What Order to Read Throne of Glass Books (My Take as a Reader)
When I first picked up Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, I didn’t realize I was about to dive into a sprawling world filled with assassins, fae, magic, and jaw-dropping twists. But then came the real question: what order do you actually read these books in?
If you’ve ever looked up the series online, you probably already know there’s a bit of debate, especially because of The Assassin’s Blade (the prequel novellas). Should you start with it? Should you save it for later? I had the same confusion, and after making my way through, I finally figured out an order that makes sense and keeps the story flow strong.
The Best Order to Read Throne of Glass Books
Here’s the recommended order for reading the series (and the one I believe works best for new readers):
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
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And now about The Assassin’s Blade, the collection of prequel novellas:
- You can read The Assassin’s Blade before Throne of Glass, but many readers (myself included) find it more rewarding to read it after Queen of Shadows, when certain backstories and connections hit harder.
- So, if you want the biggest emotional punch, I’d slot it in right after Queen of Shadows.
Why the Reading Order Matters
Sarah J. Maas is a master of weaving little breadcrumbs into her books. Reading them in the right order helps you:
- Follow Celaena’s growth naturally – starting with Throne of Glass shows you her as an assassin with secrets, and then you slowly peel back the layers.
- Avoid spoilers – reading The Assassin’s Blade too early can spoil twists that come later.
- Enjoy character arcs fully – especially with Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, which actually take place at the same time but focus on different characters. Reading them in the order above keeps the pacing and suspense intact.
A Quick Note About the Author: Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas has become one of the most popular fantasy authors of our time. She wrote Throne of Glass when she was just sixteen, originally publishing it on FictionPress before it got picked up and turned into the global hit we know today.
Her books are often described as a mix of YA fantasy, romance, and epic world-building, and she’s also the author of the beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series and the newer Crescent City series.
If you enjoy Throne of Glass, there’s a good chance you’ll love her other works too, they all carry her signature mix of strong heroines, intricate plots, and jaw-dropping twists.
The Series in a Nutshell
What makes Throne of Glass so special isn’t just the assassin-turned-queen story, it’s the scope of the world. The series begins with a very personal, almost claustrophobic tale set in the glass castle, but by the end, you’re dealing with massive battles, fae legacies, and an entire world at stake.
Some highlights you can expect without spoilers:
- An assassin who is way more than she seems.
- A world where magic has been suppressed… but not gone.
- Side characters that end up stealing your heart.
- Political intrigue mixed with romance, action, and shocking betrayals.
It’s one of those series that grows with each book, both in scale and in emotional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Books
What is the correct order to read the Throne of Glass books?
For a first-time reader, the recommended order is Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and finally Kingdom of Ash. The Assassin’s Blade is a collection of prequel novellas, so it is not necessary to read it before the main series. Many readers prefer placing it after Queen of Shadows because the characters, history, and connections revealed in the novellas can have greater emotional impact at that point.
When should I read The Assassin’s Blade?
For new readers, a good place to read The Assassin’s Blade is after Queen of Shadows and before Empire of Storms. The collection tells stories from Celaena Sardothien’s past and provides important background about her life as an assassin. Reading it later allows you to understand more of the character first, while also making several relationships and revelations feel more meaningful. You can technically read it before Throne of Glass, but the later placement often provides a stronger reading experience.
Should I read The Assassin’s Blade before or after Throne of Glass?
Both reading orders are possible, but they create different experiences. Reading The Assassin’s Blade before Throne of Glass gives you more background on Celaena before beginning the main story. However, reading Throne of Glass first lets you meet Celaena without knowing as much about her past, allowing some of her history and character development to unfold naturally. For a first read, starting with Throne of Glass and saving The Assassin’s Blade for after Queen of Shadows is a strong choice.
Why does the reading order of Throne of Glass matter?
The reading order matters because Sarah J. Maas gradually reveals Celaena’s identity, history, relationships, and the larger mythology behind the world. Reading the books in sequence allows those discoveries to develop naturally and reduces the chance of encountering information from the prequel stories before it has the intended context. The order also helps preserve the pacing as the series grows from a relatively contained fantasy story into a much larger conflict involving magic, fae, kingdoms, and war.
Do Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn take place at the same time?
Yes. Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn take place during overlapping events, but they follow different characters and locations. Empire of Storms continues the main storyline involving Aelin and the growing conflict, while Tower of Dawn focuses primarily on Chaol Westfall and his journey in a different part of the world. Reading Empire of Storms first and then Tower of Dawn, as recommended in this guide, keeps the larger story progression straightforward and builds toward Kingdom of Ash.
How many books are in the Throne of Glass series?
The main Throne of Glass series consists of seven novels, beginning with Throne of Glass and ending with Kingdom of Ash. In addition, The Assassin’s Blade contains five prequel novellas that explore Celaena Sardothien’s earlier adventures. Because the novellas function as a prequel collection rather than another main-series novel, readers often describe the series as seven main books plus The Assassin’s Blade.
What should I read after finishing Kingdom of Ash?
If you enjoy Throne of Glass and want to explore more of Sarah J. Maas’s fantasy writing, two natural next choices are A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City. They are separate series with their own characters and settings, so you do not need to read them to understand Throne of Glass. However, readers who enjoy Maas’s combination of fantasy, romance, strong heroines, intricate world-building, and major plot twists may find them appealing follow-up series.
My Verdict
If you’re planning to pick up the Throne of Glass series, trust me, reading order matters more than you’d think. Start with Throne of Glass and work your way through, then pick up The Assassin’s Blade when you’re already emotionally invested. By the time you reach Kingdom of Ash, you’ll feel like you’ve been on the journey of a lifetime.
It’s a commitment (these books aren’t short!), but it’s one of the most rewarding fantasy series I’ve ever read.
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