The Assassin's Blade

This collection of novellas with an overarching direction was very interesting. It gave a great deal of insight into Celaena's past. However, on it's own merit, it was not as good as the regular stories in the series. The writing and intensity were not up to par. Neither was the pacing. It dragged moments out in several places, especially with the ending that anyone who read the other books knows was coming. After having read Heir of Fire, this story by necessity does not feel as grand. Perhaps it lost some magic for that reason.
There were some great things and characters. Sam Cortland was fantastic. The silent assassins and the Mute Master were incredible (easily the best part). Overall, I just didn't love it as much.