What Order to Read Throne of Glass? The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a beloved fantasy filled with adventure, magic, and characters like Celaena Sardothien.
Deciding what order to read Throne of Glass can be tricky, but this simple guide will help you pick the best way, whether it’s your first read or a reread.
Key Points:
- What Order to Read Throne of Glass: Start with the publication order for the best reading experience.
- Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together for connected events.
- Save the prequel for after Queen of Shadows for more impact.
- Stay away from summaries or forums until you finish each book.
- Many fans on TikTok recommend reading the books to enjoy the story fully.
What is the Throne of Glass Series About?
At its heart, Throne of Glass is the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young, skilled assassin with a dark past and a destiny that could change the world. Set in a richly woven fantasy world with kingdoms at war, mystical forces, and dangerous politics, the series follows Celaena’s trials, growth, and relationships as she faces choices that test her courage.
Themes of friendship, love, personal power, and destiny make this series an unforgettable read. It’s no wonder readers are eager to figure out the perfect way to experience it!
What Order to Read Throne of Glass? Why it Matters
Reading the Throne of Glass series in the right order is important because the storylines and characters are deeply connected. If you start in the wrong place or skip a book, you might miss key moments or spoil big surprises.
Some books, like Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, are published simultaneously, so many readers enjoy them together using “tandem reading.” We’ll explain how to do this later!
The Publication Order of Throne of Glass
Here’s the publication order of the Throne of Glass series:
| Publication Order | Books to Read in Sequence |
| First | Throne of Glass |
| Second | Crown of Midnight |
| Third | Heir of Fire |
| Fourth | Queen of Shadows |
| Fifth | Empire of Storms |
| Sixth | Tower of Dawn |
| Seventh | Kingdom of Ash |
| Bonus (Prequel Novellas) | The Assassin’s Blade |
The Tandem Read: Should You Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn Together?
Yes! These two books take place on the same timeline but follow separate characters and events. Reading them side by side allows you to experience the full scope of the story.
- Start with the first chapter of Empire of Storms.
- Then, alternate with the first chapter of Tower of Dawn.
- Continue alternating between books, and following guides available online to keep the flow of the plot lines intact.
While a tandem read isn’t necessary, many fans swear it makes the story even more compelling.
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Who is Celaena Sardothien, and Why is She Central to the Story?
Celaena Sardothien begins the series as a notorious assassin imprisoned in a labor camp. Her skills, wit, and defiance make her a fascinating protagonist. For the series, Celaena discovers not only her past identity but her future potential, unveiling staggering secrets about her role in the world.
Her transformation, along with the relationships she forms, drives much of the series’ emotional impact. Starting the series properly allows you to fully appreciate her growth.
Should You Read The Assassin’s Blade First or After Heir of Fire?
It depends!
- If you want Celaena’s backstory upfront, start with The Assassin’s Blade.
- If you’d rather keep it as a “prequel treat,” wait until after Heir of Fire.
Many fans recommend reading The Assassin’s Blade after Heir of Fire to avoid spoilers and add depth as Celaena’s past becomes increasingly relevant.
Can You Read Throne of Glass Without Reading the Prequel?
Yes, you can read Throne of Glass without reading The Assassin’s Blade! The prequel is not necessary to follow the main plot, so you won’t feel lost if you skip it. However, The Assassin’s Blade dives deeper into Celaena Sardothien’s past, giving you a better understanding of her motivations, struggles, and key relationships.
While it’s optional, reading the prequel can make the main story even more meaningful and emotional. It’s a great addition if you want a richer connection to Celaena and her journey. If you’re unsure, you can always come back to it later!
How to Avoid Spoilers While Exploring the Series
To enjoy the Throne of Glass series without spoiling the surprises, it’s important to take some precautions.
- Avoid fan forums or book summaries until you’ve finished each book to stay clear of accidental spoilers.
- Stick to trusted reading guides that are designed to help you enjoy the series in order without giving away major plot points.
- Be cautious with fan art or cover reveals, as they often include hints or scenes that could spoil the story.
By being mindful of where you look for information, you can fully experience the magic of the series as it unfolds.
