The characterization was inconsistent and frustrating. Celaena had the potential to be a very cool character, but was instead whiny and vain. She was annoying to read about, and the fact that she's 18 was confusing to me. The timing of her famously being the world's best assassin by the time she's 17 just really doesn't make sense in my opinion. And there is NOTHING she did to show me how great of an assassin she is, other than being athletic and noticing her surroundings. Also, her moral compass was EXTREMELY confusing. At one point she's having qualms about maybe having to murder someone. I'm sorry, but how do you become the best assassin EVER without committing at least a handful of murders? 

The plot also had potential, but I feel was ultimately wasted in getting sidetracked into a love triangle. I know it was published in the 2010s and that was all the rage, but it's not fun. Also, Dorian and Chaol are apparently best buddies, but certainly weren't acting like it because of the bratty, whiny, best assassin ever they were both trying for. 

I've heard the series gets better, so I'll stick with it but I would not have continued otherwise based off of this disappointing first taste.