---
title: "Sarah J. Maas Books in Order (2026 Reading Guide)"
description: "Every Sarah J. Maas book in reading order — ACOTAR, Throne of Glass and Crescent City — with where to start, how the worlds connect and my honest notes on each one."
canonical: "https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/sarah-j-maas"
url: "https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/sarah-j-maas.md"
author: "Amy — Bella Bugs Books"
locale: "en-IE"
type: "reading-order"
date_modified: "2026-09-15"
---

# 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.

Official site: https://sarahjmaas.com/

## 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.

---

_Every book recommended here is read in full and reviewed by Amy. No sponsorships, no gifted-book obligations, spoilers always marked._

## Related

- [Colleen Hoover in order](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/colleen-hoover.md)
- [Tahereh Mafi in order](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/shatter-me.md)
- [Cassandra Clare in order](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/cassandra-clare.md)
- [All reading orders](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order.md)
- [Book reviews](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reviews.md)
- [Bookish gift packages](https://bellabugsbooks.com/packages.md)