If you’ve been dreaming of diving headfirst into a realm of daring assassins, enchanted kingdoms, and magical mishaps, you’ve come to the right place. You’re probably overwhelmed by the idea of an eight-book series and wonder where to start.
Our guide to the Throne of Glass reading order is here to help you navigate the twists, turns, and delightful surprises of Sarah J Maas’ epic series. So grab your metaphorical sword and buckle up for a wild ride.
Throne of Glass is a high-fantasy series that follows the journey of a young, talented assassin as she navigates a world filled with political intrigue, magic, and danger. The story begins with her struggling under a harsh regime, but soon she’s given a chance to participate in a competition that could change her fate. As the series unfolds, she embarks on a quest that takes her far beyond her initial role, forcing her to confront dark secrets about her past, her identity, and the very nature of the kingdom she serves.
Without giving away any key plot twists, Throne of Glass is essentially a tale of transformation—a story about a young woman’s fight for freedom and her quest to define her own destiny against overwhelming odds. The richly detailed world and intricate plotlines make it a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy and adventure.
This is the order in which the books were released, and is the best way to experience the series as intended by Sarah J. Maas.
1. Throne of Glass (2012)
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
4. Queen of Shadows (2015)
5. Empire of Storms (2016)
6. Tower of Dawn (2017)
7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
8. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) (Prequel Novellas)
- Preserves the suspense and gradual world-building.
- Keeps plot twists and character arcs in their original structure.
- The Assassin’s Blade serves as a great companion but isn’t necessary before the first book.
If you love a chronological story and want to read the series in timeline order, you can follow this approach:
1. The Assassin's Blade
2. Throne of Glass
3. Crown of Midnight
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storm
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash
- Provides more context about Celaena’s past before the main story begins.
- Allows for a deeper emotional connection to certain characters early on.
- Some spoilers from The Assassin’s Blade may lessen the impact of revelations in Throne of Glass.
The Assassin's Blade is made up of five novellas that are set before the events of Throne of Glass. However, most readers don't read them before the series begins. If you want to read The Assassin’s Blade to have the most emotional impact, we recommend that you read them in this order:
1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. The Assassin's Blade
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms*
7. Tower of Dawn*
8. Kingdom of Ash
*Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn can also be read in tandem! It seems a bit daunting but you can just follow our guide below and treat them as one book.
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn can also be read in tandem as the events occur at the same time in the story. It's up to you as the reader to decide if this is something you would like to do. If you like an interwoven, immersive experience, tandem reading is a great option. If you prefer reading books one at a time, reading Empire of Storms first and Tower of Dawn afterward still works fine—just know you’ll be shifting focus for a whole book before returning to the main storyline.
1. Chronological Alignment – Both books take place simultaneously, following different character groups. Reading them together keeps events in sync.
2. Smooth Worldbuilding – Tower of Dawn explores the Southern Continent and introduces major plot points relevant to the finale. Reading both books together gives a broader, more cohesive view.
3. Balanced Pacing – Some readers find Empire of Storms very fast-paced and Tower of Dawn slower. Interweaving chapters can create a more balanced reading experience.
4. Emotional Impact – Empire of Storms ends on a major cliffhanger. Reading Tower of Dawn after it can feel like an interruption before getting back to the main plot. Reading them together avoids this frustration.
5. Plotlines – Many people who read them separately want to skip Tower of Dawn because of the big cliffhanger at the end of Empire of Storms, this way you get to read them both and go straight into Kingdom of Ash after *that* ending.
1. Disrupts Flow – Constantly switching between two books can be jarring, especially since Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn have different tones, pacing, and character focuses.
2. Preference for One Storyline – Some readers prefer sticking with one set of characters at a time. If you're more invested in Aelin’s journey (Empire of Storms), you may find it frustrating to keep switching to Chaol's (Tower of Dawn).
3. Pacing Issues – While some enjoy balancing the two books, others feel that tandem reading slows down the action of Empire of Storms or makes Tower of Dawn harder to appreciate.
4. Complex Reading Experience – If you're not used to switching perspectives often, following a tandem guide might be more effort than it's worth.
5. Different Writing Styles – Empire of Storms is more action-packed, while Tower of Dawn is more character-driven and focuses on healing and political intrigue. Switching between them can feel disjointed.
If you're ready to dive into Sarah J. Maas’s epic Throne of Glass series but aren’t sure where to start, this guide has you covered! Whether you want to read in publication order or chronological order, this breakdown will help you navigate Celaena Sardothien’s thrilling journey. Packed with action, magic, and unforgettable characters, Throne of Glass is a must-read for fantasy lovers. Check out the full reading order and start your adventure today!
If you love Throne of Glass, don’t miss our guide to Sarah J. Maas books in order to explore all her epic fantasy series. Looking for more thrilling reads? Check out our list of some of the best romantasy books for cosy reading to find your next adventure!
Explore Sarah J. Maas' books in order! Get the complete reading guide for Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, including release order and recommended reading order.
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