Sarah J. Maas books in order
Three series, one shared universe and a lot of arguing online about where to begin. Here is how I'd read Sarah J. Maas from scratch, with the order I actually recommend to people who message me.
Where to start
Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses if you want romance first and world-building second. Start with Throne of Glass if you want a long assassin-turned-queen arc and don't mind a slower book one. Read Crescent City last — it leans on the other two by the end.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
- 1
A Court of Thorns and Roses2015
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. At least, he's not a beast all the time.
- 2
A Court of Mist and Fury2016
Feyre has survived Amarantha's clutches and returned to the Spring Court, but at a terrible cost. Haunted by what she did to save Tamlin's people and by the bargain she struck with Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court, Feyre is drawn into a world of dangerous politics and hidden power as a war that could destroy every court in Prythian draws closer.
- 3
A Court of Wings and Ruin2017
Feyre navigates the treacherous political landscape of the faerie courts as war looms.
- 4
A Court of Frost and Starlight2018
A short bridge novella set during Winter Solstice in the Night Court.
- 5
A Court of Silver Flames2021
Nesta Archeron faces her demons alongside the fierce warrior Cassian.
Throne of Glass
- 1
The Assassin's Blade2014
Five novellas following Celaena Sardothien's life as an assassin before Throne of Glass.
My review (4/5) - 2
Throne of Glass2012
Lethal. Loyal. Legendary. Enter the world of Throne of Glass with the first book in the #1 bestselling series by Sarah J. Maas. In a land without magic, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She has no love for the vicious king who rules from his throne of glass, but she has not come to kill him. She has come to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three murderers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she will be released from prison to serve as the King’s Champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.
My review (4/5) - 3
Crown of Midnight2013
*She is the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But where will her conscience, and her heart, lead her?* After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king's contest to become the new royal assassin.
My review (4/5) - 4
Heir of Fire2014
Celaena travels to Wendlyn to face her demons and uncover the truth about her heritage.
My review (4/5) - 5
Queen of Shadows2015
Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire-for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past... She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die just to see her again. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison.
My review (5/5) - 6
Empire of Storms2016
Aelin gathers her court and armies for the war that will decide Erilea's fate.
My review (5/5) - 7
Tower of Dawn2017
Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the king of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken. His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica - the stronghold of the southern continent's mighty empire.
My review (4/5) - 8
Kingdom of Ash2018
Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . . Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture.
My review (5/5)
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Every title above links to my full spoiler-safe review. If you've finished Sarah J. Maas and want something with the same feeling, the guide that pairs best is Books like ACOTAR, or Best romantasy books. You'll find the physical copies I own on my bookshelf, and more author orders on the series reading order hub.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to read all three Sarah J. Maas series?
- No. Each series stands on its own. The crossover really only matters from Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath onwards, so read ACOTAR and Throne of Glass before finishing Crescent City if you want the nods to land.
- Should I read Throne of Glass in publication or chronological order?
- Publication order. The Assassin's Blade novellas are better as a prequel you read after book two or three — going in cold spoils some of the emotional punch.
- Which Sarah J. Maas book is the spiciest?
- A Court of Mist and Fury and the later Crescent City books are the most explicit. Throne of Glass stays closer to the young-adult end for the first few books.