4.5 stars

Right from the beginning I knew I'd love this with all my heart because ... well, (1) it's by Sarah J. Maas, (2) it's with Celaena and all the other great characters, (3) SAM CORTLAND, (4) I knew it'll break me and make me ugly cry and (5) there's no way in over a million years that I could dislike this. Just nope. Never going to happen. I'm gonna share my thoughts on each novella individually ... so long as I'm able to see through my tears.

"Sam stared at her long enough for heat to flood her cheek, as if he could see right inside of her-see everything. The fact that he didn't turn away from whatever he saw made her blood thrum through her veins."

The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
This is off to such a great start! I love Celaena, I love pirates and this story was just what I needed. It's the beginning of something great between Celaena and Sam and I'M ALREADY SO EXCITED AND WORRIED, OH MY GOD.

I always forget how young Celaena actually was/is and whenever I'm reminded I'm so surprised and admire her for the things she had to go through at this young age. You could see that she's already such a strong character, even though a little arrogant and thinks nothing can harm her. Well.

The ending of this first novella was amazing. I was so happy that their plan worked and that we got a first glimpse of how brilliant Sam and Celaena can be as a team. I don't think I have to say that I'm craving more of this, right? Right.

The Assassin and the Healer
Totally different to the first one but I equally enjoyed it. There were two POV's in this short story - Celaena's and Yrene's -, which made this so much more interesting, I think. I love Celaena but to read from another point of view about her and everything she can do with her blades was really fascinating.

Yrene was a likeable person and I'm really glad with how it ended. The little self-defense scene was amazing to read about and actually really helpful. I've learned a few things back in school and was like "Ahh, I remember this!". And also ... CELAENA WAS GREAT. I admired her for what she did with the slaves in the first story and here it's the same - that she showed her human side. That she can care about other people as well ... me likey!

The Assassin and the Desert
This story was so incredibly interesting!!! I just want to make a quick note on how much I loved that Celaena constantly thought about Sam and wondered if he's okay and all that - that's (1) not only extremely cute but (2) also foreboding of what's to come. I'M READY!!!

On another note ... am I the only one who was intrigued by Ilias as soon as he was mentioned? God, I'm so pathetic. I'm into all these handsome guys with pretty eyes. Ohhhh well, whatever.

There were so many cool and interesting characters in this story and that each of them had a background made this so much better. Like, I very curious about Ironteeth and Spidersilk and hope so, so much that it'll be covered in another story/book. Definitely my favorite so far!

"I love you," he breathed against her mouth. "And from today onward, I want to never be separated from you. Where you go, I go. Even if that means going to Hell itself, wherever you are, that's where I want to be. Forever."

The Assassin and the Underworld
I have to admit that Celaena annoyed me a little bit, in the beginning. Especially when she was with Sam. I mean, I know that's her way of ... interacting with him, but come on ... REALLY? I hated that she pushed him away so many times and said terrible things while he was trying to help/support her. It disturbed me although I knew how she felt.

Towards the end it got better though ... the scenes in the sewer were dramatic and I was so scared and felt with both, Celaena and Sam. BUT I'M ALSO SO GLAD FOR WHAT HAPPENED AFTERWARDS! Fiiiinally she's being honest and admits how she really feels (as well as Sam)!

I really enjoyed this story - it was full of intrigue and revealed some shocking things ... honestly, I hate Arobynn so much. He's such a dishonest and terrible human being, ugh. Everything he did is just awful!

The Assassin and the Underworld
ASDFGHJK!!! Okay, so I did cry over Sam. Surprise, surprise, I know ... it was terrible and I really grew on Sam so it was extra hard. Couldn't he have been an annoying character? IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH EASIER! *cries*

This last story was, again, full of intrigue and secrets that we slowly discovered and unraveled. I barely remember Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight so I have absolutely NO IDEA how and if the things concerning Arobynn have been solved or not. HEEELP?!? I just know that I hate him with a passion and that I want him to rot somewhere and die a painful death for all the things he's done to Sam and Celaena. HOOOOW COULD HE DO THIS?! Like, ugh!

"She would tuck Sam into her heart, a bright light for her to take out whenever things were darkest."

Overall, this book was amazing. I expected there to be more Sam/Celaena scenes and generally speaking - not counting the last story now - it to be a more emotional book. Don't get me wrong, it is emotional and will crush your heart but I still expected more? I'm not sure. However, if you're into the Throne of Glass series and loved the first book you'll definitely want to read this one as well - trust me, it's worth it!

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April 15th:
I cried. I loved it. I hated it. I felt all the things and some more. Definitely need some time to think about all of this now ... goooood, HOW DARE YOU, SARAH?!