Discovering The Best Throne Of Glass Book Order: Your Ultimate Guide
Are you curious how to start reading Sarah J. Maas's captivating 'Throne of Glass' series? It's a very common question, especially with so many books to get through. This is your guide to making sense of all the different ways to read these fantastic stories.
Before 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' became a huge hit and took over the reading world, Sarah J. Maas really found her stride with her first big novel, 'Throne of Glass'. This series, which she started writing when she was just sixteen, blends together exciting elements of high fantasy, deep romance, thrilling action, and a bit of mystery, creating a truly immersive experience for anyone who picks it up. You're going to love it here, honestly.
Whether you first saw 'Throne of Glass' mentioned on BookTok, or perhaps you just picked up the first book on a whim at a bookstore, or maybe you are a seasoned Sarah J. Maas reader looking for a refresh, finding the right reading order can feel a little confusing. People often disagree about the best way to read the 'Throne of Glass' series. This guide will make it simple, covering everything from the complete list of books to the various ways you can enjoy them, ensuring you experience the epic story in the best way possible.
Table of Contents
- About the Throne of Glass Series
- How Many Books Are in the Throne of Glass Series?
- The Throne of Glass Book Order Options
- Sarah J. Maas's Suggested Reading Order
- Choosing Your Throne of Glass Reading Path
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Order
- Conclusion: Your Throne of Glass Adventure Awaits
About the Throne of Glass Series
The 'Throne of Glass' series tells the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a mysterious past and a very big destiny. It is a young adult high fantasy book series by Sarah J. Maas, who is a bestselling author in the fantasy genre. The captivating series follows Celaena's journey from being a prisoner to becoming a true hero, facing off against dark forces, navigating royal courts, and finding love along the way. It's a pretty grand adventure, honestly.
The books are known for their intricate world-building, surprising plot twists, and characters you really grow to care about. They are also packed with magic, political intrigue, and intense battles. Many readers find themselves completely lost in this world, which is a good sign for a fantasy series. Sarah J. Maas's debut novel, 'Throne of Glass', published in 2012, eventually grew into this popular series, capturing the hearts of many fantasy enthusiasts.
How Many Books Are in the Throne of Glass Series?
There are eight books in the popular 'Throne of Glass' series. This includes seven main novels and a collection of prequel novellas. The collection of novellas is called 'The Assassin's Blade', and it tells stories that happen before the very first book, 'Throne of Glass'. So, when people talk about the series, they are usually talking about these eight titles. This guide provides the complete list of 'Throne of Glass' books in order, and is always kept updated so you won’t miss anything, you know.
The Throne of Glass Book Order Options
When it comes to reading the 'Throne of Glass' books, there are a few different ways to go about it. Each method has its own supporters and reasons why people like it. We've got the chronological, publication, and tandem reading order here. Fans of Sarah J. Maas often disagree about the best way to read the series, so it is rather interesting to see the various perspectives. This guide will help you figure out the best way to read the 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas, and I've got you covered!
Publication Order: The Original Experience
This is the way the books were released, and it is a very straightforward approach. Many people prefer to read a series in the order the author published them, because that is how the story was originally presented to the world. It means you discover plot points and character developments exactly as readers did when the books first came out. This order is simple to follow and avoids any potential spoilers that might come from reading out of sequence, you know.
Here is the complete 'Throne of Glass' series in publication order:
- 'Throne of Glass' (2012)
- 'Crown of Midnight' (2013)
- 'Heir of Fire' (2014)
- 'Queen of Shadows' (2015)
- 'The Assassin's Blade' (2014 - Prequel Novellas, often read here or first)
- 'Empire of Storms' (2016)
- 'Tower of Dawn' (2017)
- 'Kingdom of Ash' (2018)
Notice that 'The Assassin's Blade' was published after 'Heir of Fire'. Reading it here gives you important background information about Celaena's past right before some very significant events unfold in 'Queen of Shadows'. It’s a pretty good spot for it, actually.
