Throne of Glass Reading Order: The Best Way to Read It
For fans of epic fantasy, Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series has become a must-read journey full of action, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. But with so many books and novellas, it can be tricky to figure out where to start.
Whether you’re new to the series or looking to revisit the world of Celaena Sardothien, having the right reading order can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best Throne of Glass reading order to help you fully enjoy the story, without missing any important details along the way.
What Is the Throne of Glass Series About?
The Throne of Glass series follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin in the kingdom of Adarlan. The story begins with Celaena serving a brutal sentence in a labor camp, but she’s offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion.
As the series progresses, the stakes grow beyond court intrigue and personal survival, expanding into epic battles, magic, and ancient prophecies. The books explore themes of courage, friendship, love, and self-discovery, all set against a richly detailed fantasy world full of danger and mystery.
The Publication Order of the Throne of Glass Books
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The Throne of Glass series was released over several years, and many readers choose to follow the order in which the books were published. Here’s a quick breakdown of the publication order:
- Throne of Glass (2012) – The story begins with Celaena’s journey as she competes to become the king’s champion.
- Crown of Midnight (2013) – Celaena faces more dangerous missions as the king’s assassin, uncovering dark secrets along the way.
- Heir of Fire (2014) – Celaena travels to a new land to train and confront her past.
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A collection of five prequel novellas that provide backstory on Celaena’s life before Throne of Glass.
- Queen of Shadows (2015) – Celaena returns to the empire to fight for her people and reclaim her destiny.
- Empire of Storms (2016) – With war looming, Celaena must unite her allies to fight an ancient enemy.
- Tower of Dawn (2017) – This companion novel follows Chaol Westfall’s journey, taking place parallel to Empire of Storms.
- Kingdom of Ash (2018) – The epic conclusion of the series, where everything comes to a head in a final battle for the future of the world.
Recommended Chronological Reading Order
For those looking to experience the story in a more linear fashion, the chronological reading order can provide a clearer view of events as they unfold. This order incorporates The Assassin’s Blade earlier in the series, which gives readers a deeper understanding of Celaena’s backstory. Here’s the recommended chronological order:
- The Assassin’s Blade – This collection of novellas takes place before the main events of Throne of Glass, offering key insights into Celaena’s past.
- Throne of Glass – Start the main series with Celaena’s entry into the king’s competition.
- Crown of Midnight – Continue with Celaena’s adventures as the king’s assassin.
- Heir of Fire – Follow Celaena’s journey to a new land where she faces her true identity.
- Queen of Shadows – Watch as Celaena returns to confront her enemies and reclaim her legacy.
- Empire of Storms – The stakes rise as war approaches, and alliances are tested.
- Tower of Dawn – Read this parallel story focusing on Chaol’s adventures, which runs alongside Empire of Storms.
- Kingdom of Ash – End with the dramatic finale that ties all storylines together in a final battle.
Should You Read the Prequel Novellas First?
Deciding whether to read The Assassin’s Blade—the collection of prequel novellas—before starting the main series is a common question for Throne of Glass readers.
These novellas provide valuable insight into Celaena’s life before the events of Throne of Glass, including her early adventures, relationships, and the events that led to her imprisonment. While you don’t have to read them first, doing so can help you better understand Celaena’s motivations and the scars (both emotional and physical) that shape her journey throughout the series.
If you prefer to dive straight into the main storyline, starting with Throne of Glass and reading The Assassin’s Blade later works just as well. In fact, many readers find it rewarding to circle back to the novellas after getting to know Celaena in the first few books, as it adds depth to her character arc.
Ultimately, it depends on your reading style. If you like having full context right from the start, reading The Assassin’s Blade first is a good choice. However, if you enjoy uncovering backstory as you go, saving the novellas for later can be a rewarding experience.
What About Tower of Dawn?
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Tower of Dawn is a unique addition to the Throne of Glass series because it runs parallel to the events of Empire of Storms, focusing on Chaol Westfall’s journey. In this novel, Chaol travels to the southern continent to seek healing for a severe injury, but he also becomes embroiled in political intrigue and faces his own challenges.
