Sarah J. Maas Books In Order

Sarah J. Maas Books in Reading Order: Complete Author Series List

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Sarah J. Maas is famous for her captivating fantasy series, but with so many books published since her debut in 2012, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Her three major series are interconnected and have specific reading orders to fully understand and enjoy her elaborate universe. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate through Sarah J. Maas Books in order.

Throne of Glass Series

Throne of Glass is Maas’ first and longest series, targeted at a slightly younger audience compared to her other works. This series follows Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned assassin competing for her freedom. As the story progresses, it expands to include multiple perspectives and a broader fight to reclaim the kingdom of Adarlan.

Books in Release Order:

  1. Throne of Glass (2012)
  2. Queen of Shadows (2015)
  3. Crown of Midnight (2013)
  4. Heir of Fire (2014)
  5. The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – a collection of prequel novellas
  6. Tower of Dawn (2017)
  7. Empire of Storms (2016)
  8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Books in Chronological Order:

  1. The Assassin’s Blade
  2. Throne of Glass
  3. Crown of Midnight
  4. Heir of Fire
  5. Queen of Shadows
  6. Empire of Storms (can be read alongside Tower of Dawn in a tandem read)
  7. Tower of Dawn
  8. Kingdom of Ash

A tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn is recommended because they occur simultaneously. This involves alternating between chapters of both books, which can be a bit challenging due to their length, but provides a more comprehensive view of the story.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (ACOTAR)

The ACOTAR series follows Feyre Archeron, who is drawn into the faerie world of Prythian as an unwilling prisoner. This series focuses heavily on romance and is a good starting point for those new to Maas’ works.

Books in Release and Chronological Order:

  1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
  2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
  3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
  4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
  5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

Crescent City Series

The Crescent City series follows a similar setup to ACOTAR, with a consistent release and chronological order. It is Maas’ third major fantasy series.

Books in Release and Chronological Order:

  1. House of Earth and Blood (2020)
  2. House of Sky and Breath (2022)
  3. House of Flame and Shadow (2024)

Which Series to Read First?

If you’re wondering whether to start with Throne of Glass or ACOTAR, it’s really up to your preferences. Throne of Glass leans more towards high fantasy with multiple perspectives and a vast world. It can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers to fantasy.

On the other hand, ACOTAR is more of a “romantasy” with a strong focus on relationships, making it a potentially easier entry point for those new to the genre.

However, it is recommended to read ACOTAR before the Crescent City series. Although the first Crescent City book does not overlap with Maas’ other series, the sequels feature characters and locations from ACOTAR. This crossover suggests that Maas is building towards a larger convergence of her fantasy worlds.

Conclusion

Reading Sarah J. Maas’ books in the correct order is essential for fully appreciating the intricate connections within her fantasy universe. Starting with either Throne of Glass or ACOTAR based on your preference for high fantasy or romance, and then moving on to Crescent City, will provide a smooth and enjoyable reading experience. Keep an eye out for new releases to stay up-to-date with her expanding universe.

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