What Order to Read the Throne of Glass Series: A Journey Through Erilea and Beyond

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a sprawling epic that has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and heart-pounding action. However, with multiple books, novellas, and companion stories, figuring out the best order to read the series can be a daunting task. Should you follow the publication order, or is there a chronological sequence that enhances the experience? Let’s dive into the various perspectives on how to approach this beloved series.

1. Publication Order: The Classic Approach

The most straightforward way to read the Throne of Glass series is in the order the books were published. This method allows readers to experience the story as it unfolded for fans over the years, with each new release building on the last. Here’s the publication order:

1. Throne of Glass (2012)
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
4. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A prequel collection of novellas
5. Queen of Shadows (2015)
6. Empire of Storms (2016)
7. Tower of Dawn (2017)
8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Pros:

• This order preserves the suspense and reveals as the author intended.
• Readers can grow alongside the characters, experiencing their development in real-time.

Cons:

• The Assassin’s Blade is a prequel, so reading it after Heir of Fire might feel like backtracking.

2. Chronological Order: A Deeper Dive into Celaena’s Past

For those who prefer a timeline-based approach, reading The Assassin’s Blade first provides a richer understanding of Celaena Sardothien’s backstory before diving into the main series. Here’s the chronological order:

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

Pros:

• Readers gain insight into Celaena’s motivations and relationships early on.
• The emotional weight of certain events in the main series is amplified by knowing her past.

Cons:

• Some twists and surprises in the main series might lose their impact if the prequel is read first.

3. Hybrid Order: Balancing Suspense and Backstory

A popular compromise is to read The Assassin’s Blade after Crown of Midnight or Heir of Fire. This approach allows readers to become invested in Celaena’s present before exploring her past. Here’s how it looks:

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

Pros:

• The prequel’s emotional beats hit harder after readers are already attached to Celaena.
• This order maintains some of the suspense while providing context at a pivotal moment in the series.

Cons:

• It requires switching between timelines, which might feel disjointed for some readers.

4. Tandem Reading: Tackling Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn

Tower of Dawn runs parallel to Empire of Storms, focusing on Chaol Westfall’s journey while the main plot unfolds elsewhere. Some readers choose to read these two books simultaneously, alternating chapters or sections.

Pros:

• This method provides a cohesive understanding of events happening concurrently.
• It prevents spoilers that might arise from reading one book before the other.

Cons:

• Tandem reading can be time-consuming and may disrupt the flow of the narrative.

5. Thematic Order: Focusing on Character Arcs

For readers who want to emphasize specific character journeys, a thematic approach might be appealing. For example, you could read all of Celaena’s storylines first, followed by Chaol’s, and then Manon’s.

Pros:

• This method highlights the growth and development of individual characters.
• It allows for a deeper connection to specific arcs.

Cons:

• The overarching plot might feel fragmented without the interwoven perspectives.

6. The Ultimate Fan Order: A Customized Experience

Some fans create their own reading order based on personal preferences, mixing and matching elements from the above approaches. For instance, you might read The Assassin’s Blade first, then follow the publication order, but save Tower of Dawn for last to keep the focus on Celaena’s journey.

Pros:

• Tailored to individual tastes and priorities.
• Encourages a unique and personal connection to the series.

Cons:

• Requires careful planning to avoid spoilers or confusion.

Final Thoughts: Which Order is Best?

Ultimately, the best order to read the Throne of Glass series depends on your preferences as a reader. If you love suspense and surprises, stick to the publication order. If you’re a completionist who craves context, go chronological. And if you’re up for a challenge, try tandem reading or a hybrid approach. No matter how you choose to experience Erilea, one thing is certain: you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Related Q&A

Q: Can I skip The Assassin’s Blade?
A: While it’s not strictly necessary, The Assassin’s Blade adds depth to Celaena’s character and provides crucial backstory. Skipping it might leave you missing key emotional context.

Q: Is Tower of Dawn essential to the series?
A: Yes, Tower of Dawn introduces important characters and plot points that are vital to the conclusion in Kingdom of Ash.

Q: How long does it take to read the entire series?
A: The series spans eight books and over 3,000 pages, so it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on your reading pace.

Q: Are there any spin-offs or related works?
A: While there are no direct spin-offs, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series shares thematic and world-building elements with Throne of Glass.

Q: What’s the best way to avoid spoilers?
A: Stay off fan forums and social media until you’ve finished the series, and consider reading in publication order to experience the story as it was originally released.