If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that my reading habits can only be described as voracious—whether it's epic fantasies, thrilling mysteries, or emotionally charged romances, I devour them all. But today, I’m here to talk about a book that has long held a special place in my heart, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. I first read this series after a friend got me hooked on the entire series of A Court of Thorns and Roses (Sarah J Maas is amazing!). The ACOTAR series will also always have a special place in my heart! (I am so excited for the next book in this series!)
This isn’t just a review, though—it’s a second look, deep dive into this beloved novel. The first time I read the Throne of Glass Series, I sped through it going as fast as I could to get to the final book, Kingdom of Ash, because I just had to know what happened next. To be honest, I didn't even read assassin's blade. But this time around, I took my time, savoring the main character, the intricate world-building, and the powerful themes woven throughout the novel.
If you’re a fan of re-reads, you’ll know that the second time around often allows for a deeper connection with the story—and Throne of Glass is no exception.
A Quick Recap: What’s Throne of Glass All About?
For those who might need a quick refresher, Throne of Glass follows the journey of an 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien, who has been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier for a year. She is offered a shot at freedom, but it comes with a catch—she must compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion, other wise known as the new Royal Assassin. Celaena’s journey from an imprisoned assassin to a court contender for the King’s Champion is packed with action, intrigue, romance, and plenty of plot twists. And beyond the plot, what makes Throne of Glass so captivating is its rich themes and tropes that resonate deeply with readers.
Themes in Throne of Glass
1. Freedom and Redemption
At its core, Throne of Glass is a story about the quest for physical and emotional freedom. The first book begins with Celaena in the bleak salt mines of Endovier, a place where her freedom has been stripped away, and it’s through this lens that we first experience her desperation for liberty. But freedom in Throne of Glass is more than just physical—it’s also deeply emotional. Celaena is burdened by her past, weighed down by her actions as Adarlan’s most feared and deadly assassin. Throughout the novel, she seeks not only to escape her literal imprisonment but also to redeem herself in her own eyes.
On this second read, I found Celaena’s internal struggle for redemption to be particularly poignant. She’s a character shaped by loss, betrayal, and violence, but her journey is also about rediscovering her humanity. Her relationships—with Dorian, Chaol, and Nehemia—play a pivotal role in helping her remember that she’s more than just a weapon.
2. Power and Corruption
The kingdom of Adarlan is a prime example of what unchecked power can do. The king’s regime is steeped in corruption, oppression, and brutality, and it’s this atmosphere that drives the entire plot. Celaena’s journey isn’t just about winning a tournament—it’s about navigating a court rife with political intrigue, backstabbing, and dangerous secrets. Sarah J Maas uses Adarlan to explore how power can corrupt individuals and systems. Her writing style kept me interested throughout the entire book.
One thing that struck me on this re-read is how Sarah J Maas doesn’t just show corruption through the obvious villains, like the king. We also see shades of it in characters who are morally gray, including the female characters, like Celaena herself. As readers, we are forced to question what makes someone truly “good” or “bad,” and whether the pursuit of power—whether for revenge, freedom, or justice—can ever be without consequence.
3. Identity and Transformation
Celaena’s journey is also one of self-discovery. Throughout Throne of Glass, she struggles with her dual identities: Celaena Sardothien, the assassin, and Aelin Galathynius, the lost heir to a fallen kingdom. While the Aelin identity isn’t revealed fully until later in the series, we see the seeds of it in Throne of Glass. Celaena’s transformation from a young assassin to a hero is one of the most compelling aspects of the novel.
On my first read, I was so swept up in the action and her desperate quest that I didn’t fully appreciate the subtleties of this theme. But on this second read, I found myself captivated by the small moments where Celaena questions who she really is—and whether she can ever be more than the monster others see her as.
