Throne of Glass Series in Order: The Right Order to Read
Ever stood in front of your bookshelf (or screen) asking, “Where do I start with the Throne of Glass series?” You’re not alone.
Sarah J. Maas crafted a beautifully tangled fantasy world with fierce characters, deadly assassins, and mind-blowing plot twists but the reading order? Yeah, it’s a little tricky.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the chronological order of the Throne of Glass books, so you know exactly where to begin and what to expect.
Why You Need a Reading Guide
There are two ways to read this series: the way Sarah J. Maas published them and the timeline order in which the events actually unfold.
And yes, they’re different! While the publication order gives you the story as readers originally experienced it, the chronological path gives you deeper emotional context.
Overview of the Throne of Glass Series
About Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times bestselling novelist best known for her engaging fantasy novels, such as the Throne of Glass series.
Born on March 5, 1986, in New York City, Maas began writing at a young age and rose to prominence after uploading early versions of Throne of Glass on fiction-sharing websites.
Since then, she has risen to prominence in the fantasy genre, known for her vividly drawn settings, complicated characters, and emotional depth. In addition to Throne of Glass, she has written two more acclaimed fantasy series: A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City.
Maas has amassed a global following and is a prominent figure in young adult and new adult fantasy literature.
Series Genre and Themes
Think assassins, rebellion, hidden royalty, ancient magic, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed. This series blends fantasy, romance, action, and mystery in all the best ways.
Main Characters
- Celaena Sardothien / Aelin Galathynius – Assassin, princess, fire-wielder.
- Chaol Westfall – Loyal Captain of the Guard with a complex arc.
- Dorian Havilliard – Prince turned magic-user.
- Rowan Whitethorn – Fae warrior with an icy attitude and deep loyalty.
- Manon Blackbeak – Ironteeth witch, unforgettable and fierce.
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Throne of Glass Books in Chronological Order
Let’s break down the chronological reading order with short summaries and reasons why they fall where they do:
1. The Assassin’s Blade (Prequel Novellas)
The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel to the Throne of Glass series, compiling five novellas that delve into Celaena Sardothien’s life before her imprisonment.
These stories explore her missions as Adarlan’s most feared assassin, her complex relationship with mentor Arobynn Hamel, and her tragic romance with Sam Cortland.
Rich in backstory, The Assassin’s Blade provides essential context for Celaena’s motivations and sets the emotional groundwork for the events in Throne of Glass.
Why Start Here:
It’s the foundation. Knowing what Celaena went through before we meet her in Throne of Glass adds depth and heartbreak.
The Assassin's Blade - Throne of Glass series
2. Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas’s famous YA fantasy novel, Throne of Glass, introduces readers to Celaena Sardothien, a brilliant assassin with a mysterious past.
The story is set in the corrupt country of Adarlan, and it chronicles her trip from prison to the palace, where she competes to become the King’s Champion.
Throne of Glass, which combines magic, romance, and political intrigue, foreshadows a deeply interwoven trilogy filled with danger and destiny.
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Throne of Glass - Throne of Glass series
3. Crown of Midnight
Crown of Midnight is the gripping second installment in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. It follows Celaena Sardothien, now the King’s Champion, as she navigates deadly court politics and uncovers shocking secrets within the glass castle.
With higher stakes, darker twists, and deepening relationships, Crown of Midnight expands the world’s lore while revealing Celaena’s hidden past and true identity, setting the stage for the epic transformation that drives the series forward.
Crown of Midnight - Throne of Glass series
4. Heir of Fire
Heir of Fire marks a pivotal turn in the Throne of Glass series, expanding the world beyond Adarlan and delving deeper into Aelin Galathynius’s identity and powers.
Sent to Wendlyn, Aelin begins rigorous training with the fae warrior Rowan Whitethorn, unlocking her magical potential and confronting her traumatic past.
Meanwhile, new characters like Manon Blackbeak and the Ironteeth witches are introduced, setting the stage for larger conflicts and darker revelations.
Heir of Fire - Throne of Glass series
5. Queen of Shadows
Queen of Shadows marks a turning point in the Throne of Glass series, as Celaena Sardothien fully embraces her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen.
Set after Heir of Fire, the book follows Aelin’s return to Rifthold to confront old enemies, rescue allies, and reclaim her throne. With high-stakes action, deepening relationships, and political intrigue, Queen of Shadows sets the stage for the upcoming war and solidifies Aelin as a true queen and leader.
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Queen of Shadows - Throne of Glass series
6. Empire of Storms
Empire of Storms is the fifth book in Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series and marks a turning point in Aelin Galathynius’s journey. Packed with political intrigue, fierce battles, and emotional twists, it follows Aelin as she forges alliances and prepares for war against Erawan.
