The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas stands out as a must-read for any lover of fantasy novels but knowing the correct order to read the books can make all the difference in your experience.
In this article, we’ll break down Sarah J. Maas Throne of Glass books in order with summaries, helping you navigate this magical world with ease.
Packed with assassins, magic, political intrigue and unforgettable characters, the Throne of Glass series follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin with a hidden past who becomes entangled in a battle for a kingdom’s future.
With prequels, parallel timelines and multiple ways to approach the series, choosing the correct reading order enhances the experience.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the best way to read the Throne of Glass books, provide key insights into each instalment and discuss alternative reading options for those looking to experience the story in different ways.
Whether you’re a first-time reader or revisiting the series, this Throne of Glass reading order guide will help you fully immerse yourself in the book series.
The Challenge of Reading the Throne of Glass Series in Order
Figuring out the best way to read Sarah Maas Throne of Glass series isn’t as simple as starting with book one and working your way through.
Unlike many other series, this one has a prequel (The Assassin’s Blade) as well as two books namely; Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, that take place at the same time but follow different characters in separate locations.
This unique structure has sparked endless debates among fans about the ideal reading order.
Some readers swear by chronological order, starting with The Assassin’s Blade to fully understand Celaena’s backstory before diving into Throne of Glass.
Others argue that publication order is the way to go, since it maintains the suspense and emotional weight of key reveals exactly as Sarah J. Maas intended.
Even Maas herself has weighed in recommending publication order as the best experience for first-time readers.
With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed but don’t worry, we’ll break it all down in a clear way so you can choose the order that works best for you while getting the most out of this incredible series.
Throne of Glass Reading Order as Recommended by Sarah J. Maas
When it comes to reading the Throne of Glass book series, the best approach is using the publication order.
This is the order Sarah J. Maas intended and the one recommended by her publisher, Bloomsbury.
Reading in this sequence ensures the story unfolds naturally, preserving key twists and character developments while keeping the suspense intact.
Below is the recommended reading order of TOC along with a short summary of each book.
1. Throne of Glass (2012)
Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s most feared assassin is pulled from the salt mines of Endovier and given a choice – to compete to become the king’s champion or remain imprisoned.
As she fights for her freedom in a deadly tournament, she uncovers a dark conspiracy within the castle and discovers there’s more to her past than she ever imagined.
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
Now the King’s Champion, Celaena is ordered to eliminate his enemies but she secretly works against him.
As she unravels hidden secrets about the kingdom’s magic and her own identity, love and betrayal collide, forcing her to make impossible choices that change everything.
3. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – Prequel Novellas
This collection of five novellas dives into Celaena’s past revealing her missions for the Assassin’s Guild, her forbidden romance and the fateful events that led to her imprisonment.
It’s an emotional action-packed backstory that adds depth to her character and motivations.
4. Heir of Fire (2014)
Reeling from devastating losses, Celaena flees to a distant land to uncover the truth about her heritage and train with a powerful warrior, Rowan Whitethorn.
Meanwhile, dark forces rise, new alliances form and an ancient evil begins its march across the continent.
5. Queen of Shadows (2015)
Returning to Adarlan as a force to be reckoned with, Celaena now embracing her true identity sets out to reclaim her destiny, free her people and take down those who betrayed her.
This book is a turning point packed with epic battles, emotional reunions and high-stakes intrigue.
6. Empire of Storms (2016)
With war on the horizon, Celaena and her allies race against time to rally forces, uncover lost secrets and prepare for the final battle.
Meanwhile, an unstoppable darkness threatens to consume the world leading to an explosive cliffhanger ending.
7. Tower of Dawn (2017) – Companion Novel
Taking place alongside Empire of Storms, this book follows Chaol Westfall as he travels to the Southern Continent to seek healing for his injuries.
What he finds instead is a new threat, unexpected allies and a game-changing discovery that ties into the fate of the entire kingdom.
8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
The breathtaking finale sees Celaena and her allies face their greatest battle yet.
As war rages and sacrifices mount, every thread from the series weaves together for an emotional action-packed conclusion that will leave readers breathless.
Why This Throne of Glass Reading Order Works
Reading the Throne of Glass series in publication order keeps the suspense and pacing exactly as Maas intended.
It avoids early spoilers, ensures character development unfolds naturally and lets the emotional weight of the story hit at just the right moments.
Whether you’re new to Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass novel series or revisiting it, this order guarantees the best possible experience.
Alternative Throne of Glass Reading Orders For Adventurous Fans
If you’re the type of reader who likes to mix things up, there are a couple of alternative ways to experience the Throne of Glass series.
While publication order is the most recommended, some fans swear by chronological order or even the Tandem Read for a unique twist.
