If you’re finally ready to dive into the breathtaking worlds of fae, magic, and fierce heroines, this is the complete guide to reading Sarah J. Maas books in order! What I like the most about her writing is that it’s written straight from the heart. Also, you don’t know what to expect next. One moment, you’re saying “Wow” over a battle scene. And the next moment, you are crying over a love confession scene.
Of course, you’ll dive into kingdoms and curses. But you’ll also explore so much more, be it themes of love, survival, trauma, desire and self-worth. With every book, you’ll discover a new world, from ancient fae courts to seductive fae lands and urban fantasy chaos. Let’s dive into each one of them in the exact reading order of Sarah J Mass books.
First Sarah J. Maas Series: Throne of Glass (2012–2018)
Throne of Glass is where all the magic begins! You won’t be able to get enough of Celaena Sardothien journey! She starts off as a witty assassin but turns into a queen who has to fight for her people. This series has everything from romance and action to moral complexity. The heroine is clever, flawed and unstoppable. Let’s get into it, book by book.
The series begins with The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
The first book of the series, Assassin’s Bride, is all about Celaena’s training and early missions. When I read it, I was stunned at the perfect balance of action and humanity. I laughed at Celaena’s humor and even cried at her pain.
The book touches upon themes like loyalty, trust and survival. It sets the foundation for the next book, Throne of Glass, which shows how courage, trauma and ambition can shape an assassin’s character.
The second chronicle, Throne of Glass (2012)
Would you go into a deadly competition to earn your freedom? That’s exactly what Celaena does! She beats death and becomes the King’s Champion. She is very witty but she also hides her fragility; that’s the beauty of her character. If you want palace intrigue and dangerous missions all combined into one, this is the book for you!
Every choice of Celaena covers themes of identity and resilience. Throne of Glass has everything from politically tense competitions to romance. Not only does Mass’ pacing keep you on the edge. But also sets the moral dilemma, that only deepens in the books that follow.
The third in the series is Crown of Midnight (2013)
After becoming the King’s Champion, Celaena navigates loyalty, secrets, and unexpected betrayals. Every mission tests her morals and relationships. The tension is so addictive, my heart literally started pounding in the middle of the night!
The best part is that Crown of Midnight adds depth to the romance, without compromising on the political intrigue. The story is dominated by themes of revenge, friendship and moral ambiguity. When I finished it, I was not just surprised by Celaena’s brilliant complexity but also eager for the next chapter in her transformation.
Now, you come to Heir of Fire (2014)
Heir of Fire is about Celaena’s exile in Wendlyn. The grief and trauma that she faces there makes her character evolve in beautiful ways. She trains with Rowan Whitehorn and the subsequent breaking of her spirit just leads to her rebuilding and coming back stronger.
Themes of healing, self-discovery, and courage dominate. Maas balances action sequences with introspective moments that hit hard. This book introduces you to a wider, richer world. It’s a striking point in the series where it turns into an emotional epic and you feel like following Celaena through every danger.
It’s time for Queen of Shadows (2015)
Returning to Adarlan as Aelin, she fights for justice and vengeance. Every chapter brims with cunning, fire, and loyalty. I still remember when Aelin reclaimed her throne, her confidence in that moment was so intoxicating!
You’ll witness themes like empowerment and friendship. If you ask me what I like the most about Mass’ writing, it’s the fact that she shows political journeys in a not-so-political way. It’s so intricately tied to love, ambition and trauma that you are in for an electric ride. Reading it felt like standing beside her in the shadows of the castle; dangerous, thrilling, and unstoppable.
Sixth in the series: Empire of Storms (2016)
Allies gather as kingdoms clash and war looms. I couldn’t put it down; the final chapters left me whispering “no” in disbelief. The breathtaking intensity quickly shifts from themes of sacrifice to loyalty to destiny intertwined.
Every character faces challenges that test their limits. The book’s scale is cinematic, yet intimate. I loved the layered storytelling; it’s chaos, emotion, and magic all at once. Empire of Storms is where the stakes truly escalate, making you root harder and feel deeper for every character.
