If you’re wondering what order to read Sarah J. Maas books, the short answer is: start with the series that interests you most, because her main fantasy worlds are largely separate. The best reading order depends on whether you want publication order, chronological order, or the simplest entry point into her interconnected-but-distinct series.
This guide breaks down Sarah J. Maas’s books by series, explains the best order for new readers, and helps you choose where to begin without spoiling major plot points.
What order do I read Sarah J. Maas books?
The most practical reading order is by series, not by a single master timeline. Start with Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, or Throne of Glass depending on your preferred style; each series can be read on its own, though there are some connections and tonal differences worth knowing.
Sarah J. Maas books at a glance
Sarah J. Maas is best known for writing large-scale fantasy with romance, political intrigue, magic systems, and strong character arcs. Her major series are Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, along with a few related novellas and companion pieces.
The main series
- Throne of Glass series
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series
- Crescent City series
Related shorter works
- The Assassin’s Blade — a prequel novella collection connected to Throne of Glass
- A Court of Frost and Starlight — a bridge novella in the A Court of Thorns and Roses world
- Other bonus or companion material may exist in special editions, but the core reading path begins with the main books above
Best reading order for Sarah J. Maas books
If you want the clearest experience, read each series in publication order. That approach preserves character reveals, emotional pacing, and the way the author expands each world over time.
Recommended order by publication
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
- House of Flame and Shadow
That said, many readers choose to read one complete series before moving to the next. If you prefer fewer interruptions, that is often the easiest and most satisfying method.
Where should a new reader start?
Your best starting point depends on what kind of fantasy you enjoy. Throne of Glass leans more toward epic fantasy and assassin-driven adventure, A Court of Thorns and Roses blends fairy-tale structure with romance, and Crescent City is more urban fantasy with a denser, more contemporary setup.
If you like epic fantasy
Start with Throne of Glass. It begins with a younger protagonist and gradually expands into a broad fantasy epic with kingdoms, wars, and layered political stakes.
If you like romance-forward fantasy
Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses. This series is often the most accessible entry point for readers who want a strong romantic arc alongside fantasy worldbuilding.
If you like modern fantasy with a darker edge
Start with Crescent City. It has a contemporary setting, a more complex opening, and a blend of mystery, action, and worldbuilding that rewards patient readers.
Should you read The Assassin’s Blade first?
The Assassin’s Blade is a common question for readers beginning Throne of Glass. It is a prequel collection, but whether to read it first is a matter of preference rather than a strict rule.
Option 1: Read it first
This gives you the backstory up front and introduces key emotional context before the main series begins.
Option 2: Read it after the first few books
Many readers prefer this because it preserves certain reveals and lets the prequel function as a deeper character history once the world is already established.
If you want the most common recommendation, read The Assassin’s Blade after Heir of Fire or after the first two books in the series. If you want the cleanest chronological opening, read it first.
How the series connect
Sarah J. Maas’s series are not one single continuous saga from page one, but they do become more connected over time. Readers who finish multiple series may notice shared thematic echoes, overlapping cosmology, and later cross-series links.
What to know about the connections
- The books are best understood as separate series with increasing interconnections
- You do not need to read every series to understand the first one you choose
- Later books may reward readers who have read more than one series
- If you care about avoiding spoilers, publication order is the safest route
If you’re curious about the bigger picture, it can help to think of Maas’s work as building toward a wider fantasy network rather than one simple linear sequence.
What each series is about
Throne of Glass
This series follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin whose story grows from court intrigue into a much larger struggle involving magic, power, and identity. It is the most traditional epic-fantasy entry point in Maas’s bibliography.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Beginning with a loose Beauty-and-the-Beast framework, this series quickly expands into a story about faerie courts, trauma, loyalty, and shifting alliances. It is especially popular with readers who enjoy romantic tension alongside fantasy stakes.
Crescent City
This series takes place in a more modern fantasy setting and follows Bryce Quinlan as she becomes involved in a dangerous investigation. It combines urban fantasy, mystery, and high-stakes worldbuilding.
Themes readers often notice
Although the series differ in tone, Maas returns to several recurring themes. These include resilience, chosen family, grief, agency, sacrifice, and the tension between duty and desire.
- Identity and self-discovery — characters often redefine who they are after loss or trauma
- Power and responsibility — magic and political authority rarely come without consequences
- Love and loyalty — romantic bonds and friendships both shape the plot
- Survival and recovery — pain is often part of the narrative, but so is healing
Why reading order matters
Reading order matters most if you want to experience character development and reveals in the way the books were originally released. Maas often plants information gradually, so publication order can make later emotional payoffs feel stronger.
That said, if your main goal is enjoyment rather than strict chronology, there is no wrong place to begin. The strongest advice is simply to pick one series and commit to it before jumping around.
Simple reading guide for different readers
For beginners
- Choose the series that matches your preferred genre blend
- Read that series in publication order
- Save related novellas for the recommended spot or after the main books
For completionists
- Read the main series in publication order
- Insert novellas where they fit best, especially The Assassin’s Blade and A Court of Frost and Starlight
- Move to the next series once you finish the current one
For readers who want the smoothest experience
- Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses for a quicker hook, or Throne of Glass for classic fantasy structure
- Read each series straight through
- Only then explore cross-series connections
Final recommendation
If you’re asking what order do I read Sarah J. Maas books, the safest answer is publication order within each series, starting with whichever world appeals to you most. For most readers, that means beginning with Throne of Glass or A Court of Thorns and Roses, then moving to Crescent City once you’re ready for a denser, more interconnected fantasy experience.
For more context on how the worlds relate, see how Sarah J. Maas books connect and how many books Sarah J. Maas has.