Disclaimer: This Sarah J. Maas author guide contains affiliate links.
Planning to read Sarah J. Maas’ books in order but don’t know where to start?…
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular fantasy authors to exist, with her books (16 novels across 3 series, to be specific) amassing a large and loyal fan base across the world. Since the beginning, readers have been immersed in this authors creations – worlds filled with dark magic, folklore and myth, and formidable female warriors. As a result, her books are often photographed, reviewed and recommended within the book community.
It can, however, be confusing when it comes to the correct order in which to read her books. Although you can technically read Sarah J. Maas’ inventory however you wish, the order set out here ensures you’ll get the most out of these magical stories.
Here’s the full breakdown:
ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas
I would recommend everyone start with the ACOTAR series, which includes the 5 books shown and listed below. Though Sarah J. Maas published Throne of Glass first, A Court of Thorns and Roses is, in my opinion the best place to start if you’re new to the fantasy genre, or if you haven’t read a fantasy book in a while.
A Court of…
- Thorns and Roses
- Mist and Fury
- Wings and Ruin
- Frost and Starlight
- Silver Flames
ACOTAR bonus chapters
Before moving on to the Throne of Glass series, it’s important to know that there are bonus ACOTAR chapters that some Sarah J. Maas fans consider essential reading. These additional chapters can be found inside difficult to find special edition copies, so most people read them through this link.
What to expect from the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas?
- 1st Book: Romance, mystery, and easy-to-follow narration.
- 2nd Book: Fast paced adventure, spice, loveable characters, and shocking plot twists.
- 3rd Book: An epic battle.
- 4th Book: Different characters POV’s from the first three books. A novella which connects books 1, 2 and 3 with book 5.
- 5th Book: Extra spice, tears, and laughter.
- Bonus chapters: Chapters from A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Silver Flames which offer readers a deeper understanding of characters, relationships and plot points.
You can buy the complete ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas HERE.
The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
After finishing ACOTAR (and it’s bonus chapters) and hopefully being fully immersed in the world of Sarah J Maas, it’s time to move onto The Throne Of Glass series.
The first step is to read the first two books in the series (as shown and listed below), as the second book ends on a massive reveal that changes the complete story. Remember to pause after the second book, in preparation for reading The Assassin’s Blade: The Throne of Glass Novellas.
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
What to expect from book 1 & 2 in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas?
- Book 1: A YA tone, more epic fantasy than romance fantasy.
- Book 2: A big reveal that changes everything.
You can buy the complete Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas HERE.
The Assassin’s Blade: The Throne of Glass Prequel Novellas By Sarah J. Maas
There is much discussion and debate online surrounding the ideal time to read The Assassin’s Blade, a prequel collection of short stories which takes place before the first Throne of Glass book.
Sarah J. Maas intended for it to be read third, the order in which it was published.
Many fans believe having the backstory of Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight (the first and second TOG books) is required in order to fully understand The Assassin’s Blade, however, many readers still read it first, second or fourth.
The order you read it in is up to you, however it’s important to note that every detail in this book is key to piecing together the story. And make sure to read it before beginning Heir Of Fire.
What to expect from The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas?
Expect 5 short stories, as listed below.
The Assassin and the…
- Pirate Lord
- Healer
- Desert
- Underworld
- Empire
You can buy The Assassin’s Blade HERE.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas – resumed
Now that you’ve completed The Assassin’s Blade, reading of The Throne of Glass series can resume with the two books shown and listed below.
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
What to expect from book 3 and 4 in the Throne Of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas?
- 3rd Book: New characters and an overseas mission.
- 4th Book: Mystery, suspense, and page-turning writing,
You can buy the complete Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas HERE.
Throne of Glass tandem read by Sarah J. Maas
Things are about to get fun, as you’ve landed on books 5 and 6 (Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawns) in the Throne of Glass series. As both books take place on the same timeline, they can be read in tandem, aka at the same time. They can of course be read separately, just be aware that Empire of Storms finishes on a gut-wrenching cliff hanger, which might make it more difficult to get through the plethora of new characters and information laid out in Tower of Dawns.
Consider a tandem read if you want to keep up the pace, draw connections between both stories and if you want a more interesting reading experience.
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
What to expect from book 5 and 6 of the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas?
- Book 5: Character driven, rich world-building, intense battles and an explosive cliff hanger.
- Book 6: A political, intense and complex story.
You can buy the complete Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas HERE.
Sarah J. Mass’ Throne of Glass conclusion
Finally, you’ve reached the end of the Throne of Glass series, concluding with Kingdom of Ash.
What to expect from book 7 of the Throne Of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas?
7th Book: War and alliances, themes of bravery and love, and a resolution to numerous character arcs.
You can buy the complete Throne of Glass series HERE.
TOG bonus chapters
As is the case with the ACOTAR series, the Throne of Glass series has bonus scenes and chapters that are 100% worth the read – these can be found through this link. You can also find an Heir Of Fire deleted scene typed out through this link.
The Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas
Last but certainly not least, the final series by Sarah J. Maas is the Crescent City series. This series is not yet complete, with fans expecting a 4th instalment after Maas releases ACOTAR book 6 and a mysterious new book. The Crescent City series is shown and listed below:
House of…
- Earth and Blood
- Flame and Shadow
- Sky and Breath
Crescent City bonus chapters
The Crescent City bonus chapters can be read here. Scenes from A House of Flame and Shadow are particularly helpful for understanding the next (and potentially, last) ACOTAR book.
What to expect from The Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas?
- Book 1: An urban fantasy filled with a plethora of mythical beings, a murder mystery and a sprinkling of romance and suspense.
- 2: A story infused with oppression and inequality.
- 3: Multiple POV’s, conspiracies and a broken world.
- Bonus chapters: Offering readers a chance to explore new characters as well as seeing long-standing characters in a new light.