The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas: Reading Order

The Throne of Glass series is a very confusing series to read as the order isn't quite clear and many people have conflicting opinions on which is the correct order. I read it in the one that my friend told me to without really questioning it. 

The first thing that confuses people is when to read The Assassin's Blade. A few people say to read it first, even before Throne of Glass, as it is a prequel, however I would probably say this is the worst decision ever. If you were to read it first, you would not get the understanding and the enjoyment out of it like if you read it later on. Some say to read it after reading Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire, however I think that it works out best to read it after only reading the 2 first novels (Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight) and that is how I read it. 

Another thing that confuses people is when to read Tower of Dawn as the book takes place at the same time as Empire of Storms but is from a completely different character's point of view and in a different location. I read it after finishing Empire of Storms and found that to be fine and, if you do not enjoy reading 2 books at once, I think it's a great way to read the book. However, personally I think I would have enjoyed doing a tandem read better as I hated having to read an entire book before finding out what happened after the cliffhanger. I found a great tandem read on this website Reading Guide for Throne of Glass  but I will also add a picture below of the tandem read (which I wish I had used).

Anyways, this is the order I used: 

1. Throne of Glass (Book 1)
2. Crown of Midnight (Book 2)
3. The Assassin's Blade (Prequel)
4. Heir of Fire (Book 3)
5. Queen of Shadows (Book 4)
6. Empire of Storms (Book 5)
7. Tower of Dawn (Book 6)
8. Kingdom of Ash (Book 7)

Though I wish I did the tandem read above. 

Whichever way you read the book series in I know that you will love it and should definitely not use the confusing reading order as an excuse to not read this series as it is an experience that you will not regret. 

KINGDOM OF ASH by Sarah J. Maas

“‘The final battle is here.’ Aelin Galathynius has risked everything to save her people – but at a tremendous cost. Locked in an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must use all her fiery will to endure the torture inflicted on her. If she yields to Maeve she will doom everyone she loves, but her resolve is beginning to unravel… With Aelin imprisoned, her friends must go on without her. Some bonds will deepen, while others will be severed forever. But as destinies weave together at last, all must unite as Aelin fights to save herself – and the promise of a better world.”

What is the book about?

Aelin Galathynius has risked everything, her whole life, for her kingdom and the people she loves. She cashed in every debt owed to her to get the allies she needed so that Terrasen could win this war and did everything she could with no intention in being there in the end. Even though she didn't mean for it to end like this, she has still ended up alone. Maeve has taken her, locked her in an iron coffin that she had had prepared for her years before she had even met Maeve. Now Aelin must use every bit of strength and determination she has left to endure the torture that Cairn, one of Marvel's blood sworn and a sadist, inflicts on her. If she gives in she will doom everyone back in Terrasen and destroy every person she loves, but she is starting to lose hope and lose strength. While she is imprisoned, Aelin's friends must continue to fight and work together to ensure there is a Terrasen for her when she is finally saved. As everyone reunites to save the world, it will either end or begin after this battle. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Honestly I had very mixed feelings about this book and was both dreading and desperate to read it. My initial thoughts on it was that it was going to be absolutely incredible and that I would really enjoy reading it. However, I also knew from a friend of mine that it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster and that I would probably have my heart broken so I wasa little bit skeptical about reading it. Ever since finishing Empire of Storms I have been so desperate to start reading this book, so desperate to find out what happened after the cliffhanger ending that left me screaming. Tower of Dawn at first just felt like a massive obstacle keeping me from finding out what happens next (however I did end up really enjoying it). Although I wanted to find out the ending and finish the series, I also didn't as I didn't want the series to end after I basically dedicated the past month or so to reading the books. I was dreading finally finishing it but that wasn't enough for me to delay reading it. I knew it was going to be an epic read and that I would love it just as much as the other books in the series, and my thoughts were quickly supported once I started reading it as I was already falling in love with the last novel in this incredible series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

