Your Ultimate Guide To The Throne Of Glass Series Order To Read
Starting a brand new fantasy series can feel like stepping into an entirely different world, and with Sarah J. Maas's "Throne of Glass," that feeling is incredibly true. This epic saga, full of magic, assassins, fae, and, well, thrones, really captures your imagination from the very first page. It's a journey about finding your true self, about fighting for what's right, and about the heavy weight that comes with wearing a crown, or perhaps, sitting upon a special chair of state. You know, the kind a king or queen uses, often set on a dais, representing immense power. It's almost as if the very idea of a throne, this ceremonial seat of authority, is central to the story's heart.
Yet, for many new readers, figuring out the correct reading sequence for this beloved series can be a bit of a puzzle. There's a prequel novella collection, "The Assassin's Blade," and the question of when to read it often sparks quite a bit of discussion among fans. It's a common query, actually, and can sometimes make starting the series feel a little daunting, which is certainly not the goal.
This guide is here to clear up all that confusion, offering you the clearest paths to experience Celaena Sardothien's incredible story. We'll look at the different ways you can approach the books, helping you pick the order that feels just right for your own reading adventure. So, let's get you ready to dive into a world where the fight for a throne, for sovereignty, truly shapes destinies.
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Table of Contents
- Why the Reading Order Matters for Throne of Glass
- The Recommended Reading Order (Publication Order)
- The Chronological Reading Order (with Assassin's Blade First)
- The "Hybrid" or "Optimal" Reading Order (The Assassin's Blade Inserted)
- Which Order is Right for You? (Pros and Cons)
- What to Expect from the Throne of Glass Series
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Reading Order
Why the Reading Order Matters for Throne of Glass
It might seem a bit odd to fuss over the exact sequence for a book series, but with "Throne of Glass," it genuinely makes a difference to your experience. The way the story unfolds, the emotional impact of certain revelations, and how you connect with the characters can all be shaped by when you read particular books. So, it's not just about getting through the books, it's about getting the most out of them, you know?
Some series are quite straightforward, where one book simply follows the next. This series, however, has a unique element that adds a layer of choice for readers. It's a bit like deciding if you want to know a character's backstory right away, or if you prefer to discover it as you go, which can be quite interesting.
The Assassin's Blade Dilemma
The main reason for all this discussion around the reading order is "The Assassin's Blade." This collection of novellas tells the story of Celaena's past, her life as Adarlan's most feared assassin, before the events of the first main book. It's a prequel, essentially, giving you a glimpse into her earlier adventures and heartbreaks. Many readers find themselves wondering if this background information should come first, setting the stage, or if it's better appreciated once you've already gotten to know Celaena a bit in her present circumstances. It really changes your perspective, that's for sure.
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The Recommended Reading Order (Publication Order)
Many fans and even the author, Sarah J. Maas, often suggest starting with the books in the order they were released. This approach, you see, lets you experience the story exactly as it was introduced to the world, allowing for reveals and character development to unfold naturally. It's a very common way to read, and it works quite well for a lot of people.
Here's how the publication order looks:
Throne of Glass (2012): This is where it all begins. You meet Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin, offered a chance at freedom if she wins a deadly competition to become the King's Champion. It's a thrilling start, really, and sets up the whole world.
Crown of Midnight (2013): Celaena is now the King's Champion, but her loyalties are tested as she uncovers dark secrets within the kingdom. There's a lot more magic and intrigue here, too, which is great.
Heir of Fire (2014): Our protagonist travels to a new land to train and confront her past, while new threats emerge. This book is often praised for its deep character development and expanding world-building, and it's quite a turning point, you know?
The Assassin's Blade (2014): This is the prequel novella collection. In publication order, it comes after "Heir of Fire," providing crucial backstory and emotional context for events that have already happened or are about to happen. It's actually a really powerful read at this point, giving you a lot of insight.
Queen of Shadows (2015): Celaena returns, ready to reclaim her identity and fight for her kingdom. This book is full of action, big reveals, and major character growth, truly pushing the story forward.
Empire of Storms (2016): The stakes get incredibly high as alliances are forged and battles loom. This one is known for its intense plot and cliffhanger ending, leaving readers desperate for the next book, naturally.
Tower of Dawn (2017): This book runs concurrently with "Empire of Storms," following a different character's journey in a distant land. It's a bit of a change of pace, but absolutely vital for the overall story, and you'll see why.
Kingdom of Ash (2018): The epic conclusion to the series, where all the threads come together in a massive, emotional war for the future of Erilea. It's a very satisfying, if sometimes heartbreaking, end to a long adventure.
The Chronological Reading Order (with Assassin's Blade First)
Some readers prefer to experience stories in the order they actually happen within the narrative, even if it means reading books out of their publication sequence. For "Throne of Glass," this means starting with "The Assassin's Blade" to get Celaena's backstory right at the beginning. It's a perfectly valid choice, and some people really love it this way.
Here's the chronological order:
The Assassin's Blade (2014): You start here, learning about Celaena's life before she was imprisoned, her training, her friendships, and her first love. It gives you a complete picture of her past right away, which is pretty cool.
Throne of Glass (2012): After understanding her past, you then see Celaena in the deadly competition, with all her previous experiences informing your view of her actions and motivations. It's a different kind of understanding, you know?
Crown of Midnight (2013): Continues Celaena's journey as the King's Champion, now with the full weight of her past already known to you. It's a very continuous flow of information, really.
