Two books. Same timeline. And nobody tells you what to do with that.
I hit this exact wall midway through the Throne of Glass series. I didn't want spoilers. I didn't want to break the flow.
But I also had no idea where to start. That's when I looked up how to tandem read throne of glass and everything finally clicked.
This method completely changed how the story landed for me. If you're at that point in the series right now, you're in the right place.
Let me walk you through it.
What Is Tandem Reading in the Throne of Glass Series?
Tandem reading means reading two books at the same time by alternating chapters between them. You don't finish one before starting the other. You move between them in a structured order.
In the Throne of Glass series, this applies specifically to Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Both books happen during the same period in the story's timeline.
Reading them side by side keeps the events in sync. You follow two separate character arcs as they unfold at the same time, which is exactly how Sarah J. Maas built the story.
It takes a bit of organisation. But once you get the rhythm, it feels completely natural.
Why Readers Choose Tandem Reading for TOG
The biggest reason is emotional depth. When two storylines are happening at the same time, reading them together makes every moment hit harder.
It also protects you from spoilers. If you finish one book before starting the other, you'll know things that haven't happened yet in the second book. That kills the tension.
Tandem reading keeps the pacing balanced too. Empire of Storms is action-heavy. Tower of Dawn leans more political and emotional. Alternating between them stops either one from feeling like too much at once.
For many fans searching how to tandem read throne of glass, this method is considered the most immersive way to approach the final stretch of the series. It makes the whole experience feel more like watching a story unfold in real time.
Complete Guide on How to Tandem Read Throne of Glass (Step-by-Step Order)
Before you start switching chapters, you need the right setup. Going in without a plan is where most readers lose track. Here's exactly how to approach it from the beginning.
Pre-Reading Setup
First, make sure you've finished every book in the series up to Empire of Storms. Don't start the tandem method without that foundation in place.
Get your copies of both Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn ready at the same time. Physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks all work fine.
Grab bookmarks, sticky notes, or a simple notebook. You'll want something to track where you are in each book so you don't lose your place when you switch.
Core Tandem Reading Concept
The tandem method is built around one key fact: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn happen at the exact same point in the in-world timeline.
Celaena's story continues in Empire of Storms while Chaol's story plays out in Tower of Dawn. Both are happening simultaneously within the world of the series.
Reading them together means you're experiencing the full picture as it actually unfolds. Reading one after the other means you're seeing the same period twice, out of order, which breaks the immersion.
Recommended Tandem Reading Order (Simplified)
The structure doesn't have to be complicated.
Here's the clearest way to approach it:
- Start Empire of Storms from chapter one
- Switch to Tower of Dawn after a set number of chapters
- Alternate between both books in chronological order based on events
- Continue switching until both books are finished
- Move directly into Kingdom of Ash once both are complete
The key is consistency. Pick a switching point, usually every one to three chapters, and stick to it. Don't let one book get too far ahead of the other.
This structure is what makes how to tandem read throne of glass series work smoothly instead of becoming confusing. Stay with the rhythm and the story will guide you through.
Official Reading Order vs Tandem Reading Order
Here's a quick look at how the two approaches differ:
| Aspect | Official Reading Order | Tandem Reading Order |
| Book sequence | Empire of Storms, then Tower of Dawn | Both simultaneously |
| Timeline experience | Sequential, one after the other | Synchronised, as events happen |
| Spoiler risk | Higher between the two books | Lower, both unfold together |
| Emotional impact | Good, but some context arrives late | Stronger, full picture in real time |
| Difficulty level | Easy, straightforward | Requires organisation and tracking |
| Recommended for | First-time series readers | Readers ready for deeper immersion |
Detailed Tandem Reading Breakdown Strategy
The general rule is to alternate every one to three chapters. Don't go further than three chapters in one book before switching to the other.
A good switching point is when a character's perspective shifts or a scene naturally ends. That's your signal to move to the other book.
Keep a printed guide or a saved digital version of the chapter-by-chapter switch order. Memory alone isn't reliable across two long books with complex storylines.
Avoid rushing. The whole point of tandem reading is to stay in sync. Reading too far ahead in one book pulls you out of the shared timeline and creates the exact confusion you were trying to avoid. This is the core of how to tandem read throne of glass series without losing the thread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most readers who struggle with tandem reading make the same few mistakes. Knowing them ahead of time saves you a lot of frustration.
- Reading one book completely before touching the other
- Ignoring the timeline alignment between the two books
- Skipping the chapter-switch structure and reading freely
- Mixing up character arcs because you're not tracking properly
- Relying on memory instead of using a guide or notes
These mistakes don't just make the reading experience messier. They undo the whole reason you chose to tandem read in the first place. Avoiding them is a big part of learning how to tandem read throne of glass in a way that actually works.
Tips to Improve Your Tandem Reading Experience
A few small habits make a big difference when you're managing two books at once. These aren't complicated. They just keep things running smoothly.
- Use bookmarks or sticky tabs so you always know exactly where you left off in each book
- Keep a short reading journal to note key events after each switching session
- Have a character list for both books saved somewhere easy to access
- Read in a quiet, distraction-free space, especially during switching points
- Take a short break between switches to reset your focus before entering the other storyline
These habits don't slow you down. They actually help you move faster and enjoy more of what you're reading. Anyone who wants to get the most out of how to tandem read throne of glass series will find these small steps make the whole experience far smoother.
Conclusion
Two books. One timeline. One reading experience that actually makes sense.
Once you try how to tandem read throne of glass, going back to the standard order feels like watching a film with half the scenes missing.
You have the guide. You have the order. Now all you need to do is start.
Grab both books and commit to the method. Bookmark this page so you can refer back mid-read.
And when you finish Kingdom of Ash, come back and tell me in the comments. I genuinely want to know how it landed for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tandem reading in Throne of Glass?
It is a method of alternating chapters between two books that take place during the same in-world timeline. It creates a more synchronised and immersive reading experience.
Which books are involved in tandem reading?
The method primarily involves Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Both books occur at the same point in the series timeline.
Is tandem reading necessary for Throne of Glass?
No, it is not required, but it significantly improves emotional depth and timeline clarity. Many fans consider it the better way to experience the final books.
What is the best way to start tandem reading?
Begin both books at the same time and alternate chapters using a structured chapter guide. Having a plan before you start makes the process much easier to follow.
Can beginners try tandem reading?
Yes, but it works best for readers who are already familiar with how the series flows. Finishing the earlier books first is strongly recommended before attempting this method.
