The Assassin’s Blade Reading Guide

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Cover from 'The Assassin's Blade' from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

The Assassin’s Blade is the prequel and first book chronologically in the eight-book Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. It is a collection of five novellas that dive into the origins of Celaena Sardothien. At only 8 years old, Celaena is brought into the ruthless Assassin’s Guild under the tutelage of Arobynn Hamel, a power-thirsty and manipulative master. He trains her to become one of the kingdom’s most feared assassins and while she undertakes dangerous missions that take her from pirate islands to deadly deserts, Celaena begins to question his orders. In a world where no one should be trusted, she finds herself unwittingly growing closer to her fellow assassin, Sam Cortland. However, as their bond deepens, their boldness and defiance against Arobynn places both their lives at risk.

NOTE: This page contains minor spoilers.

Table of Contents

A black and white map of the continent Erilea from the Throne of Glass series created by Sarah J. Maas. To the right is the continent of Wendlyn.
Map of Erilea from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. All rights belong to the original creators.

The Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, a land rich in history and magic. To the far east of Erilea and beyond the Great Ocean lies the continent Wendlyn and to the south lies the Southern Continent. Over time, Erilea has seen the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms alongside the ebb and flow of magic. Originally, the first inhabitants were the immortal Fae and they coexisted peacefully with lesser faeries and humans for centuries. However, ten years ago magic disappeared. No one knows how, but folks whisper that the gods must have cursed them. Regardless, the King of Adarlan capitalized on the disappearance of magic and began a campaign to conquer Erilea. He initiated a campaign of destruction unlike anything the continent had ever seen, destroying and burning ancient texts, sacred sites, and anyone associated with magic, including magical beings and mortals with Fae heritage. Many Fae and magical creatures alike were forced to suppress their powers or flee and go into hiding as the continent fell under the oppressive rule of the King of Adarlan. The fall of magic in Erilea was a catastrophic and devastating tragedy with the loss of countless lives and priceless knowledge.

  • The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
  • The Assassin and the Healer
  • The Assassin and the Desert
  • The Assassin and the Underworld
  • The Assassin and the Empire
Fan art of Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass, a blonde woman with turquoise eyes, she is wearing a black hood that covers part of her face.

Celaena Sardothien

Celaena Sardothien is a young but highly-skilled assassin under Arobynn Hamel’s tutelage. She is sent on various missions around Erilea, but occasionally disobeys his orders and follows her conscience instead.

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Fan art of Sam Cortland from Throne of Glass, an attractive man with brown hair, he wears medieval leather and carries a sword. He is on a rooftop.

Sam Cortland

Sam Cortland is a fellow assassin, who is at times Celaena’s rival and at other times her closest companion.

Fan art of Ben from The Assassin's Blade, a handsome brunette man wearing medieval leather and chain mail standing in a meadow.

Ben

Ben is Arobynn's second-in-command and one of the few people Celaena trusts. He helped train her and always showed her kindness.

Fan art of Gregori from Throne of Glass, a man with dark hair and a beard drinking form a large pint of ale in a dark medieval pub.

Gregori

Gregori is a fellow assassin in the Assassin’s Guild, not particularly close to Celaena.

Fan art of Wesley from Throne of Glass, a handsome man with brown hair and brown eyes. He wears fighting leathers and is on a rooftop.

Wesley

Wesley is Arobynn Hamel’s personal bodyguard and close friend to Sam Cortland.

Fan art of Tern from Throne of Glass, a man with curly blonde hair and blue eyes, he is wearing a hood and cape and walking through a forest.

Tern

Tern is one of Arobynn's assassins. He often uses poisons.

Fan art of Mulling from Throne of Glass, a bald man with blue grey eyes, he has his arms crossed and is leaning against a stone wall.

Mulling

Mulling is another one of Arobynn’s assassins and a sycophant.

Fan art of Harding from Throne of Glass, a man with dark hair and a dark goatee. He leans on a wooden post under a canopy in a medieval street.

