What Order to Read Throne of Glass In: A Journey Through Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy Series

What Order to Read Throne of Glass In: A Journey Through Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy Series

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a sprawling, intricate fantasy saga that has captivated readers worldwide. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and intertwining plotlines, it’s no wonder that fans often ask, “What order should I read the Throne of Glass books in?” While the answer might seem straightforward, the series offers multiple entry points and reading orders, each providing a unique perspective on the story. This article will explore the various ways to approach the series, the pros and cons of each, and why the order you choose might shape your experience of this epic tale.


The Publication Order: The Classic Approach

The most common and recommended way to read the Throne of Glass series is in the order of publication. This approach allows readers to experience the story as it was originally released, with each book building on the events of the previous one. Here’s the publication order:

  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)

Why Choose the Publication Order?

  • Narrative Flow: The series was written with this order in mind, ensuring a smooth progression of the plot and character development.
  • Suspense and Surprises: Reading in publication order preserves the intended pacing and reveals, allowing for maximum emotional impact.
  • World-Building: The world of Erilea is introduced gradually, making it easier to absorb the complex lore and history.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Tower of Dawn Dilemma: Some readers find Tower of Dawn (Book 6) to be a detour from the main storyline, as it focuses on Chaol Westfall’s journey in a different part of the world. This can feel like a pause in the action for those eager to reach the series finale.

The Chronological Order: A Deeper Dive into the Timeline

For those who enjoy a more immersive experience, reading the series in chronological order—based on the timeline of events—can be rewarding. This approach includes the prequel novellas and short stories, which provide backstory and context for the main series. Here’s the chronological order:

  1. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A collection of prequel novellas.
  2. Throne of Glass (2012)
  3. Crown of Midnight (2013)
  4. Heir of Fire (2014)
  5. Queen of Shadows (2015)
  6. Empire of Storms (2016)
  7. Tower of Dawn (2017)
  8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Why Choose the Chronological Order?

  • Character Backstories: The Assassin’s Blade offers crucial insights into Celaena Sardothien’s past, making her journey in the main series even more poignant.
  • Enhanced Emotional Connection: Understanding Celaena’s history early on can deepen your connection to her character and her relationships.
  • World-Building: The prequels introduce key locations and factions that play significant roles later in the series.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Spoilers: Reading The Assassin’s Blade first might reveal certain plot points or character fates that are intended to be surprises in the main series.
  • Pacing: The prequel novellas have a different tone and pacing compared to the main books, which might feel jarring for some readers.

The Hybrid Order: Combining Publication and Chronological Approaches

A third option is the hybrid order, which integrates The Assassin’s Blade into the main series at a specific point. Many fans recommend reading the prequel collection after Heir of Fire (Book 3) or Queen of Shadows (Book 4). Here’s how it looks:

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

Why Choose the Hybrid Order?

  • Balanced Experience: This approach allows readers to establish a connection with Celaena before delving into her backstory, creating a more balanced emotional journey.
  • Relevance: By the time you reach Heir of Fire or Queen of Shadows, the events of The Assassin’s Blade feel more relevant and impactful.
  • Avoiding Spoilers: Placing the prequels later in the reading order minimizes the risk of spoiling key plot twists.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Interruption: Inserting The Assassin’s Blade mid-series can feel like an interruption to the main narrative flow.
  • Timing: Deciding when to read the prequels can be tricky, as it requires pausing the main storyline at a specific point.

The Tandem Read: Tackling Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn Together

One of the most debated aspects of the series is how to handle Empire of Storms (Book 5) and Tower of Dawn (Book 6), which take place concurrently but follow different characters in separate locations. Some fans recommend a “tandem read,” where you alternate chapters between the two books. This approach keeps the timelines aligned and maintains narrative momentum.

Why Choose the Tandem Read?

  • Seamless Storytelling: Reading the books together ensures that you experience the events of both storylines in real-time, enhancing the overall cohesion of the plot.
  • Character Connections: The tandem read highlights the parallels and connections between the characters’ journeys, making the eventual convergence in Kingdom of Ash even more satisfying.
  • Pacing: For readers who find Tower of Dawn slower-paced, the tandem read can help maintain engagement by balancing it with the action-packed Empire of Storms.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Complexity: Juggling two books at once can be challenging, especially for readers who prefer a linear reading experience.
  • Spoilers: If not carefully managed, the tandem read might inadvertently reveal spoilers from one book to the other.

Thematic Reading: Focusing on Character Arcs

For those who enjoy analyzing character development, a thematic reading order can provide a fresh perspective on the series. This approach involves grouping books or chapters based on specific character arcs or themes, such as Celaena’s transformation, the romance subplots, or the political intrigue.

Why Choose a Thematic Reading?

  • Deeper Insight: Focusing on specific themes or characters can reveal nuances and connections that might be overlooked in a traditional reading order.
  • Personalized Experience: This approach allows readers to tailor their journey through the series based on their interests.
  • Re-Read Potential: A thematic reading is ideal for revisiting the series, offering new layers of understanding with each pass.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Fragmentation: Breaking the series into thematic chunks can disrupt the overall narrative flow and emotional impact.
  • Complexity: This approach requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of the series, making it less accessible for first-time readers.

Conclusion: Which Order is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best reading order for the Throne of Glass series depends on your preferences as a reader. If you value a traditional, suspenseful narrative, the publication order is the way to go. For a deeper dive into Celaena’s past, the chronological or hybrid order might be more satisfying. Meanwhile, adventurous readers might enjoy the challenge of a tandem read or thematic exploration.

No matter which path you choose, the Throne of Glass series promises an unforgettable journey through a world of magic, intrigue, and heart-stopping adventure. So, grab your copy, settle in, and prepare to be swept away by Sarah J. Maas’s masterful storytelling.


Q: Can I skip Tower of Dawn and still understand the story?
A: While Tower of Dawn focuses on Chaol’s journey, it introduces crucial plot points and characters that are essential for Kingdom of Ash. Skipping it might leave you confused about certain developments in the final book.

Q: Is The Assassin’s Blade necessary to read?
A: While not strictly necessary, The Assassin’s Blade enriches the main series by providing backstory and context for Celaena’s character. Many fans consider it a must-read for a fuller understanding of her motivations and relationships.

Q: How long does it take to read the entire series?
A: The length of time varies depending on your reading speed and the order you choose. On average, it might take several weeks to a few months to complete the entire series, especially if you include the prequels and tandem reads.

Q: Are there any spin-offs or related books?
A: As of now, the Throne of Glass series is a standalone saga. However, Sarah J. Maas has written other series, such as A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, which share similar themes and writing styles.