The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas is the prequel book to the Throne of Glass Series. This book revolves on the back story, so that we can get a better understanding of why Caleana acts the way she does. Also we get to experience the dangerous and reckless missions that Caleana went on during her assassin years. This enables to understand her recklessness and fearlessness during her missions for the king in the second book and during the tournament in the first book. Also we can understand her frustration at not being able to beat Rowan even with her extensive training, third book.
This book is divided into five parts that invoke different emotions within the reader. The first part, “The Assassin and the Pirate Lord”, starts out by explaining her status and position in the Assassin’s Keep. It goes on to explain her first mission for Sam and shows the change in feeling for him. The first part has an ending that leave the reader with an adrenaline rush like they just got off the world’s most terrifying roller-coaster. However, the second part, “The Assassin and the Healer”, starts on a bitter note that will confuse the reader, but will pull them in. This part shows the reader the reason why Caleana should not be pissed off. During this part, the reader will be able to infer that Caleana’s heart is slowly thawing out. This part leaves the reader feeling content and wondering about the next part.

The next part, “The Assassin and the Desert”, is my personal favorite because it builds up the tensions and has an unnoticeable plot twist at the end. This part leaves the reader excited but a little disappointed. The fourth part, “The Assassin and the Underworld”, starts to emphasize on the relationship with Sam and Caleana and after the part is over, the reader will comprehend why Sam and Caleana are the best couple. Also this part creates tension in the book and leaves the reader a little confused because they won’t be able to understand where the information they got from the actual series fits with the plot of this book. The last part, “The Assassin and the Empire”, will crash the happy direction the book was going with a not so startling betrayal.
This book must be read by any Throne of Glass fans. After reading this book, the reader will suddenly understand exactly why Caleana acted the way she did in every situation presented in the series.