Throne Of Glass Reading Order: The Ultimate Guide For First-Timers

Shanny Zieme 26 Jun 2025

Diving into the enchanting and often perilous world of Sarah J. Maas's *Throne of Glass* series is an adventure unlike any other. With its captivating blend of magic, intricate political intrigue, and unforgettable characters, it's no wonder millions of devoted fans worldwide have fallen under its spell. As the pages unfold, readers are transported to a realm where kingdoms clash, secrets unravel, and destiny weaves its intricate tapestry. However, for many new readers, the sheer scope of this epic high fantasy saga, comprising seven main novels and one collection of prequel novellas, often leads to a single, pressing question: What is the correct **Throne of Glass reading order**?

Rest assured, fellow bookworms, if you are reading *Throne of Glass* books for the first time, you've come to the right place. The journey through Celaena Sardothien's transformation from a teenage assassin turned prisoner to a queen destined to save her world is a monumental one, and how you navigate it can significantly impact your experience. While author Sarah J. Maas followed a mostly linear path with her high fantasy epic, the release of a prequel and the unique structure of later books have created a common dilemma for newcomers. This comprehensive guide will explain thoroughly all the possible options, ensuring your first foray into Erilea is as magical and impactful as it deserves to be.

Understanding the Throne of Glass Universe
The Core Dilemma: Why is the Throne of Glass Reading Order Confusing?
Option 1: The Publication Order (The Purist Approach)
- Book-by-Book Breakdown: Publication Order
Option 2: The Fan-Recommended or Emotional Order
- Book-by-Book Breakdown: Fan-Recommended Order
The Assassin's Blade: When to Read the Prequel Novellas
The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
- Why the Tandem Read is Recommended
- How to Execute the Tandem Read
Beyond the Orders: Romantic and Chronological Considerations
Final Thoughts on Your Throne of Glass Journey

Understanding the Throne of Glass Universe

Before we delve into the intricacies of the **Throne of Glass reading order**, it's essential to grasp the magnitude of Sarah J. Maas's literary empire. Maas is not only the author of *Throne of Glass* but also the acclaimed *A Court of Thorns and Roses* (ACOTAR) and *Crescent City* series. While these universes are distinct, they share Maas's signature blend of compelling characters, high stakes, intricate world-building, and powerful romantic arcs. It's often asked if you can read ACOTAR before *Throne of Glass*; the answer is yes, you can read the ACOTAR series independently, as they are separate stories. However, if you're committed to exploring Maas's work, *Throne of Glass* was her first published series, starting in 2012, and it laid much of the groundwork for her later successes.

The *Throne of Glass* series itself is comprised of seven main novels and one collection of prequel short stories, *The Assassin's Blade*, totaling eight books. At its heart, the story follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage mercenary turned prisoner, condemned to work in the kingdom of Adarlan’s brutal salt mines. Her path to freedom comes with a dangerous catch: if she manages to defeat 23 opponents in a competition, she will earn the opportunity to serve as the king’s champion. This premise quickly expands into an epic tale of magic, war, identity, and destiny, with a sprawling cast of characters and a rich, detailed world.

The Core Dilemma: Why is the Throne of Glass Reading Order Confusing?

Despite the author following a mostly linear path, the **Throne of Glass reading order** has become a subject of considerable debate and discussion among fans. The primary source of this "controversy" stems from the publication of *The Assassin's Blade* (TAB), a collection of prequel novellas, after the first two main novels. While chronologically, these stories happen before *Throne of Glass* (the first book), many readers and even the author herself, in some contexts, suggest that reading TAB later in the series enhances the emotional impact and avoids potential spoilers or a dip in pacing for a first-time reader.

Furthermore, the simultaneous events depicted in *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* (books six and seven, respectively) introduce another layer of complexity. These two novels occur concurrently but follow different sets of characters, leading to the popular "tandem read" approach. This means you need to make two big choices regarding your **Throne of Glass reading order**: first, when to read *The Assassin's Blade*, and then later, whether to read books six and seven consecutively or simultaneously. This guide aims to clarify these choices, providing you with the necessary information to decide what's best for your reading experience.

Option 1: The Publication Order (The Purist Approach)

For those purists out there who prefer to experience a series exactly as the author released it, the publication order is straightforward. This method offers the story as it unfolded for original readers, with new information and character developments revealed over time. While it might introduce *The Assassin's Blade* at a point that some find disrupts the flow, it's a valid and widely accepted way to read the series.