You’re almost there! Read Tower of Dawn (2017)
Tower of Dawn actually surprised me. It’s quieter than the others with less of big battles and more about what it takes to heal. What it taught me is that real courage isn’t about picking up a sword; it’s about letting yourself be vulnerable.
The friendships here, especially with Yrene and Nesryn, are unexpected, covering themes of loyalty. This book feels like a breather but still so important. After all, even warriors and heroes need to rest and recover.
The final book of the series: Kingdom of Ash (2018)
The finale, Kingdom of Ash is brutal and beautiful, all at once. Everything that was built till now, gets devastatingly destroyed all at once. I literally sobbed at the ending and without giving spoilers, I just want to say that the emotional payoff was so worth it.
You feel the sting of victory and also the weight of every sacrifice. This book feels like saying goodbye to your favorite characters but also celebrating what they’ve become. Watching Celaena transform from this sarcastic assassin into a queen? It’s the kind of character arc that stays with you!
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Second Sarah J. Maas Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) (2015–Present)
If you’re a fan of forbidden love and want to see a heroine who goes from being invisible to unstoppable, this is it! is an irresistible entry point; especially if you love romantic fantasy. It’s part fairy tale retelling, part emotional rollercoaster, and entirely addictive.
ACOTAR delivers high-stakes drama, forbidden passion, and richly built worlds. If you’ve read Game of Thrones before, this is just perfect for you! You’ll love Mass’s intricate politics and morally complex worlds. The character evolution of the protagonist, Feyre Archeron from a mortal to a powerful fae is mind-blowing! Let’s give you a sneak peak of each book.
Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
The first book of the series immediately sweeps you off your feet! Feyre kills a wolf in the woods and gets dragged into a dangerous world. As soon as you flip the first page, the electric tension starts creeping in…Who knew she would have to navigate curses, court intrigue, and forbidden romance?
You’ll even see themes like survival, resilience, and self-worth dominate. The romance is both a sweet balm and a heart-wrenching pull. Going back to my experience of reading ACOTAR, it felt like walking on glass pieces; It was painful, thrilling and impossible to stop!
Now, it’s time to read A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Everything from Feyre’s romance to her stakes in personal power is dialled up in A Court of Mist and Fury. The events escalate, the politics deepen and her path to self-discovery starts unfolding. The second book kept me up all night, just like the first one, and that’s when I knew that this series is here to take away my sleep!
I actually felt all the emotions Feyre was feeling, from her fear to her newfound agency. What I loved the most was the slow-burn romance. I want a build-up like that, something so tender yet so chilling…Overall, it was a great read, with its complex and morally ambiguous layers. Brace yourself for her transformative journey!
Move on to A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
As they say, the third time is a charm. So, as soon as the series touches a trilogy point, it gets very intense. In fact, a heart-pounding climax is waiting for you (not going to give you any spoilers). Let’s just say, Feyre goes through betrayals, war and impossible choices.
And you feel the consequences of those choices, long after they have been made. You feel like you’re standing alongside her, through every battle, every alliance and every intimate moment. It’s epic, it’s gut-wrenching, and it leaves a lasting imprint on the heart and imagination.
The fourth in the series: A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
A beautiful novella that’s more of a breather, yet essential in the Sarah J Maas books in order. By this time, the bond of Feyre and Rhysand becomes so deep that they navigate life together in the aftermath of war trauma.
A Court of Frost and Starlight is quite introspective and captures a fragile calm. Maas focuses on healing, romance, and rebuilding after war. If you want a gentle, intimate view of the characters, this is the book to cherish. It’s short but layered with love, reflection, and hope.
It’s important to remember that A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) is an essential bridge between the original trilogy and A Court of Silver Flames (2021). Skipping it may confuse readers about the timeline.
The next chronicle is A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
This book is the spiciest one so far so grab a bucket of ice! But apart from that, Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s older sister, finally steps into her own story. In the previous books, she goes through a lot of trauma. That leads her to feel grief, guilt and feeling of inadequacy. This is why when I think of Nesta, I can’t help but think of a sharp tongue, fiery temper, and guarded heart.