Tropes: Love Triangle, Forced Proximity, and Enemies to Lovers
One of the reasons I initially sped through Throne of Glass was because of its use of classic tropes that never fail to hook me. I have a deep love for well-executed tropes, and Sarah J Maas definitely knows how to deliver on these fronts. Let’s dive into a few of the most prominent ones in the novel.
1. Love Triangle
Ah, the classic love triangle. In Throne of Glass, we find Celaena caught between two men—Prince Dorian Havilliard and Captain Chaol Westfall. Love triangles can sometimes feel overdone, but what makes this one work is the complexity of the relationships. It’s not just about romantic tension—both Dorian and Chaol bring out different sides of Celaena. The love interest she has with Dorian, where his kindness and empathy, represents the softer, more hopeful side of Celaena’s future. Versus the love interest she has with Chaol, who with his duty-bound nature and sense of honor, appeals to Celaena’s darker, more pragmatic side.
As someone who loves a good slow-burn romance, the dynamics between these three characters kept me hooked. And while we all have our “teams”, what I appreciated most on this second read was how Maas uses the love triangle to explore Celaena’s own internal conflict—her desire for love versus her fear of vulnerability.
2. Forced Proximity
Another trope that Sarah J. Maas uses to great effect in Throne of Glass is forced proximity. Celaena is literally thrown into close quarters with Dorian, Chaol, and all of the other different characters of the court as part of the King’s Champion tournament. This trope works so well here because it forces Celaena to confront her trust issues. As a young assassin, she’s been trained to rely on no one but herself. Yet, being stuck in the castle, surrounded by potential allies (and enemies), pushes her to open up—albeit reluctantly.
On a thematic level, the forced proximity trope in Throne of Glass highlights one of the novel’s key messages: that true strength often comes from allowing others in. Celaena may be one of the most notorious assassin in the lands, but even she can’t survive alone.
3. Enemies to Lovers
While the full enemies-to-lovers arc doesn’t come into play until later books, the seeds of it are planted in Throne of Glass—particularly in Celaena’s interactions with Chaol. They don’t start out as enemies per se, but there’s a definite tension between them that slowly evolves into something more. Chaol initially views Celaena as nothing more than a dangerous criminal, while Celaena sees him as just another pawn of the corrupt regime she despises. Over time, though, they come to respect each other’s skills and values, leading to a slow-building romance that had me flipping pages late into the night.
I love how Sarah J Maas uses the enemies-to-lovers trope to add depth to Celaena and Chaol’s relationship. It’s not just about romantic tension—it’s about two people with fundamentally different worldviews learning to trust and rely on each other. There differing points of view help to bring layers of political intrigue to some of our these great characters.
World-Building: A Court of Intrigue, Magic, and Secrets
One of the most remarkable aspects of Throne of Glass is its world-building. On my first read, I was so focused on the fast-paced plot that I didn’t fully appreciate the intricacies of Maas’ world. But on this second read, I took the time to immerse myself in the details, and wow—there’s a lot to unpack.
1. Adarlan: A Kingdom of Oppression
The King of Adarlan as well as the kingdom of Adarlan is a dark and oppressive place, ruled by a king who has banned magic and crushed rebellion at every turn. Sarah J Maas does an excellent job of creating a sense of dread and tension throughout the novel. Even within the palace walls, there’s a constant feeling that danger is lurking just beneath the surface. The oppressive atmosphere of Adarlan adds to the stakes of Celaena’s journey—she’s not just fighting for her freedom, but also for a kingdom that has been broken by tyranny.
2. The Magic System
Though magic is largely absent in Throne of Glass, its presence is subtly felt throughout the novel. We know that magic once existed in the world of Erilea but has since been mysteriously banished by the King of Adarlan. The absence of magic is almost more intriguing than its presence because it leaves so many questions unanswered: Why has it vanished? Will it return? And what role will Celaena play in its potential resurgence?
