Understanding Sarah J. Maas’s Core Series
Maas is best known for three major fantasy series: Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), and Crescent City. Each lives in its own universe and has its unique internal timeline and reading order. For most fans, Throne of Glass is either the recommended entry point—or a rich followup—due to its completion and intricate, slowburning character development.
Sarah Maas Throne of Glass Series Order
There’s debate about whether to read in publication order or chronological order. For most, the preferred approach is chronological within the series universe, which avoids missed backstory and reveals.
Here’s the sarah maas throne of glass series order to follow:
- The Assassin’s Blade
This is a collection of five prequel novellas. They reveal critical events in Celaena Sardothien’s life before she’s introduced in the main novels and establish background that becomes important later. Reading it first builds a stronger foundation for her motivations.
- Throne of Glass
The main series begins here, with Celaena’s introduction as a young assassin battling for freedom in a deadly competition.
- Crown of Midnight
As politics and magic deepen, friendships shift and the plot accelerates. The stakes—personal and global—are raised.
- Heir of Fire
This entry sees characters splitting up and the world expanding, introducing powerful new allies and enemies that define future books.
- Queen of Shadows
Celaena’s past and her fate finally begin to collide. More secrets unravel, and the series’ tone matures considerably.
- Empire of Storms
The saga grows into a true epic with larger casts, new powers, and movement across the entire fantasy world.
- Tower of Dawn
This story runs parallel to Empire of Storms, focusing on Chaol and Nesryn on the southern continent. To preserve suspense, read it after Empire of Storms and before the finale.
- Kingdom of Ash
The massive, emotional conclusion—in which all plot threads, arcs, and histories come together for the final battle.
Following the sarah maas throne of glass series order in this way lets all storylines and contexts unfold in the right sequence—a must for series with overlapping parallel events.
Where to Go After Throne of Glass
Maas’s ACOTAR series follows a faecentric, more mature fantasy line, while Crescent City combines urban grit with high fantasy. Each series stands independently—there are small nods to each other, but no crossover events that demand crossreading. Many readers go from the sarah maas throne of glass series order straight into ACOTAR, then Crescent City, for nearly continuous Maas immersion.
Pro Tips for Reading the Series
Keep a character list. Side players quickly become main characters, especially in volumes 3–7. Don’t rush Tower of Dawn. It starts slower than other entries but reveals pivotal plot info and character development. If rereading, try alternating chapters of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn to experience realtime events for both character groups. Firsttimers, stick to the main order above for clarity. The Assassin’s Blade is technically optional, but it’s critical for emotional beats later—don’t skip it.
Other Sarah J. Maas Series Orders
For completion’s sake:
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series Order
- 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 (spinoff/sequel to main trilogy)
Crescent City Series Order
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
(More to come as the series expands)
Why Order Matters
The sarah maas throne of glass series order isn’t just a formality. The stakes, relationships, and even the power structure of the world depend on properly following the narrative. Reading out of sequence can spoil major twists, confuse character growth, and cut short the emotional buildup that gives the finale its full weight.
Final Thoughts
Jumping into Sarah J. Maas’s catalog is an investment: of time, emotion, and imagination. Stick to the sarah maas throne of glass series order outlined above, and you’ll unlock everything her world has to offer, exactly as intended. Whether you read for high fantasy, character arcs, or the thrill of an unpredictable plot, Maas delivers—so make sure you go step by step for the richest possible journey.