For this book I cannot and will not choose a favourite character because every single character that I could chose from is my favourite and I cannot chose between them. In this book every one of the badass girls that I have loved and I wish I could be like was amazing and developed in her own way in this book and I refuse to pick between all these girls. Elide and the horse, Yrene and the ending scene, Lysandra and how she risked everything for Aelin and Terrasen, Manon and the character development and obviously Aelin for everything she has done since taking back her title. Every single one of these grew so much since I was first introduced to them and became better than I could have ever imagined. I loved all of these characters and I cannot chose between them and once you read the book and understand what I mean by the characters above you will agree with me.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

The whole of Kingdom of Ash was absolutely amazing and I really had to think about it before answering this question and even after that I couldn't quite pick one part as quite a few stood out to me. One of those was when Manon told Abraxos she loved him when there was a chance that she wouldn't make it. I loved this part because of how it showed Manon's character development from a witch who didn't have feelings or refused to feel them to one who loved and who cared, which was later proven even more. Another part that I also enjoyed was when Elide took that horse and rode to save Lorcan. I loved how she didn't even think about herself and just rode. She came such a long way from the little girl who didn't do much and felt like her whole personality was just her injury. There were also quite a few other parts that I enjoyed so I definitely don't think I could chose just one. This whole book was just an emotional wreck of a journey and I loved it. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Kingdom of Ash was amazing and I think the perfect finale for the incredible fantasy series that has been the centre of my world for quite some time. I loved practically everything about the book and, even though it practically destroyed me and I now am in this void that I have no idea how to get out of, it was amazing and I wish I could read it all again for the first time. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was (strangely) how it destroyed me and had me on the brink of tears throughout basically the whole book. It is a books job to make you feel something and this one certainly made me feel everything. It was so well written and I was easily able to connect to the characters and feel what they felt while they reached the final battle. The fact that I had spent 7 novels and 1 prequel getting to know the characters definitely helped to get me attached to them and the character development that I saw in this book had me dying the whole time. Another thing that I really loved about Kingdom of Ash was how finally all the couples that I had been rooting for, all the couples that I wanted together and needed together, got their own happy ending. At the end of Empire of Storms everything had gotten ruined and I was honestly so worried that after this whole series these couples would stay mad at each other. There were also certain points in Kingdom of Ash where I thought everything was going to end and where I didn't know if they would come back from it but I gladly got what I wanted and I couldn't be more grateful. One small thing that I didn't quite like about the book and found a little annoying was the beginning when everyone was separated and had their own point of view and story to tell. Although I appreciated getting all the details, it was so annoying when it would take at least 4 chapters and different perspectives before it got back to the character that I had been waiting for and when the chapters ended in cliffhangers I honestly would lose it as it would be a while before I got the next part. Luckily, gradually characters started coming together and there were less and less separate chapters (though still multiple POVs) until everyone came together. Although I didn't like it, this didn't stop me from liking the book and I'm so sad to say goodbye to these characters. 

Which was your favourite book in the Throne of Glass series? (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7)

Now that I have finished reading all the books I can honestly say that my favourite book in this series has got to be the fourth book, Queen of Shadows. I won't go into the details as to why I chose this as my favourite as it is clear in the previous reviews where I explained why it was my favourite, however the main reason is because its the first book where everyone came together and the start of the real series and not just the world building introduction (which I couldn't tell was the case with the first 3 books at the time but looking back now it is quite clear). Although this final book also had all the characters come together and was absolutely incredible I cannot say it is my favourite book for one main reason: it was the last book. Although I was desperate to read it, I was also dreading it because of this exact reason as it would mean that everything would end. I slightly hate the last book of all series because it means stopping reading, it means leaving this world and these characters that I have grown to love. After the last book finishes, I will no longer get to learn anything more about the characters and will never get to experience the stuff that I did again (unless I reread it and it still won't be the same that way). I loved Kingdom of Ash and I loved this whole series but it's over now and I hate that so Queen of Shadows will have to remain my favourite book in the series. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I 100% recommend Kingdom of Ash and I will never stop recommending it and the whole entire Throne of Glass series. It is an amazing book for a fantasy lover with the perfect amount of romance and adventure and magic. I think it's best for over 17 year olds due to the more explicit scenes but it is not that spicy or detailed so slightly younger readers may enjoy it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

