Reading Order – Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas – Complete Guide – Books in Order

Reading order of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Contains general spoilers and heroic transformation through to the final book. Forged in chains and crowned in flame, Celaena doesn’t rise—she burns. Reading this saga in order means crossing continents with a heroine reborn through every battle, betrayal, and truth slow-burned into her soul. From Skull’s Bay to the Kingdom of Ash, her story is not just of magic and war, but of a will darkness failed to break.

Aelin and Rowan rise from an open book surrounded by magical fire and Wyrd symbols in a columned hall – Throne of Glass Reading Order

Introduction – Reading Order – Throne of Glass

The Throne of Glass series, written by Sarah J. Maas, is one of the most influential works in modern young adult fantasy. With an unforgettable protagonist, an ever-expanding universe, and a plot brimming with action, romance, and magic, this story has become a benchmark in the genre. This reading order guide will help you follow the full evolution of Celaena Sardothien—from her early days as an assassin to her rise as a legendary figure.

The narrative structure includes both main novels and essential prequels, and the suggested reading order offers deeper insight into the choices, wounds, and relationships that shape the characters. From The Assassin’s Blade to Kingdom of Ash, the journey encompasses political intrigue, epic battles, and profound personal transformations.

If you're seeking a series where inner strength, intricate bonds, and entwined destinies define every page, Throne of Glass is a must-read. This guide provides the ideal sequence to experience the story as it was originally intended.

All Books in Reading Order – Throne of Glass

1. The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord – Throne of Glass – Prequel 1

In this powerful opener, Celaena Sardothien is sent to Skull’s Bay with her fellow assassin Sam Cortland to negotiate with a notorious pirate lord. What starts as a routine mission quickly turns into a moral dilemma when Celaena discovers the deal involves human trafficking. Defying her master’s orders, she risks everything to do what’s right. This novella introduces the fierce independence and ethics that define her character. As the first entry in The Assassin’s Blade, it sets the tone for the rest of the prequel stories and shows us just how far Celaena will go for justice. Discover the full summary of The Assassin and the Pirate Lord ➤ 

2. The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Healer – Throne of Glass – Prequel 2

On a stopover between missions, Celaena meets Yrene Towers, a young healer stuck in a dead-end life. Though their meeting is brief, Celaena recognizes Yrene’s potential and secretly prepares her for a better future. This quiet but emotional story highlights Celaena’s hidden compassion and hints at the larger web of fate connecting seemingly minor characters. The Assassin and the Healer is short yet impactful, showing how a single act of kindness can echo throughout the series. Yrene’s journey, which begins here, later becomes crucial in the saga’s main plotlines. Explore the full summary of The Assassin and the Healer ➤ 

3. The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Desert – Throne of Glass – Prequel 3

Banished to the Red Desert for defying orders, Celaena must earn the trust of the Silent Assassins to prove herself worthy. Amid shifting dunes and silent masters, she confronts betrayal, learns new fighting skills, and questions her loyalty to the Assassins’ Guild. This tale expands the world far beyond Adarlan, showcasing Celaena’s resourcefulness and growing desire for independence. The desert trials push her to her limits, physically and emotionally. The Assassin and the Desert captures a pivotal moment of growth, where she begins to shape her destiny on her own terms. Access the full summary of The Assassin and the Desert ➤ 

4. The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Underworld – Throne of Glass – Prequel 4

Back in Rifthold, Celaena is tasked with killing a supposedly corrupt noble. But things are not as they seem, and the mission leads her into a maze of secrets and manipulation. Meanwhile, her relationship with Sam deepens, and her desire to break free from her master grows. The Assassin and the Underworld is filled with court intrigue, masked balls, and espionage. It also shows the emotional stakes rising for Celaena as she struggles between her duty, her heart, and her future. This story is a turning point that sets the stage for everything that follows. Read the full summary of The Assassin and the Underworld ➤ 

5. The Assassin’s Blade: The Assassin and the Empire – Throne of Glass – Prequel 5

In the tragic final novella, Celaena and Sam plan their escape from the Assassins’ Guild to begin a new life. But freedom comes at a terrible cost. Betrayal, heartbreak, and loss strike hard in this emotional gut punch of a story. The Assassin and the Empire reveals the devastating events that lead to Celaena’s imprisonment at the beginning of the main series. Raw and unforgettable, it explains her guarded nature, her pain, and her reasons for vengeance. This novella is essential reading before continuing to Throne of Glass. Check out the full summary of The Assassin and the Empire ➤

6. Throne of Glass – Throne of Glass – Book 1

Celaena Sardothien, the notorious assassin, has been released from a slave camp to compete in a deadly tournament. If she wins, she’ll serve as the King’s Champion and earn her freedom after four years of service. As she fights to survive brutal tests and eliminate her rivals, she uncovers dark secrets lurking in the castle—magical forces, hidden passages, and ancient evil. But not everything is about victory; politics, forbidden magic, and blooming affection complicate her mission. This first installment introduces the stakes of the larger war ahead and reveals Celaena’s razor-sharp wit, fierce independence, and lingering wounds. Enjoy the full summary of Throne of Glass ➤ 

7. Crown of Midnight – Throne of Glass – Book 2

Now the King’s Champion, Celaena must execute the ruler’s enemies under secret orders. But she’s playing a dangerous double game—faking her kills while searching for rebellion within the kingdom. As she digs deeper into the court’s corruption, she makes discoveries that change everything, including the truth about her own identity. Meanwhile, her romantic and political ties are tested to the limit. Crown of Midnight raises the emotional and narrative stakes, plunging readers deeper into the mystery, betrayal, and moral conflict that define the saga’s core. The consequences of every choice become increasingly dire. Get the full summary of Crown of Midnight ➤

