Mastering The Throne Of Glass Series Order: Your Ultimate Guide For New Readers

Jovan Rath 28 Aug 2025

So, you're ready to jump into Sarah J. Maas's incredible world of assassins, fae, and epic quests? That's really exciting! The Throne of Glass series, with its seven main books and a collection of prequel novellas, offers a truly captivating experience. Figuring out the best way to read these stories, though, can feel a little bit like standing at a crossroads, you know, with two intriguing paths stretching out before you.

Actually, many readers find themselves wondering about the ideal throne of glass series order. It's a common question because there isn't just one single, straightforward path to follow. This guide is here to clear things up, providing a complete list of the books and explaining the different ways you can approach this fantastic series, so you won’t miss anything important.

We'll look at both the publication order, which is how the books first came out, and a chronological order, which follows the story's timeline. Pretty much, our goal is to help you pick the reading journey that feels just right for you, whether you're a brand-new reader or someone revisiting Aelin's adventures.

What is the Throne of Glass Series?
The Books in Publication Order: The Purist Path
The Books in Chronological Order: The Romantic Journey
Which Throne of Glass Series Order is Best for You?
Tips for Reading the Throne of Glass Series
Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Series Order

What is the Throne of Glass Series?

The Throne of Glass series, you know, is a high fantasy epic created by the truly talented author Sarah J. Maas. It actually began with the book "Throne of Glass" in 2012. This whole series tells the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a very complicated past, as she gets pulled into a world of magic, royalty, and ancient evils. It's a really big adventure, full of twists and turns, and you'll find yourself rooting for the characters pretty quickly.

There are seven main books in the series, plus a collection of prequel novellas called "The Assassin's Blade." This collection, you see, gives you a look into Celaena's life before the events of the first book. It's a world that, in some respects, expands quite a bit as you read, with rich lore and a truly memorable cast of characters.

This reading order guide, basically, provides the complete list of Throne of Glass books in order, and is always kept updated so you won’t miss anything. It includes both publication and chronological options, giving you the full picture.

The Books in Publication Order: The Purist Path

Reading the Throne of Glass series in the order it was published is, for many, the "purist order." This is how Sarah J. Maas first introduced the story to the world, and it's a very valid way to experience the narrative. It's also, you know, the way most original readers discovered the books. Here’s the chronological publication order of the series, starting with Celaena’s journey as an assassin in 2012.

1. Throne of Glass (2012)

This is where it all begins, really. We meet Celaena, a famous assassin, who is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament. It's a very intriguing setup, and you'll get a good sense of her personality right away. This book, you know, sets the stage for everything that follows, introducing key characters and the political landscape.

2. Crown of Midnight (2013)

Following the events of the first book, Celaena continues her work for the Crown, but she finds herself entangled in a much larger plot. Secrets start to unravel, and her past, in a way, begins to catch up with her. This book, too, deepens the mysteries and raises the stakes quite a bit, making you wonder what will happen next.

3. The Assassin's Blade (2014)

This collection of prequel novellas was published after "Crown of Midnight." It actually takes you back in time to Celaena's earlier days as an assassin, showing her training, her friendships, and some truly heartbreaking moments. Reading it here, after you've gotten to know Celaena a bit, can add a lot of emotional weight to her character, giving you a deeper understanding of her motivations and the burdens she carries. It's like, you know, getting a secret backstory revealed.

4. Heir of Fire (2014)

This book, you see, marks a significant shift in the series. Celaena travels to a new land, confronting her true heritage and learning more about the ancient magic that runs through her veins. It's a very pivotal moment for her character development, and you'll see her grow in powerful ways. The world of the story, too, expands quite a lot here, introducing new allies and enemies.

5. Queen of Shadows (2015)

Celaena returns, ready to reclaim her identity and fight for her kingdom. This book is full of action, strategy, and some very emotional reunions. It's where many of the plot threads, you know, start to weave together in a truly satisfying way. The stakes are incredibly high, and you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat.