In my second read, I paid closer attention to the hints Sarah J Maas drops about the past era of magic, particularly through characters like Nehemia, who hails from Eyllwe, a place where magic still lingers in whispers. Nehemia's quiet knowledge of magic—and her reluctance to reveal everything she knows—adds layers to the plot, making me excited about how these magical threads are pulled further in the sequels. The gradual reintroduction of magic as a central force in the series makes Throne of Glass more than just a high-stakes political drama; it sets the stage for the epic fantasy it eventually becomes.
3. The Glass Castle
One of the most memorable pieces of world-building in Throne of Glass is the glass castle itself. It’s such an evocative setting—both beautiful and deadly. A castle of glass. Adarlan's assassin makes an immediate reference to how the glass castle makes her uncomfortable, and that is a gargantuan waste. The transparency of the glass could be seen as a metaphor for the fragility of the kingdom and its secrets. The contrast between the glittering, seemingly perfect exterior and the corruption that lies within reflects the theme of appearances versus reality that runs throughout the novel.
The castle also serves as a stage for the novel’s most intense moments, from the deadly challenges of the King’s Champion tournament to Celaena’s late-night explorations. Its towering halls and secret passageways provide a perfect backdrop for the tension and danger that Celaena constantly faces.
Character Development: The Heart of the Story
At the core of Throne of Glass is Celaena herself. She’s not your typical heroine—she’s complicated, fierce, arrogant, and vulnerable all at once. On my first read, I was captivated by her sheer badassery as Adarlan’s Assassin, but on my second read, I found myself more interested in her moments of doubt and introspection. Celaena is a character who has been shaped by trauma, but what makes her so compelling is that she refuses to be defined by it.
1. Celaena Sardothien: The Flawed Heroine
Celaena’s complexity is what sets her apart from many other YA heroines. She’s confident in her abilities, often to the point of arrogance, but underneath her bravado is someone who has suffered deeply. On my re-read, I paid more attention to the quieter moments, like when Celaena plays the piano or reads in the palace library. These scenes provide glimpses of a softer, more introspective side to her character—one that longs for peace, even as she prepares for battle.
There’s also a strong theme of self-forgiveness in Celaena’s arc. She’s haunted by her past and by the lives she’s taken, but as the series progresses, we see her slowly come to terms with her guilt. This theme of redemption is one that resonates deeply with readers, particularly in a world as dark as Adarlan’s.
2. Dorian Havilliard: The Prince with a Conscience
The Crown Prince Dorian is another character who took on new depth for me during my re-read. He’s introduced as a charming, somewhat shallow prince, but as the novel progresses, we see a more thoughtful and compassionate side to him. He’s not content to be a passive ruler-in-waiting, and his growing awareness of the kingdom’s corruption—and his father’s cruelty—makes him one of the most morally complex characters in the series.
Dorian’s relationship with Celaena is one of the highlights of the novel. Their connection goes beyond romance; it’s also about mutual respect and understanding. On this second read, I appreciated how Dorian sees Celaena not just as a skilled assassin, but as someone who deserves freedom and happiness. Their relationship is one that feels genuine and earned, even if it faces obstacles down the road.
3. Chaol Westfall: The Duty-Bound Captain
Ah, Chaol. I have to admit, on my first read, I was firmly Team Chaol. He’s the steadfast, honorable captain of the guard, and his slow-burn relationship with Celaena is one of my favorite aspects of the book. But what stood out to me on my re-read is how much of Chaol’s character is defined by duty. He’s loyal to the king and to his position, even when it conflicts with his growing feelings for Celaena. This internal conflict makes Chaol one of the most fascinating characters in the series, and I found myself more sympathetic to his struggles this time around.
Chaol’s relationship with Celaena is fraught with tension—both romantic and otherwise. He’s drawn to her strength and independence, but he’s also wary of the danger she represents. Their dynamic is one of push and pull, which makes for some of the novel’s most charged scenes.