Emotional Impact Of Series
The order you read the Throne of Glass series can shape how much you enjoy the story’s surprises, twists, and emotional depth. Here’s why choosing the right order is so important:
1. Unexpected Twists
The Throne of Glass series is packed with moments that catch you by surprise, making the story exciting and hard to put down.
2. Out-of-Order Ruins It
Reading the books in the wrong sequence can spoil big reveals too early, taking away the thrill and emotional meaning of key moments.
3. Stronger Connections
Sticking to the right order allows you to feel the full emotional depth of the story. Each book builds on the one before, creating a deeper connection with the characters.
4. Follow the Release Order
For new readers, the release order is the best way to enjoy the series as Sarah J. Maas intended. It ensures every twist comes at the perfect time.
What is the Romantic Reading Order?
If you enjoy reading about relationships, the “romantic reading order” is a great choice. This order focuses on the connections between characters and how their feelings grow over time. It mostly follows the publication order but suggests reading The Assassin’s Blade after Queen of Shadows.
Doing this helps you better understand Celaena’s past relationships and how they affect her journey. It also adds extra meaning to her story and makes emotional moments feel even stronger. This order is perfect for those who love both romance and the deeper parts of the story.
Should You Read Maas’ Other Books First?
No, you don’t need to read Sarah J. Maas’ other books before starting Throne of Glass. Her other works, like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Crescent City, are separate stories with their characters and worlds.
However, if you enjoy Maas’ writing style, which combines rich world-building, strong emotions, and complex characters, you’ll likely love her other series too. Many fans move on to ACOTAR or Crescent City after finishing Throne of Glass to enjoy more of her storytelling magic.
Switching Back and Forth: How Tandem Reading Makes the Story Better
Tandem reading means reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn at the same time because their stories happen during the same timeline. You can switch between the two books, chapter by chapter, to see how the events connect.
This way of reading helps you understand both sides of the story and how the characters’ journeys fit together. It also makes the story more exciting, as you get action and emotional moments from both books. Tandem reading is a great choice if you want to enjoy the series in a new and interesting way.
Final Recommendation: The Best Reading Order
How you choose to read Throne of Glass can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the story. Here’s the best way to experience it fully:
1. Start with Publication Order
The publication order is the safest choice for first-time readers. It keeps the twists and surprises in the story exactly as the author intended.
2. Try Tandem Reading for Two Books
For Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, try reading them in tandem (alternating chapters or sections). This allows you to enjoy the two connected storylines side by side without missing details.
3. Don’t Skip the Prequel
While optional, The Assassin’s Blade adds a lot of depth to Celaena’s character and backstory. Reading it after Queen of Shadows makes the emotional moments even more meaningful.
4. Avoid Chronological Order
Reading the series in timeline order might seem logical, but it can spoil key twists and disrupt the emotional flow of the story.
5. Follow the Author’s Intent
Sarah J. Maas designed the series to be read in publication order. This builds suspense, emotions, and character arcs in the most impactful way.
6. Revisit the Series for Fun
If you’ve already read Throne of Glass, try a different order, like tandem reading or focusing on key relationships, to experience the story in a new light.
Conclusion: What Order to Read Throne of Glass
The Throne of Glass series is full of magic, action, and surprises. If you’re asking, “What order should I read?” start with the publication order for the best experience. When you reach Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, try reading them together for more fun.
If you want to learn about Celaena’s past, read The Assassin’s Blade after Queen of Shadows. Fans on TikTok love this series. Reading the books in order makes it easy to follow and enjoy. No matter how you choose to read it, the story will stay with you!
FAQs: What Order to Read Throne of Glass
What’s the best reading order for new readers?
The publication order is the best way to start.
Can I skip The Assassin’s Blade?
Yes, but it adds depth to Celaena’s backstory.
Should I tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn?
It’s not required, but many fans recommend it.
Can you read Throne of Glass as a standalone?
Yes, but the later books add so much more!
Are there any companion guides for tandem reading?
Yes! Many fan-made guides online outline the chapter-by-chapter sequence. Enjoy the adventure, and happy reading!
