The first of a series, Throne of Glass by Sara Maas is a fantasy about an 18-year old assassin Celaena Sardothien who spent a year of hard slave labor in the salt mines of Endovier under harsh treatment.  She is offered her freedom by the Crown Prince if she will be his champion in a competition to find a new assassin for his King.  If she can win she must serve in the position for three years and then have her freedom at last.  She has no choice, bound in shackles and chains and let back to Adarian by gruff Captain Westfall.  The training is hard and exhilarating.  Both men show an interest in her but it is the Captain who seems to understand her best.  Her competition includes thieves, warriors, champions and other assassins from all over the empire; however some are murdered one by one before each new test.  Can Celaena discover who is murdering the other contestants?  She discovers myths and power from the ancient past and a destiny greater than she ever dreamed. You will want the sequel!

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