I remember standing in a bookstore, staring at a shelf full of Sarah J. Maas books with absolutely no idea where to start.
It was overwhelming. So many series. So many books.
Which one do you pick up first? In this blog, I walk you through every Sarah J. Maas series, the best reading order, and exactly how each book connects to the next.
I've already done the hard research so you don't have to. You'll leave with a clear plan. No more guessing.
Sarah J. Maas Books and Series Overview
Sarah J. Maas has three main fantasy series. Throne of Glass follows a teenage assassin fighting for freedom.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fae fantasy that grows into something much bigger. Crescent City mixes magic with modern life.
Each series has its own feel, but all three get better as they go.
Outside these, she's written Catwoman: Soulstealer, a fast-paced DC Comics novel, and The Assassin's Blade, five prequel novellas tied to Throne of Glass.
Both are short, solid reads worth adding to your list.
Best Sarah J. Maas Reading Order for Most Readers
Here's the reading order that makes the most sense based on where you want to start.
ACOTAR → Throne of Glass → Crescent City
Starting with ACOTAR is the most popular choice. It's fast, gripping, and easy to get into.
Once you're done, Throne of Glass gives you more action and a longer story arc. Save Crescent City for last.
It ties threads from both other series together and hits harder when you already know the world. Most readers love this order and don't look back.
Throne of Glass → ACOTAR → Crescent City
If you prefer starting with a slower, more traditional fantasy build, go with Throne of Glass first.
It's a long series, but very rewarding. ACOTAR comes after and feels like a fresh shift in tone. Crescent City still works best at the end.
Both reading paths work. It really comes down to what kind of story you want to start with first.
Throne of Glass Reading Order
Here's the complete Throne of Glass reading order, including the prequel novellas.
Recommended Book Order
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin's Blade
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Publication Order vs Chronological Order
The publication order and chronological order for Throne of Glass are mostly the same. The one exception is The Assassin's Blade, which covers events before the first book.
Chronologically, it comes first. But for story impact, read it after Crown of Midnight. Publication order is what most fans recommend.
It keeps the emotional payoff intact and lets the series build the way it was meant to be read.
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn Tandem Read
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn take place at the same time in the story. Reading one after the other means you'll get context for events in the right order.
Some chapters in Tower of Dawn directly overlap with Empire of Storms. Reading them back to back gives you a fuller view of what's happening on both sides of the story.
It's one of the most talked-about reading choices in this series.
Recommended Tandem Reading Option
The most common tandem reading guide suggests alternating chapters between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
Fans have put together specific chapter lists that tell you exactly when to switch books. It's a more immersive way to read.
If you want to try it, search for an "Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn tandem read guide" online. Both standalone reads work fine too if you prefer finishing one at a time.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Reading Order
The ACOTAR series has five main books out now, with three more confirmed on the way.
Main Series Order
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
Upcoming ACOTAR Books
Three more ACOTAR books are confirmed. Right now, the details are limited. Untitled ACOTAR Book 6, Book 7, and Book 8 have been announced but release dates and full plot details haven't been shared yet.
The series is clearly not done. If you're already a fan, there's a lot more coming.
Keep an eye on Sarah J. Maas's official channels and publisher announcements for any news or updates.
Crescent City Reading Order
The Crescent City series has three books. House of Earth and Blood introduces Bryce Quinlan and the city of Lunathion.
House of Sky and Breath pushes the story further into multi-world territory.
House of Flame and Shadow brings the series to a major turning point and connects it with events from the other two Sarah J. Maas series. Start from book one and don't skip ahead.
Sarah J. Maas Books in Publication Order
Sarah J. Maas started publishing in 2012 with Throne of Glass. She followed it with the ACOTAR series starting in 2015.
Over the years, she released books from both series around the same time, which is why the publication order can feel mixed up.
Crescent City launched in 2020. By 2024, she had over fifteen books out across all three series. Reading in publication order is one way to do it, but most fans agree that series order is the better call for new readers.
Conclusion
I've read enough confusing book lists to know how frustrating it gets. I wanted this one to actually help you.
Now you know every Sarah J. Maas series and exactly where to start. Pick your first book and go.
Have a favorite reading order already? Drop it in the comments.
I'd love to hear it. Found this helpful? Share it with a Sarah J. Maas fan who needs a clear place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books has Sarah J. Maas written?
Sarah J. Maas has written over fifteen books across three main fantasy series and a few standalone titles.
What is the best Sarah J. Maas book to start with?
Most readers recommend starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses for the easiest and most gripping entry point.
Are the Sarah J. Maas series connected to each other?
Yes, all three series share crossover characters and plot connections, especially in the later books.
Is Crescent City a good starting point for new readers?
No, Crescent City is better read after finishing at least one of her other series first.
Do I need to read The Assassin's Blade before Throne of Glass?
No, it's best to read The Assassin's Blade after Crown of Midnight for the strongest emotional impact.
