The Assassin's Blade delves into the origins of Celaena Sardothien, the kingdom's most formidable assassin, bound by loyalty to the powerful Assassin's Guild and its cunning leader, Arobynn Hamel. As Celaena carries out missions across diverse landscapes—from isolated islands to harsh deserts—she starts to question her allegiance to Arobynn. Struggling to gain independence, Celaena relies on her skills and intelligence, aware that failure could cost her life. This collection of five novellas precedes the Throne of Glass series, detailing both the exploits and the dangerous world of a young assassin. The novellas included are: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, The Assassin and the Healer, The Assassin and the Desert, The Assassin and the Underworld, and The Assassin and the Empire.