In A Court of Silver Flames, she goes on a journey of self-discovery and healing. She learns to confront her inner demons and embrace her strength. Maas explores themes of trauma, desire, and redemption, making Nesta’s story raw, dark, and deeply human. This book meets readers where their own anger, sadness, and vulnerability exist, guiding them through the process of reclaiming agency, finding resilience, and opening the heart to love and growth.
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Third Sarah J. Maas Series: Crescent City (2020–Present)
If you want to experience mature Mass writing, which screams adulthood, then Crescent City is for you! This is a series where romance, crime, and epic fantasy collide. Fun fact: While Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City are mostly separate universes, fans have spotted subtle Easter eggs linking characters, especially across ACOTAR and Crescent City!
So, without making you wait further, let’s dive into this magical world of Crescent City, with intricate politics, multi-layered characters, and plot twists.
The first in the series: House of Earth and Blood (2020)
Bryce Quinlan is a half-Fae, half-human who juggles grief, vengeance, and romance while navigating a city brimming with magic and danger. The book is intense, layered, and deeply emotional, blending murder mystery, political intrigue, and a slow-burning romance.
Themes of loss, friendship, and resilience are so vivid that you can almost feel Bryce’s heartbreak and rage! It’s a story that lingers long after the last page, both thrilling and heartbreakingly human.
Next is House of Sky and Breath (2022)
The sequel continues Bryce’s journey with higher stakes, deeper world-building, and richer emotional arcs. Themes of trust, power, and redemption dominate. The romance is intense but paired with action, investigation, and political intrigue. Maas’ writing makes you feel like you’re living every twist alongside Bryce and Hunt (a fallen angel assigned to help Bryce), fully immersed in Crescent City’s magical, chaotic streets.
The thrilling third book: House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
The third installment takes everything you thought you knew about Crescent City, and flips it upside down! Bryce finds herself in a world she never imagined, testing the limits of her courage, loyalty, and heart.
Meanwhile, Hunt faces his own impossible choices, torn between freedom and the bonds that still hold him. This book is pure chaos in the best way: explosive twists, jaw-dropping crossovers, and emotional gut punches that will leave you staring at the last page in shock.
Finally, reading Sarah J Maas books in order isn’t just about following a timeline; it’s about walking alongside characters as they grow, stumble, and rise. Maybe you’re a fan of forbidden love or maybe palace intrigue. Or maybe you like urban fantasies. In any case, the above books offer a fulfilling emotional journey. You’ll whisper “Wow” and “No” with equal enthusiasm, depending on which plot twist you’re at!
Lastly, which Sarah J Maas series to read first? For an epic adventure with a coming-of-age assassin, start with Throne of Glass. If you like romantic fantasy with complex fae courts, pick up A Court of Thorns and Roses. For adult urban fantasy, mystery, and romance, start with Crescent City. Good luck and let us know which one you liked best!
Series Reading Order Overview
| Series | Books (in order) |
| Throne of Glass | The Assassin’s Blade, Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) | 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 |
| Crescent City | House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath |
FAQs
1. Are all Sarah J. Maas books connected?
Mostly, no. Sarah J. Mass keeps giving subtle references and mentions but there is no major inter-connection as such. Longtime readers are able to find some linkages though.
2. In what order were Sarah J. Maas books released?
Sarah J. Maas’s books were first released with the Throne of Glass series, beginning in 2012. She followed with the A Court of Thorns and Roses series starting in 2015, and then launched Crescent City in 2020.
3. Is it necessary to read Sarah J Maas books in order?
It’s not mandatory, but if you follow the chronology, you’ll be able to enjoy better character arcs, plot continuity, and emotional payoffs. Especially for Throne of Glass and ACOTAR, jumping around may spoil surprises or diminish the impact of the heroine’s journey.
4. How many books are in the Sarah Maas series?
Sarah J. Maas has written three major fantasy series, which together contain a total of 16 books to date.
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