Navigating The Throne Of Glass Book Order: Your Ultimate Reading Guide

Christina Gerhold 25 Jun 2025

Embarking on the epic journey of Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series is an exhilarating prospect, but for many new readers, figuring out the correct Throne of Glass book order can feel like navigating a labyrinth. This sprawling high fantasy saga, blending elements of romance, action, and mystery, has captivated millions, yet its non-linear publication of a crucial prequel novella often sparks confusion and debate among fans.

Fear not, fellow bookworms! If you're diving into the Throne of Glass books for the first time, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide will demystify the various reading orders, explain the nuances of each, and help you choose the path that best suits your reading style, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable experience with Celaena Sardothien's incredible story.

Understanding the Throne of Glass Universe
The Core Controversy: Why There Isn't One "Right" Throne of Glass Book Order
The Purist's Path: Reading Throne of Glass in Publication Order
- The Publication Order List
The Fan-Favorite: The Chronological or "Romantic" Throne of Glass Book Order
- The Recommended Chronological Order
The "Emotional" Order and Other Nuances
- When to Read The Assassin's Blade
The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
First Book Impressions: A Note on Throne of Glass (The Book)
Choosing Your Throne of Glass Book Order: Which Path is Right for You?

Understanding the Throne of Glass Universe

Before we delve into the intricate dance of reading orders, let's take a moment to appreciate the world Sarah J. Maas has crafted. Sarah J. Maas is a #1 bestselling author in the fantasy genre, widely celebrated for her captivating narratives, particularly the Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City series. Her Throne of Glass series, which spanned from 2012 to 2018, has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, partly thanks to the viral fame of her A Court of Thorns and Roses books.

The Throne of Glass books masterfully blend elements of high fantasy, romance, action, and mystery, creating an immersive experience for readers. The prose is fit for young adults’ minds, making it accessible yet deeply engaging. At its heart, the series is a fictional saga that primarily deals with royalty, intricate betrayals, passionate romance, moments of unexpected comedy, and grand adventures. It follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin thrust into a world of court intrigue, ancient magic, and epic battles. Understanding the rich tapestry of this universe is the first step to truly appreciating the various ways to experience the Throne of Glass book order.

The Core Controversy: Why There Isn't One "Right" Throne of Glass Book Order

If you've spent any time in online book communities discussing Sarah J. Maas, you've likely stumbled upon the fervent debates surrounding the "proper" Throne of Glass book order. There is, indeed, a lot of controversy. Unlike many series where the publication order is the undisputed way to read, Throne of Glass presents a unique challenge due to the placement of its prequel novella collection, The Assassin's Blade.

This single book is the epicenter of the debate, dividing fans on when it should be read. As a result, three popular ways to read Throne of Glass have emerged: the chronological order (frequently referred to as the "purist" order), the romantic order, and the emotional order. While the publication order is normally the default, fans are deeply divided on when to read The Assassin's Blade. This guide will explore these options, helping you understand the difference between the purist and romantic orders and why this decision significantly impacts your reading experience.

The Purist's Path: Reading Throne of Glass in Publication Order

For those who prefer to experience a story exactly as the author intended its release, the publication order, often called the "purist" order, is your go-to. This approach means you read the books in the sequence they were originally published, allowing plot twists and character revelations to unfold precisely when Maas first presented them to her audience. This method ensures you stay true to the original reading experience, mirroring how early fans discovered the series. It can build suspense and allow for certain character backstories to be revealed in a more impactful, surprising way later in the series, as opposed to upfront.

However, the main contention with this Throne of Glass book order arises with The Assassin's Blade. Published after the first three full-length novels, it offers crucial backstory that, when read later, can feel like a detour from the main narrative's escalating tension. Some readers find this disruptive, preferring to have Celaena's past firmly established from the outset. Despite this, many purists argue that the emotional impact of certain revelations in later books is heightened because The Assassin's Blade provides context only after initial mysteries have been established.