Chronological or Purist Order: Starting at the Beginning
The chronological or purist order is pretty simple: it has you read 'The Assassin's Blade' first because the events in that book take place before 'Throne of Glass'. This means you get Celaena's backstory and learn about her life before she becomes the king's assassin. For some readers, this provides a deeper connection to her character from the very start. It gives you a full picture of her journey from the earliest point, which is quite appealing to many, so it's almost like you're growing with her from the very beginning.
This order is often recommended for those who want all the foundational details upfront. It helps you understand her motivations and the people who shaped her before you even get to the main story. However, some argue that reading 'The Assassin's Blade' first can feel a bit slow because it's a collection of shorter stories, and it might spoil some reveals that are meant to be discovered later in the main novels. Still, for a complete timeline experience, this is the way to go.
Here is the 'Throne of Glass' series in 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'
The Romantic Order: A Different Approach
The romantic order is a variation where 'The Assassin's Blade' is read after 'Heir of Fire' but before 'Queen of Shadows'. This is the same placement as in the publication order, but it's given a specific name by fans who believe it provides the best emotional impact. The idea here is that by the time you reach 'Heir of Fire', you are already deeply invested in Celaena's journey and her present struggles. Reading 'The Assassin's Blade' at this point then provides crucial context and emotional weight to her past, which then makes the events of 'Queen of Shadows' even more powerful. It’s like getting a deeper look into her soul right when you need it most, you know?
This order lets you build a relationship with Celaena in the main storyline before you get the full, often heartbreaking, details of her past. It can make her character arc feel more impactful as you discover why she is the way she is, just as you are getting to know her. Many readers find this placement creates a really satisfying flow, allowing the big reveals to hit harder. It's a pretty popular choice for those who prioritize emotional connection over strict chronology.
The Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
The tandem read is a unique approach for two specific books: 'Empire of Storms' and 'Tower of Dawn'. These two books happen at the same time, but they follow different characters in different locations. 'Empire of Storms' continues the main storyline with Celaena and her friends, while 'Tower of Dawn' focuses on Chaol Westfall's journey and healing in a different part of the world. Many readers, for some reason, consider skipping 'Tower of Dawn' because it doesn't feature Celaena as the main character, but this is a mistake, honestly.
You absolutely should not skip 'Tower of Dawn'. It contains vital plot points, introduces new characters who become very important, and resolves significant character arcs. Skipping it means you will miss out on crucial information that impacts the final book, 'Kingdom of Ash'. The tandem read involves reading chapters from both books back and forth, chapter by chapter, or in small chunks, to experience both storylines simultaneously. This method is a bit more involved, but it keeps both narratives fresh in your mind and allows for a more complete understanding of the world's events as they unfold concurrently. It's a very rewarding experience for many, so it's worth the extra effort.
There are many guides online that provide detailed chapter-by-chapter instructions for the tandem read. This approach is highly recommended for readers who want to experience the full scope of the story without feeling like one storyline is neglected. It really helps you appreciate the breadth of Sarah J. Maas's world-building, and it also makes sure you get all the pieces of the puzzle for the grand finale. It is a bit like reading two books at once, but in a very structured way, you know?
Sarah J. Maas's Suggested Reading Order
Sarah J. Maas, the author herself, has actually weighed in on the 'Throne of Glass' series order. She has suggested reading 'The Assassin's Blade' after 'Heir of Fire'. This means her personal recommendation aligns with what fans call the "romantic order" or the publication order for that particular prequel. Her reasoning often centers on the emotional impact and the way the story unfolds. It provides context for the events that follow without front-loading too much information before a reader is fully invested in Celaena's journey. It is her story, after all, and she knows best how she wanted it to be experienced. So, if you are looking for the author's preferred path, this is a pretty clear indication.
