Which Order to Read Throne of Glass: A Journey Through the Labyrinth of Sarah J. Maas's Epic Series

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a sprawling epic that has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and heart-pounding action. However, with multiple books, novellas, and companion stories, the question of “which order to read Throne of Glass” can be as daunting as navigating the labyrinthine politics of the series itself. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the reading order, while also delving into the thematic and narrative connections that make the series so compelling.
The Chronological Order: A Linear Journey Through Time
One approach to reading the Throne of Glass series is to follow the chronological order of events. This means starting with The Assassin’s Blade, a collection of prequel novellas that introduce Celaena Sardothien, the series’ protagonist, and her early life as an assassin. These stories provide crucial backstory and context for the events that unfold in the main series.
After The Assassin’s Blade, the reading order proceeds as follows:
- 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 the story as it unfolds in real-time, with each book building upon the events of the previous one. However, it’s worth noting that Tower of Dawn runs parallel to Empire of Storms, focusing on Chaol Westfall’s journey in the southern continent. Some readers prefer to read these two books simultaneously, alternating chapters to maintain the narrative flow.
The Publication Order: Following the Author’s Intent
Another approach is to read the series in the order in which the books were published. This order is as follows:
- 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
Reading the series in publication order allows readers to experience the story as Sarah J. Maas intended, with the prequel novellas serving as a deeper dive into Celaena’s past after the main series has already begun. This order can provide a different perspective on the characters and their motivations, as readers already have a foundation of knowledge about the world and its inhabitants.
The Thematic Order: Exploring the Layers of the Story
For those who enjoy delving into the thematic elements of a story, a thematic reading order can offer a unique perspective on the Throne of Glass series. This approach involves grouping the books based on their central themes and narrative arcs.
-
The Assassin’s Journey: The Assassin’s Blade, Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight
- This group focuses on Celaena’s evolution from a skilled assassin to a more complex and multifaceted character. The prequel novellas set the stage for her journey, while the first two books of the main series explore her struggles with identity, loyalty, and power.
-
The Rise of Aelin: Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms
- This group marks the transition from Celaena to Aelin, as she embraces her true identity as the lost queen of Terrasen. These books delve into themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the weight of leadership, as Aelin gathers allies and prepares for the ultimate battle against the forces of darkness.
-
The Final Battle: Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash
- The final group of books brings the series to its epic conclusion, with Tower of Dawn providing a parallel narrative that enriches the overall story. Kingdom of Ash ties together all the threads of the series, delivering a satisfying and emotional finale.
The Character-Centric Order: Following the Heroes and Villains
For readers who are particularly drawn to specific characters, a character-centric reading order can offer a more personalized experience. This approach involves focusing on the arcs of key characters, such as Celaena/Aelin, Chaol, Dorian, and Manon.
-
Celaena/Aelin’s Journey: The Assassin’s Blade, Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash
- This order follows Celaena/Aelin’s transformation from a deadly assassin to a powerful queen, with each book adding layers to her character and her role in the larger narrative.
-
Chaol’s Redemption: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash
- Chaol’s journey is one of redemption and self-discovery, particularly in Tower of Dawn, where he confronts his past and finds a new purpose.
-
Dorian’s Evolution: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash
- Dorian’s arc is one of growth and resilience, as he navigates the challenges of his royal lineage and his own magical abilities.
-
Manon’s Rebellion: Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash
- Manon’s story is one of rebellion and self-determination, as she breaks free from the constraints of her upbringing and fights for her own destiny.
The Hybrid Order: Combining Chronology and Themes
For readers who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid reading order that combines chronological and thematic elements can provide a rich and immersive experience. This approach involves reading the series in a way that balances the linear progression of events with the exploration of key themes and character arcs.
- The Assassin’s Blade (Prequel novellas)
- Throne of Glass (Introduction to the world and characters)
- Crown of Midnight (Celaena’s struggles with identity and loyalty)
- Heir of Fire (The rise of Aelin and the introduction of new allies)
- Queen of Shadows (Aelin’s gathering of forces and preparation for war)
- Empire of Storms (The escalation of conflict and the deepening of relationships)
- Tower of Dawn (Chaol’s parallel journey and the exploration of the southern continent)
- Kingdom of Ash (The final battle and the resolution of all storylines)
This hybrid order allows readers to experience the series in a way that is both coherent and thematically rich, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their journeys.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: Preparing for the Highs and Lows
No matter which reading order you choose, it’s important to be prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that is the Throne of Glass series. From the heart-wrenching betrayals to the triumphant victories, the series is a masterclass in storytelling that will leave you breathless.
-
The Highs: The series is filled with moments of triumph, where the characters overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. These moments are often accompanied by a sense of hope and the belief that good can prevail, even in the darkest of times.
-
The Lows: However, the series is also unflinching in its portrayal of loss and sacrifice. Characters you grow to love may meet tragic ends, and the cost of victory is often high. These moments are emotionally charged and serve to deepen the stakes of the story.