Many readers wonder when to read Tower of Dawn—whether to skip it or read it alongside Empire of Storms. It’s important to note that Tower of Dawn is not just a side story; it plays a critical role in the overall series, revealing important plot developments and introducing characters who become essential in the final book, Kingdom of Ash.
The recommended approach is to read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn in sequence, as they both set the stage for the epic conclusion. Skipping Tower of Dawn would mean missing out on key elements of the story, so it’s definitely worth including in your reading order, even if you initially didn’t expect to follow Chaol’s arc.
In short, Tower of Dawn is an essential part of the series that should be read to fully understand the final events in Kingdom of Ash.
Tips for Enjoying the Throne of Glass Series
The Throne of Glass series is an immersive, expansive story that can take you on an unforgettable journey, but with its complex plotlines and numerous characters, it’s helpful to keep a few tips in mind to fully enjoy the experience:
1. Start With the Right Reading Order
Deciding whether to read the books in publication order or chronological order can shape how you experience the story. If you prefer surprises and learning backstory gradually, go with the publication order.
If you want a more linear understanding of events, starting with The Assassin’s Blade may give you greater context right from the beginning. Choose whichever order works best for your style of reading, but be sure not to skip any books—each one plays a crucial role in the overall narrative.
2. Take Your Time
The Throne of Glass series spans eight books, and each one is packed with details, plot twists, and character development. It’s a series best enjoyed at your own pace, so don’t feel rushed to finish.
Taking your time allows you to fully appreciate the intricate world-building and the evolution of the characters, particularly Celaena, as she transforms throughout the series. Whether you’re binging through the series or savoring each book one at a time, pacing yourself will help you stay connected to the story.
3. Pay Attention to the Side Characters
While Celaena is the main protagonist, the supporting characters in the Throne of Glass series play vital roles and often have their own subplots. Characters like Dorian, Chaol, Manon, and Rowan have significant story arcs that intertwine with the main plot.
Keeping an eye on their development enriches the reading experience and deepens your connection to the world. Plus, some of these characters will play pivotal roles in later books, so getting to know them early on adds layers to the overall narrative.
4. Avoid Spoilers
Since Throne of Glass is such a popular series, spoilers are everywhere—especially on social media or in fan communities. To fully enjoy the plot twists and surprises that make this series so engaging, try to avoid spoilers as much as possible.
If you’re just starting the series, be cautious when looking up character names or plot points online. The series is filled with shocking reveals and emotional moments that are best experienced without prior knowledge.
5. Enjoy the Emotional Roller Coaster
The Throne of Glass series is filled with highs and lows, from intense action scenes to heart-wrenching emotional moments. The story tackles love, betrayal, friendship, loss, and redemption, which can make for a deeply emotional reading experience.
Allow yourself to get swept up in the emotions—it’s one of the aspects that makes this series so compelling. Be prepared for characters to face difficult challenges and remember that these moments contribute to their growth.
6. Keep Notes or Refer to a Glossary
With such a vast world and a large cast of characters, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of everything. Having a glossary of characters, places, and key terms can be helpful, especially in the later books where the story becomes more intricate.
Some readers even like to jot down notes or bookmark important passages to revisit later. There are also fan-created resources online that can help you keep track of characters and events if you get confused along the way.
7. Embrace the Magic and World-Building
The world of Throne of Glass is rich with magic, ancient powers, and mythical creatures. As you read, take time to fully immerse yourself in this fantasy setting. The series does an excellent job of slowly revealing more about the world’s history, magic systems, and various kingdoms, which enhances the depth of the story.
Whether it’s learning about fae, wyrdmarks, or magical abilities, embracing the unique fantasy elements will make your reading experience even more enjoyable.
8. Engage with the Fan Community (After Reading)
Once you’ve finished the series (or are caught up to a certain point), joining the fan community can be a fun way to discuss the books with others. The Throne of Glass fandom is large and passionate, with plenty of theories, fan art, and discussions to dive into. However, to avoid spoilers, it’s a good idea to wait until after you’ve read key parts of the series before actively participating in forums or groups.
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