So, you’ve decided to jump into the mesmerizing worlds crafted by Sarah J. Maas? Great choice. Between fierce heroines and plot twists that leave us gasping, her books are a thrilling ride. But let’s face it: with multiple series and spin-offs, figuring out the reading order can be as confusing as explaining the plot of a soap opera to someone who hasn’t watched in years. Fear not, because we’re here to hand you a reading roadmap that will make your journey seamless and enjoyable.
what order to read sarah j maas books

Sarah J. Maas has carved a niche for herself in contemporary fantasy literature. Her storytelling pulls us in and keeps us page-turning well into the night. With notable series like Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, Maas has developed rich universes filled with complex characters and tantalizing plots. Each series offers a unique flavor and distinct themes, yet they all share Maas’s signature style, dynamic prose, intricate world-building, and a dash of romance that heats up the pages. Understanding the depths of these fictional realms can enhance our reading experience.
Throne of Glass Series
The gateway into the marvelous works of Sarah J. Maas often begins with the Throne of Glass series. This epic saga introduces us to Celaena Sardothien, a fierce assassin with a complicated past. The series kicks off with the self-titled book, Throne of Glass, followed by Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, and concludes with Empire of Storms. After the main story arc, we get to enjoy the novellas, The Assassin’s Blade, which provides crucial backstory. To fully appreciate the deeper nuances of her world and the character development, we recommend starting with this series.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series
Once we’ve traversed the world of assassins and kingdoms, it’s time to shift gears into the spellbinding realm of A Court of Thorns and Roses. This series starts with the captivating novel, A Court of Thorns and Roses, where we meet Feyre Archeron, who finds herself tangled in a web of faerie politics and romance. Next, we flow into A Court of Mist and Fury, where the stakes get even higher, and emotions run wild. This leads us to A Court of Wings and Ruin, and the final book, A Court of Frost and Starlight, which wraps up the original trilogy. Optional but enriching, the A Court of Silver Flames follows Nesta and Cassian, allowing us to dive deeper into some beloved secondary characters. This series is a whirlwind of passion, heartbreak, and nail-biting adventures.
Crescent City Series

Now that we’ve explored magic and faeries, we arrive at the Crescent City series, which is a more modern twist on Maas’s storytelling. Our journey begins with House of Earth and Blood. The series introduces us to Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-Fae protagonist navigating a bustling city replete with intriguing supernatural elements. We might be treated to a second installment titled House of Sky and Breath, which promises to take us even deeper into the political intrigues and relationships of this vibrant world. This series is perfect for those who enjoy a contemporary setting mixed with fantasy and are keen on character-driven narratives.
Reading Compass: Series Recommendations

If we’re ensuring our reading order is on point, we can outline it all clearly: 1. Start with Throne of Glass, followed by the related novellas. 2. Move on to A Court of Thorns and Roses and its sequels, before wrapping up with Crescent City. This structure allows us to experience Maas’s evolution as an author while enjoying thematic growth across the series. If we’re in the mood for standalone adventures or deeper explorations of themes, we might want to read her other novellas and selected bonus contents sprinkled throughout her books.
