The Ultimate Throne Of Glass Reading Order: Your Journey Begins

**Embarking on the epic journey through Sarah J. Maas's *Throne of Glass* series is an unforgettable experience, filled with captivating characters, intricate world-building, and heart-pounding adventure. However, for many newcomers and even seasoned fans considering a reread, one question often looms large: what is the best *Throne of Glass* reading order? You're probably going to ask, "how come there can be so many different ways to read a series isn't it linear?" The truth is, while most series follow a straightforward path, the unique structure and publication history of *Throne of Glass* offer several compelling options, each promising a distinct and powerful experience.

Navigating the world of Celaena Sardothien, Aelin Galathynius, and their allies can be daunting when faced with multiple suggested reading paths. This comprehensive guide is designed to cut through the confusion, offering clarity and expert recommendations on the various ways to immerse yourself in this beloved fantasy saga. We'll explore the most popular approaches, discuss the pros and cons of each, and help you decide which *Throne of Glass* order is perfect for your adventure.

Table of Contents

• Why So Many Ways to Read Throne of Glass?
• Understanding the Core Reading Orders
  • The Publication Order: A Journey as Intended
  • The Chronological (Purist) Order: A Timeline Approach
  • The Romantic Order: Emotion First
  • The Emotional Order: For the Deep Dive
• The Assassin's Blade: When to Read This Crucial Prequel
• To Skip or Not to Skip Tower of Dawn?
• My Recommendations for the Best Throne of Glass Series Order
• Diving Deeper: Reliving the Magic
• Your Throne of Glass Adventure Awaits

Why So Many Ways to Read Throne of Glass?

The complexity of the *Throne of Glass* reading order stems primarily from the publication of a prequel novella collection, *The Assassin's Blade*, after the first two main series books, and the unique concurrent timelines of two later novels, *Tower of Dawn* and *Empire of Storms*. Unlike many linear series, Sarah J. Maas crafted a narrative that, while largely sequential, benefits from strategic placement of certain stories to enhance character development, emotional impact, or plot reveals. This has led to a vibrant community discussion and the emergence of several widely accepted reading paths, each with its own merits. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to the *Throne of Glass* series’ order to read each book, but there are two options worth considering before venturing ahead, along with several popular fan-created paths.

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Understanding the Core Reading Orders

There are three popular ways to read *Throne of Glass*: the chronological order (frequently referred to as the purist order), the romantic order, and the emotional order. Each offers a distinct experience, emphasizing different aspects of the sprawling narrative. Let's break them down.

The Publication Order: A Journey as Intended

The publication order is often considered the most straightforward approach, as it follows the sequence in which Sarah J. Maas released the books. For newcomers, this may be the best order to read the series, as it unfolds the story precisely as the author intended readers to discover it, including the reveals and character introductions at their original pace.

Here’s the chronological publication order of the series:

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• *Throne of Glass* (2012)
• *Crown of Midnight* (2013)
• *The Assassin's Blade* (2014)
• *Heir of Fire* (2014)
• *Queen of Shadows* (2015)
• *Empire of Storms* (2016)
• *Tower of Dawn* (2017)
• *Kingdom of Ash* (2018)

**Pros of Publication Order:**

• **Author's Intent:** You experience the story as Maas originally presented it, including the intended suspense and character arcs.
• **Natural Pacing:** The revelations about Celaena's past in *The Assassin's Blade* are delivered at a point where they add depth without overwhelming early world-building.
• **Builds Anticipation:** The concurrent timelines of *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* are resolved in *Kingdom of Ash*, which can be a satisfying payoff if you read them sequentially.

**Cons of Publication Order:**

• **Pacing Disruption:** Reading *The Assassin's Blade* after *Crown of Midnight* can feel like a pause in the main narrative, as it's a prequel.
• **Emotional Impact:** Some argue that the emotional weight of *Heir of Fire* is lessened without the full context of Celaena's past from *The Assassin's Blade* beforehand.

The Chronological (Purist) Order: A Timeline Approach

This order places *The Assassin's Blade* first, as it details Celaena's life before the events of *Throne of Glass*. This is also frequently referred to as the purist order, as it strictly follows the in-world timeline. For those already fans of the world, this may be a preferred way to reread the *Throne of Glass* novels, as it offers a seamless chronological narrative.

Here is a complete list of *Throne of Glass* books in chronological order:

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

**Pros of Chronological Order:**

• **Full Context from the Start:** You immediately understand Celaena's background, skills, and emotional baggage, which enriches her character from the very first pages of *Throne of Glass*.
• **Deeper Emotional Connection:** The events of *The Assassin's Blade* are tragic and impactful, and knowing them upfront can make Celaena's journey in the main series more poignant.
• **Smoother Flow:** No "break" in the main narrative later on.

**Cons of Chronological Order:**

• **Information Overload:** *The Assassin's Blade* introduces many characters and plot points that aren't immediately relevant to *Throne of Glass*, potentially overwhelming new readers.
• **Spoiler Risk:** Some minor reveals in *Throne of Glass* might lose their surprise if you've already read the prequel.
• **Less Mystery:** The initial intrigue surrounding Celaena's past is diminished.