The perfect final novel in a series that will rip out your heart and have a lasting impact on you for the rest of your life.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

TOWER OF DAWN by Sarah J. Maas

“‘A glorious empire. A desperate quest. An ancient secret.’ Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shinning city of Antica to form an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold. After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to help those in need – and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise it could engulf them both. And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival – or doom them all.”

What is the book about?

Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have been sent across the ocean to another continent by Dorian, the new King of Adarlan, and Aelin, the Queen of Terrasen. Their mission, to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, whose vast army would help their allies waiting in Erilea win the battle with Erawan that they currently aren't favoured to win. This may be their last hope. However, this mission is not the only reason Chaol finds himself in Antica, but also the legendary Torre Cesme, the sanctuary for skilled and magical healers who may be able to heal Chaol. After the battle with the possessed and now deceased King of Adarlan, Chaol found himself unable to walk and, if he has any chance of regaining feeling in his legs and being able fight in the front lines, then he must get the help of a healer. Yrene Towers is that healer, the one who has been told to help the lord from Adarlan. But she has no desire to heal him, not after the unspeakable horrors she and her mother suffered at the hands of Adarlan's soldiers, soldiers Chaol commanded as Captain of the Guard. Yet she swore an oath and will honour it and help him, but it will prove to be harder than she thought. The injury he possesses is not ordinary as it was given to him by magic, and helping him may just destroy them both...or bring them closer together...or both.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially I was so annoyed that I had to read Tower of Dawn, the book simply an obstacle between me and learning what happened after the shocking cliffhanger in Empire of Storms. I had no interest in reading an entire book set in a completely different location with new characters and some old ones that I had entirely forgotten existed after reading the previous book. I knew that this book would either be read incredibly quickly or I would never finish it, and, although I knew I would enjoy it, I didn't know if it would be as good as the other books I had read in this series. However, after reading a few chapters, I started to realise how stupid my initial thoughts had been and I knew that I would love this book, just like the others. Looking back I can't believe that I had been annoyed I had to read this book because I soon realised when reading it that I would have been lost without it and that I would have hated not having experienced the adventure and learnt the information first hand as I was able to do while reading. The book convinced me to change my mind after only a few chapters and I finished it quicker than expected, not simply because of my impatience to read Kingdom of Ash but also because of how much I was enjoying it.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I liked a lot of the characters in this book and most of them were new, or some that I hadn't really gotten to know despite meeting them previously, like Nesryn. One of the characters I really liked, who I suppose will say was my favourite character in this book, was Yrene. This was one of the characters that I had met before, however briefly, in The Assassin's Blade who I never thought I would see again. But I underestimated the genius of Sarah J. Maas and somehow she managed to put in characters that seemed so insignificant initially back into the story, into roles that made a huge difference to the story and will probably play a bit role later on too. Anyways, why I really liked Yrene was the fact that she chose to help Chaol and face everything that was happening even though she had nothing to do with it and didn't need to. She could have easily just remained in the well guarded Torre Cesme where she would have had a future as the Healer on High and would have been safe. However, since arriving in Antica, even after seeing all the beauty and safety it had to offer, her goal remained to head back to Erilea and help her homeland survive the war. She could have hidden away and she chose not to. She could have said no to healing Chaol when she found out that she may get hurt too, that it wasn't an ordinary injury, and yet she chose to keep going and I loved her bravery and courage. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I really enjoyed this whole book and there were a lot of parts that I enjoyed and could easily be my favourite however I would say that my favourite part wasn't a specific part and more of just the parts where there were things revealed and connections that made me laugh. Seeing Yrene again, for example, after I never thought I would see her again since The Assassin's Blade was so entertaining, especially as I realised whose love interest she was supposed to be. However, the main thing was when Nesryn went to see the rukhin and there was a character that had literally appeared for no more than a chapter or two in the prequel. I loved that somehow this character reappeared and would prove to be a great help in the story and that not only that but he was also related to another character which was entirely unexpected. It was the funniest thing ever to see how everything Sarah J. Maas had done and every character she introduced in the prequel book was intentional and was there to serve a purpose, which was made clear after reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. I loved this and can't wait to see what goes on next. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Tower of Dawn was a really great book and, although I was desperate to finish and get to Kingdom of Ash, I really loved reading it. One reason I loved the book and why I have loved this series so far is that everything that Sarah J. Maas has done, every character she introduced, was entirely intentional. I read The Assassin's Blade ages ago and met a few characters that appeared for not much more than a few pages so I believed them to be insignificant and didn't give them a second thought. I thought it was just to show something about Celaena/Aelin or to add something more to the story, yet I was clearly proven wrong when reading this book. There were characters in this book I had met before and somehow they were linked to the story in ways I couldn't even imagine. It was absolutely genius and made the book so entertaining and enjoyable as I realised that everyone was linked together and that Aelin was in the centre of everything. It was so funny and I just can't wait to see everything come together in the next and final book. Another thing I loved about reading this book was that I got to see a whole new continent and location, one free of the destruction that people faced in Adarlan and the whole of Erilea. It showed me and the characters what Erilea could look like if they won the war and if Aelin was able to provide what she promised: a better world. I loved seeing the streets of Antica and the safety and happiness that people felt there. It was a land where magic wasn't forbidden and where people went to be saved by the healers at Torre Cesme. One last thing about the book that made me enjoy it despite how much I just wanted to be done with it (now I'm really thinking I should have done a tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn) was that the plot was so interesting. In the beginning I had no hope for the book as it wasn't going to follow the storyline that I had been so interested in but soon I realised I jumped to conclusions too quickly. Not only did Tower of Dawn have a great plot that kept me on my toes just like the other books, but I also got a lot of information that fed into the plot that I was so desperate to get back to. Without Tower of Dawn I would have been lost and I'm just so glad that I was proven wrong about the book and it was better than I thought. 

