Starting a new book series can feel a little like stepping into a grand, unknown world, can't it? Especially when that series is as big and loved as Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass. So, you've heard all the buzz, maybe you've enjoyed her other stories like A Court of Thorns and Roses, and now you're ready to jump into the adventures of Celaena Sardothien. That's really exciting! But then, a question pops up: what's the best way to read these books? It's a common thought, you know, because there's a bit of a discussion about where one particular book, a collection of shorter stories called *The Assassin's Blade*, fits in.

It's not just you wondering about the ideal throne of glass reading order. Lots of people, just like Lily, who recently finished ACOTAR and wants to start Throne of Glass, look for help with this very question. There are a few ways folks suggest tackling it, and each way has its own good points. What works for one person might be a little different for another, and that's perfectly okay.

This article is here to walk you through the different ideas for the throne of glass reading order. We'll look at what the author herself suggests, and we'll talk about the various ways readers have found to enjoy this truly captivating series. You'll get a clear picture of your options, helping you pick the path that feels just right for your own reading adventure.

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Table of Contents

• Understanding the Throne of Glass Series
• The Author's Suggested Throne of Glass Reading Order
• The Chronological Approach: Reading by Publication Date
• The "Assassin's Blade First" Argument
  • Pros of Reading The Assassin's Blade First
  • Things to Think About When Reading The Assassin's Blade First
• The "Assassin's Blade After Crown of Midnight" Idea
• Reading The Assassin's Blade Later or Last
• My Own Experience with the Throne of Glass Reading Order
• General Tips for New Throne of Glass Readers
• Throne of Glass Series Book List
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Reading Order

Understanding the Throne of Glass Series

Sarah J. Maas, who is a very popular author, has written some truly amazing fantasy series, you know, like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the place. The Throne of Glass series is one of her big ones, a collection of seven main books and a prequel, *The Assassin's Blade*. This prequel is a set of five shorter stories that give you a much deeper look into the past of the main character, Celaena, before the first book even begins. It shows her life as a cunning assassin and the exciting, sometimes deadly, world she lived in.

The core of the series follows Celaena, a skilled assassin, as she gets pulled into a competition that could win her freedom. But, as you might guess, things are never quite that simple. There are secrets, magic, friendships, and a whole lot of action. The series truly grows with each book, with the stakes getting higher and the world becoming much bigger than you first imagine. It's a journey, in a way, that many readers find themselves completely lost in.

The question of the throne of glass reading order comes up because *The Assassin's Blade* is a prequel. It was published after the first two main books, *Throne of Glass* and *Crown of Midnight*, but it tells stories that happen before them. This is what creates the different ideas about where it should fit into your reading plan. It's a bit like getting a bonus chapter that could make sense at different points.

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The Author's Suggested Throne of Glass Reading Order

It's always helpful to know what the person who created the story thinks, isn't it? Sarah J. Maas, the author herself, has actually spoken about the throne of glass reading order. She shares her thoughts on her website's FAQs, which is a pretty cool resource. She recommends a specific sequence for enjoying her books.

Her suggested order, which is what she feels works best for the overall story flow, starts with the first main book. So, you would begin with *Throne of Glass*, then move to *Crown of Midnight*. After these two, she suggests reading *The Assassin's Blade*. This particular placement is interesting because it means you get to know Celaena a bit first in her new situation, and then you go back to learn about her past.

Following *The Assassin's Blade*, you would then continue with the rest of the main series in their published order. This recommendation from Maas gives a clear path for those who want to experience the story exactly as she intends it to unfold, perhaps for the most impactful reveals. It's a very straightforward approach, you know, and takes away some of the guesswork for new readers.

So, to be very clear, her recommended throne of glass reading order looks like this:

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

The Chronological Approach: Reading by Publication Date

Some readers, like the person named Rees from "My text," feel that the best way to read the Throne of Glass books is simply in the order they were released. This is a very common way to approach any series, isn't it? It means you read the books as they came out from the publisher, one after the other. This method is often called the chronological order of release.

When you read by publication date, you experience the series just as the original readers did. You get the story developments and character growth in the same sequence that fans waited for. For the Throne of Glass series, this means you would read *Throne of Glass*, then *Crown of Midnight*, followed by *Heir of Fire*, and so on. *The Assassin's Blade*, which was published after *Crown of Midnight*, would typically fit in after *Heir of Fire* or *Queen of Shadows* if you strictly follow this path, depending on its exact release date relative to the main books.

This method has its own charm. You often see the author's writing style evolve, and you don't get any information "too early" that wasn't available to readers at the time. It's a safe and familiar way to read any series. For someone who likes to keep things simple and follow a clear, established path, this can be a very appealing throne of glass reading order.

