The Ultimate Guide To Your **Throne Of Glass Order** Adventure
Are you ready to discover the best way to experience Sarah J. Maas's captivating world? Choosing the right Throne of Glass order can make all the difference for your reading journey. This series is packed with assassins, magic, and royal intrigue, and getting the sequence just right helps everything click into place. It's truly a big adventure waiting for you.
If you're just starting out, you're in for an amazing ride, and I'm here to help you find the best way to read the Throne of Glass books in order. It's a series of seven books by Sarah J. Maas, and the first one, also called Throne of Glass, came out in 2012. You know, picking a path can feel a bit much at first.
There are, in fact, three popular ways to read Throne of Glass, so you have options. We'll look at the chronological order, which is also often called the purist order, the romantic order, and the emotional order. Each one offers a slightly different feel, and we'll break down what makes each one special. The next few paragraphs will really help you sort this out.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Throne of Glass Series
- The Three Main Throne of Glass Reading Orders
- When Should You Read The Assassin's Blade?
- The Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn Tandem Read
- Should I Skip Tower of Dawn?
- Choosing the Best Throne of Glass Order for You
- Frequently Asked Questions About Throne of Glass Order
- Final Thoughts on Your Reading Path
Understanding the Throne of Glass Series
Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series tells the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin, as she navigates a world filled with magic, danger, and political games. The story begins with Throne of Glass in 2012, introducing readers to Celaena’s journey as an assassin. This series has grown quite a bit over the years, and it's very much loved by many readers.
The series has seven main books, plus a prequel novella collection. Unlike some other fantasy authors who jump around in the timeline for added confusion, Maas's books are rather straightforward in their overall progression. However, the prequel novella, The Assassin's Blade, is the main reason why there are different ideas about the best reading order. It's almost like a little puzzle piece that fits in a few spots.
Knowing the complete list of Throne of Glass books in order, by their publication date, is a good starting point. This helps you see how the story originally came out. Here is a complete list of Throne of Glass books in order, by their initial release:
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- The Assassin's Blade (2014) - Prequel novella collection
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
This is the chronological publication order of the series, so you can get a feel for how it all unfolded for early readers.
The Three Main Throne of Glass Reading Orders
So, when it comes to reading Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, you basically have two or three different ways to go about it. There's the "purist order," which is the same as the order of publication, or the "romantic order." Actually, some folks also talk about an "emotional order," which is pretty similar to the romantic one. The only reason there are these different options is because of that prequel novella collection, The Assassin's Blade, and the unique situation with Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
Publication Order: The Original Way
If you’re looking to experience the Throne of Glass series in the exact order in which the books were originally published, this is the list to follow. This means you read The Assassin’s Blade after Crown of Midnight. Many people recommend reading in publication order, which is pictured below, for newcomers. It's the way most early fans experienced the story, so it's a very common path.
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin's Blade
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
The good thing about this order is that you get the story exactly as Maas released it, which means no spoilers that weren't intended for that point in time. It also allows you to grow with Celaena and discover her past secrets as they become relevant in the main story. This order may be the best order for newcomers to read the series.
However, some readers find that placing The Assassin's Blade here can disrupt the flow a little, especially after the events of Crown of Midnight. It's a bit of a shift in tone and pace, as it goes back to Celaena's earlier days. Still, it's a very solid choice, particularly for a first read, as it's how the series was originally introduced.
Chronological or Purist Order: Following the Timeline
The chronological order, sometimes referred to as the "purist order," means you read the books in the order the events actually happen in the story. This means starting with The Assassin's Blade. It's like going back to the very beginning of Celaena's story before she even gets to the castle.
- 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
Reading the Throne of Glass series in order of the timeline provides all of Celaena's backstory right upfront. You get to see her life before the main series truly begins, which can help you understand her motivations and past trauma from the very start. It provides a complete picture of her early life, which can be quite interesting.
The downside for some is that The Assassin's Blade can be a bit emotionally heavy and might feel a little disconnected from the main story if read first. It's also a collection of novellas, not a full-length novel, so the pacing is different. Some readers feel it spoils certain reveals or lessens the impact of later character introductions because you already know too much about her past.
