throne of glass books in order to read

Why Reading the Throne of Glass Series in Order Matters

Sarah J. Maas doesn’t just write books; she builds entire worlds. The Throne of Glass series is full of overlapping timelines, flashbacks, and character evolutions that need to be experienced in a specific sequence. Skipping around will rob you of key reveals and emotional arcs.

Getting the throne of glass books in order to read means you won’t miss major turning points—and yes, it makes the tangled plot 100% more digestible.

The Official Throne of Glass Reading Order

Here’s the series in the recommended order that fans and the author herself suggest reading:

1. The Assassin’s Blade – A collection of prequel novellas. It sets the tone and fleshes out Celaena’s early life. Don’t skip it.
2. Throne of Glass – The first fulllength novel in the main storyline. Introduces the kingdom of Adarlan and kicks off the actual series arc.
3. Crown of Midnight – Tensions rise. Secrets surface. Shouldn’t be read before the first two.
4. Heir of Fire – New territories, new characters, and bigger threats.
5. Queen of Shadows – Political stakes meet personal consequences.
6. Empire of Storms – Parallel storylines and huge battles.
7. Tower of Dawn – Happens during Empire of Storms, following different characters. Reading it right after Empire provides continuity.
8. Kingdom of Ash – The grand finale. Everything comes together. Don’t even touch it until you’ve read everything else.

Alternative Reading Order (If You Like Chronological)

If lining things up by timeline is your jam, you could technically read The Assassin’s Blade first, then follow with the rest. But keep in mind: the novellas hit harder once you know what happens later. A lot of readers prefer saving Assassin’s Blade for just before or after Heir of Fire for maximum emotional punch.

Still, if you’re a “start from the very beginning” type, this is the chronological path:

1. The Assassin’s Blade
2. Throne of Glass
3. Crown of Midnight
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash

Reading Tips for New Fans of Throne of Glass

Pace yourself. Especially during the first two books. The series builds momentum. Keep track of kingdoms and characters. Jot down a few notes or use an app. The world is expansive. Don’t skip Tower of Dawn. Some try to ditch it, but it contains core developments necessary for understanding Kingdom of Ash. Check release vs. reading order. Even though Tower of Dawn came out after Empire of Storms, their timelines are parallel. Reading them back to back helps avoid confusion.

FAQ: Getting the Most from the Throne of Glass Series

Is Throne of Glass appropriate for teens? Yes, generally. While it starts off as YA fantasy, it matures in theme and tone as it progresses. Teen readers should be fine, but parents might want to preview later books.

Can I read Crescent City or A Court of Thorns and Roses first? You can, but they’re different series with different vibes. Focus on the throne of glass books in order to read before jumping into her other worlds.

Is it worth reading The Assassin’s Blade if I’ve already started the main series? Absolutely. It fills in crucial emotional and narrative gaps.

Final Thoughts on Throne of Glass Books in Order to Read

Tackling the Throne of Glass series in the right order isn’t just about following plot—it’s about being fully immersed in a layered, emotionallydriven journey. With this guide, you’ve now got the clear roadmap of the throne of glass books in order to read, without detours.

Start with The Assassin’s Blade or ease in with Throne of Glass, but whatever you do, stay on course. The payoff in Kingdom of Ash? Totally worth it.