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):

1. Throne of Glass (2012)
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
4. Queen of Shadows (2015)
5. Empire of Storms (2016)
6. Tower of Dawn (2017)
7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

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.

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.