Throne of Glass Series Order: The Definitive Must-Read Guide

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Throne of Glass Series Order: The Definitive Must-Read Guide

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Introduction to Throne of Glass Series Order

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a masterpiece of young adult fantasy. It follows a teenage assassin on her journey to reclaim her birthright, facing countless trials along the way. From the intricate world-building to the unexpected twists and turns, Maas’s genius captivates the community of bookworms and avid readers. Published by Bloomsbury Publishing, this series laid the foundation for A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, all brilliantly interlinked to create an immersive literary universe.

With its romance, compelling storyline, and memorable characters, it’s no wonder the series gained massive traction on BookTok and caught the attention of Hulu for a potential TV show. Futhermore, whether you’re new to the series or planning a reread, finding the right order is key to enjoying the full experience.

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass

The Throne of Glass series is a favorite among every bookworm who loves a great fantasy series. If it’s your first time reading the Throne of Glass books, you might wonder about the best reading order. This is a common question on many readers’ lips, but don’t worry—we’ll thoroughly explain the best options to make your journey through the series as enjoyable as possible.

Here’s the complete list of books in the Throne of Glass series:

  • Throne of Glass (2012)
  • Crown of Midnight (2013)
  • Heir of Fire (2014)
  • Assassin’s Blade (2014)
  • Queen of Shadows (2015)
  • Empire of Storms (2016)
  • Tower of Dawn (2017)
  • Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Proceed with caution, brave bookworms—spoilers lie ahead!

How Should You Read the Throne of Glass Series?

When reading the Throne of Glass series, start with the story of Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s assassin, as she faces trials to become the King’s champion. Her journey takes her from the Salt Mines of Endovier to the glass castle in Rifthold. Along the way, she works with Crown Prince Dorian and Chaol, the Captain of the Guard, to fight against the cruelty of Adarlan’s King. The story is full of intrigue, darkness, and a quest for redemption.

As Celaena seeks to reclaim what is rightfully hers, she will have to risk everything and prevail to become victorious. As you explore this epic tale, make sure you follow the right reading options to fully enjoy this action-packed and emotional adventure.

When it comes to the Throne of Glass series, Sarah and Bloomsbury suggest following the publication order for the best reading experience. The story begins with three main books, and the Assassin’s Blade novella, which acts as a prequel, was published later. For a smooth journey, this solution is often the recommended reading order. The novella provides crucial backstory, so don’t miss it! You’ll appreciate the three initial books before diving into the Assassin’s Blade.

Recommended Reading Order:

  • Throne of Glass
  • Crown of Midnight
  • Heir of Fire
  • Assassin’s Blade
  • Queen of Shadows
  • Empire of Storms
  • Tower of Dawn
  • Kingdom of Ash

Publication Order of the Throne of Glass Series

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To fully experience the Throne of Glass series, start with Assassin’s Blade, where you’ll meet Celaena and discover her true identity. This novella introduces key characters like Nehemia, Sam, and Ansel, as well as important locations that appear in later books. The order of reading these books is crucial to avoid confusion. Many readers agree that this path brings the maximum emotional damage, especially when the friendship and connections between characters are revealed in the right order, making the journey even more impactful.

Sequential order

For readers who enjoy a story unfolding in chronological order, it is recommended to start with Assassin’s Blade before diving into Throne of Glass. This way, you experience the character’s past through flashbacks and stream-of-consciousness narration, which adds depth and context. While some may prefer no back and forths in the timeline, memories of the character’s past become clearer as the story progresses, much like the narrative style of Ms. Virginia Woolf. The flashbacks bring important details to light, helping the reader understand the unfolding events and motivations.

Here is the reading order in bullet points:

  • Assassin’s Blade
  • Throne of Glass
  • Crown of Midnight
  • Heir of Fire
  • Queen of Shadows
  • Empire of Storms
  • Tower of Dawn
  • Kingdom of Ash

Sequential order

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If you want to experience the world-building of Erilea fully, it’s best to follow the prequel first. This way, you meet Celaena, understand her struggles, and feel the pain of her untimely loss. You’ll get insight into her character and motives, especially her connection to Sam Cortland. The death of Sam is a key moment that shapes her, making the story at the Glass Castle even more emotional. Starting with the prequel allows you to understand the ban of magic and the world of Erilea better. After this, you can continue with the publication order, diving deeper into the rest of the books and the first conundrum that shapes the journey. Dreams and struggles are a central theme, making each book worth reading in sequence.

Alternative sequence for reading

Moreover, some readers prefer to follow an alternative sequence when diving into the Throne of Glass series. While Maas first published bits of Celaena’s adventure online, the series officially began with Throne of Glass in 2012. This book introduces us to Celaena, her trials, and her journey toward becoming the King’s Champion. However, many unanswered questions about her past remain, only to be revealed later in the Assassin’s Blade (2014), which explains how Celaena ended up in Endovier.

