The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a multi-book series made up of interconnected installments, each building on the events of the last....
Read All the Throne of Glass Series in Order
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Read Throne of Glass Series in Publication Order
- Throne of Glass (2012)
Buy on Amazon - Crown of Midnight (2013)
Buy on Amazon - The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
Buy on Amazon - Heir of Fire (2014)
Buy on Amazon - Queen of Shadows (2015)
Buy on Amazon - Empire of Storms (2016)
Buy on Amazon - Tower of Dawn (2017)
Buy on Amazon - Kingdom of Ash (2018)
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Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
The Throne of Glass series is a completed epic fantasy saga that follows a single, continuous story across multiple books. For readers, this guide focuses on the correct sequence, where each book fits, and why order matters.
Unlike some fantasy series where books can be read loosely or out of sequence, Throne of Glass must be read in order to fully understand the story, character arcs, and major plot developments. Each book builds directly on the previous one, with consequences that carry forward to the very end.
What Is the Throne of Glass Series?
The Throne of Glass series is set in the fantasy world of Erilea, a continent ruled by tyrants, shaped by lost magic, and slowly pulled toward rebellion and war. The story begins with a deadly competition but grows into a full-scale epic involving ancient powers, shifting alliances, and fate-defining choices.
While the early books focus on a smaller cast and a more contained plot, the series expands significantly over time. New lands, new characters, and multiple points of view are introduced, making reading order essential for clarity and emotional impact.
Why the Series Order Matters
Reading the Throne of Glass books in the correct order is important because:
- The story is fully serialized, not episodic
- Characters evolve across multiple books
- Key relationships are built slowly
- Major twists depend on earlier events
- Later books assume full knowledge of earlier ones
Skipping a book or reading out of order often leads to confusion, especially from the middle of the series onward.
Throne of Glass Books in Publication Order
The publication order is the most widely recommended series order and the one most first-time readers choose. This follows the order in which the books were originally released and preserves the author’s intended pacing and reveals.
Throne of Glass Series Order (Publication Order)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
This order allows readers to experience:
- Gradual world expansion
- Natural character development
- Carefully timed revelations
- Strong emotional buildup toward the finale
Where Does The Assassin’s Blade Fit in the Series Order?
The Assassin’s Blade is a collection of five novellas set before the events of Throne of Glass. Although it is a prequel, it was published after the first two main books.
Because of this, The Assassin’s Blade does not have a single fixed position. Instead, it is usually inserted into the series order at a strategic point.
Recommended Placements for The Assassin’s Blade
Option 1: After Crown of Midnight (Most Common)
- Adds emotional depth before the series expands
- Enhances later character motivations
- Preserves early mystery
Option 2: After Heir of Fire
- Strong emotional payoff
- Best once readers are fully invested
Option 3: First (Chronological Order)
- Provides full backstory from the start
- Reduces mystery but improves early clarity
Important: The Assassin’s Blade is part of the series and should not be skipped.
Chronological Series Order (Story Timeline)
Some readers prefer to read the books in the exact order events occur in the story. This is known as the chronological order.
Throne of Glass Series Order (Chronological)
- 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
This order is best for readers who:
- Prefer linear storytelling
- Want full context from the beginning
- Focus heavily on character motivation
The main downside is that some later revelations may feel less surprising.
Empire of Storms & Tower of Dawn: Series Order Explained
One of the most common questions about the Throne of Glass series order involves Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
These two books take place at the same time in the story, but follow different characters in different regions of the world.
Reading Options
Option 1: Publication Order
- Read Empire of Storms first
- Then read Tower of Dawn
This was the original release order and works perfectly well.
Option 2: Tandem Read
- Alternate chapters between both books
- Follow a combined timeline
Why Some Readers Choose the Tandem Read
- Maintains pacing
- Avoids cliffhanger interruptions
- Creates a smoother lead-in to the final book
Why Others Prefer Publication Order
- Simpler reading experience
- No need for a chapter guide
- Less disruptive flow
Both methods are valid. The tandem read is optional and best suited to experienced fantasy readers.
How the Series Evolves Across the Books
Understanding how the story changes over time helps explain why reading in order matters.
- Books 1–2: Assassin fantasy with mystery elements
- Book 3: Major shift toward epic fantasy
- Books 4–5: Expanding cast, magic, and politics
- Books 6–7: War, sacrifice, and final resolution
The series grows darker and more complex, making continuity essential.
Age Range and Content Notes
Although often marketed as young adult:
- Later books contain darker themes
- War, trauma, and loss play major roles
- The tone matures significantly
Many readers consider Throne of Glass YA transitioning into adult epic fantasy.
Best Series Order at a Glance
New readers:
– Publication order + The Assassin’s Blade after Book 2 or 3
Chronological readers:
– Start with The Assassin’s Blade
Experienced fantasy readers:
– Publication order + optional tandem read
Final Thoughts
The Throne of Glass series order is not flexible in the way some fantasy series are. This is a story built on long-term planning, emotional payoff, and carefully layered storytelling.
Whether you follow publication order or chronological order, the most important rule is simple:
Read the books in sequence, include the prequel, and don’t skip entries.
Done right, the Throne of Glass series delivers one of the most complete and emotionally satisfying fantasy journeys in modern fiction—and the correct series order makes all the difference.