Harding

Harding is another one of Arobynn's assassins and a brown noser.

Fan art of Captain Fairview from Throne of Glass. A muscular pirate with a black eyepatch and wearing no shirt, he has many tattoos on his arms.

Captain Fairview

Captain Fairview serves in Rolfe’s fleet, commanding the ship The Golden Wolf.

Fan art of Captain Blackgold from Throne of Glass. A stocky pirate with a buzz cut and wearing a loose blue shirt, he stands on a ship.

Captain Blackgold

Captain Blackgold also serves in Rolfe’s fleet, commanding the ship The Loveless.

Fan art of Dia from The Assassin's Blade. A dark black man covered in sweat and with oil on his chest, he stands on a ship covered in a black cloth.

Dia

Dia is a slave, who is able to speak the common tongue since his mother was from Bellhaven and his father from Banjali

Fan art of Yrene Towers from Throne of Glass. A beautiful woman with golden skin and wearing an off the shoulder gown, she stands in a medieval pub.

Yrene Towers

Yrene Towers is a barmaid at the White Pig Inn, who dreams of becoming a healer.

Fan art of Nolan from Throne of Glass, a short and fat barkeeper, he is balding and holding a glass of beer in each hand.

Nolan

Nolan is the stingy and miserly owner of the White Pig Inn.

Fan art of Jessa from Throne of Glass, a beautiful woman with long wavy red-brown hair wearing a revealing white shirt, she stands in a bar.

Jessa

Jessa is Nolan’s favorite barmaid at the White Pig Inn.

Fan art of Josefin Towers from Throne of Glass, a beautiful black woman with long black curls and a white medieval linen dress and brown woven bodice.

Yrene's Mother

Yrene's Mother was a kind and gifted healer, who was killed during the King of Adarlan’s purge of magic.

Fan art of Falkan Ennar from Throne of Glass, a middle-aged man with graying black hair and a wrinkled face. He stands on a dock with boats behind him

Adarlanian Merchant

The Adarlanian Merchant is searching for a Stygian Spider that stole his youth, he is determined to reclaim what he sees as a bad trade.

Fan art of Cyrene from Throne of Glass, a giant black spider with glowing eyes, she is at the base of a large dark mountain.

Stygian Spiders

Stygian Spiders are giant spiders that are very intelligent and able to speak. They are known for their Spidersilk, a highly durable yet lightweight organic matter, that they trade with humans in exchange for intangibles such as dreams, hopes, youth, and memories.

Fan art of the Mute Master from the Silent Assassins, an older Arab man with no hair. He wears a white robe and stands in a crimson desert.

Mute Master

The Mute Master is a renowned assassin and head of the Silent Assassins.

Fan art of Ilias from the Silent Assassins, a handsome Arab man with wavy black hair and green eyes. He stands in a desert of red sand.

Ilias

Ilias is a Silent Assassin and son of the Mute Master. He is devoted to his trainings and meditations.

Fan art of Mikhail from The Assassin and the Desert, a handsome man with dark hair and eyes. He wears a white cape and stands in a red dust desert.

Mikhail

Mikhail is a Silent Assassin who is infatuated with Ansel of Briarcliff.

Fanart of Lord Loch from The Assassin's Blade, a medieval lord with brown hair, he leads an army of soldiers and is yelling with his fist in the air.

Lord Loch

Lord Loch is the self-anointed High King of the Wastes after he slaughtered the prior rulers of the Western Wastes.

Fan art of the Silent Assassins of the Red Desert, a row of three monks wearing white robes and hoods, they are sitting and praying in a red desert.

The Silent Assassins

The Silent Assassins are an elite, oath-bound order of assassins based in the Red Desert, known for their deadly skill and vow of silence. They are also referred to as the Sessiz Suikast.

Fan art of Lord Berick from Xandria, an older lord with long gray hair and deep-set dark eyes. He stands in front of a port city.

Lord Berick

Lord Berick is the ruler of Xandria and is trying to expand his territories.

