A good introduction to the series - I finished this as a prequel before starting Throne of Glass and I'm intrigued by the greater political conflict hinted at in the background, and the lovable characters that I'm sure will make appearances later.

I loved Sam and his relationship with Celaena. 

Although he might as well have had a neon sign hanging over his head that said "I'm going to be murdered for the plot development later."

  I'm intrigued about where things are going for Celaena after this and it sets a very interesting premise for the greater series.

I know there is a lot of back and forth on whether AB should be read first or later on in the mix of the TOG series, but starting with it has increased my intrigue for anyone wondering. Also, my friend who is a diehard fan of TOG swears by starting with AB and I trust her above all else (even you, Ms. SJM).