Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin drawn into a world of power, danger, magic and shifting loyalties. With the main novels and a prequel collection, new readers often wonder where to begin. The clearest approach is to use the reading order recommended on the author’s official website and confirm the contents of any box set before buying.
Throne of Glass books in the official reading order
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin’s Blade — a collection of prequel novellas that explores earlier events in Celaena’s life.
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
This is the order listed in Sarah J. Maas’s official reading guide and author FAQ. The placement of The Assassin’s Blade is the point readers most often debate, because the book consists of prequel stories. Some readers prefer to begin with the prequel material chronologically; for a straightforward route that follows the author’s published sequence, use the order above.
What is The Assassin’s Blade?
The Assassin’s Blade gathers five prequel novellas that provide context for Celaena’s history and relationships. Reading it after the first two main novels can change how some information lands, while reading it first gives an earlier chronological starting point. Neither approach changes the books themselves; the difference is when you learn the background details.
Is the complete box set a good way to start?
The Throne of Glass Box Set (Complete Collection) is a convenient option if you want the collection together on the shelf. Before ordering, verify the exact titles and volumes included in the current product listing. Box-set contents and editions can vary across markets, and a title that appears in an author reading guide is not automatically guaranteed to be included in every retail collection.
A large set is best for a reader who is ready to commit to a long fantasy series. If you are unsure whether the tone, romance or action will suit your taste, beginning with the first book can be a lower-commitment way to sample the world.
What kind of fantasy reader might enjoy the series?
Readers who like capable protagonists, court politics, dangerous missions, romance, magic and long character arcs may find plenty to enjoy. The series becomes broader and more complex as it progresses, so reading order matters for character development and recurring story threads. Review the publisher’s age guidance and content notes if you are choosing the books for a younger reader.
How to keep the reading order straight
- Save the eight-title list above and tick off each book as you finish it.
- Check the exact title on the spine rather than relying on cover colour alone.
- Separate The Assassin’s Blade prequel collection from the main numbered novels in your notes.
- If you buy a box set, compare its included title list with the author’s official reading guide before starting.
If you are browsing fantasy collections for yourself or as a gift, our comparison of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and Narnia offers a separate starting point for readers choosing between different fantasy worlds.
Frequently asked questions
Should I read The Assassin’s Blade first?
You can read it first for a chronological beginning. Sarah J. Maas’s official guide places it after Crown of Midnight in the published sequence; that is the simplest order to follow if you are unsure.
How many entries are in the official sequence?
The author’s current reading guide lists eight titles: seven main novels plus The Assassin’s Blade prequel collection. Check the current guide in case future additions or editions change the list.
Does the box set automatically contain every title above?
Check the specific product listing’s included-volume description. The phrase “complete collection” should be confirmed against the current listing before purchase.
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