This is actually 3.5 stars, but I'd rather round up than down for this one! 
 I'm wrote this before moving onto the next book in the series, which I did straight away. I enjoyed spending time with the characters of the first book and want to know what happens next. 
 The world building here is impressive, although I thought more explanation of the magical shenanigans would have been helpful. There is also some "foreign terms fatigue", which many first installments seem to suffer from. Understandably, the author needs to introduce us to the main places and people in her world, but perhaps there is some way to do this to make them easier to remember? There were a few points where I thought, "Who's that again?" and "Where's that and why do we care?" And that was reading the book in 2 or 3 sittings and I have quite a good short-term memory! 
 The love triangle wasn't annoying which is an achievement all in itself. I'm a bit behind with the Throne of Glass phenomenon, so I don't know if there are "Team Chaol" and "Team Dorian" camps, much like with Twilight. But if they are, I am Team Chaol all the way. It's not that Dorian is unlikeable, but come on! The book is almost hitting the reader over the head with a stick to point out who is the most suitable suitor. [SPOILER ALERT] I never had more respect for Celaena than when she dumps the Crown Prince at the end. Too right! Most sensible decision she makes in the entire book. 
 As a young heroine, Celaena is brave and intelligent, but I hope she will mature and make some more sensible decisions in the rest of the series (she is only eighteen). I know we've all sat up into the early hours reading a good book, but I'd hope none of us had life-threatening trials against trained killers the next day. 
 All in all, a good start to the series. I hope Sarah J. Maas can maintain the standard in the following installments.