Read Sarah Maas Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
By Kathy | Last Updated on July 2, 2026
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Sarah J. Maas is a name that has become synonymous with high fantasy, captivating worlds, complex characters, and exhilarating plots. Her writing has sparked a massive fan base across the globe, with her books taking readers on fantastical journeys that blend magic, romance, and suspense into a seamless narrative. Known for her series Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas has crafted stories that not only immerse readers in new realms but also create strong emotional connections with her characters. Her works, though primarily categorized as fantasy, have evolved over time, gaining more sophistication and depth with each new series she releases.
Her books have earned a reputation for being emotionally charged and full of plot twists, leaving readers both thrilled and heartbroken. Many fans find themselves drawn to the powerful heroines that Maas creates, women who are not only physically strong but emotionally and mentally complex. Maas’s ability to build sprawling, interconnected worlds with rich lore, diverse characters, and high stakes is what keeps readers coming back for more.
In this post, we will explore Sarah J. Maas’s books, provide a breakdown of the reading order for her major series, discuss what makes her books so captivating, and finally, answer the critical question: should you read them in order? By the end of this discussion, you will have a clearer understanding of the appeal of her works and the best approach to diving into her worlds.
Contents
List Of Sarah Maas Books In Order
| Throne of Glass (2012) | Details |
| Crown of Midnight (2013) | Details |
| Heir of Fire (2014) | Details |
| Queen of Shadows (2015) | Details |
| Empire of Storms (2016) | Details |
| Tower of Dawn (2017) | Details |
| Kingdom of Ash (2018) | Details |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) | Details |
| A Court of Mist and Fury (2016) | Details |
| A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017) | Details |
| A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) | Details |
| A Court of Silver Flames (2021) | Details |
| Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood (2020) | Details |
| Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath (2022) | Details |
More On Sarah Maas Books In Chronological Order
1. Throne of Glass (2012)
Ah, the one that started it all! ’Throne of Glass’ introduces us to Celaena Sardothien, a fierce assassin with a complicated past and a knack for trouble. She’s dragged out of a death sentence to fight in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion, and let me tell you, this book is packed with twists, political intrigue, and character drama. If you’re into gritty action and complicated characters, this one’s a blast.
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
In ’Crown of Midnight,’ we dive deeper into Celaena’s journey as she grapples with her new role as the king’s assassin. There’s this emotional depth that kicks in here, and trust me, things get complicated between love, loyalty, and the pressure to choose sides in a kingdom on the brink of war. Oh, and the plot twists? Wild. I won’t spoil it, but you’ll definitely get some jaw-dropping moments!
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
This one’s a game-changer. ’Heir of Fire’ shifts things up as Celaena heads off to find her inner strength while facing some of her hardest challenges yet. There are new characters (hello, Rowan!), and the emotional stakes go through the roof as Celaena has to face her past. This book really digs into who she is, what drives her, and the lengths she’ll go to for vengeance. It’s the start of some epic character development.
4. Queen of Shadows (2015)
Oh, this is where it all clicks into high gear! ’Queen of Shadows’ sees Celaena fully embracing her destiny and unleashing her true power. There’s an intense battle for the throne, a bunch of new alliances, and some seriously epic confrontations. If you thought the previous books were good, this one will hit you right in the gut with all the high stakes and action-packed moments you can handle.
5. Empire of Storms (2016)
In ’Empire of Storms,’ the stakes are higher than ever. Celaena (now going by Aelin) has to juggle both leading an army and dealing with the war that’s brewing in Erilea. There’s romance, revenge, and some seriously big plans for Aelin to save the world. The book is filled with fierce warriors, political moves, and a ton of emotional moments that will leave you holding your breath until the very last page.
6. Tower of Dawn (2017)
Alright, so ’Tower of Dawn’ is a bit of a detour from Aelin’s story, but it’s still crucial. This one focuses on Chaol Westfall as he goes on his own journey to recover from his injuries and seek a cure. It introduces us to a whole new setting, new characters (hello, Yrene!), and new political drama. While it’s a bit of a break from the main action, it adds some incredible depth to the overall story.
