Throne of Glass Books in Order
Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, an eighteen-year-old assassin imprisoned in the brutal salt mines of Endovier, who is offered a chance at freedom by competing to become the King of Adarlan's royal champion. As the eight-book series unfolds, Celaena discovers she is actually Aelin Galathynius, the lost Queen of Terrasen with powerful fire magic, who was hidden away as a child when her family was murdered.
What begins as a personal fight for survival transforms into an epic war spanning multiple continents, as Aelin gathers a court of powerful allies including the Fae warrior Rowan, shape-shifter Lysandra, and her former lover Chaol to reclaim her throne and save Erilea from the dark forces of Maeve, the Valg demons, and the conquering King of Adarlan.
The series evolves from a YA competition story into a sweeping high fantasy epic about destiny, sacrifice, and the price of power, culminating in a massive war where Aelin must decide how much of herself she's willing to sacrifice to save everyone she loves.
Throne of Glass
Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien has survived a year in Endovier's death camp when the Crown Prince of Adarlan offers her a devil's bargain: compete against twenty-three other criminals and warriors in a competition to become the King's Champion, or rot in prison forever. But something dark dwells in the glass castle, and when her competitors start dying in gruesome ways, Celaena realizes she's fighting for more than her freedom. Between the charming Prince Dorian who sees through her masks, the stern Captain Chaol who challenges everything she believes, and the ancient evil stirring beneath the castle, Celaena must decide who she can trust in a court built on secrets and blood. This thrilling blend of competition, romance, and mystery introduces a heroine who's as likely to gut you as she is to steal your heart.
Published: 2023
Crown of Midnight
Free from Endovier but bound to a king she despises, Celaena Sardothien has become the royal assassin to the brutal King of Adarlan. Sent on missions to eliminate the king's enemies, Celaena walks a dangerous line between obedience and rebellion, secretly defying orders while maintaining her deadly reputation. But when a devastating murder rocks the glass castle and ancient forces begin stirring throughout the kingdom, Celaena uncovers secrets about her own heritage that threaten to shatter everything she believes about herself. As her relationships with Prince Dorian and Captain Chaol reach breaking points and a foreign princess arrives with her own agenda, Celaena must confront the darkness within herself and decide whether she's willing to embrace a destiny that could save or destroy everything she loves. This sequel transforms the series from palace intrigue to epic fantasy, ending with revelations that change everything.
Published: 2023
Heir of Fire
Broken by loss and sent across the sea to Wendlyn on a mission she has no intention of completing, Celaena encounters Rowan Whitethorn, an ancient Fae warrior tasked with training her to access magic she never knew she possessed. As she confronts the demons of her past and the truth about her bloodline, three other women across the world face their own reckonings: Manon Blackbeak, heir to the Blackbeak Witch-Clan, training to be the deadliest aerial fighter in generations; Chaol struggling with the consequences of his choices in Rifthold; and Dorian hiding a secret that could get him killed by his own father. The scope explodes from one woman's journey to an ensemble epic spanning continents, introducing the legendary witch clans, the Fae warriors of Wendlyn, and the true scale of the darkness threatening their world. This is where the series transforms from great to extraordinary.
Published: 2014
Queen of Shadows
Celaena Sardothien returns to Rifthold, but Aelin Galathynius is who arrives. Embracing her true name and destiny as the rightful Queen of Terrasen, she's ready to reclaim what is hers and rally forces against the dark power threatening to consume Erilea. But her former home has become a shadow of itself under the king's iron rule, demon princes walk the streets, and the friends she left behind have been forever changed by her absence. As Aelin assembles an unlikely court including a shape-shifting street thief, her former lovers who now distrust her, and new allies with their own agendas, she must navigate political intrigue, demonic forces, and her own heart. Meanwhile, Manon Blackbeak questions everything she's been taught as her witch clan prepares for war, and ancient powers converge on Rifthold for a showdown generations in the making. This is the book where all the pieces start coming together in spectacular fashion.
Published: 2015
Empire of Storms
War has come to Erilea, and Aelin Galathynius has run out of time. With Maeve's armada approaching from the west and Morath's forces advancing from the south, Aelin races across the continent desperately forging alliances with pirates, shapeshifters, and the legendary mycenians while seeking the lock to seal the Wyrdkeys forever. But every victory comes at a devastating price, and ancient secrets about her ancestor Queen Elena threaten to destroy everything Aelin has fought to protect. As Manon Blackbeak leads a dangerous rebellion among the witch clans, Dorian embraces his raw magic alongside the Southern Continent's forces, and multiple factions converge for battles that will reshape the world, the threads of fate draw tight around our heroes. Epic naval battles, devastating betrayals, and romance that burns hotter than wildfire culminate in an ending that will leave you breathless and desperate for the conclusion.
