions and the control schemes employed by figures like Arobynn and later, the King of Adarlan.

Echoes of Loss: Celaena’s grief and guilt play a far more complex role in her arc when the true source is clear. Seeing the origins of these issues makes her struggle with them seem more multi-dimensional and less cliché.

A Strong Foundation for the Series

Informed Interpretations: Knowing Celaena’s history changes how readers can interpret her actions in “Crown of Midnight” and beyond. Choices that may seem callous initially make more sense in the context of what she’s endured.

Raised Stakes: Understanding the power of figures like Arobynn highlights the genuine menace Celaena faces when battling powerful forces. It’s not just about physical danger, but the insidious, long-term mental effects of the situations she is placed in.

Increased Dramatic Irony: Readers with the deeper knowledge from “Assassin’s Blade” will pick up on certain foreshadowing or remarks and experience a heightened emotional response from anticipation, or dread, that first-time readers wouldn’t.

The prequels fundamentally shift how events and Celaena’s character are perceived in subsequent books. This creates a rich, fulfilling literary experience offering nuanced layers you don’t get by taking other reading routes.