Read Throne Of Glass Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

Throne of Glass, the epic fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas, has captivated millions of readers worldwide with its rich world-building, intricate plots, and multifaceted characters. The series, spanning seven novels, a collection of prequel novellas, and a companion book, follows the journey of a young assassin, Celaena Sardothien, who embarks on an adventure filled with magic, betrayal, romance, and self-discovery. The world Maas created is both vast and vivid, blending elements of high fantasy with emotional depth, political intrigue, and a series of unforgettable battles between light and dark.

While many fantasy readers might initially be drawn to Throne of Glass for its action-packed premise, the series’ lasting appeal comes from its complex character development, its exploration of themes like identity, power, and destiny, and its unforgettable plot twists. But before diving into the series, it’s important to understand how the books are structured, which can sometimes be a little confusing to new readers due to the mix of novels and prequels. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Throne of Glass universe and explain the best way to approach the series for the ultimate reading experience.

List Of Throne Of Glass Books In Order

More On Throne Of Glass Books In Chronological Order

1. The Assassin’s Blade (2014)

Okay, so this one’s actually a collection of prequel novellas that set up everything about Celaena Sardothien before she even steps foot in the Glass Castle. It’s like getting the behind-the-scenes gossip about her life as an assassin, her complicated relationships, and the heart-pounding adventures that shaped her into the kickass character we meet later. Honestly, if you start here, you get all the juicy context and it makes the first main book hit even harder!

2. Throne of Glass (2012)

Here’s where the saga officially kicks off. Celaena Sardothien is freed from the salt mines of Endovier and enters a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. And let me tell you, it’s not just sword fights and assassinations-it’s court politics, sneaky alliances, and a healthy dose of romance. The pacing is fast, the twists are wild, and you immediately see why Celaena is such an unforgettable character.

3. Crown of Midnight (2013)

Oh boy, this is the one where things start to get really intense. Celaena has now officially become the king’s assassin, but of course, nothing is simple. There’s betrayal, heartbreak, and secret agendas everywhere you look. Plus, the plot thickens with a lot of magical and political intrigue. You really start seeing the layers of the world and why people keep raving about Sarah J. Maas’s knack for building suspense.

4. Heir of Fire (2014)

This book takes Celaena on a whole new adventure-she leaves Adarlan behind and travels to a foreign land to train and unlock her hidden powers. And wow, it’s emotional. There’s a ton of personal growth, fierce friendships, and, of course, more magic. It’s like a coming-of-age story meets epic fantasy with just enough heart-wrenching drama to keep you glued to every page.

5. Queen of Shadows (2015)

Okay, buckle up because this is where the stakes get insane. Celaena is back, ready to reclaim her throne and confront all the people who’ve wronged her. The book is loaded with revenge, epic battles, and plot twists that will make you gasp. Also, the romance and friendships we’ve been invested in finally reach some huge turning points. It’s one of those books that makes you stay up all night just to see what happens next.

6. Empire of Storms (2016)

By this point, the world is exploding with war, magic, and all kinds of political chaos. Celaena, who’s now embracing her true identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, has to juggle alliances, armies, and secrets while still staying true to herself. It’s big, it’s bold, and the pacing is relentless. You feel like you’re right there with her, trying to navigate this massive web of danger and intrigue.

7. Tower of Dawn (2017)

This is kind of a companion novel to ’Empire of Storms,’ and it follows Chaol Westfall as he journeys to heal from past injuries and becomes embroiled in some serious magical and political adventures. Honestly, it’s a little slower than the main books, but it adds so much depth to the world and characters-plus, you get all the juicy backstory you didn’t even know you needed!

8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

And here we are at the epic finale. This book is massive in scope and absolutely heart-stopping. Aelin and her allies face their biggest battles yet, both in terms of magic and politics. There’s heartbreak, triumph, shocking twists, and finally, the long-awaited payoffs for all those years of story-building. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, and honestly, it’s hard to put down once you start. It’s everything fans have been waiting for and then some.

Background On Throne Of Glass Books

Throne of Glass began as a story written by Sarah J. Maas when she was just a teenager. Originally, it was published as a serialized work on her website under the title Queen of Glass, but as the story gained traction, Maas decided to expand it into a full-fledged novel. The series is set in the world of Erilea, a land filled with different kingdoms, each with its own politics, cultures, and histories. The central character, Celaena Sardothien, is an 18-year-old assassin who, after spending years in the salt mines of Endovier, is given a chance to win her freedom by entering a competition to become the king’s champion.

