throne of glass sarah j maas books in order

Why Reading Order Matters

The Throne of Glass series isn’t strictly linear. It starts with an explosive main story but also includes a collection of prequel novellas that add rich backstory. Reading in publication order gives you the experience Sarah J. Maas intended. It’s not about just knowing what happens next—it’s about emotional weight, reveals that hit hard, and seeing the characters transform over time.

Official throne of glass sarah j maas books in order

Here’s the chronological reading order by publication date—the most popular and recommended path.

1. The Assassin’s Blade (Collection of prequel novellas)
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

Some readers consider “The Assassin’s Blade” optional, but skipping it means missing major context for Celaena Sardothien’s motivations and relationships. For a firsttime read, it’s best to start with it—even if it’s a prequel.

What the Series Delivers

The throne of glass sarah j maas books in order are more than fantasy thrillers—they’re a rite of passage. You follow Celaena from a deadly assassin in a prison camp to something far more powerful and complex. Each book deepens the lore and raises the stakes.

You’ll also notice how Maas’s writing evolves. The tone grows darker, characters gain remarkable depth, and plotlines shed their YA roots to embrace a more layered storytelling approach. What begins as a fight for freedom shifts into an epic about destiny, resistance, and sacrifice.

Common Questions About the Series

Can I skip any of the books?

Technically, you could skip The Assassin’s Blade or read Empire of Storms before Tower of Dawn or vice versa. But you’ll miss nuances. These aren’t filler books. They interlock like puzzle pieces—dismissing one leaves a gap in the full picture.

What’s the recommended order for a reread?

Once you’re familiar with the story, you can try a chronological timeline order:

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

Though Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn happen simultaneously, it’s generally better to read Empire first, then Tower, to keep the momentum heading into Kingdom of Ash.

Is the series complete?

Yes. Kingdom of Ash wraps up the series. There are no current plans for direct sequels within this universe, though Maas has hinted at spinoffs or other stories in the same world down the line.

A Perfect Gateway to Fantasy

If you’re new to fantasy fiction, throne of glass sarah j maas books in order is a great place to start. The world building is accessible but still layered. The characters are flawed in all the right ways. And the series grows with you—what starts as a familiar assassintournament trope quickly morphs into something bold, ambitious, and original.

It’s no coincidence this series kickstarted one of the biggest modern fantasy fandoms. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just entering the genre, following the right reading order will maximize the impact and immersion.

Final Thoughts

There’s plenty of content online about Sarah J. Maas’s books, but few things are as useful as reading throne of glass sarah j maas books in order from the beginning. Each title builds on the last, and skipping ahead chops the story’s legs out from under it. Start at the top of the list, stick with it, and let the world of Erilea pull you in—and don’t be surprised if you come out a lifelong fan.