About Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass is Sarah J. Maas's debut fantasy series, following an assassin navigating a dangerous royal court. The series is where Maas's signature style took shape: morally complex characters, high-stakes choices, and a world that expands significantly as the arc progresses. The one reading order decision that matters is when to place The Assassin's Blade, a prequel novella collection published after the series started.
Two paths through the series
Both paths cover all 8 books. The only difference is where The Assassin's Blade lands.
Prequel-first
Start with The Assassin's Blade, then continue in publication order. Best if you like meeting characters before they appear in the main arc.
See this path →Publication order
Start with Throne of Glass, insert the prequel after book two. Best if you want to start with a strong hook and learn the world as you go.
See this path →Path 1: Prequel-first (recommended)
Start with The Assassin's Blade, then continue in publication order.
Path 2: Publication order
Start with Throne of Glass, then insert the prequel after Crown of Midnight.
Which path is right for you?
Both paths work. The choice comes down to reading preference, not content risk.
- You like knowing backstory before the main story begins
- You prefer chronological order even when it differs from publication order
- You want to meet certain characters before they appear in the main arc
- You want to start with a strong hook and learn the world as you go
- You prefer the experience the author originally intended
- You are not sure you will finish the series and want to test the main books first
The most common reader recommendation leans toward prequel-first, but both paths have fans. Either choice is defensible.
How Throne of Glass fits with ACOTAR
Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) are separate series set in different worlds. They do not share characters or plot. The reading order question between them is about taste, not continuity.
You want a longer high-fantasy arc with political intrigue and significant character growth across many books.
You want romance-forward fae fantasy with a fairy tale structure and a more consistent tone across the series.
Deciding between the two? Full ACOTAR vs. Throne of Glass comparison →
FAQ
Do I have to read The Assassin's Blade?
Strongly recommended but not strictly required for the main plot. It adds meaningful backstory. Most readers who skipped it wished they had read it earlier.
Do I have to read Tower of Dawn?
Yes. It is part of the main series and is best read before Kingdom of Ash. It is not optional.
How does Throne of Glass connect to ACOTAR?
It does not. Both series are by Sarah J. Maas but are set in separate worlds with no shared characters or events. Reading order between them is a personal preference question.
Is this guide spoiler-free?
Yes. All recommendations focus on order only, without plot details or twists.