What Order to Read Throne of Glass In: A Journey Through Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy Series

What Order to Read Throne of Glass In: A Journey Through Sarah J. Maas's Epic Fantasy Series

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a sprawling epic fantasy that has captivated readers worldwide. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and a narrative that spans multiple books, novellas, and companion stories, it’s no wonder that fans often ask, “What order should I read the Throne of Glass series in?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, and the debate over the “correct” reading order is as heated as the battles fought by Celaena Sardothien herself. Let’s dive into the various perspectives on how to approach this beloved series.


1. Publication Order: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to read the Throne of Glass series is in the order the books were published. This method allows readers to experience the story as it unfolded for the author and the original fanbase. Here’s the publication order:

  1. Throne of Glass (2012)
  2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
  3. Heir of Fire (2014)
  4. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A prequel novella collection
  5. Queen of Shadows (2015)
  6. Empire of Storms (2016)
  7. Tower of Dawn (2017)
  8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Pros:

  • This order maintains the suspense and reveals as intended by the author.
  • Readers can grow alongside the characters, experiencing their development in real-time.

Cons:

  • The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel, and some argue it should be read earlier to provide context for Celaena’s backstory.

2. Chronological Order: A Deeper Dive into Celaena’s Past

For those who prefer a timeline-based approach, reading the series in chronological order offers a unique perspective. This method places The Assassin’s Blade at the beginning, as it details Celaena’s life before the events of Throne of Glass. Here’s the chronological order:

  1. The Assassin’s Blade
  2. Throne of Glass
  3. Crown of Midnight
  4. Heir of Fire
  5. Queen of Shadows
  6. Empire of Storms
  7. Tower of Dawn
  8. Kingdom of Ash

Pros:

  • Provides a richer understanding of Celaena’s motivations and relationships.
  • Enhances emotional investment in the main series.

Cons:

  • Some twists and reveals in Throne of Glass may lose their impact if the prequel is read first.

3. Hybrid Order: The Best of Both Worlds

A popular compromise among fans is the hybrid reading order, which integrates The Assassin’s Blade into the main series at a strategic point. Many recommend reading the prequel after Crown of Midnight or Heir of Fire. Here’s one version of the hybrid order:

  1. Throne of Glass
  2. Crown of Midnight
  3. The Assassin’s Blade
  4. Heir of Fire
  5. Queen of Shadows
  6. Empire of Storms
  7. Tower of Dawn
  8. Kingdom of Ash

Pros:

  • Balances backstory with narrative momentum.
  • Enhances emotional resonance without spoiling key plot points.

Cons:

  • Requires careful planning to avoid confusion.

4. Thematic Order: A Character-Centric Approach

For readers who want to focus on specific characters or themes, a thematic reading order can be rewarding. For example, one might choose to read Tower of Dawn (which focuses on Chaol) alongside Empire of Storms to experience parallel storylines. This approach is more experimental and best suited for re-reads.


5. The Ultimate Fan Order: A Personalized Experience

Some fans advocate for a completely customized reading order based on individual preferences. This might involve skipping certain books, reading novellas out of order, or even revisiting specific chapters to deepen understanding. While this method is highly subjective, it allows readers to tailor the series to their tastes.


Why the Order Matters

The Throne of Glass series is more than just a sequence of books; it’s an immersive experience. The order in which you read the series can significantly impact your understanding of the characters, the world, and the overarching plot. Whether you choose publication order, chronological order, or a hybrid approach, each method offers a unique lens through which to view Celaena’s journey from assassin to queen.


FAQs

Q: Can I skip The Assassin’s Blade?
A: While it’s not strictly necessary, The Assassin’s Blade provides crucial backstory and emotional depth. Skipping it might leave you with unanswered questions.

Q: Is Tower of Dawn optional?
A: No, Tower of Dawn is essential to the overall story. It introduces key characters and plot points that are vital to Kingdom of Ash.

Q: Should I read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn simultaneously?
A: Some fans recommend this approach to experience the parallel timelines, but it’s not required. Reading them back-to-back works just as well.

Q: What if I’m new to fantasy?
A: The Throne of Glass series is a great entry point into the fantasy genre. Start with Throne of Glass and see where the journey takes you!

Q: Are there any spin-offs or companion books?
A: Currently, there are no official spin-offs, but Sarah J. Maas has hinted at potential future projects set in the same universe.


No matter which order you choose, the Throne of Glass series promises an unforgettable adventure filled with magic, intrigue, and heart-stopping moments. Happy reading!