This review originally posted at Hooked on Books 
 This was one of those books that everyone was talking about at Book Expo America this year and I knew I had to get myself a copy. If only to see what all the fuss was about. And I'm so glad I did, because not only did I love this novel, it has become one of my favourite reads of 2012 so far. 
 A sure fire way to get me to fall in love with your novel is to have a complicated but kick ass heroine. Celaena fits this bill in every way. She can take care of herself - not only is she the most famous assassin the land, but she also survived Endovier - one of the most ruthless work camps/prisons, which no one ever returns from. But this strength and "talent" do not make her a cold person. She obviously cares about other people, and she struggles with demons of her own. I liked that she wasn't a cut and dry character and I really enjoyed getting to know her. Plus she likes to read! Hooray for bookish heroines that can kick some butt! 
 But an amazing heroine isn't the only thing that won me over to the Throne of Glass fan club. I was also entranced by Sarah J Maas' descriptive writing. Everything she wrote about felt so vivid. She's obviously a skilled writer and makes use of all five senses when depicting a scene to her reader. I often found myself re-reading passages over and over because I was blown away by beauty of the phrasing. If I can write a fantasy novel half this well, I will consider myself a success. 
 Another equally important element of this novel, however, was that Sarah J Maas knew when to stop writing. She knew when enough detail or background was enough. I wasn't overwhelmed by excess characters or annoying subplots. Everything that was in the book should be in the book, with no filler to distract the reader. That being said, I would have really liked to see more of the trials Celaena was put through and to have her interact a bit more with her fellow competitors. I felt like she wasn't given enough time to showcase her skills and abilities. She is an assassin after all. But here's hoping there will be more of that in Book 2, when she isn't so limited by guards and competing for her life. 
 Throne of Glass is an example of everything I love about fantasy novels. Great characters, beautiful settings, intricate plot lines, mysterious magical forces. I wish there were more books like this. 
 Final recommendation: Throne of Glass is a perfect read for fans of Kristin Cashore and Tamora Pierce. Or just anyone who loves strong female characters. 
 P.s. I'm also head over heels for the Captain of the Guard and his understated, tortured kind of love. *swoon*