Another prequel to the story so that we can see what Aelin went thorugh before we started Throne of Glass with her.  As you’ll remember if you read the first prequel, Celaena and Sam made the decision to go against Arobynn’s request and feed the slaves.  we knew that there would be punishment, and in addition to beatings that they both had, this is when Celaena was sent to the Red Desert to study under the Mute Master of Assassins.

Personally i think that it’s a necessary bit of the story to see how Celaena got to where she is, and then to see that while we all knew that she was human and was fighting demons of her own past, that there’s something real and hearty to grasp onto.

The other nice things about this novella is that if you have read up through book 4 already, you’ll remember that there’s a moment when they feel that there’s a big need for a skilled healer for one of our main characters and the only place to send them is to Antica – where there is an academy of skilled healers.  Makes you wonder if there’s one in particular that Celaena was thinking of or just hoping that their incredible skill all around could save their friend.

Anyway – i love these novellas and now it’s off to read the next one!