Throughout the series, Celaena faces an ever-growing array of challenges. Alongside her quest for freedom, she uncovers dark secrets about the world’s history, the legacy of ancient powers, and the looming threat of an ancient evil that has the potential to destroy everything. As she navigates dangerous alliances, powerful magic, and her own inner turmoil, Celaena’s character grows into a leader who must decide what she stands for in a world teetering on the edge of war.

The series is notable for its intricately woven plotlines, blending political intrigue, magic, and romance with darker, more mature themes as the story progresses. Maas also skillfully introduces a cast of complex secondary characters whose relationships with Celaena become central to the plot and themes of the books.

Reading Order Explained

The Throne of Glass series is composed of a mix of full-length novels and prequel novellas. While it’s possible to read the books in different ways, there is a specific reading order that will enhance your understanding of the story’s world and the development of its characters. Here’s a breakdown of the books and novellas, along with the optimal reading order:

1. Prequel Novellas

   • The Assassin’s Blade (2014)

     This collection of five novellas should be read before the main series, even though it was published after Throne of Glass. It provides vital backstory for Celaena, shedding light on her early years as an assassin and explaining her motivations, relationships, and the events that shape her character. It also introduces key characters that will reappear in the later books.

2. Main Series

   • Throne of Glass (2012)

     This is where the journey begins. In this novel, Celaena is freed from the salt mines to compete in a competition to become the King’s Champion. The story sets up many of the world-building elements, introduces key characters like Chaol and Dorian, and establishes the series’ main conflict.

   • Crown of Midnight (2013)

     The second book delves deeper into Celaena’s transformation, revealing more about her past and her growing sense of purpose. She becomes entangled in the political machinations of the royal court while facing powerful enemies.

   • Heir of Fire (2014)

     This book significantly expands the scope of the series. Celaena is forced to confront her personal demons while uncovering secrets about the world’s magic and history. The story introduces new characters and locations that become vital to the overarching plot.

   • Queen of Shadows (2015)

     Here, Celaena embraces her true identity and her destiny. The stakes grow higher, and new alliances and betrayals emerge, pushing Celaena toward the realization of her ultimate mission.

   • Empire of Storms (2016)

     The fifth book shifts the focus toward the broader political and military struggles of the world. Celaena’s role as a leader becomes central to the fight against an impending dark force.

   • Tower of Dawn (2017)

     This is a companion novel set during the events of Empire of Storms but follows the character of Chaol Westfall as he embarks on his own journey of healing and redemption. It is recommended to read Tower of Dawn after Empire of Storms, as it contains essential plot developments that influence the final book.

   • Kingdom of Ash (2018)

     The series finale brings everything to a head, resolving long-running plotlines and offering a conclusion to Celaena’s journey. The world is on the brink of destruction, and only by uniting the forces of magic, military might, and leadership can Celaena and her allies hope to defeat the dark forces threatening to overrun Erilea.

What I Like About The Series?

There are many reasons why Throne of Glass has become a beloved series for fantasy readers, but what stands out most to me are the depth of its characters, the world-building, and the way the story evolves as it progresses.

• Complex Characters: Celaena is not your typical ’chosen one’ protagonist. She’s flawed, conflicted, and deeply human. Her evolution from a cocky, somewhat shallow assassin to a powerful and compassionate leader is a central theme of the series. She’s tough yet vulnerable, fiercely independent yet capable of great love and loyalty. This complexity makes her a relatable and compelling character.
• Powerful Female Lead: One of the most refreshing aspects of Throne of Glass is its portrayal of a strong, dynamic female protagonist. Celaena’s strength is not only physical, but mental and emotional. She faces immense challenges but does not shy away from her responsibilities, even when they become overwhelming.
• The Romance: The romantic arcs in Throne of Glass are slow-burning and intricately woven into the plot. There’s no love at first sight here. Relationships develop over time, filled with tension, growth, and deep emotional stakes. The chemistry between Celaena and her love interests is palpable, making the romantic aspects of the story both heart-wrenching and satisfying.
• The Magic and World-Building: The magic system in Throne of Glass is both complex and engaging. Maas does an excellent job of revealing the hidden layers of her world bit by bit, allowing readers to discover the rules of magic, the politics of the different kingdoms, and the ancient histories that have shaped Erilea.

Should You Read Throne Of Glass Books In Order?

Absolutely. While Throne of Glass can be enjoyed by newcomers who start with the first book, reading the prequel novellas before the main series will provide invaluable context for the characters and the world. The novellas offer essential backstory that will enhance your understanding of the characters’ motivations and relationships in the main series.

Skipping the novellas could result in a loss of emotional depth and a greater sense of confusion when certain characters and events are referenced later in the series. For instance, knowing Celaena’s journey before the events of Throne of Glass will make her character arc far more meaningful as you progress through the series.