The Romantic Order: Emotion First

The "romantic order" is a fan-favorite for a reason. This *Throne of Glass* series order prioritizes emotional impact and character development, particularly regarding Celaena's journey and her relationships. The best order to read the *Throne of Glass* series is the “romantic order.” In this order, you start with *Throne of Glass*, then read *Crown of Midnight* and *Heir of Fire*. The key difference here is the strategic placement of *The Assassin's Blade*.

Here’s the romantic order of *Throne of Glass* books:

• *Throne of Glass*
• *Crown of Midnight*
• *Heir of Fire*
• *The Assassin's Blade*
• *Queen of Shadows*
• *Empire of Storms*
• *Tower of Dawn*
• *Kingdom of Ash*

**Pros of Romantic Order:**

• **Maximized Emotional Impact:** Reading *The Assassin's Blade* after *Heir of Fire* is often cited as the most emotionally devastating and impactful placement. *Heir of Fire* is a pivotal book for Celaena's character, and the prequel's events resonate deeply with her struggles and revelations in *Heir of Fire*.
• **Perfect Pacing:** You get hooked by the main story, then delve into the past when it feels most relevant to Celaena's emotional state and character growth.
• **Enhances Character Understanding:** The prequel provides crucial context for Celaena's actions and emotional state as she enters the later, more intense books.

**Cons of Romantic Order:**

• **Minor Spoilers:** Like the chronological order, some very minor plot points or character introductions in *The Assassin's Blade* might slightly spoil elements of *Throne of Glass* or *Crown of Midnight* if you were to read it earlier. However, in this specific placement, it works perfectly.

The Emotional Order: For the Deep Dive

Similar to the romantic order, the emotional order also focuses on maximizing the reader's emotional journey. It's less about strict chronology and more about when certain revelations or character backstories will hit the hardest. This order is a slight variation of the romantic order, often recommended for readers who want to feel every single emotional punch the series has to offer.

The emotional order (this is also frequently referred to as the purist order for emotional impact, distinct from the chronological purist order) is essentially the romantic order, but with an even stronger emphasis on the "why" behind the recommended placement.

Here's the emotional *Throne of Glass* order:

• *Throne of Glass*
• *Crown of Midnight*
• *Heir of Fire*
• *The Assassin's Blade*
• *Queen of Shadows*
• *Tower of Dawn*
• *Empire of Storms*
• *Kingdom of Ash*

**Pros of Emotional Order:**

• **Intense Emotional Resonance:** This order truly leverages the impact of *The Assassin's Blade* at a point where Celaena's past is crucial to understanding her present.
• **Strategic *Tower of Dawn* Placement:** By reading *Tower of Dawn* before *Empire of Storms*, you get a full picture of the events occurring concurrently, which can make the transition to *Kingdom of Ash* smoother and more complete. This is a key differentiator from other orders.

**Cons of Emotional Order:**

• **Breaks Concurrent Flow:** Reading *Tower of Dawn* then *Empire of Storms* (or vice versa) breaks the simultaneous narrative that Maas intended for those two books. Some readers prefer to read them concurrently, or in a "tandem" read.

The Assassin's Blade: When to Read This Crucial Prequel

"When should I read *The Assassin's Blade*?" This is perhaps the most frequently asked question regarding the *Throne of Glass* reading order, and for good reason. As we've seen, its placement significantly alters the reading experience.

*The Assassin's Blade* is a collection of five novellas that delve into Celaena's life as an assassin before she is captured and sent to Endovier in *Throne of Glass*. It introduces key characters, explains her skills, and, most importantly, reveals the traumatic events that shaped her.

**The main options for *The Assassin's Blade* are:**

• **First (Chronological Order):** Provides full context from the beginning. Good for re-reads or readers who prioritize timeline accuracy.
• **After *Crown of Midnight* (Publication Order):** The original release order. It offers a pause in the main narrative but provides crucial backstory before *Heir of Fire*.
• **After *Heir of Fire* (Romantic/Emotional Order):** Widely considered the most emotionally impactful placement. *Heir of Fire* is a deeply transformative book for Celaena, and reading *The Assassin's Blade* immediately after provides profound insight into her character's pain and resilience, making her journey in *Queen of Shadows* even more compelling.

My recommendation, which aligns with the popular "romantic" and "emotional" orders, is to read *The Assassin's Blade* after *Heir of Fire*. The emotional payoff is simply unparalleled, transforming your understanding of Celaena just as she truly begins to embrace her destiny.

To Skip or Not to Skip Tower of Dawn?

Another point of contention in the *Throne of Glass* reading order discussion is *Tower of Dawn*. "Should I skip *Tower of Dawn*?" is a question that often arises, particularly because it focuses on a different set of characters and takes place concurrently with *Empire of Storms*.

*Tower of Dawn* follows Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq as they travel to the Southern Continent seeking healing and allies. While Celaena/Aelin's story continues in *Empire of Storms*, *Tower of Dawn* explores crucial political developments, introduces vital new characters, and sets up key plot points for the final book, *Kingdom of Ash*.