Re-Reading Throne of Glass: The Chaol Perspective
Ah, Chaol Westfall. As I mentioned earlier, during my first read of Throne of Glass, I was solidly Team Chaol. His loyalty, stoic demeanor, and inner conflict made him a character that I immediately latched onto. But during this second read, I gained a new appreciation for the layers of complexity Sarah J. Maas crafted into him. While his honor and sense of duty are his defining traits, on my second read, I couldn’t help but notice how these qualities also become his shackles.
Chaol is the embodiment of the "duty-bound hero." His loyalty to the crown, the kingdom, and his position as Captain of the Guard often puts him in direct conflict with his emotions for Celaena. His struggle between what he feels is right and what he wants creates an emotional tension that seeps into every interaction with Celaena. When you peel back the layers, you see a man grappling with internal conflicts: love versus duty, honor versus personal happiness.
On this second read, I also paid more attention to how Chaol's view of Celaena evolves. Initially, he sees her as a dangerous criminal—a tool to be used by the king. Yet, as he gets to know her, his perspective shifts. He sees her vulnerabilities, her pain, and her resilience. However, what struck me most on this re-read is how reluctant Chaol is to embrace the full reality of who Celaena is. He’s comfortable with her as a skilled fighter and even a romantic interest, but he struggles with the darker, more complicated aspects of her past. This hesitation hints at deeper emotional limitations within Chaol—he's a man defined by his need for control and certainty, which becomes an obstacle to fully accepting Celaena for all that she is.
While I still love Chaol’s character, my second read made me realize that his rigid sense of duty may ultimately hold him back from true happiness, both for himself and with Celaena. His journey is far from over, and Throne of Glass sets the stage for some intense growth and emotional upheaval that will come later in the series. For now, though, he remains a character caught between worlds, his heart constantly at war with his head.
Re-Reading Throne of Glass: What I Took Away
Reading Throne of Glass for the second time allowed me to appreciate the intricate balance Sarah J. Maas strikes between action-packed adventure, emotional depth, and meaningful themes. This book, while exhilarating on a first read, offers so much more when you take the time to unpack its layers. It’s a story of identity, sacrifice, power, and love—all woven together with Maas’s characteristic wit and flair for storytelling.
One thing that really hit me on this re-read is how Celaena’s journey mirrors a journey of self-acceptance. At the start of the novel, Celaena is fierce, hardened, and focused only on survival. Yet, as she begins to form connections—whether with Dorian, Chaol, or Nehemia—she starts to let her guard down, bit by bit. Throne of Glass is as much about her emotional transformation as it is about political intrigue and magical battles. Her struggle with identity—whether as a notorious assassin, as someone trying to heal from a painful past, or as a potential ruler—lies at the heart of the novel, making her one of the most complex and relatable heroines in fantasy.
For those reading Throne of Glass for the first time, my advice is to pay attention to the subtle hints Sarah J Maas plants about the broader world of Erilea. The themes of magic, loyalty, and corruption are like puzzle pieces that Maas slowly lays out for readers, and they form a rich tapestry that only becomes more vivid as the series continues.
Final Reflections: Why Throne of Glass Endures
So, what did my second read of Throne of Glass reveal? For one, it solidified my love for this series. Sarah J. Maas has crafted a world that is as intricate as it is dangerous, filled with some of my favorite characters and side characters who are flawed, complex, and utterly captivating. The themes of identity, power, and loyalty resonate deeply, and the careful balance between romance, action, and world-building keeps readers invested from start to finish.
For anyone considering a re-read of Throne of Glass (or the entire series), I highly recommend it. You’ll uncover new layers of meaning, catch foreshadowing you missed the first time around, and develop an even deeper connection with the characters. Whether it’s your first journey through Erilea or your second (or third), Throne of Glass is a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned.
Thank you for joining me in this deep dive into Throne of Glass. Whether you’re Team Chaol, Team Dorian, or simply Team Celaena, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this incredible book. Let’s continue the conversation in the comments—happy reading, fellow book lovers!
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