7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
This is the final book in the ’Throne of Glass’ series, and it’s nothing short of epic. ’Kingdom of Ash’ ties up all the loose ends and answers every question you’ve had since the beginning. There’s heartbreak, victories, betrayals, and growth, and the characters we’ve come to love (or love to hate) have their final say in the war for Erilea. It’s an emotional, action-packed rollercoaster, and trust me, you’ll need tissues for this one.
8. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
Now, shifting gears a bit, ’A Court of Thorns and Roses’ is a whole new world. Feyre, a huntress, ends up in a magical realm after killing a faerie, and things get all sorts of complicated from there. There’s a dark faerie lord, a touch of Beauty and the Beast, and a world full of intrigue, curses, and romance. This book starts a whole new saga that mixes magic, mystery, and some *intense* romance.
9. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
In ’A Court of Mist and Fury,’ things go from steamy to *super* emotional as Feyre navigates the aftermath of the events in the first book. There’s a lot of healing, personal growth, and discovering new sides to herself. And trust me, the romance? It gets *intense*. There’s more magic, more secrets, and more drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s darker, deeper, and absolutely unmissable.
10. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
In this third book, the stakes skyrocket as Feyre becomes a major player in a war between the courts. There are alliances, betrayals, and *epic* battles as everything Feyre holds dear is put to the test. With romance and emotional upheaval at every turn, this book wraps up the major war arc and sets the stage for what’s to come. It’s got everything-powerful emotions, magic, and romance that will leave you swooning.
11. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
This one’s a bit of a novella, giving us a breather after the crazy events of ’A Court of Wings and Ruin.’ Feyre and Rhysand navigate life after the war, and we get to check in on all our favorite characters. It’s a more low-key book compared to the others but still full of sweet, touching moments that help us reconnect with the world and characters we’ve come to love.
12. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
This book is a spin-off that focuses on Nesta, Feyre’s sister, and Cassian, the general of the Night Court’s armies. After the trauma from the war, Nesta has to find her strength, and Cassian is there to help her heal. It’s a deeply emotional story of recovery, self-worth, and finding peace after the storm. There’s magic, romance, and some seriously swoon-worthy moments that will have you rooting for these two from start to finish.
13. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood (2020)
Now, this is where things get a little different. ’Crescent City’ introduces us to Bryce Quinlan, a party girl in a world of powerful creatures. After the tragic death of her best friend, she’s caught up in a wild investigation involving murder, magic, and a whole lot of secrets. There’s romance, danger, and one hell of a twist. The world-building is insane, and the characters? Totally unforgettable.
14. Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath (2022)
The sequel to ’House of Earth and Blood,’ this book picks up right where the first one left off. Bryce and Hunt are trying to navigate life in a city full of danger, secrets, and politics. The stakes are raised even higher in this one, and the world-building keeps expanding. There’s romance, betrayal, and jaw-dropping moments that will have you hooked from page one.
Background On Sarah J. Maas’s Books
Sarah J. Maas first came to prominence through her debut series Throne of Glass, which was originally published as a series of chapters on FictionPress before being picked up by a traditional publisher. The story follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin in a corrupt, oppressive kingdom, as she battles for freedom and justice, all while uncovering dark secrets and forging complicated relationships. Maas’s Throne of Glass series has evolved from a story of vengeance and survival into a larger-than-life epic about political intrigue, the cost of power, and the fate of entire worlds.
Her second major series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast but with its own twists and dark edges. The story follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal girl who is dragged into the dangerous world of the Fae after killing a wolf in the woods. What ensues is a story about survival, love, loss, and the complex politics of a land divided between the mortal realm and the Fae courts. ACOTAR, while starting off as a fantasy romance, grows into a story about self-discovery, identity, and the very nature of good and evil.
Maas’s books tend to blend romance with action, often creating relationships that are just as central to the plot as the action or political intrigue. One of the key aspects of her writing is the emotional depth she imbues in her characters. As much as the plot may be about grand events like war or magic, the heart of her books often lies in the relationships that form, whether they are between friends, lovers, or enemies.