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6?

Although I really enjoyed reading Tower of Dawn and have found that all the books in the series so far have been amazing, my favourite book is still Queen of Shadows. It was interesting in this sixth book to see an entire new world, one that was safe (or appeared to be) and hadn't been plagued for the past 10 years by a demon king. However, while reading Tower of Dawn I missed some of the characters that I had read about in Empire of Storms and Queen of Shadows before that. It was a big change and one that I enjoyed, though not enough to say that I would pick this book over the fourth book. Queen of Shadows was perfect in every respect and there was so much that I loved that led me to choose it as my favourite. The plot in itself would have already been enough to make me choose it as my favourite, the fact that it was so interesting and that it had so many turns and things that I have never expected. Then the fact that it had all the characters that I loved from the previous books in the series, both those from her life as Aelin and from her life as Celaena. They all came together, the Fae and the human and it is the only book I have read so far where all of the characters I have grown to love were working together. I know that the last book will also be like that and I am so excited and hope it will meet my expectations. Every book in the series so far has been great but without a doubt Queen of Shadows is my favourite one (so far).

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend Tower of Dawn and think it is an amazing book for lovers of all things fantasy, romance and adventure. However, I think it is best for readers 17 and up as there is some more mature content.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An epic, magical and romance-filled adventure in a new world, more wonderful than anything you could ever imagine.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

EMPIRE OF STORMS by Sarah J. Maas

“‘Blood will run. Dreams will shatter. An army must rise.’ The assassin-queen has sworn not to turn her back on her kingdom again. Especially when she might be the only one who can raise an army to keep the Dark King from unleashing his beasts upon them all. But Erawan will wield Aelin's past, her allies, and her enemies against her. With a powerful court trusting Aelin to lead them, and her heart devoted to the warrior-prince at her side, what – or who – is she willing to sacrifice to spare her world from being torn apart?”