Futhermore, After this prequel, the young assassin’s quest for self-discovery continues with a linear plot line through the present. Booktok has suggested this alternative sequence to give more depth to her character and journey. The adventure that Maas created is one many have come to love, leading to the published books that explore Celaena’s growth.

The recommended reading order is:

  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Assassin’s Blade
  3. Crown of Midnight
  4. Heir of Fire
  5. Queen of Shadows
  6. Empire of Storms
  7. Tower of Dawn
  8. Kingdom of Ash

Many bookworms enjoy a unique reading experience by choosing an alternative sequence for the Throne of Glass series. After the first three books, which introduce Celaena and her adventures, you can opt to read the prequel, Assassin’s Blade. This helps you understand Celaena’s excruciating time in Endovier and the loss of Sam’s death. Sam’s death is a traumatic event that shapes Celaena’s journey. Additionally, References in the books to betrayal and imprisonment make this sequence even more emotionally invested for readers.

Sarah J. Maas’s publishing house chose this order, which deepens the bond between readers and the characters. You may even find guesses about the future plot lines as you go through this series, which adds an element of mystery. If you follow this, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Celaena’s character and her growth.

What is a simultaneous read?

In the Throne of Glass series, a simultaneous read is an exciting approach where readers alternate between two books happening at the same time. This is specifically true for Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, which unfold on different continents. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is chasing her destiny in one storyline, while Chaol focuses on his recovery and a new romance with Yrene Towers in the other. The events are interwoven, and readers can enjoy taking turns between the books to uncover the discoveries in both stories.

The Empire of Storms narrative follows Aelin, Rowan, Dorian, Aedion, and the rest of the cadre as they battle Erawan and try to retrieve the Wyrdkeys. At the same time, Chaol is in Antica, seeking a healer after his injury in Queen of Shadows, and forging a new path with the rukhin and the khagan. As both stories progress, readers uncover more relationships and the truth behind the Valg invasion of Erilea.

For bookworms who are interested in this method of reading, there is a guide to help you navigate the two books. As you alternate between the chapters, you’ll witness the interconnectedness of both plots. Moreover, Manon, Rowan, and other key characters appear in both books, and the tandem read allows you to enjoy the chaos, betrayal, and the forming of new bonds during these dire times.

What is a simultaneous read?

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In the Throne of Glass series, a simultaneous read is when two books, like Empire of Storms (EoS) and Tower of Dawn, are read at the same time. The events in both books happen simultaneously but on different continents, creating a unique reading experience. When you read these books in a tandem read, the action is non-stop, with characters actively participating in their own storylines. This method allows the reader to keep track of the unfolding narrative while filling in the gaps with each new piece of information revealed. The guide helps readers navigate through the chapters efficiently, ensuring they don’t miss out on important developments.

The final chapter of Empire of Storms comes with a cliffhanger that will leave you on edge. Moreover, brace yourself for the struggle ahead, as pulling through to Tower of Dawn gives you a blessing in disguise with its more happy ending. Readers experience the phenomenal conclusion of this storyline after keeping up with the track of events. The major reason for trying the simultaneous read is that it keeps your blood boiling for the next new piece of information, ensuring you don’t miss out on a completely different storyline that blends seamlessly with the rest of the series.

Key Takeaways

Additionally, Throne of Glass is a true masterpiece in the world of fantasy book series by SJM. Many readers experience a book hangover after finishing the series, a common bookworm problem. If you wish to dive deeper into similar fantasy series, check out Crewfiction for great articles and the latest new releases. Moreover, don’t forget to subscribe to the Crewfiction Newsletter for updates, or follow Booktok for recommendations and buzz around the books you love. It’s the perfect way to read more about your favorite books and share the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers. 

Is it okay to skip Throne of Glass and start with Crescent City?

Moreover, it is perfectly fine to skip Throne of Glass and dive straight into Crescent City. Sarah J. Maas’s books are connected, but reading Throne of Glass is not necessary before starting Crescent City. Each series has its own completed storyline, and Crescent City stands strong on its own. However, if you read until the end of House of Flame and Shadow, you’ll notice clear indications that the worlds of Aelin and Bryce are connected through subtle hints and words.

Do Throne of Glass and Crescent City share a connection?

Moreover, yes, SJM’s books are connected, but you don’t need to read them all to follow the storyline. Each series can be enjoyed on its own, with no necessary reading order. However, Maas loves to leave Easter eggs throughout her books that hint at deeper connections, prompting readers to look for clues and answers. These hidden connections encourage fans to explore each story, but they do not affect the main storyline of each series, allowing readers to enjoy them individually.

What is the reading order of the Throne of Glass series, including novellas?

Moreover, if you want to read the Throne of Glass series in chronological order, start with Assassin’s Blade. This novella focuses on Celaena’s teenage years as Adarlan’s assassin. It sets the stage for the rest of the series, which follows a linear progression. Additionally, for readers looking to experience the books in the right sequence, Assassin’s Blade should come first, and then the rest of the books will make more sense as they follow the story’s timeline.