Romantic or Emotional Order: For Maximum Impact
The "romantic order," sometimes called the "emotional order," aims to place The Assassin's Blade where it will have the most emotional impact and enhance specific character arcs. This guide offers the ideal reading order with a visual guide, and it often suggests reading The Assassin's Blade after Heir of Fire.
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- The Assassin's Blade
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
The idea here is that after the events of Heir of Fire, you'll have a much deeper appreciation for Celaena's past and the reasons behind her actions. The emotional weight of The Assassin's Blade hits differently when you're already invested in her journey and understand the stakes. It's almost like a moment of reflection after a big revelation.
This order is very popular among re-readers or those who want a truly impactful emotional experience. It can, however, mean a slight pause in the main narrative's forward momentum. For some, it's a perfect break, while for others, they d just want to keep going with the main plot.
When Should You Read The Assassin's Blade?
"Throne of Glass, when should I read The Assassin's Blade?" This is perhaps the most asked question about the series' reading order. As we've seen, there are a few good spots for it, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. It's a bit like picking the right key for a lock, you know?
Reading Assassin's Blade First
Reading The Assassin's Blade as the very first book in the series means you get all of Celaena's backstory before you even meet her in the glass castle. You learn about her training, her past relationships, and the events that led her to where she is at the beginning of Throne of Glass. This provides a very comprehensive look at her character from the start, which can be good for truly getting to know her.
Some people really like this because it gives them a full picture of Celaena's world and past struggles. It means you understand why she acts the way she does from the get-go. However, it can also be a bit of a slow start for some readers, as the novellas are shorter stories and the stakes aren't as grand as in the main novels. It's a different kind of pacing, too.
Reading Assassin's Blade After Crown of Midnight
This is the publication order placement, and it's a very common recommendation. After reading Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight, you've gotten to know Celaena a bit, and you're starting to see hints of her past. Then, The Assassin's Blade comes in and fills in a lot of those gaps. It answers questions you might have started to form, and it's often a good way to get more context without overwhelming you at the very beginning.
We recommend reading in publication order, which means you read The Assassin’s Blade after Crown of Midnight. This placement often feels like a natural pause in the main narrative, allowing you to dive into her history just as things are starting to get more serious in the main plot. It provides context for her actions in Heir of Fire, which is the next book, so it's a pretty smooth transition for many readers.
Reading Assassin's Blade Later in the Series
As mentioned with the romantic/emotional order, some readers prefer to read The Assassin's Blade after Heir of Fire. The reasoning here is purely for emotional impact. By this point in the series, you're deeply invested in Celaena and her struggles, and the revelations in The Assassin's Blade hit much harder. You've seen her grow, and then you see what shaped her.
This placement makes the emotional punches of the prequel much more potent. It provides a deeper understanding of her inner turmoil and resilience right when she needs it most in the main story. It's a bit like getting a crucial piece of a puzzle just when you truly appreciate where it fits. For those already fans of the world, they may want to reread the Throne of Glass novels in this timeline to get that specific emotional experience.
The Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn Tandem Read
This is another big discussion point in the Throne of Glass order. Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn happen at the same time, but they follow different characters. Empire of Storms continues Celaena's story, while Tower of Dawn focuses on Chaol's journey in a different part of the world. This guide offers the ideal reading order with a visual guide, and it also covers how to tandem Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
What is the Tandem Read?
The tandem read means you read both Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn at the same time, switching between chapters from each book. It's like reading two stories side-by-side that are happening concurrently in the series' timeline. This is a fairly unique way to read a series, and it's something many fans choose to do.
It's a way to keep up with all the characters and plotlines without having to put one story on hold for an entire book. Some readers find it helps maintain the momentum of the overall narrative, rather than taking a full detour with Chaol's story. It's a very active way to read, you know, constantly switching perspectives.
Why Do People Do the Tandem Read?
People do the tandem read for a few reasons. First, it helps avoid a potential "slog" with Tower of Dawn for readers who are more invested in Celaena's immediate story. By reading them together, you get bits of Chaol's story interspersed with the main action, so it doesn't feel like a complete break.
