My Journey with Sarah J. Maas Books
As a lifelong book lover, I’ve always been drawn to epic fantasy worlds, and few authors craft them as vividly as Sarah J. Maas. Her books are more than just stories—they are immersive experiences filled with fierce heroines, swoon-worthy romances, and intricate magic systems. However, with multiple interconnected series, it can be daunting to figure out the best order to read her books.
If you’re new to Sarah J. Maas or looking for a guide to revisit her works in the most cohesive way, this article is for you. I’ll break down the recommended reading order, including both publication order and chronological order, so you can dive into her world in the way that makes the most sense for you.
Understanding Sarah J. Maas’s Books and Series
Before jumping into the reading order, let’s quickly go over the main series and books she has written:
- Throne of Glass Series (High fantasy with assassins, fae, and war)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series (Romantic fantasy with fae courts and intrigue)
- Crescent City Series (Urban fantasy with modern technology and ancient magic)
Recommended Reading Order: By Publication
Many readers (myself included) believe that reading Sarah J. Maas’s books in the order they were published is the best way to experience them. This allows you to follow the growth of her storytelling, character development, and worldbuilding.
1. Throne of Glass Series (2012-2018)
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A prequel collection of novellas (optional but recommended)
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017) – Takes place parallel to Empire of Storms
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series (2015-Present)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – A novella bridging the original trilogy and spin-offs
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
- Future books (TBA)
3. Crescent City Series (2020-Present)
- House of Earth and Blood (2020)
- House of Sky and Breath (2022)
- House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
This order keeps the experience fresh while allowing you to appreciate the evolution of Maas’s writing style and themes.
Reading Order: Chronological Timeline
If you prefer reading books in a timeline that aligns with the events of the worlds Maas has created, consider this order:
- The Assassin’s Blade (TOG prequel)
- Throne of Glass series in order (ending with Kingdom of Ash)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series in order
- Crescent City series in order
It’s important to note that while Crescent City was published last, it connects back to her earlier series in a significant way, so many readers recommend reading it after ACOTAR.
Which Order Should You Choose?
- If you’re a first-time reader, go with publication order. It’s the best way to experience the books as Maas intended.
- If you’re re-reading or want to follow events chronologically, the timeline order might be an interesting way to see connections between the series.
- If you only want to read a specific series, you can stick to that without worrying about the others—though you might miss some hidden connections!
Dive into the World of Sarah J. Maas
No matter which order you choose, you’re in for an unforgettable journey. Sarah J. Maas has created intricate fantasy realms that pull readers in with their powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and breathtaking magic. Whether you’re starting with Celaena Sardothien’s assassin adventures, Feyre Archeron’s fae entanglements, or Bryce Quinlan’s urban fantasy mysteries, one thing is certain—you’ll be hooked from page one.
If you’re a fellow Maas fan or just getting started, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below on your favorite book or series and let’s discuss!
Happy reading!
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