Book-by-Book Breakdown: Publication Order

Here is the **Throne of Glass reading order** by publication date:

1. Throne of Glass (August 7, 2012)
- Summary: This is where it all begins. Celaena Sardothien, a teenage mercenary turned prisoner, is offered a chance at freedom by the Crown Prince of Adarlan. She must defeat 23 opponents in a deadly competition to become the king's champion. This book introduces us to the core characters and the oppressive regime of Adarlan.
- Expert Tip: A solid introduction to Maas's world-building, though some find Celaena's character development a bit slow in the initial stages. Stick with it; the payoff is immense.
2. Crown of Midnight (August 27, 2013)
- Summary: Celaena continues her role as the King's Champion, but deeper conspiracies and magical threats begin to emerge. She must navigate court intrigue, dangerous missions, and growing feelings, all while uncovering secrets about her past and the kingdom.
- Expert Tip: The stakes begin to rise significantly here, and the world expands beyond the castle walls.
3. The Assassin's Blade (March 4, 2014)
- Summary: A collection of five prequel novellas detailing Celaena's life as an assassin before her imprisonment. These stories introduce key characters and events that profoundly shape her.
- Expert Tip: Reading it here provides crucial backstory *after* you've become invested in Celaena, allowing you to appreciate the weight of her past. However, some argue it breaks the momentum of the main narrative.
4. Heir of Fire (September 2, 2014)
- Summary: Celaena travels to Wendlyn to train with a powerful fae warrior, grappling with her identity and past traumas. Meanwhile, new allies and enemies emerge, and the war against the King of Adarlan looms larger.
- Expert Tip: This book is often cited as the turning point for the series, where the stakes become truly epic and the character development deepens considerably. It's a fan favorite for a reason.
5. Queen of Shadows (September 1, 2015)
- Summary: Celaena returns to Adarlan, ready to confront the king and reclaim her destiny. Alliances are forged, betrayals are revealed, and the fight for Erilea begins in earnest.
- Expert Tip: High action and significant plot progression. Many loose ends from previous books start to tie together, leading to a thrilling climax.
6. Empire of Storms (September 6, 2016)
- Summary: The war intensifies, and Celaena (now embracing her true identity) must gather her allies and face unimaginable sacrifices to save her world.
- Expert Tip: This book runs concurrently with *Tower of Dawn*. If you're following publication order, you'll read this entirely before moving to the next. The ending is a massive cliffhanger.
7. Tower of Dawn (September 5, 2017)
- Summary: Set simultaneously with *Empire of Storms*, this book follows Chaol Westfall as he travels to the southern continent to seek healing and alliances. It delves deep into new cultures and characters.
- Expert Tip: Many readers initially wanted to skip this due to its focus on a different character, but it is absolutely crucial to the overarching plot and character development. Do not skip *Tower of Dawn*! It provides vital context for *Kingdom of Ash*.
8. Kingdom of Ash (October 23, 2018)
- Summary: The epic conclusion to the series. All storylines converge as the characters face their final, brutal war against Maeve and Erawan, fighting for the fate of Erilea.
- Expert Tip: Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster. This book is a true testament to Maas's ability to deliver a satisfying, albeit heart-wrenching, finale.

Option 2: The Fan-Recommended or Emotional Order

This is by far the most common recommendation among seasoned fans and often referred to as the "purist" or "emotional" order, even though it deviates from strict publication or chronological sequence for *The Assassin's Blade*. The rationale behind this **Throne of Glass reading order** is to maximize emotional impact, reveal information at the most impactful moments, and maintain narrative momentum. It's the way most people recommend reading it for a first-time experience.

Book-by-Book Breakdown: Fan-Recommended Order

Here is the widely recommended **Throne of Glass reading order**:

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. Heir of Fire
4. Queen of Shadows
- Rationale: By this point, you are deeply invested in Celaena's journey and have witnessed her growth. Reading *The Assassin's Blade* now provides crucial context and emotional weight to her past traumas and relationships, particularly before the events of *Empire of Storms* where her past becomes even more relevant. It won't spoil anything from the main series, but it will deepen your understanding of her character and motivations.
5. The Assassin's Blade (Read after Queen of Shadows)
- Expert Tip: This placement allows the emotional beats of the novellas to land with maximum impact, as you already know the tragic outcomes of some of the characters introduced. It's like a powerful flashback that enriches the present narrative.
6. Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn (Tandem Read)
- Rationale: These two books occur at the same time. Reading them simultaneously, chapter by chapter, allows you to experience the full scope of the war and character arcs as they unfold across different continents. We'll delve into the specifics of the tandem read below.
7. Kingdom of Ash

The Assassin's Blade: When to Read the Prequel Novellas

The question of when to read *The Assassin's Blade* is arguably the most common dilemma in the **Throne of Glass reading order**. As mentioned, it's a collection of prequel novellas that, in chronological order, would be read first. However, many (including myself) strongly advocate for reading it after *Queen of Shadows* for a first-time reader.

If you choose to start with *The Assassin's Blade* (the strict chronological order), there would be no spoilers for the main series. You would learn about Celaena's past, her training, and the events that led to her imprisonment right from the beginning. However, the overall reading experience is, in my opinion, best if not read in strict chronological order on your first time reading through the *Throne of Glass* series. The emotional impact of certain revelations and character connections in *The Assassin's Blade* hits harder when you already have a strong bond with Celaena and understand the gravity of her situation in the main series. It provides "aha!" moments and deepens your appreciation for her character arc in a way that reading it first simply can't. Think of it as a powerful, extended flashback that enriches the present.