8. Heir of Fire – Throne of Glass – Book 3

Fleeing from Adarlan, Celaena travels to a distant continent in search of answers, healing, and the strength to embrace her destiny. Haunted by grief and guilt, she begins training under a powerful Fae warrior who pushes her to confront her past and unlock her latent powers. Meanwhile, new threats rise, and strange forces stir in the shadows. Heir of Fire is a story of transformation, self-discovery, and rebirth. It introduces new key players, expands the mythos, and challenges Celaena to choose between revenge and something far greater: leadership, and the fight for a better world. Dive into the full summary of Heir of Fire ➤ 

9. Queen of Shadows – Throne of Glass – Book 4

Aelin Galathynius—formerly Celaena—returns to Rifthold, ready to reclaim her birthright and take vengeance on those who destroyed her family. But the path to power is fraught with old enemies, unexpected alliances, and sacrifices that demand every ounce of cunning. As war brews in the background, Aelin’s past, present, and future converge in a whirlwind of action and emotion. Queen of Shadows marks the series’ shift into full rebellion. With its intricate politics and explosive confrontations, this novel is a masterclass in pacing and character evolution. Aelin fully steps into her role as queen—and everything changes. Review the full summary of Queen of Shadows ➤

10. Empire of Storms – Throne of Glass – Book 5

With enemies closing in on all sides, Aelin must forge unlikely alliances to stand a chance against the growing darkness. But as the battle lines are drawn, she realizes that winning the war may cost more than she can bear. Deep secrets come to light, loyalties are tested, and the final pieces of an ancient prophecy begin to fall into place. Empire of Storms is a sweeping epic filled with heartbreak, sacrifice, and cinematic action. The tension climbs relentlessly, setting the stage for an earth-shattering finale. This is the saga at its most thrilling and devastating. Click through the full summary of Empire of Storms ➤ 

11. Tower of Dawn – Throne of Glass – Book 6

Taking place in parallel with Empire of Storms, this novel follows Chaol Westfall as he journeys to the southern continent for healing. What begins as a personal mission transforms into a diplomatic struggle, where Chaol discovers ancient powers, secret histories, and allies that could change the fate of the war. Tower of Dawn deepens the world and explores themes of redemption, leadership, and resilience. It’s a quieter book in terms of pace, but it’s crucial for understanding how the final battle will unfold. A must-read before Kingdom of Ash, not a side story but a core puzzle piece. Uncover the story in the full summary of Tower of Dawn ➤ 

12. Kingdom of Ash – Throne of Glass – Book 7

The final battle has come. Aelin, captured and tortured, must endure unthinkable pain while her friends fight to save the world. The scattered allies must reunite to challenge Erawan’s monstrous forces, while time runs out and hope fades. Every sacrifice, every decision, and every scar leads to this explosive conclusion. Kingdom of Ash is both brutal and beautiful—a high-stakes finale that ties together every character arc and plot thread with elegance and heartbreak. No part of the saga holds back like this final book. It’s the war, the reckoning, and the legacy all at once. Start with the full summary of Kingdom of Ash ➤ 

Conclusion – Reading Order – Throne of Glass

Reading the Throne of Glass series in its proper order means accompanying Celaena Sardothien on a journey of power, pain, redemption, and liberation. Sarah J. Maas crafts an epic far beyond a typical young adult fantasy, delving into themes of identity, trauma, sacrifice, and hope amidst a world shaped by darkness and resistance.

Each book unveils new layers of the universe as the protagonist evolves from a feared assassin to a destined queen. The prequels enrich her story with emotional depth, while the central books build a web of allies, enemies, and pivotal choices that lead to a powerful and deeply moving finale. Tower of Dawn broadens the saga’s perspective, and Kingdom of Ash delivers a satisfying and monumental conclusion.

This reading guide allows for a full appreciation of the narrative legacy left by a series that defined a generation. Throne of Glass is more than a story—it is a transformation forged in fire, steel, and soul.

FAQs – Reading Order – Throne of Glass

What is the correct reading order for the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas?

The ideal reading order begins with the five novellas in The Assassin’s Blade, which establish Celaena Sardothien’s moral compass and emotional depth. Then continue with the main books in sequence: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and finally Kingdom of Ash. This path offers the most powerful emotional and narrative payoff.

How essential are the prequels in The Assassin’s Blade to understanding the series?

They are absolutely essential. These stories reveal Celaena’s early trials, values, and betrayals—especially her bond with Sam and her defiance against Arobynn Hamel. They explain her imprisonment at the start of the main saga and add layers to her transformation. Without these novellas, much of Celaena’s motivation and emotional struggle would feel incomplete.

Is Tower of Dawn skippable, or should I read it before Kingdom of Ash?

You should absolutely read Tower of Dawn. It unfolds parallel to Empire of Storms and uncovers vital truths about the larger war. Chaol’s arc, the introduction of new allies, and key political revelations all build the groundwork for the finale in Kingdom of Ash. Skipping it would leave out important context and emotional depth.

How emotionally intense is the ending in Kingdom of Ash?

Kingdom of Ash is an emotional crescendo—brutal, beautiful, and deeply moving. Aelin endures harrowing pain while her friends fight across continents to save their world. Sacrifice, trauma, and final reckonings define this grand finale. Every thread finds resolution, and readers are left with a sense of loss, triumph, and transformation. It’s not just the end of a story—it’s a legacy fulfilled.

Is the Throne of Glass series connected to Sarah J. Maas’s other books?

Yes, though subtly. Sarah J. Maas has hinted at a multiverse where her series are linked. In later books, characters reference magical portals and world-hopping elements that suggest a shared cosmos with A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City. Attentive readers will notice easter eggs that enrich the overall experience.