The Ultimate Throne Of Glass Reading Order Guide: Your Journey Through Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy
Stepping into the magical world of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series is an adventure like no other. This captivating young adult fantasy saga, inspired loosely by Cinderella, plunges readers into a realm of assassins, magic, political intrigue, and profound romance. At its heart is Celaena Sardothien, a notorious teenage assassin on a quest for freedom, power, and ultimately, to save her world.
However, for many new readers, the sheer scope of the series – consisting of eight books (seven main novels and one prequel novella collection) – can lead to a common question: "What is the best Throne of Glass reading order?" Fear not, fellow bookworms! While author Sarah J. Maas laid out her high fantasy epic in a mostly linear fashion starting with Throne of Glass in 2012, there are indeed a few popular and widely debated ways to embark on this unforgettable journey. This guide will break down the options, helping you choose the perfect path for your first read or even a re-read.
Understanding the Throne of Glass Series
Before diving into the reading orders, let's briefly appreciate the immense scope of the Throne of Glass series. It's an immersive, expansive story that evolves significantly from its initial premise. What begins as a tale of an assassin competing for her freedom quickly blossoms into an epic struggle for a kingdom's survival, filled with intricate plot twists, complex character arcs, and a sprawling magical world.
The series is comprised of:
- Seven main novels: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and Kingdom of Ash.
- One prequel collection of novellas: The Assassin's Blade.
This grand narrative is part of a larger universe created by Sarah J. Maas, which also includes her other best-selling series like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Crescent City. While connections exist, it's generally recommended to read Throne of Glass (and ACOTAR) before delving into Crescent City to avoid spoilers and fully appreciate the intricate world-building.
The Different Ways to Read Throne of Glass
When it comes to tackling the Throne of Glass series, there isn't a single "right" answer, but rather a few highly recommended approaches. The choice often comes down to what kind of reading experience you prefer: chronological understanding, a more suspenseful reveal, or a balance of both. The three most popular ways are the Purist (Chronological) Order, the Romantic (Publication) Order, and a less common Emotional Order.
1. The Purist (Chronological) Order
The Purist order, also frequently referred to as the Chronological order, is straightforward: you read the books exactly as the events unfold within Celaena Sardothien's timeline. This means starting with the prequel, which details Celaena's life and formative experiences before the main series begins.
Here's the Purist reading order:
- The Assassin's Blade (Prequel Novellas)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Pros of the Purist Order:
- Full Backstory Upfront: You immediately gain a deep understanding of Celaena's past, her skills, her relationships, and the traumatic events that shaped her. This provides crucial context for her actions and emotional state throughout the subsequent books.
- Seamless Timeline: The narrative flows chronologically, avoiding any flashbacks or information reveals that might feel disjointed later on.
- Deeper Emotional Connection: Some readers find that understanding Celaena's origins from the start fosters a stronger emotional connection to her character.
Cons of the Purist Order:
- Pacing Shift:The Assassin's Blade has a different tone and pacing compared to the main novels. Starting with it might feel like a slow burn for some, potentially delaying the high-stakes action that defines the core series.
- Spoilers for Early Mysteries: Knowing Celaena's full backstory from the beginning can diminish some of the initial mystery surrounding her past that is gradually revealed in the first few main books.
- Tone Difference: The novellas are darker and more brutal, which might be a stark introduction for new readers expecting the slightly lighter tone of the initial Throne of Glass novel.
2. The Romantic (Publication) Order
The Romantic order, often synonymous with the Publication order, is the way the books were originally released. This is frequently recommended by Sarah J. Maas herself for new readers, as it allows for a more natural progression of mystery and character development, mirroring the author's intended reveal of information.
Here's the Romantic reading order (with a common placement for The Assassin's Blade):
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- The Assassin's Blade (Read here, after Heir of Fire, or even after Queen of Shadows, but before Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn)
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
The placement of The Assassin's Blade in this order is flexible, but many fans and even Maas herself suggest reading it after Heir of Fire. At this point, Celaena's past becomes increasingly relevant to the plot, making the prequel novellas a timely and impactful read that provides crucial context for the events to come in Queen of Shadows and beyond.
Pros of the Romantic Order:
- Author's Intent: This is how Maas originally presented the story, allowing for organic reveals and character growth.
- Pacing: The main series starts with a quicker pace and more immediate stakes, which can be more engaging for new readers.
- Mystery Building: The gradual unveiling of Celaena's past through flashbacks and revelations within the main novels adds to the suspense and emotional impact.
- Strong Recommendation: Many readers, old and new, strongly recommend the Romantic read-through, especially for a first-time experience.
Cons of the Romantic Order:
- Disjointed Flashbacks: Some readers might find the flashbacks and references to Celaena's past confusing or lacking full context if they haven't read The Assassin's Blade yet.
- Emotional Impact: The emotional weight of certain events in the main series might not hit as hard without the full background provided by the prequel.
3. The Emotional Order
While less formalized than the other two, the "Emotional Order" is sometimes mentioned. This typically involves variations of the Purist or Romantic order, where readers might shift the placement of The Assassin's Blade based on when they feel its emotional impact would be greatest for them. However, for most readers, sticking to either the Purist or Romantic order will provide a satisfying experience.
Important Considerations & Tips for Your Journey
Regardless of which main order you choose, there are a few critical points and tips to ensure you have the best possible reading experience with Throne of Glass.
Do NOT Skip Tower of Dawn!
This is perhaps the most crucial piece of advice for any Throne of Glass reader. Tower of Dawn is a concurrent novel to Empire of Storms, following different characters in a different part of the world. Many readers, eager to get to the final book, are tempted to skip it. However, you absolutely should not! Tower of Dawn is vital for:
- Crucial Plot Developments: It contains significant world-building, character development, and plot revelations that are absolutely essential for understanding the events of Kingdom of Ash.
- Character Arcs: It features profound growth for key characters who play major roles in the series' conclusion.
- Completing the Puzzle: Skipping it will leave you with massive gaps in understanding the overarching narrative and the motivations of several characters.
Consider Tandem Reading: Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn
For those who are either on a re-read or feeling adventurous on a first read, the "tandem read" is a popular method for Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Since these two books occur simultaneously, some readers choose to read them chapter by chapter, alternating between the two. This can create a more cohesive narrative flow and prevent the feeling of a "break" from the main storyline in Empire of Storms. There are many fan-made printable checklists and guides available online to help you navigate this complex but rewarding reading method.
The Assassin's Blade: Its Significance
As highlighted in the order breakdowns, The Assassin's Blade is not just a collection of side stories; it's a foundational piece of Celaena's character. It provides essential context for her past trauma, her relationships, and the skills she possesses. Reading it at the right time (either first or after Heir of Fire) is key to fully appreciating Celaena's journey and understanding her motivations throughout the series.
Connecting to Crescent City
While not directly part of the Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's
Throne of Glass - Wikipedia
Throne of Glass Reading Guide.pdf - THRONE OF GLASS | Course Hero
Throne of Glass Reading Guide Pinterest - T.L. Branson
