Why Reading the sarah maas book series in order Matters
Maas writes sprawling, characterdriven fantasy worlds, with interlinked backstories and timelines. Some series even cross over. So yeah—reading out of order can muddle the relationships, plot turns, and emotional gutpunches she’s known for. Whether you’re tackling her stories for the first time or rereading to catch what you missed, sequence matters.
The Reading Guide (By Publication)
Let’s break down the sarah maas book series in order, based on publication date, for those who want to follow her journey as it unfolded:
1. Throne of Glass Series
Maas’s debut series blends assassin grit with court intrigue and magic systems. Start here if you want to see her evolution from YA to more mature fantasy.
Recommended Order:
- The Assassin’s Blade – Prequel novellas (technically last published, but many start here)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn – Parallel story to Empire of Storms
- Kingdom of Ash
Pro Tip: Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn simultaneously or in split chapters to avoid spoilers and pacing issues.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
Half fairy tale, half high fantasy, this series shifts from romantic retelling (think Beauty and the Beast) to fullblown war epic.
Recommended Order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight – Bridge novella
- A Court of Silver Flames – Companion novel starring Nesta
Unlike Throne of Glass, ACOTAR leans into adult themes quickly. Readers looking for high heat and emotional intensity should start here.
3. Crescent City Series
This is Maas’s most adult series so far—modern setting, dense worldbuilding, and brutal plotlines.
Recommended Order:
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
- House of Flame and Shadow (most recent, as of 2024)
This series plays with realms and portals—key if you’re interested in how her series might eventually connect. That brings us to…
What’s the Optimal Reading Strategy?
You could read each series front to back—finish Throne of Glass, then tackle ACOTAR, then Crescent City. That order gives you a clean break between worlds. But with recent crossovers (especially in House of Sky and Breath), some fans argue for a “Maasverse” timeline.
If you’re going allin, here’s a highlevel approach:
- Throne of Glass (all of it)
- ACOTAR through A Court of Silver Flames
- Crescent City books
This approach helps catch hidden Easter eggs and shared lore. But don’t overthink it—just don’t start with Crescent City, or you’ll be totally lost.
Future Books & What to Expect
Sarah J. Maas doesn’t publish fast, but when she does, it’s an event. Each installment reveals deeper worldbuilding and makes you rethink earlier stories. Keeping up with the sarah maas book series in order puts you ahead when fan theories start flying.
What’s next? Expect more from Crescent City, more ACOTAR companion stories, and maybe—just maybe—a merging of worlds.
Final Words
Reading the sarah maas book series in order isn’t mandatory, but it’ll definitely amplify the emotional payoffs. Her interconnected arcs, slowburn payoffs, and surprise character reveals all hit harder when you’ve followed the full trail. Pick a series, stick to its arc, and dive in.
Trust us—getting lost in her world is half the fun.