Heir of Fire (2014): Celaena's training and confrontation with her heritage take on a deeper meaning because you've already seen her origins. The emotional impact is arguably stronger in some respects, too.
Queen of Shadows (2015): Her return and fight for her identity are viewed through the lens of her complete backstory. You understand her struggles even more, you see.
Empire of Storms (2016): The rising stakes and alliances are built upon your full knowledge of all characters' histories. It feels very comprehensive.
Tower of Dawn (2017): The concurrent storyline still fits here, offering another perspective on the unfolding events. It's a good break, actually.
Kingdom of Ash (2018): The grand finale, where every piece of Celaena's journey, from her earliest days as an assassin to her final destiny, comes together. It's a really impactful conclusion, honestly.
The "Hybrid" or "Optimal" Reading Order (The Assassin's Blade Inserted)
There's a third option that many fans consider the "best" or "optimal" way to read the series, especially for first-timers. This method tries to balance the emotional impact of "The Assassin's Blade" with the initial mystery of Celaena's character. It's a pretty clever way to do it, in a way.
This hybrid approach suggests reading "The Assassin's Blade" after "Heir of Fire" but before "Queen of Shadows." This timing, you see, is often recommended because "Heir of Fire" delves quite deeply into Celaena's past and trauma, making the prequel novellas incredibly relevant and emotionally resonant right then. It fills in crucial gaps just when you need them most, you know?
Here's this popular "hybrid" order:
Throne of Glass (2012)
Crown of Midnight (2013)
Heir of Fire (2014)
The Assassin's Blade (2014): Inserted here. After the emotional journey of "Heir of Fire," these novellas provide a powerful context for Celaena's character and motivations as she prepares for the next phase of her story. It's like a missing piece just clicks into place, actually.
Queen of Shadows (2015)
Empire of Storms (2016)
Tower of Dawn (2017)
Kingdom of Ash (2018)
Which Order is Right for You? (Pros and Cons)
Deciding on the best reading order really comes down to what kind of reading experience you prefer. There's no single "wrong" way to enjoy these books, but each approach offers slightly different benefits. It's about personal preference, really.
Starting with The Assassin's Blade
Pros: You get all the backstory upfront, which means you understand Celaena's motivations and the references to her past from the very beginning. It makes for a very clear chronological narrative, you know? You also see her as a formidable assassin before her imprisonment, which can be quite impactful.
Cons: The emotional impact of certain reveals in the main series might be lessened because you already know what happened. Also, the stakes in "The Assassin's Blade" are, in a way, smaller than the grander conflicts of the main series, so some readers find it a bit slow to start with. It's a different kind of pacing, certainly.
Reading The Assassin's Blade Later (Publication or Hybrid Order)
Pros: This preserves the mystery of Celaena's past in the first few books, allowing you to discover her history alongside her. Reading it after "Heir of Fire" (the hybrid approach) often amplifies the emotional resonance of the novellas, as you've already grown to care deeply about Celaena and understand her pain. It's a very powerful experience, actually, and many find it quite moving.
Cons: You might feel a bit confused by some references to Celaena's past in the earlier books, as you won't have the full context yet. Some readers also find it hard to pause the main storyline to read a prequel, especially if they're caught up in the main plot. It can break the flow a little, you know?
What to Expect from the Throne of Glass Series
No matter which order you pick, you're in for an incredible ride with the "Throne of Glass" series. You'll meet characters who feel incredibly real, watch them grow and change in amazing ways, and cheer them on as they face impossible odds. The story, you see, starts relatively small, with a competition, but quickly expands into an epic tale of war, destiny, and the fight for freedom. It's really quite something.
The series explores profound themes, too, like the meaning of sacrifice, the strength of friendship, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Our protagonist, Celaena, is a complex character who, like a monarch on their ceremonial seat, learns the true meaning of power and responsibility. The idea of a "throne" itself, that special chair for a king or queen, becomes a powerful symbol throughout the books—not just of rule, but of the heavy burden of leadership and the fight to protect one's people. It's more than just a decorative chair; it represents the very position of king or queen, and the struggles to earn and keep it. You'll find yourself completely engrossed in the rich world-building, the intricate magic system, and the high-stakes political intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very end. It's honestly a very immersive experience.
Learn more about fantasy literature on our site, and for more epic sagas, you might want to check out this page Throne of Glass series on Goodreads.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Reading Order
Should I read Assassin's Blade first or later?
This is probably the most common question, and honestly, there isn't a single "right" answer. Reading "The Assassin's Blade" first gives you all the backstory upfront, which can be great for understanding Celaena's motivations from the start. However, many fans, and arguably the author's original intent, suggest reading it after "Heir of Fire" (the third main book) to maximize its emotional impact and fill in crucial details just when the story needs them most. It really depends on if you prefer chronological clarity or emotional punch, you know?
What is the chronological order of Throne of Glass?
The chronological order, meaning the order in which events actually happen in the story, starts with "The Assassin's Blade." So, it would be: "The Assassin's Blade," followed by "Throne of Glass," "Crown of Midnight," "Heir of Fire," "Queen of Shadows," "Empire of Storms," "Tower of Dawn" (which happens at the same time as "Empire of Storms" but from a different perspective), and finally, "Kingdom of Ash." This order gives you the full timeline of events from the very beginning, which can be quite satisfying for some readers, actually.
How many books are in the Throne of Glass series?
The "Throne of Glass" series consists of eight books in total. This includes seven full-length novels and one prequel novella collection, "The Assassin's Blade." So, you've got quite a lot of reading ahead of you, which is great!
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