**Reasons NOT to skip *Tower of Dawn*:**

• **Essential Plot Development:** It's not a side story; it's a parallel narrative that contains critical information for the series' conclusion. You'll miss major reveals and character arcs if you skip it.
• **Character Growth:** Chaol and Nesryn undergo significant development, which enriches the overall narrative.
• **World-Building:** The Southern Continent is a fascinating new setting, expanding the scope of the *Throne of Glass* universe.
• **Setup for *Kingdom of Ash*:** Many threads from *Tower of Dawn* are directly picked up and resolved in *Kingdom of Ash*. Skipping it will leave you confused about certain alliances and events.

**Alternative Reading for *Tower of Dawn*:**

• **Tandem Read:** Many fans choose to read *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* concurrently, alternating chapters or sections. This is an ambitious but rewarding approach that keeps both storylines fresh. There are many guides online for a tandem read if you're interested.

Ultimately, I strongly advise against skipping *Tower of Dawn*. It is an integral part of the *Throne of Glass* series and skipping it would be doing a disservice to the full story and its characters.

My Recommendations for the Best Throne of Glass Series Order

Having explored the various popular approaches, check out my recommendations for the best *Throne of Glass* series order, tailored for different types of readers.

**For First-Time Readers (The "Emotional Impact" Order):**

This is the order you should read *Throne of Glass* if you want the most emotionally resonant and character-driven experience, which I believe truly enhances the series:

1. *Throne of Glass*
2. *Crown of Midnight*
3. *Heir of Fire*
4. *The Assassin's Blade* (Read this here for maximum emotional impact and context for Celaena's journey)
5. *Queen of Shadows*
6. *Tower of Dawn* (Crucial for understanding the wider world and setting up *Kingdom of Ash*)
7. *Empire of Storms* (Some prefer to read this before *Tower of Dawn*, or tandem, but reading *Tower of Dawn* first gives you a complete picture before the final push)
8. *Kingdom of Ash*

This order, a slight variation of the "romantic" and "emotional" orders discussed earlier, ensures you get hooked by the main narrative, then receive the crucial backstory of *The Assassin's Blade* when it will hit you the hardest and provide the most profound understanding of Celaena's character. The placement of *Tower of Dawn* before *Empire of Storms* is a personal preference, allowing you to absorb the events on the Southern Continent fully before diving back into Aelin's direct conflict, ensuring all pieces are in place for the epic finale.

**For Re-Readers or Purists (The "Chronological" Order):**

If you've already experienced the series and want to revisit it with a strict timeline in mind, or if you are a new reader who prioritizes knowing all the backstory upfront, the chronological order is excellent:

1. *The Assassin's Blade*
2. *Throne of Glass*
3. *Crown of Midnight*
4. *Heir of Fire*
5. *Queen of Shadows*
6. *Empire of Storms*
7. *Tower of Dawn*
8. *Kingdom of Ash*

This path provides a seamless narrative flow from Celaena's earliest days to her ultimate destiny, making it ideal for understanding the full scope of the timeline.

**For the Adventurous (The "Tandem Read" for EoS & ToD):**

For those who want to experience the concurrent events of *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* simultaneously, a tandem read is an option. This is not for the faint of heart, but it can be incredibly rewarding:

1. *Throne of Glass*
2. *Crown of Midnight*
3. *Heir of Fire*
4. *The Assassin's Blade* (after *Heir of Fire* for emotional impact)
5. *Queen of Shadows*
6. *Empire of Storms* & *Tower of Dawn* (read chapters concurrently using a guide)
7. *Kingdom of Ash*

This is a highly immersive way to experience the parallel narratives, ensuring you don't miss a beat from either storyline.

Diving Deeper: Reliving the Magic

Regardless of which *Throne of Glass* order you choose, the series promises an unparalleled journey. Sarah J. Maas has crafted a world rich with magic, political intrigue, complex characters, and profound themes of identity, sacrifice, and destiny. Relive the triumphs, endure the trials, and rediscover the magic that makes this series a cornerstone of modern fantasy. Each re-read, perhaps with a different reading order, can reveal new layers and nuances you might have missed the first time around.

The beauty of the *Throne of Glass* series lies not just in its epic scope but also in its ability to evoke strong emotions and foster deep connections with its characters. Whether you're drawn to the raw power of Aelin, the steadfast loyalty of Rowan, the cunning of Manon, or the unwavering spirit of Dorian, there's a character and a story arc for everyone. The discussions around the *Throne of Glass* order are a testament to the series' enduring appeal and the passionate community it has built.

Your Throne of Glass Adventure Awaits

The *Throne of Glass* series is a magnificent achievement in fantasy literature, offering a reading experience that is both exhilarating and deeply moving. While the question of the "best" *Throne of Glass* reading order can seem daunting, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Whether you follow the publication path, the chronological timeline, or the emotionally resonant romantic order, you are in for an incredible ride.

So, take up this reimagined reading order, and immerse yourself once more in the enchanting world of Sarah J. Maas. Which *Throne of Glass* order did you choose for your first read, or which one are you considering for a reread? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below – your insights could help another reader embark on their perfect adventure! Happy reading!