The Ultimate Guide To The Throne Of Glass Reading Order: Unraveling Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy
Welcome, fellow fantasy enthusiasts, to the captivating world of Sarah J. Maas! If you've dipped your toes into the realm of high fantasy, chances are you've heard of her, or perhaps even devoured her other bestselling series like A Court of Thorns and Roses or Crescent City. Sarah J. Maas is truly a #1 bestselling author, with her books selling millions of copies worldwide, and the Throne of Glass series is where it all began for many of us.
Starting in 2012 with Maas's debut novel, Throne of Glass, this epic saga follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin, and eventually blossomed into a series of eight books in total. It's a complex story full of amazing characters, adventure, and magic that has captured the hearts of readers globally. However, for newcomers and even seasoned fans, one of the most common questions that pops up is: "What is the best Throne of Glass reading order?"
While author Sarah J. Maas laid out her high fantasy epic in a mostly linear fashion, the inclusion of a prequel novella collection, The Assassin's Blade, and the unique concurrent timelines of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, have led to various debates and multiple recommended reading paths. Don't worry, this guide is here to help you sort through the different series and discover the ideal reading order for you, ensuring you get the most out of this incredible journey.
Why the Confusion About the Reading Order?
Reading the Throne of Glass series in order isn't inherently difficult, as the main narrative progresses quite straightforwardly. The confusion primarily stems from two key elements:
- The Assassin's Blade: This collection of novellas provides crucial backstory for the protagonist, Celaena Sardothien. Published in 2014, the same year as Heir of Fire, its placement in the reading order is hotly debated among fans. Some argue for reading it first to get all the backstory upfront, while others suggest reading it later to enhance character development or avoid spoilers for the main series' early mysteries.
- The Tandem Read: Towards the latter half of the series, Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn occur concurrently, following different sets of characters. Many fans choose to "tandem read" these two books, switching between chapters to experience the events simultaneously.
Because of these nuances, you'll find discussions about "the purist way," "the romantic reading order," chronological, publication, and tandem reading orders. But let's cut to the chase and see what the author herself recommends.
The Author's Recommendation: Sarah J. Maas's Preferred Order
For those who prefer to follow the creator's vision, Sarah J. Maas (the author) actually answers this question in the FAQs on her website. She recommends an order that many fans have come to call the "recommended" or "romantic" reading order, as it often enhances character development and emotional impact. This order places The Assassin's Blade at a specific point to deepen your understanding of Celaena without front-loading too much information.
Here is Sarah J. Maas's recommended reading order for the Throne of Glass series:
- Throne of Glass (2012): The beginning of it all. Meet Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin offered a chance at freedom.
- Crown of Midnight (2013): The stakes rise as Celaena navigates court intrigue and her role as the King's Champion.
- The Assassin's Blade (2014): This is where Maas recommends placing the prequel novellas. As the data suggests, "I think it works with character development better when read after Crown of Midnight." Reading it here provides vital context for Celaena's past and her motivations, making her journey in subsequent books even more impactful.
- Heir of Fire (2014): A pivotal book where Celaena truly begins to confront her destiny and powers.
- Queen of Shadows (2015): The series truly kicks into high gear as Celaena embraces her true identity and prepares for war.
- Empire of Storms (2016): The battle for Erilea intensifies, with major plot developments and revelations.
- Tower of Dawn (2017): This book runs concurrently with Empire of Storms, following different characters in a separate location. It's crucial for understanding the full scope of the war.
- Kingdom of Ash (2018): The epic conclusion to the entire series, bringing all the threads together in a grand finale.
The Publication Order: A Chronological Journey
Another popular approach, especially for those who prefer to experience a series exactly as it was released, is the chronological publication order. This is often considered the "purist" way to read the books. The data notes that "the best order to read them is chronologically (when they were released)."
Here's the Throne of Glass series in publication order:
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- The Assassin's Blade (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
While straightforward, some readers find that placing The Assassin's Blade here (after Heir of Fire) can disrupt the flow of the main narrative, as it's a flashback. However, it also means you get the backstory right before some of the biggest reveals about Celaena's past come to light in Queen of Shadows.
The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn
One of the most unique aspects of the Throne of Glass reading experience is the "tandem read" for Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. As mentioned, these two books take place simultaneously, following different character perspectives and plotlines. Many fans opt to read them chapter-by-chapter, switching between the two books, to get the full, concurrent experience.
This method allows you to see how events unfold across different parts of the world in real-time, building suspense and a more complete picture of the unfolding war. While it requires a bit more effort to manage two books at once, many readers find it incredibly rewarding and recommend it for their first or subsequent read-throughs. Guides are available online that offer a detailed chapter-by-chapter breakdown for how to tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
What About Sarah J. Maas's Other Series?
For those new to Sarah J. Maas's wider literary universe, you might also be wondering where her other popular series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Crescent City, fit in. While these series are distinct, Maas has hinted at connections and crossovers within her "Maasverse."
If you're trying to decide which series to start first, the general consensus, and a point mentioned in the data, is: "if I were to recommend anything now, I'd say do either ACOTAR or ToG first, then Crescent City last." This is primarily because "There's a major cliffhanger in the second Crescent City book that" (referring to House of Sky and Breath) which ties into the wider universe in a significant way, making it beneficial to have read her other works first. So, focus on completing Throne of Glass (or ACOTAR) before diving into Crescent City.
Final Thoughts on Your Throne of Glass Journey
Ultimately, the "best" Throne of Glass reading order is the one that works best for you and enhances your personal reading experience. Whether you choose to follow Sarah J. Maas's direct recommendation, stick to the publication order, or dive into the intricate world of tandem reading, you're in for an unforgettable adventure filled with magic, romance, and epic battles.
The Throne of Glass series is a beloved fantasy filled with adventure, magic, and characters like Celaena Sardothien that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Don't let the reading order confusion deter you; instead, see it as an opportunity to tailor your journey through this magnificent world. Pick an order, dive in, and prepare to be swept away!
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