Fan art of Ansel of Briarcliff from Throne of Glass, a gorgeous woman with red hair, brown eyes, and freckles. She stands in a red dusty desert.

Ansel of Briarcliff

Ansel of Briarcliff is an ambitious assassin-in-training at the Silent Assassins’ fortress. She hails originally from the Flatlands by the Western Wastes.

Fan art of Ansel's younger sister, a young girl with long red hair, pale skin and freckles.

Ansel's Sister

Ansel and her sister would often go on mini excursions together in their youth.

Fan art of Maddy from Throne of Glass, a young smiling girl with wavy black hair and a big smile.

Maddy

Maddy was a friend of Ansel’s sister, who would join the two sisters on their mini excursions.

Fan art of the Asterion horses from Throne of Glass, a herd of majestic horses with slender snouts and high tails running through a red dusty desert.

Asterion Horses

Asterion Horses are an incredibly valuable breed of horses, they are said to have been made from the four winds - spirit from the north, strength from the south, speed from the east, and wisdom from the west.

Fan art of Kasida from Throne of Glass, a majestic white horse running through a red sand desert with a cloud of red dust around its hooves.

Kasida

Kasida is an Asterion mare belonging to Lord Berick. Her name means Drinker of the Wind in the desert dialect, a name that indicates her exceptional speed and agility.

Fan art of Hisli from Throne of Glass, a majestic black horse with a sleek coat, kicking up a cloud of red dust behind it.

Hisli

Hisli is a beautiful Asterion mare belonging to Lord Berick. The mares are more valuable than stallions, since lineage within the breed is passed down through the mother's line.

Fan art of Madame Clarisse DuVency from Throne of Glass, an older blonde woman wearing an opulent dress and holding an embroidered fan.

Madame Clarisse DuVency

Madame Clarisse DuVency manages a prestigious brothel in Rifthold and is known for her influence in the city’s elite circles.

Fan art of Lysandra from Throne of Glass, a beautiful woman with brown hair and green eyes, she lounges on a sofa with a snow leopard behind her.

Lysandra

Lysandra is a courtesan under Madame Clarisse DuVency’s employment. She and Celaena have a bit of a rivalry.

Fan art of Sam Cortland's Mother from The Assassin's Blade, a beautiful woman with golden blonde hair wearing an elaborate turquoise dress.

Sam's Mother

Sam's Mother was one of the most successful courtesans in Rifthold. She wanted her son to be trained as an assassin after her death.

Fan art of Benzo Doneval from The Assassin's Blade, a man with short blonde hair, suntanned skin, wearing medieval leather and standing in a port city

Benzo Doneval

Benzo Doneval is a powerful businessman from Melisande.

Fan art of Leighfer Bardingale from The Assassin's Blade, a beautiful woman with long blonde hair standing on a port overlooking boats in the ocean.

Leighfer Bardingale

Leighfer Bardingale is Benzo Doneval’s ex-wife, she opposes his illicit activities.

Fan art of Philip from The Assassin's Blade, a knight in golden armor with his helmet on and standing on a harbor with boats in the background.

Philip

Philip is Benzo Doneval’s bodyguard.

Fan art of Archer Finn from Throne of Glass, an attractive man with curly wavy blonde hair, wearing a bejeweled tunic and with a roguish smile.

Archer Finn

Archer Finn is a handsome courtesan, who had briefly trained as an assassin.

Fan art of Madame Florine from Throne of Glass, an attractive mature woman with blonde hair in a neat bun and standing in a stone chapel.

Madame Florine

Madame Florine is a retired dancer, who became an esteemed dance teacher and gives Celaena free lessons.

Fan art of the King of Adarlan from Throne of Glass, a hefty man with graying hair, small beady eyes, and dark stubble, he sits on a large throne.

The King of Adarlan

The King of Adarlan is the tyrannical ruler of the Adarlan empire, a man driven by a hunger for control and conquest. He is responsible for the brutal subjugation of both humans and Fae.