6. Empire of Storms (2016)

The war against the dark forces intensifies, and alliances are tested. This book is known for its intense plot and, arguably, some very dramatic cliffhangers. It's a point where the characters face immense challenges, and their resolve is pushed to its limits. You'll see, you know, just how much they are willing to sacrifice.

7. Tower of Dawn (2017)

This book runs concurrently with "Empire of Storms," following a different set of characters in a different part of the world. It provides crucial perspectives and, actually, fills in important pieces of the overall puzzle. Some readers choose to read this one right after "Empire of Storms," while others opt for a "tandem read." It's a bit of a unique situation, you know, having two books cover the same timeline.

8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

The grand finale! This is the culmination of the entire series, bringing all the storylines to a powerful and emotional conclusion. All the battles, sacrifices, and character arcs, you know, come together here. It's a truly epic ending that many readers find incredibly rewarding after such a long journey.

The Books in Chronological Order: The Romantic Journey

There are two different ways to read Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, and the "romantic order" is the one that places "The Assassin's Blade" first. This order, you know, lets you experience Celaena's backstory before you even meet her in "Throne of Glass." It's a very popular choice for many readers, especially those who like to have all the context upfront.

Here’s how the books line up when you follow the story's internal timeline:

The Assassin's Blade (2014): You start here, getting to know Celaena when she's younger and seeing the events that shape her into the person we meet in the first main book. This provides, you know, a very strong foundation for her character.
Throne of Glass (2012): After understanding her past, you then jump into her story as an imprisoned assassin offered a chance at freedom. This order, you know, means you carry the emotional weight of "The Assassin's Blade" with you from the very beginning.
Crown of Midnight (2013)
Heir of Fire (2014)
Queen of Shadows (2015)
Empire of Storms (2016)
Tower of Dawn (2017): These two are often read in tandem, meaning you switch between chapters of "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn" to follow both storylines simultaneously. This is, you know, a bit more involved but can be very rewarding.
Kingdom of Ash (2018)

This reading order, you know, can make Celaena's journey feel even more personal from the start. You'll understand her pain and motivations, arguably, in a deeper way as you read the main series. It's a way to really connect with her early on, which some readers find incredibly compelling.

Which Throne of Glass Series Order is Best for You?

Honestly, there are a few ways to read the series, and none of them are the wrong way. It really just depends on what kind of reading experience you're hoping for. However, as a self-proclaimed Throne of Glass goblin, I strongly believe there is an ultimate way for each person, you know, to find their perfect path. Let's break down the pros and cons of each.

Why the Publication Order Might Be Your Choice

Choosing the publication order, you know, means you're reading the books exactly as they were released. This approach allows for a natural reveal of information, much like the author intended. The emotional impact of "The Assassin's Blade" can be quite profound when read after "Crown of Midnight" or even "Heir of Fire." You get to know Celaena as a tough, somewhat mysterious assassin first, and then, later, you learn about the truly heartbreaking events that shaped her. This can, in a way, make those revelations hit harder, as you've already formed an opinion of her. It's like, you know, getting a big piece of the puzzle later that makes all the previous pieces click into place.

This order also, you know, builds suspense very effectively. The author, Sarah J. Maas, laid out her high fantasy epic in a mostly linear fashion, and the prequel novellas were published later for a reason. They fill in gaps and add depth to a character you're already invested in. If you enjoy discovering secrets as the main story progresses, this might be the perfect fit for you. It's a very organic way to experience the story, letting the author guide you through the reveals at her chosen pace.

Why the Chronological Order Might Be Your Choice

Starting with "The Assassin's Blade" gives you all the foundational knowledge about Celaena's past right at the beginning. You'll understand her motivations, her losses, and her relationships from the get-go. This can, you know, make her actions in "Throne of Glass" and "Crown of Midnight" feel much more impactful. You'll have a deeper connection to her character from page one, knowing the full weight of her history.

