Should I Read Assassin’s Blade First?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: You enjoy building a comprehensive backstory and want to experience the events of the series in chronological order, starting with the prequel novellas that introduce key characters and world‑building details.
• Good fit: You are a new reader who prefers to absorb all supplemental material before diving into the main arc, ensuring you won’t miss subtle references that appear later in the series.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: You want to jump straight into the primary narrative of Throne of Glass and prefer a faster‑paced, high‑stakes story without the slower, vignette‑style chapters of the novellas.
• Warning sign: You are concerned about potential spoilers, as Assassin’s Blade reveals some plot points and character motivations that are meant to unfold gradually in the main books.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Provides richer context for the protagonist Celaena Sardothien, making her later choices more resonant.
• Allows readers to follow the series in the order the events occur within the fictional timeline, which can enhance immersion.

Cons

• The novella format differs in tone and pacing from the full novels, which may feel like a slowdown for some readers.
• Reading the prequel first can inadvertently reveal twists that the main series intends to reveal later, reducing suspense.

Decision Checklist

• Do I value chronological storytelling and background detail over immediate plot momentum?
• Am I comfortable with the possibility of encountering spoilers about later events?
• Will I have the time and patience for a shorter, vignette‑style collection before committing to the longer novels?

Alternatives to Consider

You could start directly with Throne of Glass, the first full novel, and read Assassin’s Blade later as optional supplemental material. Another option is to read only the main series and skip the novellas altogether if you prefer a streamlined experience. Some readers also alternate by reading the novellas after the first two main books to gain insight without pre‑empting major revelations.

Final Recommendation

If you appreciate deep world‑building and want to follow the narrative timeline, beginning with Assassin’s Blade is a reasonable choice, provided you accept the slower pacing and potential spoilers. If you prefer a faster entry into the core story or wish to avoid any pre‑exposure to plot twists, start with Throne of Glass and treat Assassin’s Blade as optional reading later. In either case, align the decision with your reading priorities and enjoyment style.