Throne of Glass

Maas, Sarah J. Throne of Glass. 2012. 406p. ISBN 978-1-59990-695-9. Available at FIC MAA on the library shelves. 

Life in the prison salt mines of Endovier is harsh, even for a skilled assassin like Celaena Sardothien. For the last year, she has grown progressively weaker as violence and death are daily companions. When she meets Dorian, the Crown Prince of Adarlan, Celaena learns that the King of Adarlan, who has already conquered much of the world, seeks to appoint a Champion. To select someone who will serve as his enforcer, the King is holding a competition in which nobles of Adarlan can enter their own candidate. The most skilled following a series of tests will serve the King, bringing riches to their sponsor.

Though a year as a prisoner and slave in the mines has weakened  Celaena, the Crown Prince has no doubt that she can win this competition. Her very presence back in Rifthold, the capital, is sure to irke his father, which is a bonus. Celaena will compete under an assumed name, as no one knows that this young girl is in fact the most skilled assassin the continent of Erilea has seen in ages. Given the choice between dying in Endovier or perhaps earning her freedom if she wins the competition and serves the King faithfully, Celaena accepts the Crown Prince's offer.

Once in Rifthold, however, Celaena realizes that the competition will be deadlier than she thought. Ancient magic seems to affect the area, while Champions are killed in gruesome and inexplicable ways between tests. With every day more dangerous than the next, Celaena will need to quickly regain her strength and hone her assassin skills if she hopes to survive long enough to become the King's own assassin ...