What is the book about?

Finally, Aelin is on her way home, back to the place she never thought she would lay her eyes on again, not since her family was butchered within the walls of their own house. However, just as she starts to feel safe and welcome, she is greeted with a new problem, a new issue that for some reasons only she can provide a solution for. It appears that those who still live in Terrasen do not want an assassin as a queen and, unless she forms an alliance and finds an army for her would-be kingdom, she may never officially be the queen she had taken so long to convince herself to become. But Aelin will not turn her back on her country, her people, ever again. She will do everything she can, cash in every favour and debt owed to her to form an army, to save her kingdom. But, while trying to do all of that, Aelin also faces the threat of Erawan, who will wield her past against her. She must lead the way for her court, the people who would follow her through anything. She must make a decision on what she is willing to sacrifice for the freedom and safety she desires for her kingdom and her people. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The ending of Queen of Shadows left me with many questions and a need to keep reading that had made me reach instantly for this next book, Empire of Storms, aching to begin. It had been such a casual and calm and somewhat quick ending that made me so interested in continuing reading. I didn't quite know what to expect of this book other than an amazing experience that would leave me dreading re-entering the real world. I knew that this book was going to be incredible, especially after the amazing Queen of Shadows that left me with a new definition of what is a 5 star book, and I was so excited to start reading. I was even more intrigued after reading the blurb as to how Aelin was planning on raising an army when she didn't possess any contacts that I could think of on the spot that would lend any support to her, yet somehow I knew this insane woman was going to succeed. When I started to read I was so glad to see it picked up right where the first book had left off and was surprised at how easily I slipped back into this world, a world that I know has become my personality and escape and reason for being over the few weeks and will continue to be so for months if the books continue to be this good.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This book had a lot of character that I loved and I definitely had a lot of characters competing for the position as my favourite character. However, this time I would definitely say that Aelin was my favourite character, or definitely one of them. I had enjoyed reading about Aelin in all the books that I have read in the series so far, especially in the past 2 books, Heir of Fire and Queen of Shadows. This is because in these last 2 books and in Empire of Storms she finally stopped hiding behind the assassin's identity she created and was willing to become the queen she had tried to push down for so long. Not only that but she started to really use her magic and grow with it as it made her into one of the strongest and most incredible people I have ever seen. I loved her particularly in Empire of Storms because of the way she truly steeped into her role as queen and did all she could to come up with an army to save her kingdom. I loved how she always had a plan and always knew what to do, even when I myself had no clue what she was thinking. She is only 19 and was able to coordinate with so many people to have them all arrive in one place, prepared to help her court fight Erawan. Not only that but she was willing to sacrifice herself for the good of the world and allow the people she loved the chance at a better world. She is so impressive and I am so excited to see what happens in the end. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This question always has and I know always will be the hardest one to answer because after reading an amazing book you never want to have to single out one part that was incredible. Also a good book is never just created by one good part or even several good parts put together, it is the way that the story flows and the way that the author builds the story up that makes a good book. The whole of Empire of Storms was amazing and there were so many different parts that I loved and I don't think I can choose just one. However, there were some moments that I really loved – those with Lysandra and Aedion. I had had an inkling for a bit of the previous book and the whole of this one that these two characters were meant to be, however Empire of Storms confirmed my suspicions and also had several sweet moments that had me squealing. One particular moment after a battle, where Lysandra found herself just barely holding on, Aedion's reaction and what he said had me wishing I could put myself in the shifter's place. I absolutely loved it and thought it was one of the sweetest moments. Later on there was also a moment like that, where the two discussed what they were and I absolutely loved how they decided to take things slow, how Aedion let Lysandra come to that decision and he didn't stop her. I love these two and I just hope to get more of them in the final book, and that they get their happy ending. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I loved reading Empire of Storms and there is nothing that could have been improved because the book was perfect. One thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the main theme throughout the book where Aelin was trying to come up with an army to help her and her court face Erawan and despite the many people who doubted her, she always had something up her sleeve. Even though it annoyed the hell out of everyone, Aelin kept her plans to herself, all of them surfacing only when she wanted them to be known and she always managed to catch me and all the other characters unawares. It was so entertaining and honestly I do not know how she came up with, let alone managed to succeed with, some of these plans. Aelin was actually crazy but I loved it and I love her. Another think I enjoyed about the book was all the answers I got to some of the things that had been bugging me for a while. I had had several questions that I wasn't sure I would ever get answers for, but this book managed to reveal the truth and shock me with the amount of plot twists that revealed answers to these questions. I really loved the shock and how this book caught me off guard so many times and had me on the edge of my seat for most of it. One last thing about Empire of Storms that I absolutely loved and will always love about the books that I read is the way that it had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. There were so many moments while reading the book where I physically screamed or gasped or spoke aloud or even cried and I absolutely loved it. It is one of my strongest beliefs that a book hasn't done it's job if it doesn't make you feel something and that until you get to experience the emotions that you can feel while reading, you haven't fully lived. Books are one of the magical things this world can give you and the way that they can make you react as if the stuff that you just read and the characters you have grown attached to aren't just a figment of your imagination is one of the best things in the world. I loved this about Empire of Storms, even when I wanted to through the book across the room after the cliffhanger ending that I can't continue reading about until I read a whole entire book on different people. This book was amazing and I am honestly dying to continue reading and finally reach the epic conclusion that I have been waiting for. 