Some readers find that having this background information upfront helps them to better appreciate the main series. It prevents any confusion about her past references and, in some respects, makes her a more sympathetic character earlier on. If you prefer to have all your ducks in a row and enjoy a complete picture of a character before their main journey truly begins, then this "romantic order" could be, arguably, the ideal way for you. It's a very immersive way to start, really pulling you into her world with all the context you could ask for.

The Hybrid (or SJM Suggested) Order

While my text refers to a "suggested reading order for Throne of Glass, according to Sarah J," it's worth noting that authors sometimes have slightly different preferences or acknowledge the different experiences. Often, a common suggestion is to read "The Assassin's Blade" after "Heir of Fire" or even "Queen of Shadows." This is a kind of middle-ground approach, you know, that combines elements of both. You get to know Celaena in the first couple of books, see her grow a bit, and then, just as things are getting very serious, you get the deep dive into her past.

This hybrid approach, you know, can offer a really powerful emotional punch. By the time you read "The Assassin's Blade" in this spot, you're deeply invested in Celaena, and understanding her earlier traumas can reframe everything you've read so far. It can make her struggles and triumphs, arguably, even more resonant. It's a way to get the best of both worlds, really, offering both initial mystery and later, profound understanding. This order tends to be very popular among seasoned fans who have tried both main ways.

Tips for Reading the Throne of Glass Series

No matter which throne of glass series order you choose, here are a few general tips to make your reading experience even better. This is a big series, you know, and taking your time with it can make all the difference. Don't rush through the books, really, because there's so much to enjoy.

Take Your Time: These are long books with rich worlds and complex characters. Give yourself space to absorb everything. You know, sometimes it's good to just sit with a chapter for a bit.
Pay Attention to Details: Sarah J. Maas is very good at dropping hints and foreshadowing. Little details that seem unimportant in one book might become crucial later on. It's like, you know, a puzzle that slowly comes together.
Connect with the Characters: Allow yourself to feel what the characters feel. Their journeys are very emotional, and getting invested in them will make the series so much more rewarding. They are, you know, very relatable in many ways.
Consider a Re-read: Many fans find that re-reading the series, perhaps in a different order, reveals new layers and connections they missed the first time. It's a completely different experience, you know, when you already know what's coming.
Join the Community: There's a huge and passionate Throne of Glass fandom online. Sharing your thoughts and theories with others can be a very fun part of the experience. Just be careful about spoilers if you're a new reader! You know, people get very excited about these books.

Reading the Throne of Glass series in order isn't difficult, because author Sarah J. Maas laid out her high fantasy epic in a mostly linear fashion. Starting in 2012 with Maas's first book, the story builds in a very compelling way. Whether you prefer the purist route or the chronological journey, you're in for a truly memorable adventure. The main thing, you know, is to just enjoy the ride.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Series Order

People often have questions about how to best approach this amazing series. Here are some common ones that come up, you know, quite a lot.

Is it okay to skip "The Assassin's Blade"?
No, it's really not advisable to skip "The Assassin's Blade." While it's a collection of novellas and not a main novel, it provides absolutely crucial backstory and character development for Celaena. You'll miss out on key emotional context and important events that shape her if you skip it. It's like, you know, missing a whole chunk of her life story.

What is the "tandem read" for "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn"?
The tandem read is a special way some fans choose to read "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn" simultaneously. Because these two books cover the same timeline but follow different characters in different locations, you literally switch between chapters of each book. There are many fan-made guides online that tell you exactly which chapters to read from each book. It's a very unique experience, you know, and can make the overall narrative feel more cohesive.

How many books are in the Throne of Glass series?
There are seven main books in the series, plus a collection of prequel novellas called "The Assassin's Blade." So, in total, it's eight distinct reading experiences, you know, that make up the whole saga. This includes the first book published in the series, "Throne of Glass" in 2012, and goes all the way to the final installment.

If you are looking for the throne of glass books in order list, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve listed them below in publication and chronological order so you can choose. You can learn more about Sarah J. Maas and her other works by visiting her official website, too.

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