Por Julia Abrahao

“I’m not married,” he said softly, “because I can’t stomach the idea of marrying a woman inferior to me in mind and spirit. It would mean the death of my soul.”

Maas, 2012

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name’s Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I’d still beat you, no matter what you call me.”

Maas, 2012

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas was published from 2012 to 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing.The books are young adult fantasy that sometimes borders on 18+. In the first book we meet Celaena Sardothien, the most dangerous assassin in the realm of Adarlan. The story begins after she was requested by Prince Dorian to be his competitor in a competition to decide who would be the King’s assassin. In return, he offered freedom from the slave mines she was put in after getting caught.

All throughout the history of literature, women have been misrepresented, victims of the sexist lens of a historically patriarchal society. Celaena Sardothien, though, is a well crafted female main character that takes a fairer view on gender. There are few main factors that make Calaena one of the most relevant characters in YA today that was not created with sexist lenses.

Firstly, we have the portrait of romance in Throne Of Glass, romance is not the main point, nor is it the goal of Calaena. Romance is often portrayed as the one and only priority of women. Implicitly or explicitly, the possession of a loving male partner is the main objective, or the construction of a happy ending. In Maas’ series, romance is a tool, a factor that may create emotion or conflict, but never, at any point, is prioritized by Calaena. It shows that a woman’s life doesn’t revolve around men and nor relationships. 

Secondly, we have the portrait of love interests. The main love interest in Throne of Glass does not solve every conflict, constantly saves Celaena, or takes priority in leadership situations. It breaks down the stereotypes of damsels in distress without sacrificing the male character or masculinity or strength. Women are not only intelligent and strong  enough to be leaders, but are also worthy of being followed by men. 

Consequently, In addition, Celaena is dominant and assertive without sacrificing her femininity and vulnerability. Confident women are constantly villainized in literature,and if not, are a novelty, an exception. In Throne of Glass, not only  is the main character a strong woman, but there are also several other key female characters written this way, normalizing the concept.

On a further note,  we have a very common tone in YA literature: the reckless, incapable of critical thinking female characters. Celaena is not the constant perpetrator of the conflicts and challenges that are faced. It batters the concept that women are one of the main creators of problems that men should solve. In contrast, we compare Celaena with Clary Fairchild, the main character of Cassandra Clare’s, The Mortal Instruments Series. While Clare is a fantastic character constructor, Clary is the only one I disagree with the characterization. She is strong and assertive, but she is also extremely reckless and foolish,constantly making idiotic and selfish decisions, dependent on male characters to fix it for her. Celaena provides the change needed to stop the toxic sexism in the representation of young female characters like Clary.

Lastly, and most importantly, Celaena is respected by her male counterparts. Her gender is not a reason considered to see her as inept or inferior. The books even deconstruct that ideal with characters like Lyssandra, a prostitute that becomes friends with Celaena.

Overall, for all its magical radicalism and emotional drama, the Throne of Glass series does a good job at pushing the narrative forward to an equal representation of women in young adult literature. All that aside, the series is phenomenal, a very action impact filled story with compelling narrative and extremely well constructed storylines. I would go as far to compare it to the likes of Game Of Thrones or Vikings. As always, I leave you with my favorite quote.

“Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”

Maas, 2012