The publication order looks like this:

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

As you can see, *The Assassin's Blade* came out in 2014, the same year as *Heir of Fire*. So, in a strict publication order, it would be read after *Heir of Fire*. This is a slightly different placement than the author's suggestion, which puts it after *Crown of Midnight*.

The "Assassin's Blade First" Argument

Now, this is where the biggest discussion around the throne of glass reading order really comes into play. A lot of readers, including some who have just started the series, feel very strongly that *The Assassin's Blade* should be the very first book you pick up. Personally, I think it's best to start with *The Assassin's Blade*, as one reader noted. This approach means you read the prequel before *Throne of Glass*.

The idea here is that *The Assassin's Blade* introduces you to Celaena, the main character, and her world before she becomes the person we meet in *Throne of Glass*. It shows her life as a free assassin, her relationships, and the events that shape her. Reading *The Assassin's Blade* before *Throne of Glass* just gives you so much more context, you know, for her character and her feelings.

Many people who advocate for this order say it makes the later events in *Throne of Glass* and beyond much more impactful. You understand her pain, her past, and her motivations from the very beginning. It's a bit like getting all the backstory upfront, which can make the main story feel richer.

Pros of Reading The Assassin's Blade First

• **Better Character Connection:** You get to truly know Celaena and her closest relationships before she is introduced as a prisoner. This helps you understand her personality and her struggles from the start. It's a more complete picture of who she is, arguably.

• **Emotional Impact:** The events in *The Assassin's Blade* are very significant for Celaena. Knowing these events from the beginning can make certain moments in the main series hit harder, creating a deeper emotional response. You feel her losses and her past burdens more acutely, which is quite powerful.

• **World Building:** The novellas expand on the world and its political landscape before the main story begins. You learn about different places and factions that become important later. It's a little like getting a map before you start your journey, you know.

• **No Spoilers (in a way):** While the main series might hint at past events, reading the prequel first means you experience those events directly rather than as flashbacks or references. You're not trying to piece together her history; you already have it.

Things to Think About When Reading The Assassin's Blade First

• **Pacing:** *The Assassin's Blade* is a collection of shorter stories, and its tone is a bit different from the first main book, *Throne of Glass*. Some readers find that starting with the novellas slows down the initial momentum of the series. The first book, *Throne of Glass*, has a more immediate plot that might hook some readers more quickly.

• **Introduction to Magic/Fantasy:** *Throne of Glass* gradually introduces the magical elements and the broader fantasy world. *The Assassin's Blade* assumes a bit more familiarity with these aspects, as it was written after the first two main books. It might feel a little less like a gentle introduction to the world, perhaps.

• **Spoilers (for some):** While it gives context, some minor reveals or character appearances in *The Assassin's Blade* might be considered "spoilers" for those who prefer to discover everything in the order the author originally intended for the main narrative. It's a small point, but worth noting, you know.

The "Assassin's Blade After Crown of Midnight" Idea

This is the reading order that Sarah J. Maas herself suggests, and it's also a very popular choice among readers. The idea is to read *Throne of Glass* and *Crown of Midnight* first, and then pick up *The Assassin's Blade*. There's a good reason for this specific placement, too.

Reading *The Assassin's Blade* after *Crown of Midnight* means you've already spent some time with Celaena. You've seen her in her new circumstances, and you've started to understand her personality, her struggles, and her goals. Then, when you read the prequel, the events of her past suddenly become much more meaningful. You have the context of her present situation, which makes her past decisions and heartbreaks resonate more deeply.

One reader mentioned that they think it works with character development better when read after *Crown of Midnight*. This makes a lot of sense. By this point, you're invested in Celaena, and going back to see her origins feels like getting crucial puzzle pieces that truly complete her character arc. It's like finding out the secret history of a friend you've just made, you know, which can be very powerful.

This order is often praised for its emotional impact. You feel the weight of Celaena's past more acutely because you've already seen how it affects her in the present. It also avoids any potential pacing issues that some might find when starting with the novellas. It's a strong contender for the best throne of glass reading order for many people.

Reading The Assassin's Blade Later or Last

The debate about *The Assassin's Blade* isn't just about reading it first or after *Crown of Midnight*. Some readers also discuss when to read the novellas after, during, or at the very end of the Throne of Glass series. This approach means holding off on *The Assassin's Blade* until much later in your reading journey, perhaps even saving it for the very end.

If you read *The Assassin's Blade* much later, say, after *Queen of Shadows* or even after finishing the entire series, it can serve a different purpose. It becomes a deep dive into the backstory once you have the full picture of the main narrative. It's like a bonus feature, you know, that you watch after the movie to get all the behind-the-scenes details.