Reading Order Explained
To fully appreciate Sarah J. Maas’s books, it’s crucial to follow the correct reading order, especially if you want to understand the intricacies of her interconnected worlds. Although both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses are separate series, Maas has created a complex web of lore that often intersects, and reading them in the proper sequence can enhance your overall experience.
Throne Of Glass Series
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn (A companion novel focused on Chaol Westfall, taking place during the events of Empire of Storms)
- Kingdom of Ash
In the Throne of Glass series, the plot follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien as she evolves from a slave into a queen and a warrior. The books follow her growth as a character, and the world she inhabits grows more expansive and intricate with each book. Tower of Dawn, though a companion novel to the main series, is essential to the complete understanding of the story, as it introduces new perspectives and characters whose stories converge in the final book, Kingdom of Ash.
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Series
- 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 novella, bridging the gap between A Court of Wings and Ruin and the future books)
- A Court of Silver Flames (The first book of the spinoff series focusing on Nesta and Cassian)
The ACOTAR series begins as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it grows into its own beast (no pun intended) with each book. Feyre’s journey of personal transformation, alongside her tangled relationships with the Fae courts, plays out with unexpected twists. The novella A Court of Frost and Starlight is essential for those who want to understand the aftermath of the war and see the characters in a more reflective light before jumping into the next phase of the story in A Court of Silver Flames.
Bonus Reads
- The Assassin’s Blade: A collection of prequel novellas for Throne of Glass, these stories provide essential backstory for Celaena’s character and add depth to the events that unfold in the main series.
- House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City Series): Maas’s newest series, set in a modern fantasy world filled with supernatural creatures, political intrigue, and complex relationships. This series is not directly connected to her other works, but it shares the same world-building prowess and character development that fans of Maas’s writing have come to expect.
What I Like About The Series?
There are many elements that make Sarah J. Maas’s books irresistible to her readers.
Character Growth: One of the most compelling aspects of Maas’s writing is the incredible character development she portrays. Her protagonists, whether it’s Celaena or Feyre, are often struggling with their own identity, past trauma, and what it means to be a hero or leader. They are not perfect; they make mistakes, and they grow over the course of the series. Maas doesn’t shy away from showing the raw, messy realities of life and self-discovery.
Complex Relationships: Another major strength of Maas’s books is the intricate web of relationships she weaves. From friendships to romances to familial bonds, her books explore the complexities of human connection in ways that resonate deeply with readers. Whether it’s the enemies-to-lovers trope in ACOTAR or the deep camaraderie and loyalty within Throne of Glass, Maas masterfully balances tension and tenderness.
World-Building: The universes Maas creates are vast and filled with rich history, magic, and politics. The Fae courts, the world of Erilea, and the sprawling lands in Crescent City all feel lived-in and multidimensional. Readers are immersed in not just the main plot but also the intricate cultures, rules, and histories that define the characters and their struggles.
Twists and Turns: Maas is a master of suspense and plot twists. Just when you think you have everything figured out, she introduces a twist that turns the entire narrative on its head. This keeps readers engaged and invested in the story, and the anticipation of the next surprise is one of the driving forces behind the appeal of her work.
Should You Read Sarah Maas Books In Order?
Yes, reading Sarah J. Maas’s books in order is highly recommended for the fullest experience. Both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses are part of larger, interconnected worlds, and while each series is standalone to some extent, the character and plot development is best appreciated when followed in sequence.
In particular, reading Throne of Glass in order allows readers to witness Celaena’s evolution as a character, while following the events of A Court of Thorns and Roses in sequence helps to better understand the stakes of the Fae courts and the emotional arcs of the protagonists.
For fans of world-building and lore, there’s also the value in reading the series as Maas’s works often build upon earlier themes and characters. For example, events and characters in Throne of Glass directly influence the progression of Crescent City, and minor plot points from one series may have subtle connections in another. By reading in order, you gain a deeper understanding of Maas’s storytelling and the intricate details woven into her works.