The Ultimate Guide to the Throne of Glass Reading Order: Unlocking the Best Experience
You’re likely here for one of two reasons: 1) You just finished Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses and are searching for a similar epic fantasy to fill the void, or 2) You’ve wisely heeded the advice of a seasoned SJM reader to tackle Throne of Glass before diving into ACOTAR. Regardless of your motivation, welcome! The Throne of Glass series offers a thrilling journey, but navigating its reading order can seem daunting. This guide will illuminate the various approaches, allowing you to select the experience best suited to your preferences. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster unlike any other; only the strongest will emerge unscathed at the end. Rest assured, all information here is completely spoiler-free.
Understanding the Different Reading Orders
Three primary reading orders exist for Throne of Glass: the chronological (often called the “purist”) order, the romantic order, and the emotional order. Author Sarah J. Maas has also publicly shared her preferred reading order. These variations primarily hinge on the placement of The Assassin’s Blade, a collection of novellas chronologically preceding the main series. The timing of its inclusion significantly alters the emotional and romantic impact of the overall narrative. There’s no single “right” way to read the series, so choose the path that resonates most with you. Furthermore, a “tandem read” of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn is highly recommended, enhancing the reading experience. We’ll explore both options below.
The Chronological or Purist Order
This straightforward approach prioritizes reading the events in their chronological order. It begins with The Assassin’s Blade, as its events precede those in Throne of Glass. The reading order is as follows:
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms (Tandem Read)
- Tower of Dawn (Tandem Read)
- Kingdom of Ash
While some readers argue that The Assassin’s Blade is essential for understanding Throne of Glass, this isn’t necessarily true. Many readers successfully navigate the main series without prior knowledge of the novellas. The chronological approach provides context, but isn’t crucial to comprehension.
The Romantic Order
Prioritizes the romantic elements of the series. The emotional impact of The Assassin’s Blade is intentionally delayed to heighten the romantic tension and character development within the main storyline. The order is:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms (Tandem Read)
- Tower of Dawn (Tandem Read)
- Kingdom of Ash
This order allows for a more gradual introduction to the romantic relationships, building anticipation and impact.
The Emotional Order
This order emphasizes the emotional arc of the story, strategically pacing the intense emotional moments introduced by The Assassin’s Blade. The order is:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms (Tandem Read)
- Tower of Dawn (Tandem Read)
- Kingdom of Ash
By placing The Assassin’s Blade strategically, this order maximizes the emotional impact of specific revelations and character development throughout the series.
Sarah J. Maas’s Preferred Reading Order
Sarah J. Maas herself recommends reading The Assassin’s Blade after Crown of Midnight. This aligns with the emotional and romantic order, maximizing their effects by building a foundation of character relationships and world-building before delving into Celaena’s past. However, the ultimate choice remains yours.
The Tandem Read: Mastering Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
This reading approach addresses the unique structure of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Both books are set concurrently, following different sets of characters in parallel storylines. A tandem read weaves these narratives together, creating a single, cohesive timeline.
This tandem reading is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, Empire of Storms culminates in a shocking cliffhanger, necessitating the immediate continuation in Tower of Dawn. Secondly, Tower of Dawn provides crucial information and foreshadowing relevant to the entire Throne of Glass saga. Skipping it is strongly discouraged.
A detailed chapter-by-chapter guide to the tandem read is readily available online; searching for “Throne of Glass tandem reading guide” will lead you to several well-vetted resources. These guides will provide an efficient sequence of chapters from both books to create the most immersive experience, preventing the narrative from feeling fragmented and uneven. If you are unable to fully commit to a tandem read, consider reading Tower of Dawn first (excluding the epilogue), then Empire of Storms, and finally the epilogue of Tower of Dawn.
Detailed Synopsis of Each Book
To help you choose your reading order, here’s a brief, spoiler-free summary of each book in the Throne of Glass series. Remember, the order listed below is chronological order.
1. The Assassin’s Blade: A collection of five novellas that reveal Celaena’s life before the events of Throne of Glass, showcasing her assassin training and early adventures across the land of Erilea.
2. Throne of Glass: Celaena, a notorious assassin, is offered a chance at freedom by participating in a deadly competition, where she must face numerous opponents to earn the title of King’s Champion. Within the castle walls, she discovers a conspiracy that threatens the kingdom.
3. Crown of Midnight: Celaena, now the King’s Champion, must navigate treacherous political waters, while uncovering a deeper, more dangerous plot that involves ancient evils.
4. Heir of Fire: Celaena undertakes Fae training in Wendlyn and faces challenges that will test her strength and resilience as she uncovers more about her true heritage and destiny as the lost queen.
5. Queen of Shadows: Aelin Galathynius (Celaena’s true identity) returns to Rifthold, now a free woman, but new enemies, ancient powers, and betrayal arise. She must overcome her past and forge new alliances to fight the forces of darkness that want to rule the land.
6. Empire of Storms: Aelin and her allies embark on a perilous journey across Erilea, gathering support and confronting formidable enemies while unraveling a complex web of prophecies and destiny. This book ends on a significant cliffhanger.
7. Tower of Dawn: This novel runs concurrently with Empire of Storms and follows Chaol Westfall and his companions on a separate journey to secure vital alliances in the fight against the Valg. Crucial plot points and character development happen in this book.
8. Kingdom of Ash: The climactic battle against the Valg unfolds, demanding incredible sacrifices and bravery from Aelin and her companions. This concluding novel brings the epic saga to a satisfying close.
Choosing Your Path
Ultimately, the optimal Throne of Glass reading order is subjective. Experiment and discover what works best for you. The chronological order offers a complete timeline; the romantic order maximizes romantic intrigue; and the emotional order builds tension and emotional impact. Remember to consider the tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn for a superior experience. Enjoy your journey into Sarah J. Maas’s captivating world!