The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn

This is the second major decision point in your **Throne of Glass reading order**. *Empire of Storms* (EoS) and *Tower of Dawn* (ToD) are unique in that they cover the same timeframe but focus on different groups of characters. EoS continues Celaena's story and the main war efforts in the north, while ToD follows Chaol Westfall's journey to the Southern Continent.

Initially, many readers were tempted to skip *Tower of Dawn* because it shifts focus away from the main protagonists at a critical juncture in the overarching plot. However, finding out why you should not skip *Tower of Dawn* is crucial: it introduces vital characters, lore, and plot developments that are absolutely essential for understanding and appreciating *Kingdom of Ash*. Skipping it would leave you confused and missing significant pieces of the puzzle.

Why the Tandem Read is Recommended

The tandem read involves reading chapters from both *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* concurrently, alternating between the two books. This approach is highly recommended for several reasons:

Maintains Momentum: It prevents the "slog" feeling some readers experience when switching entirely to ToD after the high-stakes ending of EoS. You get to experience both storylines simultaneously, keeping the overall narrative flow engaging.
Enhances Context: Events in one book often subtly reference or impact events in the other, and reading them in tandem allows you to catch these connections in real-time.
Prevents Spoilers: While not direct spoilers, knowing the outcome of one storyline before reading the other can diminish the tension. The tandem read preserves the suspense for both narratives.
Fuller Picture: It offers a complete, holistic view of the world and the war as it unfolds across different fronts, enriching your understanding before the grand finale.

How to Execute the Tandem Read

Executing the tandem read requires a bit of planning, but it's well worth the effort. You'll need both physical copies or e-book versions open simultaneously. There are many fan-made guides and printable checklists available online that break down which chapters to read from each book. A common method involves alternating blocks of 2-3 chapters from one book, then switching to the other.

For example, a typical tandem reading order might look like:

*Empire of Storms* Chapters 1-5
*Tower of Dawn* Chapters 1-5
*Empire of Storms* Chapters 6-10
*Tower of Dawn* Chapters 6-10
...and so on.

Some guides are more granular, alternating every chapter or two. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you. Just remember, this is about enhancing your experience, so don't feel pressured to follow a rigid schedule if it detracts from your enjoyment. The goal is to read both, and the tandem read is simply the most popular and often most satisfying way to do it.

Beyond the Orders: Romantic and Chronological Considerations

While the publication and fan-recommended (emotional) orders are the most widely discussed for the **Throne of Glass reading order**, some discussions also touch upon "romantic" and "strict chronological" orders.

Romantic Order: This isn't a distinct reading order in terms of book sequence, but rather a way of emphasizing the romantic arcs within the series. It implies focusing on the character relationships and how they develop across the books. The general fan-recommended order often aligns with this, as it places *The Assassin's Blade* where it best enhances the emotional depth of Celaena's romantic past. If you want an unorthodox approach to the reading order, you can always start with the romantic order, but this usually means prioritizing the emotional journey over strict timeline adherence.
Strict Chronological Order: This order starts with *The Assassin's Blade* (since it happens first in the in-world timeline), followed by *Throne of Glass*, *Crown of Midnight*, and so on. While it seems logical to follow the story as it happened, as discussed, many readers find that starting with TAB can dull the initial impact of Celaena's character and slow down the pacing of the first two main novels. For a first-time reader, it's generally advised against, though it can be an interesting experience for re-reads.

Ultimately, the two primary choices for the **Throne of Glass reading order** boil down to Publication vs. Fan-Recommended (Emotional), with the tandem read being a crucial component of either choice from book six onwards.

Final Thoughts on Your Throne of Glass Journey

Diving into the Sarah J. Maas book universe, especially the *Throne of Glass* series, can feel daunting at first due to the various reading order discussions. However, as we've thoroughly explained, it's not as tricky as it might seem. The most common question on every bookworm’s lips—the reading order of this fantasy series—has two main, highly recommended answers: the publication order for those who prefer the original release experience, or the fan-recommended emotional order for maximum impact and a more cohesive narrative flow for a first read.

No matter which **Throne of Glass reading order** you choose, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Step into a world of magic, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Witness Celaena's transformation, feel the weight of her struggles, and cheer for her triumphs. Do not skip *Tower of Dawn*, and consider the tandem read for an unparalleled experience of *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn*.

We hope this comprehensive guide has equipped you with all the information you need to embark on your adventure through Erilea. Which reading order do you plan to follow, or if you've already read the series, which one did you choose and why? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, please consider sharing it with other aspiring readers of this captivating fantasy epic. Happy reading!

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