Fanart of Dorian Havilliard from the Throne of Glass series. A handsome man with blue eyes and wavy brown hair and holding a golden retriever puppy.

Dorian Havilliard II

Dorian Havilliard II is the Crown
Prince of Adarlan, he is charming, clever, and a bit sheltered.

Fan art of Chaol Westfall from the Throne of Glass series. A handsome knight with tan skin, warm brown eyes, and black leather armor.

Chaol Westfall

Chaol Westfall is the Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, he is disciplined, loyal, and deeply committed to his role in protecting the Adarlan kingdom.

Fan-art of the lord of the north from Throne of Glass. A majestic white stag with large antlers and a small flame of fire between its antlers.

The Lord of the North

The Lord of the North is the spirit of Terrasen, often depicted as a white sun stag with flames between its antlers. It lives in the Oakwald Forest. The name also refers to a stag constellation that always points toward Terrasen.

“Beings of a higher, different existence. For whom time was fluid, and bodies were things to be shifted and molded. Who could exist in multiple places, spread themselves wide like nets being thrown. They were as mighty and vast and eternal as a human was to a mayfly. They had not been born in this world.” – Elena Galathynius in Empire of Storms

Fan art of Silba from Throne of Glass, a beautiful brown woman in rich purple robes and with an owl on her shoulder. Behind her are natural springs.

Silba

Silba is the goddess of healing and gentle deaths, she is symbolized by the owl, the color lavender, and the element of water. Many of the healers in the Southern Continent are descended from her.

Fan art of Kiva, the God of Atonement from Throne of Glass, a pale and bald muscular monk holding his scarred and bloody hands together in prayer.

Kiva

Kiva is the god of atonement. Arobynn Hamel often prays to him.

Fan art of Lani, the Goddess of Dreams from Throne of Glass, a silvered haired goddess with shining eyes floating in the cosmos and stars.

Lani

Lani is the goddess of dreams. Little is known about her other than that she is worshipped by white-haired priestesses.

Fan art of Arobynn Hamel from Throne of Glass, a rakishly handsome pirate with long red hair and silver eyes, he lounges on a sofa with his shirt open

Arobynn Hamel

Arobynn Hamel is the King of the Assassins and head of the Assassin’s Guild, he is ambitious and controlling. He is always willing to take advantage of every situation.

Fan art of Ioan Jayne, a large man with a big belly wearing deep rich robes and a cape from the Throne of Glass books by Sarah J. Maas.

Ioan Jayne

Ioan Jayne is the biggest crime lord in Rifthold. He is immensely wealthy and well connected with a vast network of spies throughout the city.

Fan art of Rourke Farran, a pale man with thinning black hair and wearing a simple gray tunic, holding a glass of wine from Throne of Glass.

Rourke Farran

Rourke Farran is Ioan Jayne’s second-in-command, he is notorious for his brutal torture methods and regarded as a sociopath.

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Fan art of Captain Rolfe from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, a pirate with tanned skin, wavy brown hair, and sea green eyes.

Captain Rolfe

Captain Rolfe is the Pirate Lord, he is the leader of Skull’s Bay and the Dead Islands. He is famous for the tattooed map on his hands that can locate treasure, enemy ships, and more. As a pirate, he has done many questionable things.

Fanart of Adarlan from Throne of Glass. A beautiful landscape of a city with emerald domes, white buildings, and a blue ocean in the background.

City of Adarlan

Sharing a border with Terrasen to the north, Adarlan is the dominant empire on the continent of Erilea. It is a militaristic and expansionist kingdom ruled by House Havilliard.

Fan art of Rifthold from the Throne of Glass series. A large medieval metropolis with emerald green roofs, white walled buildings, and a large river.

Rifthold

Rifthold is the glittering capital of Adarlan, built on the banks of the Avery River and with a harbor opening into the Great Ocean to the East. Despite its beauty, the city is a center of oppression.

