Do You Have To Read Assassin's Blade

Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas is a question mark for a lot of readers finishing the Throne of Glass series. Some folks gap between Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire, wondering if this little prequel book is worth their time. Here's why you should care enough to find out.

It's Like Skipping the Backstory of Your Favorite TV Show

Imagine starting a show in season two and never going back to season one. You'd catch the plot beats, sure, but you'd miss the little moments that make you fall in love with the characters.

That's exactly what happens when you skip Assassin's Blade. You get the frosting without ever tasting the cake.

Celaena Becomes Someone You Actually Root For

When you first meet Celaena in Throne of Glass, she's already built walls around herself. Reading Assassin's Blade shows you exactly why those walls exist.

It's like hearing your coworker casually mention a rough past and suddenly their weird habits all make sense. You go from "she's kind of intense" to "of course she's intense."

Five Novellas, Zero Boring Chapters

Here's a fun fact — Assassin's Blade is actually five short stories stitched together, not one long slog. You can read one novella on your lunch break and feel like you've accomplished something.

[Reviews & Quotes] The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

It's the reading equivalent of snacking instead of committing to a full five-course meal. No pressure, no marathon sessions, just pure fun in small doses.

The Emotional Payoff Hits Harder

Sarah J. Maas plants seeds of heartbreak in this book that only burst open later in the series. Without them, some big moments in Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire can feel a bit flat.

Think of it like knowing someone's backstory before a big life event — the tears flow way easier when you understand the weight behind them.

Currently Reading: The Assassin's Blade

You'll Catch All the References

The Throne of Glass series is packed with callbacks to events from this prequel. Characters mention old friends, past betrayals, and situations that only make sense if you've walked through them.

Missing Assassin's Blade is like watching a reunion episode of a sitcom with no idea who anyone is. You'll nod along politely, but deep down you'll feel something is off.

It's Not as Long as You Think

Some readers hesitate because they picture a massive doorstopper sitting between their books. But this one runs around 280 pages, which is—and I say this with love—lighter than your average Tuesday.

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You could finish it over a weekend, maybe with snacks and a cozy blanket. Honestly, it might end up being the part you re-read for the fun of it.

So, Do You Have To Read It?

Nobody is going to knock on your door and demand proof that you read every novella. But if you want the full emotional experience Sarah J. Maas designed for her readers, skipping it is like watching a movie in black and white when color exists.

Your future self will thank you for it—probably while ugly-crying over a chapter that suddenly means everything. Go grab it, give it a shot, and let those five little stories do their quiet magic.