The Publication Order List

If you want to stay true to the publication date and the intended order of reading, here are all the books of the Throne of Glass series in their original release sequence:

Throne of Glass (2012)
Crown of Midnight (2013)
Heir of Fire (2014)
The Assassin's Blade (2014)
Queen of Shadows (2015)
Empire of Storms (2016)
Tower of Dawn (2017)
Kingdom of Ash (2018)

The Fan-Favorite: The Chronological or "Romantic" Throne of Glass Book Order

The "romantic" or chronological Throne of Glass book order is often the one most people recommend, especially for first-time readers. This method prioritizes the internal chronology of Celaena's life, placing The Assassin's Blade at the very beginning of the series. By starting with the prequel, readers immediately gain a deep understanding of Celaena's origins, her training, her past relationships, and the traumatic events that shaped her into the assassin we meet in Throne of Glass. This front-loading of information provides crucial context for her motivations, fears, and internal struggles throughout the entire saga.

Many readers find that this approach enhances their emotional connection to Celaena from the start, as her actions and reactions in the subsequent books are understood through the lens of her established history. It eliminates the potential for feeling confused or detached when her past is referenced later in the series. While some argue that it might "spoil" certain reveals intended for later, the overwhelming sentiment is that the benefits of early character depth far outweigh any minor loss of surprise. This Throne of Glass book order allows for a more seamless and emotionally resonant journey through the series.

The Recommended Chronological Order

This is the most widely recommended Throne of Glass book order for new readers, focusing on the internal timeline of events:

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

The "Emotional" Order and Other Nuances

Beyond the strict chronological and publication orders, some readers also consider an "emotional" Throne of Glass book order. This often refers to specific placements of The Assassin's Blade that aim to maximize emotional impact or narrative flow, rather than just strict chronology or publication. It's less a distinct order and more a nuanced approach to when to insert the prequel, taking into account character development and plot reveals.

For instance, some fans suggest reading The Assassin's Blade after Heir of Fire. This recommendation stems from the idea that there's an ongoing subplot which Celaena finds out about in the fourth book (Queen of Shadows), but its origins and deeper implications are revealed in the prequels. Reading it at this point can provide a powerful "aha!" moment, where past events suddenly click into place, adding a new layer of understanding to Celaena's current struggles and the broader narrative. This highlights the flexibility and personal preference involved in navigating the Throne of Glass book order.

When to Read The Assassin's Blade

The placement of The Assassin's Blade is, without a doubt, the most debated aspect of the entire Throne of Glass book order. Here are the most common recommendations and the reasoning behind them:

Before Throne of Glass (Chronological/Romantic Order): This is the most popular choice for new readers. I recommend reading it first to gain a deeper understanding of Celaena’s backstory, particularly her relationships and motivations. It sets the stage for her character arc and explains many of her emotional complexities from the outset.
After Crown of Midnight: This is another strong contender. Some fans suggest reading it here because it provides a much-needed emotional break and backstory after the events of Crown of Midnight, before the stakes significantly escalate in Heir of Fire. It allows readers to process Celaena's past before she fully embraces her future.
After Heir of Fire: As mentioned, this option is favored by those who want certain plot revelations to hit harder. Evie Netherwood, a Goodreads reviewer, feels the prequels are best read after the third one as there is an ongoing subplot which Celaena finds out about in the fourth book but it is revealed in the prequels. This placement allows for a specific narrative payoff.

Regardless of when you choose to read it, one thing is universally agreed upon: do not skip The Assassin's Blade. It is absolutely crucial for understanding Celaena's character, the broader world, and many key plot points that unfold in the later books. Skipping it would be like trying to understand a complex tapestry by ignoring a significant portion of its threads.

The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn

Once you get deeper into the Throne of Glass book order, you'll encounter another unique recommendation: the "tandem read" for Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. These two books were released consecutively, but their narratives occur concurrently. Empire of Storms focuses on Celaena and her allies in Terrasen, while Tower of Dawn follows Chaol Westfall's journey to the Southern Continent for healing and to forge alliances.

Many readers find that reading these two books simultaneously, chapter by chapter, enhances the experience significantly. It allows you to follow both major storylines as they unfold in parallel, maintaining the narrative momentum and keeping all characters' journeys fresh in your mind. Online guides and fan-made reading plans are readily available to facilitate this tandem read, providing a chapter-by-chapter breakdown.