Which book did you like better: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

So far every book in the Throne of Glass series has been more incredible than I could have ever imagined when I first started it. As I read more it was as if each book was even better than the last, which I still don't know how it was possible as even the first book, Throne of Glass, was perfect. Although I absolutely Empire of Storms and thought it was one of the best I have read in a while, I would probably say that my favourite book is still Queen of Shadows. Empire of Storms was very similar to Queen of Shadows and had all the aspects that I had loved in the fourth book of this incredible series. It had the romance that I don't know how I could ever live without and the characters that I don't think I will ever stop thinking about even in a few years. It also had a lot of magic, one of the things that has always been my favourite in fantasy books, definitely more than Queen of Shadows, which definitely made it a strong contender as my favourite book. However, although Empire of Storms was amazing, there was something about Queen of Shadows that I can't quite describe that made it stand out to me more. Maybe it was because it was the first book where everyone came together, all the big players that I had met coming together to fight the evil that had presented itself. It was also the first book where Aelin really embraced her identity and really used her magic as if it were a part of her her whole life and she hadn't spent years without it, trying to forget it. It was also the first book where Rowan and Aelin admitted to themselves and each other that they had feelings for each other (though their relationship certainly developed in Empire of Storms). It was also the first book that didn't feel like it was just setting the backstory and it actually had a much more substantial plot than the previous 3 books. Queen of Shadows was just a lot better than Empire of Storms and, if I had still had doubts about it, the cliffhanger ending that had me wanting to through the book across the room and the rather explicit scenes would have been enough to have me come to the same conclusion.

Would you recommend this book?  

Yes, yes, yes, I would 100% recommend this book and have no doubt in my mind that anyone who reads it will be left just as stunned as me. It is an amazing book full of romance, adventure and fantasy, however I do think it is for older readers (those over 17) as there are some more mature (or ‘spicy’) scenes.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

Another stunning instalment in the Throne of Glass series whose cliffhanger ending will leave you screaming and reaching for the next book within seconds, aching to continue and never leave the most magical world ever.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego