If you want to read Throne of Glass in a way that heightens the emotional payoff, the tandem read can be a smart choice. It lets you experience two later books in Sarah J. Maas’s series at the same time, preserving suspense while bringing parallel storylines into conversation.
The method is especially popular for readers who want the fullest possible sense of the series’ structure, character arcs, and timelines. Below is a practical, spoiler-light guide to how to tandem read Throne of Glass, why readers do it, and how to keep the process manageable.
How do you tandem read Throne of Glass?
To tandem read Throne of Glass, you alternate chapters between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn using a chapter-by-chapter guide, usually reading both books in parallel until they converge in the broader series timeline. The goal is to follow two connected storylines together, avoiding a major cliffhanger and reducing the sense that one book is “interrupting” the other.
What the tandem read is and why readers choose it
The tandem read is a fan-created reading strategy, not an official publication order. It became popular because Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn unfold at roughly the same time in the series, but in different locations with different character groups.
Instead of reading one and then circling back to the other, readers alternate between them so the timeline feels more unified. Many people like this approach because it can make the series feel more cinematic, with each book’s revelations arriving in a more balanced rhythm.
Why it works well for this series
- Parallel timelines: the books cover overlapping events.
- Different casts: each book centers on a distinct set of characters.
- Reduced waiting: you do not have to finish one long arc before returning to the other.
- Stronger suspense control: alternating chapters can soften one book’s biggest cliffhangers.
Which books are included in the tandem read?
The tandem read usually involves Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, the sixth and seventh books in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Most readers keep the rest of the series in standard order and only switch to tandem reading for these two novels.
If you are new to the series, it helps to know that the tandem read is generally recommended only after you have already read the earlier books in order. It is not a substitute for the full series sequence; it is a way to handle one specific pair of books more strategically.
Step-by-step guide to tandem reading
1. Read the earlier books in order first
Before starting the tandem read, read the earlier Throne of Glass books in publication or recommended series order. The tandem method assumes you already know the major characters, political tensions, and magical stakes established earlier in the series.
2. Choose a chapter guide
Because the books are not designed to be read simultaneously, you need a chapter map. Many readers use a fan-made guide that tells them when to switch from one book to the other. The exact guide you choose can vary, but the purpose is always the same: keep the chronology aligned.
3. Mark each book clearly
Use sticky notes, tabs, or digital bookmarks to keep track of where you are in each novel. A simple color-coding system can help:
- One color for Empire of Storms
- Another color for Tower of Dawn
- A third marker for chapters that require a switch soon
4. Read in small, manageable chunks
Tandem reading works best when you read one or a few chapters at a time, then switch according to your guide. This keeps the chronology tight and prevents one book from dominating your attention for too long.
5. Keep a simple note of character threads
Because the books follow different groups, jotting down names, locations, and plot threads can help. A few brief notes are usually enough to prevent confusion, especially if you pause between reading sessions.
6. Finish both books before moving on
The tandem read is most satisfying when you complete both novels before continuing the series. That way, the emotional and narrative links between them remain fresh when you reach the next installment.
How to make the tandem read easier
Use a reading app or spreadsheet if you like structure
If you enjoy planning, a spreadsheet or notes app can help you track chapter numbers and switch points. If you prefer a lighter approach, a printed checklist is enough. The best method is the one you will actually use consistently.
Set realistic reading goals
These are substantial novels, so the tandem read can feel like a commitment. Setting a chapter goal or a time-based goal can make the process feel less intimidating.
Don’t worry about “perfect” execution
The tandem read is meant to enhance enjoyment, not create stress. If you accidentally read a few chapters out of sequence, you have not ruined the experience. The broader emotional and narrative effect will still come through.
What readers gain from tandem reading
The main advantage is perspective. Reading the two books together can make the series’ world feel larger and more interconnected, because you are constantly moving between different regions, conflicts, and character arcs.
It can also sharpen the contrast between the novels. One book leans into a different emotional register and set of concerns than the other, so alternating between them can highlight how Sarah J. Maas structures tension, loyalty, and sacrifice across the series.
Best reasons to choose the tandem read
- You dislike finishing one storyline only to pause for a separate one.
- You want the timeline to feel more unified.
- You enjoy reading with a chapter guide and tracking structure.
- You want to avoid the long wait between connected plotlines.
When you might prefer reading them separately
The tandem read is popular, but it is not mandatory. Some readers prefer to read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn separately because they want to immerse themselves in one narrative at a time.
If you are a fast reader, or if you prefer a simpler, less technical experience, reading them in standard order may suit you better. You will still understand the series perfectly well, and you may find that a single-book focus gives each arc more breathing room.
How the tandem read fits into the larger series
The Throne of Glass series is known for expanding scope: what begins as a more contained fantasy premise grows into a multi-threaded epic with shifting alliances, political stakes, and layered character development. The tandem read reflects that structure by letting two major strands unfold together.
For readers who like to understand how a fantasy series is built, the tandem method is interesting because it reveals the architecture behind the storytelling. You can see how Maas balances momentum, delay, and revelation across separate but connected narrative lines.
Quick tandem read checklist
- Read the earlier Throne of Glass books first.
- Get a reliable chapter-by-chapter tandem guide.
- Start Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together.
- Alternate chapters or sections as directed.
- Use bookmarks or tabs to stay organized.
- Finish both books before moving on in the series.
Final thoughts
If you are wondering how to tandem read Throne of Glass, the short answer is: use a chapter guide, alternate between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, and keep the earlier books in standard order. It is a flexible, reader-driven approach that can make the series’ overlapping timelines feel smoother and more rewarding.
For more series guidance, you may also want to read how many books are in the Throne of Glass series and how Sarah J. Maas books connect.