Fan art of the Assassin's Keep in Adarlan, a luxurious white townhouse with a maze of neatly trimmed hedges and an iron wrought gate in the front.

Assassin's Keep

An elegant manor located in the upper-class neighborhood of Rifthold. Used by Arobynn Hamel as the central meeting place for his group of henchmen and assassins. Commonly referred to as the Keep.

Fan art of the Royal Theater from Adarlan, a huge theater with a central stage and rows of red and gold curtains to the side.

The Royal Theater

A grand and opulent venue in Rifthold, known for its lavish performances and elite patrons. A symbol of the empire’s wealth and power, it serves as both a cultural centerpiece and a stage for political maneuvering.

Fan art of Skull's Bay from Throne of Glass, a busy coastal port with large wooden ships in the dock and barrels and wooden crates in the streets.

Skull's Bay

A lawless pirate haven located in the Dead Islands archipelago, ruled by Captain Rolfe. The streets are lined with prostitutes, orphans, pirates, and ram shackled wooden buildings. It is renowned for its formidable defense system, the Ship-Breaker—a massive chain that can destroy any ships attempting to enter or exit the harbor without permission.

Fan art of the Loveless and the Golden Wolf from Throne of Glass, two large wooden ships on the ocean with yellow and pink clouds behind them.

The Loveless and The Golden Wolf

Two large, imposing vessels under Captain Rolfe’s control that he uses to transport cargo across the seas.

Fan art of Innish from Throne of Glass, a small port town with a harbor covered in a grey misty fog.

Innish

A small port town in Melisande and home to the fine establishment the White Pig Inn. It’s shrouded in an ever-present fog and has a distinctly fishy smell reminiscent of all port towns.

Fan art of the White Pig Inn from Throne of Glass, a wooden building with a sign of a pink pig on the front, it is located in a foggy and dark port.

The White Pig Inn

A small inn, which by regular standards would be considered pretty unremarkable, but given the limited options in Innish, is considered quite decent. Yrene works here as a barmaid.

Fan art of Melisande from Throne of Glass, a cute little village with cobblestone roads and wooden houses.

Melisande

The smallest kingdom within Erilea and known for its craftsmen and tinkerers, who are famous for their clever little hands that make clever little knick knacks such as instruments, clocks, and toys.

Fan art of the Red Desert from Throne of Glass, a vast red sand desert with sparse tufts of stiff shrubs dotted along the landscape.

The Red Desert

An expansive, arid landscape marked by endless dunes, scorching temperatures, and red sand. Isolated and treacherous, it is a place of silence and survival, home to the Silent Assassins.

Fanart of Xandria from Throne of Glass, an exotic coastal city with red sandstone buildings, vendors selling wares under canopies and boats in the bay

Xandria

The de facto capital of the Deserted Lands, Xandria is a vibrant coastal city known for its lively markets and strategic importance in trade across the south of Erilea. Its sun-drenched streets and exotic wares give it an air of wealth and mystery, making it both alluring and unpredictable.

Fan art of the Southern Continent from Throne of Glass, a vast landscape of red deserts and dry arid land.

Southern Continent

South of Erilea lies the Southern Continent, a hot and arid landmass covered mostly in deserts. Ruled by the Khaganate under Khagan Urus, it’s culture is quite distinct from Erilea. It is also home to the Torre Cesme, a school and home for gifted healers.

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Fan art of Endovier from Throne of Glass, a gray and dreary labor camp and mining operation with tall wooden scaffolding and stairways cut into stone.

Endovier

A brutal slave camp and salt mine on the Adarlan and Terrasen border. Enemies of the state such as magic wielders, rebels, and criminals are sent to toil their lives away in the mines. Thousands of prisoners labor under harsh conditions and are monitored by cruel Overseers.

Yes, there is 1 bonus chapter intended to be read after The Assassin’s Blade and before Throne of Glass.

The Captain and the Prince is a conversation between Chaol and Prince Dorian discussing who will be chosen as the Prince’s champion. 

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