Table of Contents
Looking to dive into the magical and thrilling world of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas? Whether you’re a first-time reader or returning to Erilea, reading the books in chronological order gives you the best experience of the story’s timeline. From Celaena Sardothien’s early assassin days to epic battles and powerful magic, this guide walks you through the full series reading order — including novellas and companion works. Ready to embark on this adventure? Let’s jump in!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting BooksInChronologicalOrder.com!
Quick Buy: Throne of Glass Books in Chronological Order
| Title | Publication Date | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Assassin’s Blade | March 13, 2014 | Buy on Amazon |
| Throne of Glass | August 2, 2012 | Buy on Amazon |
| Crown of Midnight | August 27, 2013 | Buy on Amazon |
| Heir of Fire | September 2, 2014 | Buy on Amazon |
| Queen of Shadows | September 1, 2015 | Buy on Amazon |
| Empire of Storms | September 6, 2016 | Buy on Amazon |
| Tower of Dawn | September 5, 2017 | Buy on Amazon |
| Kingdom of Ash | October 23, 2018 | Buy on Amazon |
Why Read Throne of Glass in Chronological Order?
This series follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin in a corrupt kingdom, as she navigates dangerous competitions, dark conspiracies, and epic battles. The story’s timeline isn’t strictly linear, so reading in chronological order—starting with The Assassin’s Blade novellas before the main series—helps you experience Celaena’s growth and the series’ complex plot fully.
Detailed Book Summaries & Timeline Context
The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
A collection of five prequel novellas exploring Celaena’s early adventures across Erilea. These stories provide key background and emotional depth, enriching the main series.
Throne of Glass (2012)
Celaena, imprisoned in a brutal slave camp, is offered a chance at freedom by competing to become the King’s Champion. As she navigates the deadly competition, she uncovers dark secrets lurking beneath the palace.
Crown of Midnight (2013)
Now the King’s Champion, Celaena struggles with her loyalty as she is forced to carry out deadly tasks for the tyrannical king while forming dangerous alliances and battling unseen enemies.
Heir of Fire (2014)
Celaena travels to the land of Wendlyn to train with the immortal Fae warrior Rowan Whitethorn. As she learns to harness her powers, political turmoil brews back home in Adarlan.
Queen of Shadows (2015)
Reborn as Aelin Galathynius, Celaena returns stronger than ever to reclaim her throne, confront old enemies, and rally allies against the tyrannical forces threatening the kingdom.
Empire of Storms (2016)
Aelin leads her court across Erilea to build an army and confront the demon-like Valg forces. Dark conspiracies and personal sacrifices shape this intense installment.
Tower of Dawn (2017)
Running parallel to Empire of Storms, this book follows Chaol Westfall’s journey to the Southern Continent seeking healing and allies, providing critical context for the ongoing war.
Kingdom of Ash (2018)
The epic conclusion where Aelin fights to save her kingdom from destruction, allies unite for a final battle against evil, and destinies are fulfilled.
Alternate Reading Notes
- The Assassin’s Blade was published after the first two novels but is best read before or after Crown of Midnight for an emotional arc, per author preference.
- Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn overlap chronologically; many fans do a “tandem read” by alternating chapters between the two books for the full experience. Printable guides exist to help with this.
Companion Works
- Throne of Glass Coloring Book (2016)
- Embers of Memory (2019) — a card game set during the events of Kingdom of Ash
Author Spotlight: Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a celebrated American author best known for her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Born in 1986, Maas began writing as a teenager and quickly gained popularity for her richly crafted fantasy worlds and strong, complex female protagonists. Her stories blend intense action, romance, and intricate world-building, captivating millions of readers worldwide. Maas’s works have appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list and have been optioned for television adaptations. Her unique voice continues to influence the modern fantasy genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start with Throne of Glass instead of The Assassin’s Blade?
Yes, but reading The Assassin’s Blade first offers valuable backstory and character depth.
What’s the best way to read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn?
Many fans recommend reading them simultaneously in tandem chapters to follow both storylines.
