The “Throne of Glass” series from Sarah J. Maas has captured reader attention around the world.

Intriguing characters, steamy romance scenes, and exciting storylines all feature in the 8 book series that includes a prequel novella. Yet, as fans fall into the world of Celaena Sardothien, one of the big questions they face is: What’s the best reading order?

Fans typically align with two main strategies: publication vs chronological order.

Each has its perks and fan-clubs, let’s dive in.

Publication Reading Order

Magical escapades abound, reading in release order gives fans a glimpse into how Maas has refined her narrative over time.

1. Throne of Glass (2012)
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
3. The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
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)

Reading by publication date can feel more intuitive, with fans able to flow through the series with fewer interruptions. Plot twists and surprises are fresh while suspense and emotional undercurrents happen naturally. You would be reading the series as it came to the author, even if some readers report plot twists are less significant without the context the chronological order offers.

Chronological Reading Order

The timeline actually begins with ‘The Assassin’s Blade’, a prequel novella collection that lays the groundwork for the series. It provides Celaena’s background, revealing her motivation and giving an understanding of her choices and emotions through the series. 

1. The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
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)

The chronological order helps with character arcs and presents a clearer cause and effect within the series. If you prefer clarity and context in your reading, this is the path for you.

A small caveat – new readers may find themselves experiencing a disconnect though, since they miss out on impactful aspects of Maas’s storytelling.

Now, here comes the fun part! Without spoiling a thing, we know some readers may find themselves asking, “Why is ‘Tower of Dawn’ sandwiched between ‘Empire of Storms’ and ‘Kingdom of Ash’?” 

The character development, themes, and growth in this novel are crucial in appreciating the grand series finale. So, why not read Tower of Dawn alongside Empire of Storms?

Here’s our personal preference:

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) and Tower of Dawn (2017)
6. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
7. The Assassin’s Blade (2014)

The Assassin’s Blade comes through at the end to fill the void left after the story concludes. 

When you feel the loss of the characters and the world they inhabit, this novella collection offers a fulfilling extension to the adventure, full of rich backstories and understanding.

Sarah J. Maas: An Author Bio

Sarah J. Maas’ talent for weaving intricate stories has enthralled readers of every age, across the world. Born in 1986 she captivated the literary world with ‘Throne of Glass’, which began as a beloved tale on a fiction website.

Today she’s a renowned fantasy author with a list of published works:

Throne of Glass Series

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

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
• A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – A novella bridging the original trilogy and subsequent books.
• A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

Crescent City Series

• House of Earth and Blood (2020)
• House of Sky and Breath (2022)
• House of Flame and Shadow (2024)