Why Reading Order Matters for sarah j maas books in order of release
Sarah J. Maas is known for weaving interconnected details across her books. For example, characters from one series may appear or be mentioned in another—a move that pays off best when read chronologically. Following sarah j maas books in order of release lets you experience those surprises as intended.
Also, Maas has evolved as a writer. Her early Throne of Glass novels have a different tone and complexity compared to her later Crescent City books. Reading her work in the order she wrote them gives you a sense of that progression.
Throne of Glass Series (2012–2020)
This was her debut series, starting with a teenage assassin named Celaena Sardothien who gets dragged into deadly royal politics.
Release Order:
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – Prequel novellas, but good to read after book 1 or 2
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017) – Happens parallel to Empire of Storms
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
Pro tip: Try reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together using an online chapter interleaving guide. The finales line up that way and offer way more emotional payoff.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (2015–present)
Often abbreviated as ACOTAR, this series begins as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast but ends up something much wilder. Feyre, the main character, becomes tangled in fae politics, war, and several very complicated relationships.
Release Order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – A novella that acts as a bridge
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021) – Follows Nesta, Feyre’s sister
This series continues to expand, with Maas confirming future books are in development.
Crescent City Series (2020–present)
This is Maas’s leap into adult fantasy. It’s heavier on the scifi/fantasy fusion and much more complex in terms of worldbuilding.
Release Order:
- House of Earth and Blood (2020)
- House of Sky and Breath (2022)
- House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
The Crescent City books deal with angels, devils, mermaids, techbased magic—you name it. And the cliffhangers? Brutal. Also, the second book ends with a massive twist that ties into her other series, which makes readers glad they read in release order.
Upcoming Projects
Maas has confirmed more books are coming:
More Crescent City entries At least two more ACOTAR novels A potential Throne of Glass spinoff (though nothing solid yet)
Her universe is getting more connected, possibly heading toward something bigger—think multiverselevel storytelling. Another reason to follow sarah j maas books in order of release as it all unfolds.
Best Way to Start Reading
If you’re new to her work, here’s a simple decision tree:
Love YA fantasy with big character growth? Start with Throne of Glass. Want romanceheavy fantasy with adult themes? Go for A Court of Thorns and Roses. Craving complex worldbuilding and morally gray characters? Try Crescent City.
But if you’re aiming to catch all crossreferences or maybe spot the next big twist, beginning with her earliest published work is the best move.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the slowburn romances, brutal plot twists, or just pageturning fantasy, sarah j maas books in order of release are your road map. It’s not just about avoiding spoilers—it’s about getting the full experience Maas intended. And trust us, once you’re in, you’re not getting out anytime soon.
