Your Free Sarah J Maas Reading Order Guide
Understanding Sarah J. Maas and Her Major Book Series
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most popular fantasy authors writing today. She has written multiple interconnected book series that share some characters and worlds, which can make reading order confusing. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have built devoted fan communities. Understanding who she is and what she writes helps you decide which series might interest you most.
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Maas started her writing career with "Throne of Glass," a young adult fantasy series that became a major success. From there, she expanded into the adult fantasy romance market with "A Court of Thorns and Roses," which became even more popular. Her books typically feature strong female protagonists, complex magic systems, and romantic relationships that develop throughout the stories. Many of her series are set in richly detailed fantasy worlds with their own histories, politics, and supernatural beings.
What makes Maas's work distinctive is her ability to blend multiple genres. Her books contain elements of fantasy, romance, action, and sometimes even paranormal mystery. The pacing in her books tends to be fast, with many plot twists and emotional moments that keep readers turning pages. Her character development is often considered one of her strengths, with protagonists who grow significantly from the beginning to the end of their stories.
Her works have been adapted for film and television, bringing her stories to broader audiences. "Crescent City" is being developed for film, and adaptations of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" have been in development. This increased media attention has made her books even more sought-after by new readers discovering her work for the first time.
Practical Takeaway: Before selecting a reading order, think about whether you prefer young adult or adult fantasy, and whether you want stories with lighter tones or darker, more mature content. This will help you choose which Maas series to begin with.
The Throne of Glass Series: Starting Point for Young Adult Fans
"Throne of Glass" consists of eight books that follow Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a complicated past. The series begins when Celaena is rescued from a slave labor camp to compete in a tournament for the king of Adarlan. What starts as a competition story evolves into an epic tale involving magic, political intrigue, and destiny. The first book in the series is simply titled "Throne of Glass," published in 2012.
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The complete reading order for this series is: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash, and the novella collection "The Assassin's Blade." However, "The Assassin's Blade" contains backstory about Celaena's past and can be read either before the main series or after the first book. Many readers read it after the first book to better understand character motivations.
This series is considered young adult fantasy, meaning it has less explicit content than Maas's adult works, though it still contains violence and mature themes. The books grow progressively longer and darker as the series continues. By the final books, the tone shifts significantly toward adult fantasy, with more complex political storylines and character relationships becoming increasingly significant to the plot.
The Throne of Glass series is largely standalone from Maas's other works, though there are minor references and connections to the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" universe in later books. Readers who want to stay within one world can complete this entire series without reading anything else. The series has approximately 4,500 pages total across all eight books, representing a substantial time commitment but a complete narrative arc.
Practical Takeaway: Start with "Throne of Glass" if you want to begin with young adult fantasy that gradually matures in tone, or if you prefer reading a series from its beginning and following one protagonist's journey from start to finish without jumping between multiple books.
A Court of Thorns and Roses: The Adult Fantasy Expansion
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR) is Maas's most popular series and the entry point for adult fantasy fans. This series contains five main books plus additional companion novels and novellas. The first book was published in 2015 and introduced readers to Feysand (the ship name for Feyre and Rhysand), a pairing that became central to the fandom. The series is set in the world of Prythian, a magical realm with multiple courts ruled by different High Lords.
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The main series reading order is: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames. The last book, "Silver Flames," is actually a companion novel that focuses on a different protagonist (Nesta Archeron) rather than the original main character (Feyre), though both books are essential to understanding the complete story arc. Maas has announced plans for additional books in this world set further in the future.
ACOTAR differs significantly from Throne of Glass in several ways. It contains explicit sexual content and mature themes including trauma, abuse, and recovery. The romance elements are much more central to the plot and character development. The magic system is more complex, with detailed explanations of fae abilities, bloodlines, and magical bonds. The political intrigue expands across the entire series, with stakes that grow progressively higher.
Companion novellas can be read alongside the main series. "The Shadows of the Night Court" provides additional perspective on events in the main books. Some readers find these novellas enhance their reading experience, while others feel they are optional additions. The choice depends on how much time you want to spend in this world and how much additional detail you want about character relationships and side stories.
Practical Takeaway: Start with "A Court of Thorns and Roses" if you enjoy adult fantasy romance with complex magic systems and are comfortable with mature content including explicit scenes. Plan to read at least five books to reach natural story conclusions, though the world may continue expanding.
The Crescent City Series and Standalone Works
"Crescent City" represents Maas's venture into paranormal urban fantasy set in a contemporary world rather than a secondary world. The series begins with "Crescent City" (2020) and continues with "House of Flame and Shadow" (2024). Unlike her other series, Crescent City is set in a modern-day city called Midgard with technology, cars, and contemporary culture alongside paranormal elements like demons, shifters, and angels.
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The protagonist is Bryce Quinlan, a young woman navigating city politics and supernatural conflicts while dealing with personal tragedy. The series has less focus on romance as a central plot element compared to ACOTAR, though romantic relationships do develop. The tone is darker and grittier, with mystery elements driving much of the plot. The series connects to the ACOTAR universe in ways that become apparent across the books, creating a shared fictional universe.
Maas has also written several standalone books and novellas. "The Cruel Prince" is often confused with her work but is actually written by Holly Black. However, Maas did write "The Shadows of the Night Court" and other novellas. She also co-authored "Crescent City: House of Many Waters" content. Some of her earlier paranormal romance books like "Vampire Academy" adaptations are not her original work. When researching her bibliography, verify that books are actually authored by Sarah J. Maas to avoid confusion.
Readers interested in exploring beyond her major series can sample her standalone works to see which tone and setting appeals to them most. Some readers prefer the secondary world fantasy of Throne of Glass and ACOTAR, while others enjoy the contemporary paranormal setting of Crescent City. Starting with one book from each series type can help determine which direction to pursue for longer-term reading.
Practical Takeaway: If you want to explore beyond ACOTAR and Throne of Glass, try "Crescent City" to experience Maas's paranormal urban fantasy style. Read only the first book initially to determine if this setting and tone work for you before committing to the series.
Recommended Reading Orders Based on Your Preferences
Choosing a reading order depends on several personal factors. If you want to read Maas's work chronologically by publication date, start with "Throne
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.