The Guide to Throne of Glass Series Reading Order

This is a guide to the reading order of Sarah J. Maas's epic high fantasy series, Throne of Glass , both in Throne of Glass's or ToG's chronology and the order of publication. I decided to capture the reading order in a blog post as a bookmark in case BookTok is shuttered due to TikTok restrictions. If this helps you too, all the better.

If you were completely unaware of this 2012 NY Times Bestseller-on-debut and landed here after recommendations from the BookTok community or discovered this through various other sources, you may need something to pique your interest further. In other words, what the authors call the hook. Here's what reeled me in:

Celaena Sardothien is a teenage assassin. Her brutal competence at a young age is perhaps why she was not immediately executed when she was betrayed and thrown into jail and into a life of drudgery. Throne of Glass begins right here when she is given an opportunity to earn her freedom. Celaena must battle through vicious tourney with other assassins and win it to be the royal assassin for 4 years of service to the throne. After that, she is free.

If you are hooked well and good, then without further ado, here's the reading order of Throne of Glass in order of publication year. if you are looking to re-experience the Throne of Glass in a different order or you want to read the books in the chronology of the in-book events, here's the link to jump to the relevant section.

Throne of Glass

Credit: Bloomsbury

Throne of Glass introduces us to Celaena as she competes in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion. Celaena must survive the challenges and the creatures that haunt the castle. The stakes are high, and the dangers are real, making this book an exciting start to the series.

Crown of Midnight

Credit: Bloomsbury

Celaena is the Royal Assassin but an unwilling one. In Crown of Midnight, Celaena's role as the King’s Champion takes a dark turn. This book delves deeper into the political intrigue and magical elements of the world, revealing more about Celaena's past and her destiny.

The Assassin's Blade

Credit: Bloomsbury

This collection of five novellas provides essential background on the protagonist, Celaena Sardothien. You'll get to know her as a skilled assassin and understand the events that lead up to the first novel. The novellas include:

• The Assassin and the Pirate Lord
• The Assassin and the Healer
• The Assassin and the Desert
• The Assassin and the Underworld
• The Assassin and the Empire

Heir of Fire

Credit: Bloomsbury

Heir of Fire sees Celaena journeying to a new land, meeting new allies, and facing new challenges. The story expands the world significantly, introducing key characters and plotlines that are crucial for the rest of the series.

Queen of Shadows

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Book Four is a turning point in the series. Celaena, now embracing her true identity, returns to Rifthold to face her enemies and reclaim what is hers. This book is packed with action, suspense, and dramatic revelations.

Empire of Storms

Credit: Bloomsbury

In Empire of Storms, the stakes are higher than ever. Alliances are forged, and battles are fought as the characters prepare for the looming war. This book is intense and sets the stage for the series' conclusion.

Tower of Dawn

Credit: Bloomsbury

Tower of Dawn runs parallel to the events of Empire of Storms. It focuses on Chaol Westfall’s journey to the southern continent to seek healing and gather allies. Although it initially appears to be a side story, it’s crucial for understanding the broader narrative and characters.

Kingdom of Ash

Credit: Bloomsbury

The epic finale, Kingdom of Ash, brings all the threads together. Celaena, along with her allies, fights the final battle to save their world. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, offering a satisfying conclusion to the series.

Throne of Glass books in fictional chronological order

For those who wish to re-read the series or prefer a chronological approach: