Why Series Order Matters With Sarah J. Maas
The sarah maas throne of glass series order isn’t just a sequence—it’s a blueprint. With timelines that shift, characters who morph from assassins to queens, and lore dropped like breadcrumbs across the books, reading out of order is like trying to build a puzzle in the dark.
It’s also worth noting that one of the books—a prequel, technically—dives into the backstory of the main character, Celaena Sardothien. Many readers consider whether to read that first or later. Spoiler: we’ll tackle that in a moment.
The Official Sarah Maas Throne of Glass Series Order
Here’s the recommended order to read the Throne of Glass series, as advised by OG fans and even the author herself:
- The Assassin’s Blade – A prequel collection of novellas that sets the stage. Optional as Book 1, but strongly encouraged early.
- Throne of Glass – Where it all begins. Celaena’s introduction to the deadly competition and the dark intrigue at the Glass Castle.
- Crown of Midnight – Bigger stakes, deeper magic, and the real story starts uncovering itself.
- Heir of Fire – New settings, deeper lore, and wild powerups. This is where the series pivots hard.
- Queen of Shadows – Past meets present. A lot of character returns and intense payoff.
- Empire of Storms – Plotlines crash into each other. Read carefully—timelines start playing tricks.
- Tower of Dawn – Runs parallel to Empire of Storms. Features a different lead but connects in major story ways.
- Kingdom of Ash – The explosive finale. Everything converges here.
Reading Order vs. Publication Order
Technically, Throne of Glass came out first, followed by books 2–8, and The Assassin’s Blade was published fourth. But many readers suggest reading The Assassin’s Blade first. Why? It gives context to Celaena’s early motives and scars. That said, some prefer to read it after Book 3 (Heir of Fire) to avoid early spoilers or to pace the emotional gutpunches.
Either way, you’ll want to get through it before Queen of Shadows, where past choices catch up fast.
Where New Readers Should Start
If you’ve never touched a Maas novel before and want full immersion, start with The Assassin’s Blade. It’s atmospheric and fastpaced, and it drops clues that’ll reward you down the line. But if you want to jump right into the main action, start with Throne of Glass and double back to the prequels after Book 3.
There’s no absolutely wrong approach—but reading in the recommended sarah maas throne of glass series order gives you the cleanest emotional arc and the clearest worldbuilding path.
Tips for Getting Through the Series
Track characters. The cast explodes midway through the series. Keeping quick notes helps. Don’t skip Tower of Dawn. Some treat it like a side quest, but key threads there lock in before Kingdom of Ash. Watch the timeline twists. Especially during Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. They run at the same time—don’t worry, it’s intentional. Brace for tone shifts. The books start YAish but quickly evolve into heavier fantasy with mature themes. Ride the wave—it’s worth it.
Suggested Reading Timeline and Pacing
These aren’t bitesized reads. Each book ranges from several hundred to over a thousand pages. Plan your time, or you’ll find yourself reading at 2 a.m. muttering, “Just one more chapter.”
Consider this breakdown:
The Assassin’s Blade (read in 2–3 days, tight and fastpaced) Books 1–3: give yourself 4–5 days each to absorb the buildup Books 4–6: maybe 5–7 days—they’re longer, heavier Tower of Dawn: can be read in 4–5 days Kingdom of Ash: reserve time—it’s 900+ pages
Final Thoughts
Nailing the sarah maas throne of glass series order sets you up to fully enjoy one of modern fantasy’s most ambitious sagas. Whether you’re team readinorder or team wingit, just know this: every book expands the universe, deepens character arcs, and raises the stakes.
Take it one book at a time, stay sharp, and enjoy the journey through Erilea.