-
The Twists: Sarah J. Maas is known for her plot twists, and the Throne of Glass series is no exception. Just when you think you have the story figured out, a new revelation can turn everything on its head, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The World-Building: A Rich Tapestry of Cultures and Magic
One of the most impressive aspects of the Throne of Glass series is its world-building. The series takes place in a richly detailed world filled with diverse cultures, complex political systems, and a deep history that spans centuries.
-
The Kingdoms: From the icy wastes of Wendlyn to the sun-drenched deserts of the Southern Continent, each kingdom in the series has its own unique culture, traditions, and challenges. The world feels alive and immersive, with each location adding depth to the story.
-
The Magic: Magic plays a central role in the series, with different types of magic being tied to different cultures and bloodlines. The rules of magic are carefully established, and its use has significant consequences, both for the characters and the world at large.
-
The History: The history of the world is intricately woven into the narrative, with ancient prophecies, forgotten kingdoms, and long-buried secrets playing a crucial role in the story. The series rewards careful reading, as even the smallest details can have far-reaching implications.
The Characters: A Cast of Complex and Compelling Figures
At the heart of the Throne of Glass series are its characters, each of whom is complex, flawed, and deeply human. From Celaena/Aelin’s journey of self-discovery to Chaol’s struggle with duty and honor, the characters are the driving force behind the story.
-
Celaena/Aelin: The series’ protagonist is a force to be reckoned with, combining fierce intelligence, deadly skill, and a deep sense of loyalty. Her journey from assassin to queen is one of the most compelling aspects of the series, as she grapples with her past and her destiny.
-
Chaol: As the captain of the guard, Chaol is a man of duty and honor, but his loyalty is tested time and time again. His journey is one of redemption and self-discovery, as he learns to reconcile his sense of duty with his own desires.
-
Dorian: The crown prince of Adarlan, Dorian is a character of contrasts, with a kind heart and a sharp mind. His journey is one of growth and resilience, as he navigates the challenges of his royal lineage and his own magical abilities.
-
Manon: The witch of the Blackbeak Clan, Manon is a character of fierce independence and strength. Her journey is one of rebellion and self-determination, as she breaks free from the constraints of her upbringing and fights for her own destiny.
The Romance: Love in the Midst of Chaos
Romance is a key element of the Throne of Glass series, with several relationships developing over the course of the story. These relationships are complex and multifaceted, adding depth to the characters and the narrative.
-
Celaena/Aelin and Chaol: The relationship between Celaena/Aelin and Chaol is one of the central romances of the series, marked by intense chemistry and deep emotional connection. However, their relationship is also fraught with challenges, as their loyalties and destinies pull them in different directions.
-
Celaena/Aelin and Rowan: The relationship between Celaena/Aelin and Rowan is one of mutual respect and deep emotional bond. Rowan’s unwavering support and understanding provide a strong foundation for their relationship, even as they face the challenges of war and destiny.
-
Dorian and Sorscha: The relationship between Dorian and Sorscha is one of tenderness and vulnerability, as they navigate the complexities of their respective roles and the dangers of their world.
-
Manon and Dorian: The relationship between Manon and Dorian is one of unexpected connection and mutual respect, as they find common ground despite their differences.
The Final Word: A Series That Demands to Be Read
The Throne of Glass series is a masterful blend of action, romance, and intrigue, with a richly detailed world and a cast of unforgettable characters. Whether you choose to read the series in chronological order, publication order, or a thematic order, one thing is certain: you are in for an unforgettable journey.
As you embark on this epic adventure, remember to savor each moment, from the heart-pounding battles to the quiet moments of reflection. The Throne of Glass series is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted tale.
Related Q&A
Q: Should I read The Assassin’s Blade before or after the main series?
A: It depends on your preference. Reading The Assassin’s Blade first provides valuable backstory and context for Celaena’s character, but some readers prefer to dive straight into the main series and read the prequel novellas later for a deeper understanding.
Q: Is Tower of Dawn necessary to read, or can I skip it?
A: Tower of Dawn is an essential part of the series, as it provides crucial character development for Chaol and introduces important plot elements that tie into the final book, Kingdom of Ash. Skipping it would leave gaps in the overall narrative.
Q: How does the Throne of Glass series compare to Sarah J. Maas’s other series, A Court of Thorns and Roses?
A: Both series are set in richly detailed worlds with complex characters and intricate plots, but they have different tones and focuses. Throne of Glass is more action-oriented and epic in scope, while A Court of Thorns and Roses leans more heavily into romance and fantasy elements.
Q: Are there any spin-offs or companion novels to the Throne of Glass series?
A: As of now, there are no official spin-offs or companion novels, but Sarah J. Maas has hinted at the possibility of exploring other stories within the same world in the future.
Q: What is the best way to emotionally prepare for the series?
A: Be ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. The series is filled with highs and lows, and it’s important to be prepared for both the triumphant moments and the heart-wrenching ones. Having a support system of fellow readers to discuss the series with can also help.