The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Throne of Glass Series: A Foolproof Reading Order
Discover the captivating Throne of Glass series! Immerse yourself in this epic journey filled with assassins, magic, and thrilling adventures Follow the publication order or explore the series chronologically to fully experience the intricate world created by Sarah J Maas
Summary
Following the publication order of the Throne of Glass series is effortless, thanks to author Sarah J. Maas' linear storytelling approach, with only a minor detour for the prequel novellas.
The prequel novellas, called The Assassin's Blade, are not essential for comprehending the initial two books; however, they enhance the intricacy of the world and characters.
Kingdom of Ash, the concluding book in the series, offers a grand and fulfilling finale, intertwining captivating narratives, romance, and unexpected twists.
Reading the Throne of Glass series in chronological order is not too difficult as author Sarah J. Maas presents her high fantasy saga in a mostly linear manner. It all began in 2012 with Maas' first novel, Throne of Glass, which follows the story of Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin who embarks on a quest to become the King's Champion and gain her freedom. Over the span of six years, Maas released the entire Throne of Glass series, treating readers to a captivating blend of high fantasy and her distinctive young-adult romance twist. In the tradition of esteemed fantasy writers, Maas skillfully constructs a believable and enthralling world for her protagonist, Celaena.
Among the multitude of young adult fantasy novels, Maas' work stands out, receiving acclaim from critics. In fact, the eighth book in the series scored an impressive 4.65 rating on Goodreads. It comes as no surprise that the Throne of Glass series has the potential to rival the popularity of Game of Thrones if adapted for television. In 2016, the books were optioned with much anticipation, yet a TV show never materialized. Nevertheless, the rights have reverted back to Maas, who is now exploring other opportunities for film and TV adaptations. With Maas' parallel series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, making progress towards an adaptation, it is only a matter of time before Throne of Glass graces screens worldwide.
Throne Of Glass Series In Publication Date Order
Throne Of Glass (2012)
Crown Of Midnight (2013)
The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
Heir Of Fire (2014)
Queen Of Shadows (2015)
Empire Of Storms (2016)
Tower Of Dawn (2017)
Kingdom Of Ash (2018)
Throne Of Glass (2012)
Maas' books stand out from other fantasy authors who tend to create confusion by jumping around the timeline. In contrast, her Throne of Glass series follows a straightforward narrative, making it a breeze to read in the order of publication. The series begins with Throne of Glass in 2012 and concludes with Kingdom of Ash in 2018, presenting the story in a linear fashion. The only slight deviation occurs with the prequel novellas published in 2014 under the title The Assassin's Blade. Since these novellas serve as prequels, they can be read at any time and are not necessary to enjoy the series as a whole. Rather than including crucial information, The Assassin's Blade primarily adds more depth to the already well-developed universe.
Throne of Glass, the opening book in the series, introduces Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin. She finds herself serving a prison sentence in a slave camp when Crown Prince Dorian recruits her to be his royal assassin. Celaena is presented with an opportunity to regain her freedom by competing against other lethal assassins. However, she also embarks on an investigation into a mysterious conspiracy that is systematically eliminating her fellow contestants. As a quintessential inaugural novel in a fantastical series, Throne of Glass not only commences the narrative in earnest but also establishes plotlines that culminate in subsequent books.
Crown Of Midnight (2013)
When reading the Throne of Glass book series in order of publication, Crown of Midnight emerges as the second novel, delving into Celaena's life after triumphantly securing the title of royal assassin. Nevertheless, the kingdom faces new trials that not only challenge the assassin's skills but also put her loyalty to the crown at stake. Crown of Midnight sets the stage for an exhilarating fantasy narrative, distinguished by its unique twist. Maas tactfully captivates the reader, deftly avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump that often befalls many series.
The Assassin's Blade (2014)
Released in the same year as the third installment of the Throne of Glass series, The Assassin's Blade comprises five novellas that unfold within the expansive universe. These tales delve into the earlier exploits of Celaena, who serves as a highly efficient assassin for the esteemed Assassins' Guild. They shed light on her journey leading up to her imprisonment, offering a captivating read for avid fans of the series. Although not essential to comprehending the first two books, these stories inject a touch of excitement to the existing narratives.
Heir Of Fire (2014)
On the path to becoming one of the most popular fantasy series of all time, Sarah J. Maas released Heir of Fire in 2014, the third installment in the series. In this book, Celaena is consumed by a thirst for vengeance against the oppressor who shattered her life, while simultaneously confronting a mystical power that poses a threat to the entire world. Skillfully intertwining its various elements, Heir of Fire presents a sleek and impactful fantasy narrative that builds upon the emotional resonance established in the previous books. Undeniably captivating, Heir of Fire propels the series into even darker territories moving forward.
Queen Of Shadows (2015)
Building Celaena into a classic fantasy hero, Queen of Shadows takes the series' emotional arc further with Maas' distinctive writing style. Despite seeking vengeance solely for herself, Celaena returns to the empire on her mission and encounters numerous inspiring individuals who fuel her determination. While primarily a continuation, the book skillfully develops Celaena into such a captivating character that even the most ordinary moments become intriguing.
Empire Of Storms (2016)
Tower Of Dawn (2017)
: Empire of Storms, the fifth book in the Throne of Glass series, marks a significant transition in the epic saga. As Aelin, the once known assassin Celaena, she must now maintain crucial alliances to prevent the kingdoms of Erilea from crumbling. With fearless determination, Maas masterfully portrays realistic malice, reminding readers that no character is safe and no alliance is truly unshakeable. This gripping installment is filled with shocking twists and captivating romance, showcasing just a few of its many attractions.
Tower of Dawn serves as further evidence that the Throne of Glass series is eagerly awaiting its adaptation to the big screen or television. This sixth book focuses on the adored character Chaol Westfall, the former Captain of the Guard, embarking on a monumental quest to establish vital alliances in order to prevent the kingdoms from descending into chaos and violence. Despite the absence of series protagonist Aelin (Celaena), Tower of Dawn is an essential read that sets the stage for the grand finale in the eighth and last novel.
Kingdom Of Ash (2018)
Closing out the Throne of Glass series, Kingdom of Ash, released in 2018, delivers an appropriately epic conclusion in a book that spans nearly one thousand pages. The protagonist, Aelin, now finds herself captured and enduring prolonged torture reminiscent of her time as a slave. Simultaneously, the kingdoms brace for conflict, putting the strength of newfound alliances to the ultimate test. Seamlessly intertwining multiple storylines, Kingdom of Ash effectively utilizes every page, providing a gratifying finale that encompasses Maas' signature prose, enthralling romance, and unexpected plot twists.
Throne Of Glass Series In Chronological Order
The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
Throne Of Glass (2012)
Crown Of Midnight (2013)
Heir Of Fire (2014)
Queen Of Shadows (2015)
Empire Of Storms (2016)
Tower Of Dawn (2017)
The Throne of Glass books can be read in a different order than their publication date. The prequel novellas allow for some flexibility in the reading order, with the option to begin with The Assassin's Blade. However, this linear approach is not advised for those new to fantasy books. While the novellas do not assume prior knowledge of the series, having some familiarity with the characters and Maas' world is beneficial.