Throne of Glass Chronological Order: A Deep Dive into Celaena’s Past
Some readers prefer to start with The Assassin’s Blade since it provides a crucial backstory on Celaena’s early years, missions and relationships.
This approach lets you see her journey from the very beginning, making certain moments in later books even more meaningful.
However, there’s a catch – starting with The Assassin’s Blade can spoil some of the mystery and surprises that unfold in the Throne of Glass series.
If you enjoy a slow reveal of character backstory, you might want to stick with the publication order.
The “Tandem Read”: Experiencing Two Stories at Once
Books six and seven, Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, take place at the same time but follow different characters in different locations.
Some fans choose to read them together in a “tandem read”, alternating between chapters or sections to experience events as they unfold in real-time.
Here’s a simple guide to the Tandem Read of the Throne of Glass series:
- Read Chapters 1–13 of Empire of Storms
- Switch to Chapters 1–6 of Tower of Dawn
- Go back and forth every few chapters (several guides online break this down further e.g. you can take a look at Rachel’s post on How to Tandem Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn).
This method builds suspense and lets you appreciate how events in both books connect making the final book, Kingdom of Ash, even more impactful.
Which Reading Style is Right for You?
The best order to read Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass series depends on your reading style:
- Love deep character backstories? Try chronological order.
- Want the story as Sarah Maas originally told it? Stick to publication order.
- Enjoy a cinematic parallel experience? Give the Tandem Read a shot!
No matter which path you take, you’re in for an epic ride.
Fans continue to debate these options on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and BookTok, so if you’re unsure, join the conversations and see what works best for you!
Wrapping Up Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass Books In Reading Order
More than just an assassin’s journey, Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass series is a story of resilience, love and the fight for justice.
It’s no surprise that Maas books have become a staple in the rise of romantic fantasy, captivating readers across the world.
Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or just starting, the Throne of Glass series offers an unforgettable experience – one filled with breathtaking world-building, fierce characters and heart-pounding twists.
Now that you know the Throne of Glass books in order along with their summaries, you’re ready to step into Erilea and follow Celaena’s path from assassin to hero.
No matter which reading order you choose, the magic of Maas’ storytelling will keep you hooked from start to finish.
So grab the first book, settle in and let Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass series transport you to a world of courage, love and epic battles you won’t forget.
FAQs about Sarah J Maas Throne of Glass Series
Do I read Throne of Glass or The Assassin’s Blade first?
Most fans recommend reading Throne of Glass first, as The Assassin’s Blade contains a backstory that is more impactful later.
How many novels are in the Throne of Glass series?
There are seven main books plus one prequel collection (The Assassin’s Blade), making a total of eight books.
What should I read first: Throne of Glass or ACOTAR?
You can start with either, but Throne of Glass is more adventure-driven, while A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is more romance-heavy.
Is Throne of Glass connected to ACOTAR?
Yes, there are hints that both series exist in the same multiverse but they are separate stories. Crescent City further confirms the connection.
Is Throne of Glass spicy?
The first few books are mild but later books (Empire of Storms and Kingdom of Ash) contain more mature romance scenes.
How old is Celaena in Throne of Glass?
Celaena is 18 years old at the start of Throne of Glass.
How long does it take to read the entire Throne of Glass series?
On average, it takes 90–120 hours (or about 3–4 weeks) to read all eight books.
How old was Sarah J. Maas when she wrote Throne of Glass?
She started writing it at 16 and published it at 26.
Do Throne of Glass and ACOTAR happen at the same time?
It’s unclear but they exist in the same multiverse and Crescent City further links them.
Which Throne of Glass book is the best?
Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms are fan favourites for their action and character development.
Does Throne of Glass have demons?
Yes, the Valg are demonic beings that play a major role in the series.
What genre is Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas?
It’s a young adult (YA) fantasy with elements of romance, adventure and magic.
Can a 13-year-old read Throne of Glass?
The early books are suitable for 13+, but later books contain mature themes.
What is the longest book in Throne of Glass?
Kingdom of Ash (992 pages in hardcover) is the longest.
What reading level is Throne of Glass?
It’s around a 7th–9th grade reading level (Lexile: 790L).
What inspired Sarah J. Maas to write Throne of Glass?
She was inspired by Cinderella but wanted a version where she was an assassin instead of a maid.
Are all the Throne of Glass books connected?
Yes, they follow a continuous storyline.
Who is the most powerful person in Throne of Glass?
Aelin is one of the most powerful but Maeve, Erawan and the Valg Kings are formidable enemies.
Is there any romance in Throne of Glass?
Yes, romance plays a big role alongside the action and fantasy elements.
Has Throne of Glass ended?
Yes, Kingdom of Ash (2018) concluded the series.
Which Sarah J. Maas series is best?
It depends! ACOTAR is best for romance, Throne of Glass for adventure and Crescent City for urban fantasy lovers.