Just like The Assassin's Blade, there's a strong consensus: do not skip Tower of Dawn. While some readers, eager to return to Celaena's story, might be tempted to bypass Chaol's narrative, Tower of Dawn is vital. It introduces crucial characters, develops significant plotlines, and provides essential world-building that becomes incredibly important in the final book, Kingdom of Ash. Skipping it would leave you with significant gaps in understanding the overall strategy and character motivations in the series' epic conclusion. It's a testament to Maas's intricate planning that even a seemingly secondary narrative holds such weight in the overall Throne of Glass book order.

First Book Impressions: A Note on Throne of Glass (The Book)

As you embark on your chosen Throne of Glass book order, it's worth noting a common sentiment among readers regarding the very first book, simply titled Throne of Glass. This book contains prose fit for young adults’ minds, and it lies in 420 pages of print. However, some initial reviews and fan opinions suggest that the first book, in their opinion, was "not that great" and that "the main character is kind of silly." One reader even mentioned it reminded them "a lot of The Selection series," which is known for its lighter, more romance-focused plot.

This feedback, while subjective, is important to acknowledge. It's common to hear that the series "becomes better after the first book." While Throne of Glass lays essential groundwork, introduces key characters, and establishes the world, it is often seen as more of a traditional YA fantasy with a strong romantic subplot, before the series truly delves into its darker, more complex high fantasy elements. Therefore, if you find the first book a bit slow or the protagonist's initial portrayal less compelling, rest assured that many readers share this sentiment and encourage pushing through. The series truly blossoms into an epic saga, and the initial investment in the first book will undoubtedly pay off as you progress through your chosen Throne of Glass book order.

Choosing Your Throne of Glass Book Order: Which Path is Right for You?

Now that we've thoroughly explained all the possible options and then some, the final decision on your Throne of Glass book order rests with you. There are two primary options that most people recommend: chronological (starting with The Assassin's Blade) and the way that most people recommend reading it (which often means Assassin's Blade after Crown of Midnight or Heir of Fire).

Consider the following when making your choice:

Do you prefer to know everything upfront? If you like having all the backstory and character motivations laid out from the beginning, the chronological order (The Assassin's Blade first) is likely for you. It provides immediate emotional depth and context.
Are you sensitive to spoilers or prefer plot twists to unfold naturally? The publication order might appeal more if you want to experience the series exactly as Maas released it, with revelations hitting when intended.
Do you want to ease into the series? Some find starting with Throne of Glass (the novel) a softer introduction before diving into the grittier past of Celaena in The Assassin's Blade.

Rest assured, fellow bookworms, if you are reading Throne of Glass books for the first time, we have your back. There's no single "wrong" way to read this series, as long as you read all the books and don't skip any, especially The Assassin's Blade and Tower of Dawn. Each path offers a unique reading experience, and the most important thing is to enjoy the incredible journey Sarah J. Maas has crafted.

Conclusion

Navigating the Throne of Glass book order can seem daunting at first, given the passionate debates among fans. However, as we've explored, whether you choose the purist publication order, the fan-favorite chronological approach, or a nuanced emotional placement for The Assassin's Blade, each path promises an unforgettable adventure. The key is to understand the implications of each choice on your reading experience, particularly concerning Celaena's backstory and the crucial tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.

Ultimately, Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series is a testament to epic storytelling, rich character development, and intricate world-building. No matter which Throne of Glass book order you decide upon, you are in for a treat filled with royalty, betrayal, romance, and thrilling adventure. So, pick your path, settle in, and prepare to be swept away into the magical world of Erilea.

What's your preferred Throne of Glass book order, and why? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with other aspiring readers of this magnificent series. And once you've devoured Throne of Glass, don't forget to explore Sarah J. Maas's other bestselling works, like the A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City series!

Throne Pictures, Images and Stock Photos - iStock

Royal Blue King Throne Chairs 70 West Main | atelier-yuwa.ciao.jp

Throne Pictures, Images and Stock Photos - iStock

InstantInk

Navigating The Throne Of Glass Book Order: Your Ultimate Reading Guide

Table of Contents