throne of glass books in order to read
Many debates start with prequels or parallel stories, but the primary sequence for reading is anchored by both publication and narrative logic.
Official Throne of Glass Series Reading Order
- Throne of Glass (2012)
Celaena Sardothien, imprisoned assassin, is summoned for a brutal contest to win her freedom and serve a corrupt king. Court politics, first hints of magic, and foundational betrayals—this is where discipline and ambition put down roots.
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
Now the king’s champion, Celaena faces darker loyalties and the price of hidden resistance. Secrets about her past and the kingdom’s true threat creep to the surface.
- Heir of Fire (2014)
The world expands—Faerie lore, new courts, and mentorship that tests every limit. Celaena finds her foundation shaken by new magic, old guilt, and a continentwide threat.
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
Now Aelin, she returns home to claim both her name and her legacy, balancing alliances and vengeance. Old friends and enemies alike demand reckoning.
- Empire of Storms (2016)
War comes for all. Political alliances and romantic ties are tested—narrative timelines grow complex, and everyone’s fate seems to hinge on Aelin’s fragile plans.
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
Running in parallel to Empire of Storms: Chaol and Nesryn seek healing and new alliances on the Southern Continent. Major revelations and worldaltering deals are struck.
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
All plot threads and character arcs converge in a final siege. Payoff only lands if the throne of glass books in order to read have been respected. The cost is total; not everyone survives.
The Assassin’s Blade (2014, Prequel Novellas)
Though a prequel in story sequence, “The Assassin’s Blade” is often best read after “Throne of Glass” or even after “Heir of Fire.” These stories explain Celaena’s toughest scars and why some later losses hit as hard as they do.
Why Reading Order Matters
Character development: Betrayals, revelations, and healing make sense only stepwise—Aelin/Celaena doesn’t just leap from killer to queen without setbacks. Magic and politics: The series escalates slowly; introducing fae, ancient evil, and sorcerous costs only after the first books have set the rules. Payoff for side characters: Dorian, Manon, Chaol, and others grow in importance—skipping means missing their full arcs. War and alliance: Later books turn on promises made and debts incurred early on.
Skipping or switching order means missing core logic.
Parallel Reading: Empire of Storms/Tower of Dawn
Because these two books cover simultaneous events from different character perspectives, you can either:
Read “Empire of Storms,” then “Tower of Dawn” (traditional), or Interlace chapters/scenes for a true chronological experience—advanced for rereads.
For most, the simple throne of glass books in order to read is enough; interlacing is a bonus.
Key Themes Reinforced by Order
Survival comes at a price: Each betrayal, alliance, and romance only makes sense as Aelin earns her scars. Female power and trauma: Grit is built on what’s endured, not bypassed. Worldbuilding grows with each volume: New courts, magic, and rules. No happy endings are free: Resurrections and victories are paid out slowly and often at high cost.
Mistakes to Avoid
Reading The Assassin’s Blade before the first novel—spoilers hurt. Missing Tower of Dawn—critical revelations and alliances for the finale. Leaving gaps between books—keep pace, or emotional tension and details fade.
For New Readers: How to Get the Best Experience
Tackle one book at a time, trying to finish each within a week. Keep notes on new characters, plots, and unresolved questions. Avoid spoilers and online theories until after finishing “Kingdom of Ash.” Treat the first three books as setup—their slow burn pays off massively in the back half of the series.
For Rereaders or Book Clubs
Discuss foreshadowing; Maas plants details three, four books before payoff. Compare favorite character arcs—notice how motivations evolve as the stakes rise.
Final Thoughts
The “Throne of Glass” series is engineered for sequence. The throne of glass books in order to read deliver every emotional wallop, every strategic twist, and every hardwon victory as designed. Stick to the map, trust the pace, and let the world build around you chapter by chapter. In high fantasy, structure creates meaning; in Maas’s universe, it brings every court, every bargain, and every heartache to life. Read, remember, and see why patience and discipline are every bit as magical as the story itself.