This suggestion also supports the idea that the emotional reveals in 'The Assassin's Blade' hit harder once you have a strong connection with the main character. It's a way to ensure that the prequel feels like a deepening of the story rather than just a historical account. For those who want to follow the creator's vision, this is the suggested path for 'The Assassin's Blade' placement. This guide is always kept updated so you won’t miss anything, by the way.
Choosing Your Throne of Glass Reading Path
Deciding on the best 'Throne of Glass' book order really depends on what kind of reader you are and what you prefer. If you like to experience a story exactly as it was released and enjoy discovering things along the way, the **publication order** is probably for you. It's the most straightforward and, honestly, a very safe choice. You get the story as it unfolded for the very first readers, which can be a cool experience.
If you are someone who likes to have all the background information upfront and wants to understand every character's history from the beginning, the **chronological or purist order** might be your best bet. Starting with 'The Assassin's Blade' gives you that full picture right away. Just be prepared for a slightly different pacing at the start, as it is a collection of novellas rather than one continuous novel. It's a bit of a commitment, but it pays off for many, you know.
For those who prioritize emotional impact and want the prequel to hit with maximum force, the **romantic order** (reading 'The Assassin's Blade' after 'Heir of Fire') is a strong contender. This is also the order Sarah J. Maas herself leans towards. It allows you to get invested in Celaena's present before diving into the often painful details of her past, making her journey feel even more resonant. It's a pretty popular choice for a good reason.
And for everyone, regardless of your chosen starting point, the **tandem read** for 'Empire of Storms' and 'Tower of Dawn' is highly recommended. It ensures you don't miss any critical information and get the full scope of the events happening across the world at the same time. While it requires a little more organization, the payoff in terms of story completeness is very significant. So, do consider it!
Ultimately, there's no single "wrong" way to read the series, but some ways might enhance your experience more than others. The most important thing is to pick an order and stick with it so you can fully immerse yourself in this incredible world. Get ready for an epic story, because it's truly something special.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Order
Q1: What is the correct order to read Throne of Glass?
There isn't one single "correct" order, as fans have different preferences, but the most common and often recommended orders are the publication order or the chronological order. The publication order is how the books were released, while the chronological order starts with 'The Assassin's Blade' first because its events happen earliest in the timeline. Many people like to follow Sarah J. Maas's suggestion of reading 'The Assassin's Blade' after 'Heir of Fire', which is a bit of a middle ground, you know. Each order offers a slightly different experience, so it depends on what you are looking for as a reader.
Q2: Should I read Assassin's Blade first?
Reading 'The Assassin's Blade' first is a popular choice for those who want to experience the story in strict chronological order. It gives you all of Celaena's backstory and character development right from the start, which can provide a lot of context for the main series. However, some readers find it can slow down the beginning of the series or reveal certain plot points too early. Sarah J. Maas herself suggests reading it after 'Heir of Fire', so it's a bit of a personal choice, honestly. If you prefer to know everything upfront, then yes, read it first.
Q3: How many books are in the Throne of Glass series?
There are eight books in the 'Throne of Glass' series. This includes seven main novels and a collection of prequel novellas called 'The Assassin's Blade'. So, when you are looking for the complete set, you will be looking for these eight titles to get the full story. It's a pretty extensive series, which means a lot of reading enjoyment for you!
Conclusion: Your Throne of Glass Adventure Awaits
No matter which 'throne of glass book order' you pick, you are in for a truly epic adventure. This series, with its blend of high fantasy, romance, action, and mystery, has captured the hearts of countless readers for a good reason. It's a story that stays with you, filled with characters you will root for and a world you will want to get lost in. So, pick your path, gather your books, and get ready to experience the captivating journey of Celaena Sardothien. We've got the complete reading order for Sarah J. Maas's 'Throne of Glass' series, and we hope our guide helps you experience the epic story in the best way possible. You can learn more about fantasy book series on our site, and if you are interested in more from this author, check out our guide to Sarah J. Maas's other works for more reading ideas. For more general information about the author, you might want to look at her official website, which is a very good resource.
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