Read Sarah J Maas Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!
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Sarah J. Maas has swiftly established herself as one of the leading voices in the world of contemporary fantasy. Known for her intricate world-building, deeply emotional narratives, and compelling characters, Maas’s books captivate readers from the very first page. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of fantasy or someone who’s just beginning to dive into the genre, her stories offer a rich blend of magic, adventure, romance, and self-discovery that resonate with fans worldwide.
However, for those unfamiliar with her work or uncertain about where to begin, Sarah J. Maas’s collection can seem daunting due to the complexity of her different series. Each book is interwoven with its own lore, characters, and plotlines that stretch across multiple realms and dimensions. Therefore, understanding the correct reading order and knowing where to start is vital to fully experiencing her masterpieces. In this article, we’ll explore Sarah J. Maas’s books in depth, highlight the key elements of her writing, and explain the best way to approach her works for maximum enjoyment.
Contents
List Of Sarah J 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 J Maas Books In Chronological Order
1. Throne of Glass (2012)
Alright, so this is where it all begins! You meet Celaena Sardothien, a fierce and witty assassin who’s been imprisoned in a grim labor camp but gets a shot at freedom if she wins a competition to become the king’s champion. It’s packed with danger, political intrigue, and just enough sass from Celaena to keep you grinning even when things get dark. If you like clever heroines who can kick butt and charm just about anyone, this is your starting point.
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
This one picks up with Celaena now firmly entrenched as the king’s assassin, and let me tell you, things get seriously intense. Secrets, betrayals, and heartbreaks pile up like you wouldn’t believe. Plus, Maas really dives into Celaena’s personal struggles and her growing feelings that complicate everything. It’s fast-paced, emotional, and will absolutely make you root for her in every impossible situation.
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
Here’s where Celaena takes a detour to a new land and discovers even more about herself-her powers, her heritage, and yes, her emotional baggage. This book turns up the fantasy elements and world-building in a big way, introducing dragons, magic, and some very powerful new characters. It’s basically a deep dive into everything that makes her tick, and you’ll find yourself both cheering for her and crying with her. Maas really knows how to pull at the heartstrings.
4. Queen of Shadows (2015)
Back in the thick of things, Celaena returns to face the people who betrayed her, and oh boy, revenge has never been so satisfying. The plotting is tight, the fights are epic, and Maas brings all the threads together in ways that are thrilling and often heartbreaking. Expect shocking twists, intense showdowns, and some emotional reunions that will make you hold your book a little tighter.
5. Empire of Storms (2016)
Now we’re getting into the heavy-duty endgame territory. Alliances shift, battles escalate, and Celaena-who’s now fully embracing her true identity-has to step up like never before. This book is packed with epic battle scenes, jaw-dropping plot twists, and those moments of character growth that make you want to cheer and cry at the same time. Maas isn’t holding back; the stakes are huge, and every chapter keeps you on edge.
6. Tower of Dawn (2017)
This is the companion to Empire of Storms, and instead of Celaena’s perspective, we follow Chaol Westfall. It’s actually super satisfying because it gives a slower, more introspective view of the aftermath and recovery while still keeping the tension and drama alive. You get politics, healing, and yes, some very emotional personal journeys that show how Maas can blend fantasy epicness with tender moments beautifully.
7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
And here we are at the grand finale of the Throne of Glass saga! This book is enormous, intense, and honestly, an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. Every plotline comes together, battles rage, and characters you’ve loved (and maybe hated) face their destinies. Maas spares no one when it comes to shocking twists, heartbreaks, and victories that will make you fist-pump and sob in the same chapter. It’s dramatic, it’s epic, and it’s everything a finale should be.
8. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
Switching gears to a different series, here’s Feyre Archeron’s introduction to the dangerous and seductive world of the Fae. This is Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired but with serious twists, dark magic, and a romance that will pull you in completely. Feyre is relatable and strong in her own way, and the world Maas builds is lush, vivid, and slightly perilous-just enough to keep you hooked from page one.
9. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Oh, this is where things really explode. Feyre is recovering from the trauma of the first book, and Maas dives deep into her growth, desires, and complicated feelings. The romance heats up, the stakes get higher, and the world of the Fae expands into layers of intrigue and danger you didn’t see coming. Maas does an incredible job of mixing heartbreak, empowerment, and excitement-you’ll want to read it in one sitting.
10. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
This one’s pure chaos in the best way possible. War, heartbreak, and huge revelations take center stage, and Feyre is at the heart of it all. Maas doesn’t shy away from making you feel everything-loss, triumph, love, and betrayal. The pacing is relentless, and the emotional payoff is immense. It’s a satisfying, intense continuation that shows how far Feyre has come as a heroine.
11. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
Think of this as a breather between the epic war and the next big thing. Feyre and her friends reflect, recover, and start rebuilding their lives. It’s lighter, sweeter, and surprisingly emotional, letting you see the softer sides of characters who’ve been through so much. It’s the kind of book that makes you sigh happily and feel all warm and fuzzy inside after the intensity of the previous installments.
12. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
Here we finally zoom in on Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister, and wow, Maas goes all in on her story. Nesta is complicated, fiery, and dealing with a lot of trauma, and Maas doesn’t sugarcoat any of it. The romance is steamy, the character growth is deep, and the stakes are high in the Fae world. If you thought Maas could only thrill you with one perspective, this book proves otherwise-it’s raw, intense, and absolutely unputdownable.
13. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood (2020)
This kicks off her adult fantasy series set in a modern, supernatural world with magic, angels, demons, and a seriously complex mystery. Bryce Quinlan is your guide, and she’s sharp, sassy, and dealing with immense loss while navigating dangerous politics. Maas combines urban fantasy, crime-solving, and romance in a sprawling, cinematic style that’s perfect if you want a contemporary twist on epic storytelling.
14. Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath (2022)
The sequel takes everything from the first book and cranks it up. Politics, conspiracies, and emotional stakes are bigger than ever. Bryce is more determined, the relationships get more complicated, and the supernatural world expands in exciting, jaw-dropping ways. Maas is absolutely in her element here-balancing romance, action, and world-building so expertly that you feel like you’re living in this universe alongside the characters.
Background On Sarah J Maas Books
Sarah J. Maas burst onto the literary scene with her debut series, "Throne of Glass", a high-fantasy epic that quickly garnered a dedicated following. The series chronicles the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, as she navigates political intrigue, personal turmoil, and an ever-expanding magical world. Maas followed this success with the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) series, a more mature, fantasy-romance saga that blends elements of classic fairy tales with Maas’s signature darker, more mature themes.
What makes Sarah J. Maas’s books stand out is her ability to blend gripping action sequences, intricate political machinations, and deeply emotional, character-driven storylines. Her books often feature complex female protagonists, exploring their strengths, vulnerabilities, and growth through trial and conflict. The relationships in Maas’s books-particularly the romantic relationships-are central to the narrative, and Maas’s careful attention to character development allows these relationships to evolve in a natural, compelling way.
In addition to the two primary series, Maas has also written novellas, spin-offs, and short stories, all of which contribute to the depth of the worlds she has built. This comprehensive body of work has created a rich universe that spans multiple interconnected realms, each with its own magic systems, creatures, and politics.
Reading Order Explained
Sarah J. Maas’s books can be a bit tricky when it comes to the order in which to read them. The two most prominent series, "Throne of Glass" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses", are separate in terms of story and characters, but they share the same world and often refer to each other in subtle ways. Additionally, Maas has written novellas that either tie into the main series or offer additional context for events and characters.
Here’s a breakdown of how to approach her books:
Throne Of Glass Series
The "Throne of Glass" series is Maas’s first major work, consisting of seven novels and a collection of novellas. It follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who is thrust into a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. As the series progresses, Celaena’s journey unfolds across several kingdoms and involves complex political dynamics, an ancient magical world, and an epic struggle between good and evil.
The correct reading order for the Throne of Glass series is:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn (Note: This is a companion novel focusing on the character Chaol Westfall. It can be read after Empire of Storms but before Kingdom of Ash.)
- Kingdom of Ash
Additionally, Maas released a collection of novellas titled "The Assassin’s Blade", which offers backstory on Celaena Sardothien and her past as an assassin. These novellas can be read before the first novel or after reading Crown of Midnight, depending on your preference.
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Series
The "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in a world of magical courts and creatures. The protagonist, Feyre Archeron, is a huntress who is taken to a faerie realm where she uncovers secrets about the magical world, its politics, and her own identity. ACOTAR is a mix of romance, adventure, and high-stakes drama, and Maas skillfully weaves in darker themes, such as trauma, sacrifice, and redemption.
The recommended reading order for the ACOTAR series is:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (This is a novella that bridges the events between A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Silver Flames.)
- A Court of Silver Flames
- A Court of Thunder (Planned future book in the series; check for updates).
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Maas’s world fully, these two series offer distinct entry points depending on your interests-one for fans of assassins and epic battles, the other for those who love romance with a fantasy twist.
What I Like About The Series?
What truly sets Sarah J. Maas apart as a writer is her ability to create deeply layered characters. Whether it’s the fierce and independent Celaena Sardothien or the broken yet resilient Feyre Archeron, Maas’s characters feel tangible and real. They grow, make mistakes, learn from their failures, and experience true emotional depth. The relationships between characters-romantic, platonic, familial-are complex and authentic, evolving with each new challenge.
Her world-building is another highlight. Both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses feature intricate magical systems, political structures, and histories that add weight to the stakes of the story. Maas takes the time to immerse readers in her worlds, often using lore and mythology to flesh out her settings in ways that feel both immersive and fresh.
Additionally, Maas isn’t afraid to explore darker themes, such as trauma, sacrifice, and redemption, which gives her stories an emotional resonance that many fantasy novels lack. Her heroines are strong, but they are also vulnerable, making them all the more compelling.
Should You Read Sarah J Maas Books In Order?
Yes, reading Sarah J. Maas’s books in order is highly recommended. While each series is mostly self-contained, the books often reference events and characters from other works, especially in later installments. For example, reading Throne of Glass before A Court of Thorns and Roses will help you understand subtle connections and Easter eggs that Maas drops throughout the ACOTAR series. The same can be said for reading the novellas and companion novels in the correct sequence, as they provide additional context and depth to the main narratives.
If you’re diving into the Throne of Glass series, it’s essential to read the novellas and companion books in the right order to fully appreciate Celaena’s journey. Similarly, with ACOTAR, while each book can stand alone to some degree, they are best read in order to follow the emotional arcs of the characters and their relationships.