Second, it provides a more complete picture of what's happening in the world at that critical point in the series. You see both sides of the coin, so to speak, as events unfold simultaneously. It also keeps all the characters fresh in your mind as you move towards the final book, Kingdom of Ash.
How to Do the Tandem Read
To do the tandem read, you'll need both physical copies or e-books open at the same time. There are many fan-made guides online that provide chapter-by-chapter breakdowns of which book to read next. You might read three chapters of Empire of Storms, then two chapters of Tower of Dawn, and so on. It requires a bit of planning, but many readers say it's worth the effort for the experience.
It's a bit like managing two different threads of a story at once. You have to keep track of where you are in both books, but the payoff is a really immersive experience. Just be sure to find a reliable guide, as getting the chapters wrong could be a little confusing.
Should I Skip Tower of Dawn?
"Should I skip Tower of Dawn?" This is another common question, especially for readers eager to get to the grand finale. My recommendation is generally: no, you should not skip Tower of Dawn. While it focuses on Chaol and his journey, it contains incredibly important plot developments, character growth, and world-building that are crucial for the final book, Kingdom of Ash.
Skipping it means you'll miss out on vital information, new characters, and significant revelations that directly impact the overarching plot. Many readers who initially felt hesitant about Tower of Dawn ended up loving it and realizing its importance. It's a very well-written book, even if it feels like a detour at first.
If you're really struggling with the idea of reading it on its own, the tandem read is an excellent alternative. It allows you to get all the necessary information without feeling like you've completely paused the main narrative. So, yes, check out my recommendations for the best Throne of Glass series order, but don't skip this one.
Choosing the Best Throne of Glass Order for You
A breakdown of the three different reading orders for Sarah J. Maas's series, 'Throne of Glass,' so you can choose the best option for you. If you’re just starting out, you’re in for an amazing adventure, and I’m here to help you find the best way to read the Throne of Glass books in order.
For newcomers, the publication order is often the safest bet. It's how the story was originally presented, and Maas structured her reveals and character development with this in mind. It's a very straightforward path, and you don't have to worry about missing anything or getting confused. It’s a bit like following a well-worn path.
If you're a re-reader, or if you really love to understand every piece of a character's past right away, the chronological order starting with The Assassin's Blade might be interesting. It gives you all the background upfront. Similarly, if you're looking for the most intense emotional experience, the romantic/emotional order, placing The Assassin's Blade after Heir of Fire, could be perfect for a re-read. Those already fans of the world may want to reread the Throne of Glass novels in the timeline that brings out the most feelings.
Remember, there's no single "wrong" way to read these books. The most important thing is that you enjoy the story. Each order offers a slightly different flavor, and you can always try a different one on a re-read.
Frequently Asked Questions About Throne of Glass Order
Here are some common questions people ask about the Throne of Glass order.
What is the best order to read Throne of Glass?
The "best" order really depends on what you want from your reading experience. For most new readers, the publication order is usually recommended. This means starting with Throne of Glass, then Crown of Midnight, followed by The Assassin's Blade, and so on. It's the way the author intended the story to unfold for its initial audience, so it works very well.
Should I read The Assassin's Blade first or later?
This is a big question! Reading The Assassin's Blade first (chronological order) gives you all the backstory upfront, which some people really like. Reading it after Crown of Midnight (publication order) provides context at a key point in the main story. Reading it after Heir of Fire (romantic/emotional order) is for maximum emotional impact. It truly depends on your preference.
Can you skip Tower of Dawn?
It's generally not a good idea to skip Tower of Dawn. While it focuses on a different character and storyline for a while, it contains crucial plot points, character development, and world-building that are very important for the final book, Kingdom of Ash. If you're worried about its pace, consider doing the tandem read with Empire of Storms to keep both stories moving along.
Final Thoughts on Your Reading Path
No matter which Throne of Glass order you pick, you're about to step into a truly epic journey through Sarah J. Maas’s captivating world. This guide offers the ideal reading order with a visual guide, when to read The Assassin's Blade, and how to tandem Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. You can learn more about fantasy series on our site, and we have lots of great recommendations for other amazing books just like these. Happy reading! For more insights into Sarah J. Maas's writing, you might find information on her publisher's site, like Bloomsbury Publishing.
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