Throne of Glass Series Guide: Navigating Sarah J. Maas Like a Main Character
When it comes to heartbreaking romances, mystical world-building, political intrigue, and powerful female characters, no one does it better than Sarah J. Maas. You may have heard the online buzz about ACOTAR (an abbreviation lovingly created by her fans), but are you familiar with her OG series, Throne of Glass? If you aren’t, buckle up—we’re here to give you the inside scoop.
Who is Sarah J. Maas?
A #1 New York Times best-selling author, Sarah J. Maas has been dubbed the queen of romantasy, and with internationally published series under her belt, it’s easy to see why! Starting her career at just 16 years old with the first of the Throne of Glass series, Maas is known on BookTok and beyond for writing thrilling high-fantasy books featuring strong female leads and varying levels of romance.
Are the Throne of Glass Books Spicy?
Wondering if the Throne of Glass series is right for younger readers? Starting around Empire of Storms, the 6th book in the series, things begin to heat up, but even then, most scenes are fade-to-black or inferred. Although the Throne of Glass books lean more YA, Sarah J. Maas’ other book series, Crescent City and A Court of Thorns and Roses, are known for their spice (similar to Fourth Wing)!
A Glimpse into Each Throne of Glass Book
Interested in starting Sarah J. Maas’ first (and in some opinions, best) book series? Skim the descriptions and see if the story of Celaena Sardothien tickles your fancy—then head to your favorite local bookstore in Michigan and buy the first in the series!
Warning: if you haven’t read or listened to the audiobooks of the Throne of Glass series already, be wary of spoilers below! Especially around the Queen of Shadows description and beyond.
Throne of Glass
Pulled from her prison sentence in the Salt Mines of Endovier, assassin Celaena Sardothien is entered into a competition against 23 murderers, warriors, and thieves. The prize? Becoming the King’s Champion and spending the rest of her days killing enemies for the crown. She has no love for the vicious king who rules Adarlan with an iron fist and a hatred for magic—but it’s her only chance for freedom.
There’s just one problem—her fellow competitors are dying one by one, at the hands of something dark lurking in the Glass Palace. With the help (and hurt) from the Crown Prince, Dorian, the Captain of the Guard, Chaol, and a princess from a faraway country, Nehemia, Caleana will have to fight for her life and root out the evil before it destroys her world. Find out how Sarah J. Maas’ book series kicks off in Throne of Glass.
Crown of Midnight
Celaena’s story continues in Crown of Midnight, and though she is now the King’s Champion, she’s far from loyal to her king. Needing to keep up appearances that she’s his assassin but unwilling to commit the heinous murders he asks of her, it becomes more and more challenging to juggle her secrets—especially when she realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. No one is safe from suspicion, not her best friend, Nehemia, the dashing prince Dorian, or Chaol, the faithful guard. But when unspeakable tragedy strikes one night and Celaena’s world as she knows it shatters, she is forced to decide where, and with whom, her true loyalties lie.
The Assassin’s Blade
The Assassin’s Blade, the prequel to the Throne of Glass series, is made up of five different novellas. In them, we get flashbacks of Celaena Sardothien’s history working for the powerful Assassin’s Guild under the master, Arobynn Hamel. Trained to trust no one (except her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam), Celaena finds herself on more and more missions that have her questioning her allegiance. But escaping Arobynn’s clutches is more than just leaving a job—it’s risking her life.
Novellas in The Assassin’s Blade:
- The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
- The Assassin and the Healer
- The Assassin and the Desert
- The Assassin and the Underworld
- The Assassin and the Empire
Heir of Fire
After surviving deadly contests and indescribable heartbreak, it’s time for Celaena to confront her darkest truths—no matter the costs. But as she travels to a new land called Wendlyn, where magic still thrives and answers lie undiscovered, monstrous evil is gathering in the distance, intent on enslaving the world. Will finding the strength to fight the battle mean finally harnessing her inner demons? Find out in the turning point of the Throne of Glass series, Heir of Fire.
Queen of Shadows
In Queen of Shadows, after facing trials and tribulations in Wendlyn with the devoted, fierce Rowan Whitethorn by her side, Celaena Sardothien has finally embraced her true identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen—but taking back her rightful place on the throne won’t be so easy. Everything back in Adarlan has changed, and she must now fight to rescue her cousin, free her friend, kill the tyrant, and free her people before it’s too late.
Empire of Storms
War brews in the background in Empire of Storms, and with loyalties broken and bought, friends betrayed and made, and magic returned to the lands, Aelin and her court travel around Erilea. With her beloved warrior-prince and fierce companions by her side, she’ll have to work tirelessly to recruit new allies from unlikely enemies, build an enormous army, and plan how to reclaim the throne together. If they can’t, dark forces will destroy everything they’ve been fighting for.
Tower of Dawn
Sent by Aelin to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in Antica to gather support and seek healing at the famed Torre Cesme. With a horrific history with Adarlanian soldiers, Yrene Towers has no desire to help Chaol—but she’s sworn an oath of healing. But as secrets come to light, Chaol, Nesryn, and Yrene find themselves in a dangerous political web. Could the answers they seek lie in the mountains where warriors soar on ruks? Find out in Tower of Dawn.
Kingdom of Ash
The Throne of Glass series comes to an end in the epic finale, Kingdom of Ash. After yielding to the Queen of the Fae, Maeve, in an attempt to save her people, Aelin is enduring endless torture, confined to an iron mask and coffin for months on end. The only thing keeping her from breaking is knowing that those she loves are safe—but that can only last for so long.
With their fearless leader captured, her friends and allies have scattered to every corner of the map in search of ways to build a better world. Relationships are put to the test, and while some bonds grow deeper, others are severed forever. But when their paths finally cross, they must stand together as one to save Erilea.
What’s the Recommended Reading Order for the Throne of Glass Series?
When it comes to reading the Throne of Glass books, there are two different orders you can follow. Most people, including the author of the books, Sarah J. Maas, recommend publication order, but plenty of fans and book club readers swear by switching it up!
Publication Order for Throne of Glass Series:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Prequel First 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
What is the Tandem Read for the Throne of Glass Books?
It’s impossible to start reading Sarah J. Maas books without being asked if you’re going to do the “tandem read”—but what is that? Made popular by BookTubers and BookTok fans, the tandem read describes reading book five, Empire of Storms, and book six, Tower of Dawn, at the same time. This is done by alternating chapters, and while it’s not necessary to enjoy the stories, there are plenty of online guides to help you keep track.
If you haven’t had the honor of reading the Throne of Glass books, consider this your sign. Head to Novel or shop online with Bookshop.org and pick up the first in the series today! You’ll be lost in the world of Erilea soon enough.