Sarah J. Maas Reading Order Guide
November 10, 2025
A complete Sarah J. Maas reading order guide covering Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City, with recommended reading orders, series breakdowns, and spoiler-free book summaries.
Who is Sarah J. Maas?
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most successful fantasy authors of the modern era, known for emotionally driven storytelling, powerful heroines, romantic subplots, and immersive worldbuilding. Her novels span young adult and adult fantasy, with interconnected themes of magic, destiny, and found family.
While her major series can be read independently, there is a recommended reading order - especially as subtle connections between worlds begin to emerge.
Sarah J. Maas Series Overview
Sarah J. Maas has three main fantasy series:
Throne of Glass (YA/NA Epic Fantasy)
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) (Romantic Fantasy)
Crescent City (Urban Fantasy)
Each series should be read in order, but the order between series is flexible for most readers.
Recommended Sarah J. Maas Reading Order (Beginner-Friendly)
For new readers, this order balances accessibility, tone, and emotional payoff:
Throne of Glass Series (Epic Fantasy Core)
Recommended Reading Order:
The Assassin’s Blade
Prequel Novellas – optional first read
A collection of novellas following Celaena Sardothien before the main series, adding emotional depth when read early.
Throne of Glass
An assassin is brought to a glass castle to compete for freedom in a deadly tournament.
Crown of Midnight
Secrets unravel as loyalties are tested and darker forces begin to surface.
Heir of Fire
A turning point in the series, expanding the world and introducing powerful new characters.
Queen of Shadows
A long-awaited return filled with revenge, rebellion, and shifting alliances.
Empire of Storms
Multiple storylines converge as war looms and ancient powers awaken.
Tower of Dawn
A parallel story focusing on political intrigue, healing, and world expansion.
Kingdom of Ash
An epic, emotional finale bringing every arc and character to its conclusion.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Romantic Fantasy)
Main Series Reading Order:
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Beauty and the Beast-inspired fantasy set in a dangerous fae realm.
A Court of Mist and Fury
A fan-favourite sequel that deepens the romance and reshapes the story’s direction.
A Court of Wings and Ruin
War, sacrifice, and unity take centre stage in a climactic installment.
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Novella)
A quieter, character-driven bridge between major story arcs.
A Court of Silver Flames
A more mature, emotionally intense story focused on healing, trauma, and strength.
Crescent City Series (Urban Fantasy)
Reading Order:
House of Earth and Blood
A modern fantasy blending magic, technology, and mystery, following a woman seeking justice after tragedy.
House of Sky and Breath
Political tension and rebellion rise as secrets about the world come to light.
House of Flame and Shadow
A high-stakes continuation that deepens connections across Maas’s universes.
Note: Crescent City is best read after familiarity with at least one other Maas series.
Are Sarah J. Maas’s Series Connected?
Yes - while each series stands on its own, later books contain crossover elements and shared lore. These connections enhance the experience but are not required to enjoy individual stories.
Best Place to Start (Quick Guide)
Epic fantasy fans: Throne of Glass
Romance-forward fantasy: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Urban fantasy readers: Crescent City
Do You Need to Read Sarah J. Maas in Order?
You should always read each series in order, but you can choose which series to start with based on your preferred tone and genre.