Reading it at the end can be a way to extend your time in the Throne of Glass world. After the emotional roller coaster of the main series, going back to Celaena's earlier days can feel like a comforting revisit. It offers a chance to reflect on how much she has grown and changed from her beginnings. Some people find this very satisfying, actually.

However, reading it this late means you miss out on the emotional context that the prequel provides for the earlier books. You might not feel the full weight of certain character motivations or plot points if you don't know her full history. It's a choice that depends on what kind of reading experience you prefer, really. Some like the mystery, while others want all the information upfront.

My Own Experience with the Throne of Glass Reading Order

As I haven't completed the series myself, I may change my mind about the best throne of glass reading order, but I am glad I had the experience I did. I started with the main books and then read *The Assassin's Blade* after *Crown of Midnight*, following the author's suggestion. For me, this placement felt really impactful.

When I read *The Assassin's Blade* at that point, it truly deepened my understanding of Celaena. I had already seen her struggles and her sharp wit, and then going back to her past made her present self make so much more sense. It added layers to her character that I wouldn't have grasped as fully otherwise. It made the entire experience feel more emotionally impactful, you know, which is something I really look for in a story.

It's interesting how different orders can create different feelings. For me, the author's recommended order felt right because it allowed me to connect with Celaena as she was in the first two books, and then the prequel filled in all the blanks in a very powerful way. It felt like a natural progression, honestly, and made me appreciate her journey even more.

General Tips for New Throne of Glass Readers

No matter which throne of glass reading order you pick, there are a few general tips that can help you enjoy this fantastic series even more. First, try to avoid spoilers if you can. This series has some amazing twists and turns that are best experienced fresh. It's a bit hard to do in this day and age, but try your best.

Second, give yourself time to get into the story. The world and the characters grow quite a lot as the series goes on, especially after the first couple of books. The scope expands significantly, and the stakes become much, much higher. So, stick with it, even if the very first book feels a little different from what you expect.

Third, be prepared for a long and truly captivating journey. The Throne of Glass series is a big commitment, but it's one that many readers find incredibly rewarding. You'll meet a cast of characters you'll come to love, and you'll experience a story that stays with you long after you turn the final page. It's a truly memorable adventure, you know.

Finally, remember that reading should be fun. Pick the order that feels most comfortable for you. There's no single "wrong" way to enjoy a story. The most important thing is that you have a good time and get lost in the magic. You can learn more about fantasy series on our site, and if you're interested in other works by the same author, you might enjoy this page about Sarah J. Maas's other popular books.

Throne of Glass Series Book List

To help you keep track, here is a complete list of the books in the Throne of Glass series. This includes the main novels and the prequel novella collection. Knowing the titles can help you when you're planning your throne of glass reading order, no matter which path you choose.

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• Heir of Fire
• Queen of Shadows
• Empire of Storms
• Tower of Dawn
• Kingdom of Ash
• The Assassin's Blade (Prequel Novella Collection)

This collection of books offers a massive amount of story to get lost in, which is pretty great.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Throne of Glass Reading Order

Many readers have similar questions when they're trying to figure out the best throne of glass reading order. Here are some of the most common ones people ask, along with some helpful thoughts.

Should I read Assassin's Blade first or later?

This is probably the most asked question, and there are good arguments for both. Reading *The Assassin's Blade* first can give you a deeper connection to Celaena's past and her motivations from the very beginning. However, reading it after *Crown of Midnight*, as the author suggests, can make the emotional impact of the prequel even stronger because you've already spent time with the character. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what kind of reading experience you're looking for, you know.

What is the chronological order of the Throne of Glass books?

The chronological order, meaning the order in which events actually happen in the story, starts with *The Assassin's Blade*. These novellas tell the story of Celaena's life before the events of *Throne of Glass*. After *The Assassin's Blade*, the story continues with *Throne of Glass*, then *Crown of Midnight*, *Heir of Fire*, *Queen of Shadows*, *Empire of Storms*, *Tower of Dawn* (which happens at the same time as *Empire of Storms* for a different character), and finally *Kingdom of Ash*.

How many books are in the Throne of Glass series?

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas consists of eight books in total. This includes seven main full-length novels and one prequel collection of novellas called *The Assassin's Blade*. So, when you pick up the "Throne of Glass series Sarah J Maas 6 books collection set," you're likely getting the main novels, but you'll want to make sure to get *The Assassin's Blade* separately if it's not included, as it's a very important part of the story, you know.

For more insights directly from the author, you might want to check out Sarah J. Maas's official website, where she often shares FAQs and details about her books. It's a great resource for fans, really.