Published: 2016
Tower of Dawn
While Aelin's fate hangs in the balance, Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq journey to the Southern Continent's glorious empire of Antica on a desperate mission: convince the legendary khagan and his armies to join their war against Morath. In the Torre Cesme, a tower of healers that holds the world's greatest medical knowledge, Chaol seeks healing for injuries that have left him paralyzed while confronting the emotional wounds that run even deeper. But the Southern Continent holds its own secrets, from ancient texts about the Valg to a darkness creeping through the khagan's own family, and Chaol's journey becomes one of both body and soul as he discovers that healing means more than learning to walk again. With the introduction of Yrene Towers, a healer with her own tragic past and incredible power, this parallel novel delivers crucial revelations about the Valg, the war's history, and the keys to victory while telling an intimate story of recovery, redemption, and unexpected love.
Published: 2023
Kingdom of Ash
The final battle has come. With Aelin captured and tortured by Maeve, her court scattered across continents, and Morath's armies marching on all fronts, the fate of Erilea hangs by a thread. Every character you've come to love over seven books must find their moment of truth as ancient powers collide in battles that span from the ruins of Terrasen to the streets of Orynth. Aedion and Lysandra fight impossible odds to defend their homeland, Manon leads the Crochans in reclaiming their birthright, Dorian and Chaol race to implement desperate strategies, and Rowan will stop at nothing to find his queen. But saving the world demands sacrifices that will echo through generations, and not everyone will survive to see the new world born from the ashes of the old. This massive conclusion (nearly 1,000 pages) delivers on every promise, answers every question, and provides the epic finale this series deserves, with battles, revelations, and emotional moments that will stay with you forever.
Published: 2023
Sarah J. Maas Books Reading Order
Sarah J. Maas Books Reading Order: Complete Guide to the SJM Universe
Last updated: July 2025
Sarah J. Maas has created one of the most beloved fantasy romance universes in modern literature, but with three interconnected series and multiple reading paths, new readers often feel overwhelmed. Here's your complete guide to navigating the SJM universe in the most rewarding order.
Quick Answer: Start Here
For first-time readers: Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), then Throne of Glass, then Crescent City.
Recommended reading order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series (5 books)
- Throne of Glass series (8 books)
- Crescent City series (3+ books, ongoing)
Why this order? ACOTAR is the most accessible entry point, Throne of Glass builds complexity, and Crescent City contains spoilers for both previous series while adding multiverse connections.
Why Sarah J. Maas Reading Order Matters
Unlike standalone fantasy romance, Sarah J. Maas's series are increasingly interconnected. While each series can technically be read alone, the optimal experience requires strategic ordering because:
- Crescent City contains major spoilers for both ACOTAR and Throne of Glass
- Character appearances cross over between series unexpectedly
- Multiverse connections revealed in later books enhance earlier story understanding
- Writing evolution - Maas's style and themes mature across the series
- Emotional payoff is maximized when you understand all the references and callbacks
Starting with Crescent City would spoil major plot points from the other series and leave you confused about character significance.
Complete Sarah J. Maas Reading Order
Option 1: Publication Order (Recommended for Most Readers)
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 Silver Flames (2021)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) - Novella, read between 3 & 4
Throne of Glass Series: 6. Throne of Glass (2012) 7. Crown of Midnight (2013) 8. Heir of Fire (2014) 9. Queen of Shadows (2015) 10. Empire of Storms (2016) 11. Tower of Dawn (2017) 12. Kingdom of Ash (2018) 13. The Assassin's Blade (2014) - Prequel collection, can read first or after book 1
Crescent City Series: 14. House of Earth and Blood (2020) 15. House of Sky and Breath (2022) 16. House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
Option 2: Beginner-Friendly Order
Start with ACOTAR (easier entry point):
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
Then Throne of Glass: 6. The Assassin's Blade (prequel - read first for this series) 7. Throne of Glass 8. Crown of Midnight 9. Heir of Fire 10. Queen of Shadows 11. Empire of Storms 12. Tower of Dawn 13. Kingdom of Ash
Finally Crescent City: 14. House of Earth and Blood 15. House of Sky and Breath 16. House of Flame and Shadow
Option 3: Chronological Order (For Completists)
Throne of Glass Universe (chronologically first):
- The Assassin's Blade
- Throne of Glass series (books 1-8)
ACOTAR Universe: 3. ACOTAR series (books 1-5)
Crescent City Universe: 4. Crescent City series (books 1-3+)
Note: This order front-loads the most challenging series and isn't recommended for newcomers to fantasy romance.
Individual Series Breakdowns
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
Genre: Fantasy Romance, Fae Romance
Protagonist: Feyre Archeron
Heat Level: High (mature content)
Book 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses - Feyre kills a faerie wolf and is taken to the magical Spring Court as punishment. Beauty and the Beast retelling with darker twists. Perfect starting point for new readers.
Book 2: A Court of Mist and Fury - Feyre struggles with PTSD while discovering the Night Court and her mate bond with Rhysand. Fan favorite that transforms the series from YA to adult fantasy.
Book 3: A Court of Wings and Ruin - Final battle against Hybern threatens both human and fae worlds. Completes Feyre's arc with epic warfare and emotional resolution.
Book 4: A Court of Frost and Starlight - Holiday novella set after the war. Optional but beloved - provides closure for original characters before series shift.
Book 5: A Court of Silver Flames - Nesta Archeron's healing journey and romance with Cassian. Divisive but important - darker themes of trauma and recovery.
Throne of Glass Series
Genre: High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy Romance
Protagonist: Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius
Heat Level: Moderate to High
The Assassin's Blade - Five prequel novellas showing Celaena's training and early missions. Can read first or after book 1 - provides character background but contains mild spoilers.
Books 1-2: Throne of Glass & Crown of Midnight - Celaena competes to become the king's champion while hiding her true identity. YA beginning that builds into epic fantasy.
Books 3-4: Heir of Fire & Queen of Shadows - Celaena discovers her true heritage and begins embracing her destiny. Series transformation - becomes high fantasy with multiple POVs.
Books 5-7: Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn & Kingdom of Ash - Epic conclusion spanning continents with ensemble cast. Most complex - requires investment but delivers massive payoff.
Crescent City Series
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Modern Fantasy Romance
Protagonist: Bryce Quinlan
Heat Level: High
Book 1: House of Earth and Blood - Half-fae Bryce investigates murders in modern magical city. Adult urban fantasy with murder mystery elements.
Book 2: House of Sky and Breath - Bryce and Hunt face new threats while rebellion brews. Expands world-building and introduces multiverse concepts.
Book 3: House of Flame and Shadow - MAJOR CROSSOVER ALERT - Contains significant connections to ACOTAR and Throne of Glass. Must read other series first to understand full impact.
Common Reading Order Questions
Should I read The Assassin's Blade first or after Throne of Glass book 1?
Either works, but consider your preferences:
- Read first if you want complete chronological understanding and don't mind slower pacing
- Read after book 1 if you want to jump into the main story immediately (most readers prefer this)
Can I skip A Court of Frost and Starlight?
Technically yes, but not recommended. It's short and provides important emotional closure. Many fans consider it essential for processing the trauma from book 3.
Is Crescent City really connected to the other series?
Yes, significantly. Book 3 (House of Flame and Shadow) contains major crossover elements that spoil both ACOTAR and Throne of Glass. The connections are plot-relevant, not just Easter eggs.
Which series is the best starting point?
ACOTAR is most beginner-friendly. It's shorter, has a clearer romance focus, and hooks readers quickly. Throne of Glass starts YA and becomes complex, while Crescent City assumes fantasy familiarity.
Can I read just one series and skip the others?
You can, but you'll miss connections. Each series works alone, but the experience is enhanced by reading all three, especially with the multiverse elements introduced in Crescent City book 3.
What about the upcoming ACOTAR book 6?
A sixth ACOTAR book focusing on Elain or Azriel is planned but not yet announced. Read the existing five books first.
Content Warnings and Age Recommendations
ACOTAR Series
- Age: 17+ (transitions from YA to adult)
- Content: Sexual content, violence, PTSD themes, abusive relationships (portrayed as negative)
Throne of Glass Series
- Age: 16+ (starts YA, becomes adult)
- Content: Violence, war themes, torture, sexual content (later books), character deaths
Crescent City Series
- Age: 18+ (adult fantasy)
- Content: Drug use, explicit sexual content, graphic violence, murder mystery elements
Reading Tips for SJM Newcomers
Start with ACOTAR if you want:
- Immediate romance focus
- Shorter series commitment
- Fae court politics
- Faster-paced story
Start with Throne of Glass if you want:
- Epic fantasy world-building
- Character growth over 8 books
- Multiple kingdoms and magic systems
- Ensemble cast development
Save Crescent City for last because:
- Urban fantasy is different from the others
- Contains spoilers for both previous series
- Assumes familiarity with SJM's writing style
- Multiverse connections reward series knowledge
General tips:
- Pace yourself - these are emotional rollercoasters
- Join online communities carefully - spoilers are everywhere
- Keep character lists - especially for Throne of Glass's large cast
- Expect tonal shifts - Maas's writing evolves significantly across series
Why Sarah J. Maas Reading Order Guides Matter
Despite having clear publication dates, SJM reading order generates massive search volume because:
- Series interconnections weren't apparent until recently
- Prequel placement in Throne of Glass confuses new readers
- Crescent City crossovers surprised existing fans
- Reading order impacts spoilers significantly
- BookTok recommendations often skip context about connections
- Different entry points work for different reader preferences
The SJM universe has become a complex interconnected world that rewards strategic reading order. Whether you're here for the romance, the fantasy world-building, or the character development, starting with the right series in the right order will maximize your enjoyment of one of fantasy romance's most beloved universes.
Ready to enter the SJM universe? Start your journey with the links below.
[ACOTAR Book 1 →] [Throne of Glass Book 1 →] [The Assassin's Blade →]