What Order to Read Sarah J. Maas Books (And Why It Matters for Readers Like Me)

When I first stumbled into Sarah J. Maas’s world of fantasy, I thought I’d just pick up whichever book looked the most popular and dive right in. But then… I realized her books are more like an intricate web of worlds, timelines, and character arcs than just a set of standalone novels. Reading them out of order doesn’t necessarily ruin the experience, but trust me, going in the right order makes the stories hit so much harder.

If you’re like me, someone who gets completely lost in sprawling fantasy worlds, then knowing where to start and how to progress through Sarah J. Maas’s works will save you a ton of confusion (and maybe even a few minor spoilers). So let’s break it down properly.

The Order to Read Sarah J. Maas Books

Sarah J. Maas currently has three major series, and while they each stand on their own, there are certain connections (especially later on). The safest and most satisfying way to read is by series.

Here’s the order I recommend:

1. Throne of Glass Series (2012–2018)

This is her debut series and the one that first hooked readers. It follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a very messy destiny.
Reading order:

1. The Assassin’s Blade (prequel novellas – optional to start with, but I personally recommend it for context)
2. Throne of Glass
3. Crown of Midnight
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn (takes place parallel to Empire of Storms)
8. Kingdom of Ash (finale)

💡 Pro tip: You can read Tower of Dawn either right after Empire of Storms or before diving into Kingdom of Ash. They overlap in timeline, but both are essential.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (ACOTAR, 2015–present)

This is the series that really blew up on BookTok and Bookstagram, and for good reason. It starts off as a Beauty and the Beast retelling and then transforms into a sweeping, high-fantasy romance.

Reading order:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
2. A Court of Mist and Fury
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (a novella, bridging the next arc)
5. A Court of Silver Flames

And yes, there are more books planned in this series!

3. Crescent City Series (2019–present)

This is Sarah J. Maas’s adult urban fantasy series, angels, demons, technology, and magic all collide here. It’s darker, grittier, and absolutely addictive.

Reading order:

1. House of Earth and Blood
2. House of Sky and Breath
3. House of Flame and Shadow

4. Where Do Crossovers Happen?

Without spoiling anything, I’ll just say this: if you read the series in the order above, by the time you reach Crescent City, you’ll be very happy you did. There are surprises and connections that will make longtime fans scream.

Getting to Know Sarah J. Maas a Little Better

Part of the fun of diving into an author’s works is knowing the person behind the words. Sarah J. Maas published her first book, Throne of Glass, when she was just 26, and it grew from a story she originally uploaded online. Since then, her career has skyrocketed, her books are bestsellers worldwide, translated into dozens of languages, and beloved by fantasy and romance readers alike.

What makes her stand out is her ability to blend epic fantasy worldbuilding with deeply emotional character arcs. She doesn’t just throw you into a magical kingdom; she makes you care about the characters, their trauma, their healing, and their messy, passionate love lives.

If you’re a reader who loves:

• morally complex heroes and heroines
• slow-burn romances (with plenty of spice)
• found family themes
• huge, sprawling plots that connect in unexpected ways

…then Sarah J. Maas is basically writing just for you.

Tips for Diving Into These Series

Since these books are long and packed with detail, here are a few things I learned along the way:

• Take your time. Some of the books (Kingdom of Ash, I’m looking at you) are massive. It’s okay to savor them.
• Keep track of characters. Especially in Throne of Glass, where the cast grows with each book.
• Don’t skip novellas. Both The Assassin’s Blade and A Court of Frost and Starlight add important context.
• Be ready for crossovers. By the time you hit House of Sky and Breath, you’ll thank yourself for reading in order.

My Verdict: Is It Worth Reading All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books?

Absolutely, but in the right order. Jumping around might still be fun, but reading each series straight through (and in publication order) is the most rewarding. The way Maas layers her worlds, builds tension, and eventually ties threads together is honestly one of the most satisfying reading experiences I’ve had.

So, whether you’re brand-new to her writing or you’ve read one series and want to branch into another, start from the beginning, let yourself get lost, and don’t be surprised if her characters stick with you long after you’ve closed the book.

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