This installment expands the world significantly, intertwining multiple character arcs and setting the stage for an epic showdown, making it a crucial part of the series’ overarching narrative.
Empire of Storms - Throne of Glass series
7. Tower of Dawn
Tower of Dawn is Sarah J. Maas’ sixth volume in the Throne of Glass series, set parallel to the events of Empire of Storms. The plot centers on Chaol Westfall and chronicles his journey to the southern continent of Antica in search of physical and emotional recovery.
As Chaol and Nesryn unearth political intrigue and dark secrets, Tower of Dawn advances world-building and lays the basis for the dramatic conclusion of the series.
Tower of Dawn - Throne of Glass series
8. Kingdom of Ash
Kingdom of Ash, the epic finale of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, delivers a powerful and emotional conclusion to Aelin Galathynius’s journey. As war erupts across Erilea, Aelin must confront her destiny while battling overwhelming odds.
The novel masterfully intertwines the fates of beloved characters, culminating in a thrilling climax filled with sacrifice, redemption, and hope. It’s a must-read conclusion for fans of the series.
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Kingdom of Ash - Throne of Glass series
Publication Order of the Series
Here’s how the books were originally released:
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
Best Ways to Read Throne of Glass
For first-time readers, we recommend:
Chronological Order:
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Re-readers? Feel free to experiment!
Key Arcs and Character Growth
Celaena to Aelin: The Evolution
In Throne of Glass, readers meet Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin with a tragic past. As the series progresses, she undergoes deep emotional and identity transformations.
Through struggles, betrayals, and battles, she gradually loses her assassin character and embraces her true identity as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, the forgotten Queen of Terrasen. This metamorphosis is more than just a name change; it represents a reclaiming of purpose, power, and legacy.
Aelin develops from a damaged, vengeful survivor to a selfless leader willing to make sacrifices for her people. Her arc symbolizes resilience, redemption, and the strength of accepting one’s destiny.
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Romance Arcs and Political Intrigue
Romance and political intrigue are intertwined throughout the Throne of Glass trilogy, propelling character development and plot progression.
Celaena’s complex dynamics with Chaol, Dorian, and subsequently Rowan reflect her internal conflicts and shifting loyalties.
These romance arcs are more than just subplots; they influence key political decisions and alliances. At the same time, the series is filled with betrayal, rebellion, and the strategic maneuvering of power-hungry kings.
As Celaena matures into Aelin Galathynius, the interplay between her love life and the fate of nations intensifies, raising the emotional and political stakes.
Dorian, Chaol, and Manon
Dorian, Chaol, and Manon go through some of the most captivating shifts in the Throne of Glass trilogy.
Dorian Havilliard transforms from a charming, wealthy prince to a powerful and responsible king, dealing with loss, magic, and leadership.
Chaol Westfall starts out as a devoted, duty-bound captain, but his journey forces him to confront personal biases, physical limitations, and emotional vulnerability, particularly in Tower of Dawn.
Manon Blackbeak, introduced as a vicious Ironteeth witch, suffers a dramatic psychological upheaval as she discovers compassion, identity, and a sense of purpose beyond her violent upbringing making her one of the most complicated characters in the series.
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Tips for New Readers
- Take breaks between major emotional points (like Heir of Fire and Empire of Storms)
- Avoid googling character fates spoilers are everywhere!
- Don’t skip Tower of Dawn it connects crucial dots
Conclusion - Throne of Glass Series
Whether you’re stepping into the world of Erilea for the first time or coming back for a re-read, understanding the Throne of Glass reading order can seriously enhance your experience. With assassins, empires, Fae princes, witches, and so much heart, this series is an unforgettable ride. So grab your dagger (or just your Kindle), and let’s dive in.
Ever stood in front of your bookshelf (or screen) asking, “Where do I start with the Throne of Glass series?” You’re not alone. Sarah J. Maas crafted a beautifully tangled fantasy world with fierce characters, deadly assassins, and mind-blowing plot twists but the reading order? Yeah, it’s a little tricky.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the chronological order of the Throne of Glass books, so you know exactly where to begin and what to expect.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! It gives emotional weight to Celaena’s past and connects with the main plot in surprising ways.
Not recommended. It adds crucial character development and plotlines that feed directly into Kingdom of Ash.
If you’re reading casually, expect 1–2 months. Binge readers can power through in a few weeks!
While it starts off YA, it becomes more mature by the final books. Ages 15+ is a good guide.
Not directly, but fans of Throne of Glass usually love A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, both by Sarah J. Maas.
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