In What Order Should I Read Throne Of Glass
So, you've heard the whispers. You've seen the beautifully rendered covers. You know you need to dive into the world of Throne of Glass.
But then the question hits you, a gentle wave of panic: "In what order do I even start?" It's a jungle out there, my friends, a veritable jungle of prequels, sequels, and side stories. Fear not, brave adventurer! We're going to tackle this together.
Now, you've probably scoured the internet. You've seen the "official" order, the "chronological" order, the "reader-recommended" order. It's enough to make your head spin faster than a Fae doing a jig.
And here's where I might diverge from the well-trodden path. Prepare yourselves, because my opinion might be a little… spicy. Consider this your friendly heads-up to a potentially unpopular stance.
The "Just Dive In" Approach
My personal, slightly rebellious, but utterly joyful recommendation? Start with The Assassin's Blade. I know, I know! It's the prequel collection. It's supposed to come later. But hear me out.
Imagine walking into a grand feast. Do you want to start with the hors d'oeuvres that hint at the main course, or do you want to be introduced to the star of the show right away? For me, it's the latter.
The Assassin's Blade gives you the raw, unvarnished truth about Celaena Sardothien. You see her journey, her struggles, her pain, and the very essence of what makes her who she is before she even sets foot in the glass castle.
It's like meeting your favorite celebrity before they were famous. You witness the grit, the determination, the sheer will to survive. It makes her eventual triumphs feel even more earned, more profound.
Why This Might Shock Some
Many people will tell you to start with Throne of Glass, the first book. And look, that's not a bad idea. It's a perfectly good entry point.
It throws you right into the action, into the competition to become the king's champion. You get to know the dazzling, dangerous, and deeply flawed Celaena as she navigates the opulent but deadly court.
But here's my tiny quibble. If you start with Throne of Glass, you're meeting a version of Celaena who has already been through so much. You know she's gone through things, but you don't truly feel them.
It's like seeing a superhero with all their powers and costume, but not knowing the origin story. You appreciate their might, but the emotional connection isn't quite as deep.
When you read The Assassin's Blade first, then pick up Throne of Glass, you're already invested. You understand the haunted look in her eyes. You know why she's so fiercely independent.
Every witty remark, every defiant gesture, every moment of vulnerability in the first book hits you differently. It's like a secret handshake between you and the character. You're in on the joke, the pain, the history.
The "Official" Lineup (and why it's fine too!)
Okay, let's be real. The official order is there for a reason. And if you're a purist, or if the idea of starting with the prequels makes you twitch, then by all means, follow the mainstream.
The widely accepted reading order generally goes like this:
- The Assassin's Blade (Short story collection)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
This order presents the story as Sarah J. Maas originally intended it to unfold in terms of plot progression. You get introduced to the world and the characters as they are presented in the first novel.
As you move through the series, you experience Celaena's evolution, her challenges, and the unfolding mysteries of Erilea alongside her. It's a solid, chronological experience.
You'll discover Celaena's reputation as a deadly assassin, her imprisonment, and her reluctant entry into a deadly competition. You'll meet characters like Chaol and Dorian for the first time in this context.
And as the books progress, you'll see her grow, change, and grapple with her destiny. The major plot points and character arcs are laid out in a way that builds suspense and rewards your investment.
My "Unpopular" Order Explained (with a wink)
So, my preferred order is:
- 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
See? It looks the same! But the why is different. It’s about the emotional journey. It’s about maximizing the impact of Celaena's story.
Starting with The Assassin's Blade is like getting all the backstory first. You're armed with knowledge. You're emotionally prepared for the intensity that follows.
When you read Throne of Glass after The Assassin's Blade, you're not just reading about a talented assassin. You're reading about a survivor who has already stared death in the face countless times.
Every victory, every setback in the subsequent books feels more resonant. You've already witnessed the foundations of her strength and her scars. It’s a deeper, more layered understanding.
It’s the difference between watching a movie and reading a detailed biography before the movie. You know the character intimately before they even enter the main narrative.
The Companion Novel Dilemma
Now, a brief word on Tower of Dawn. This one is a bit of a curveball for many readers. It's often read concurrently with Empire of Storms, or right after it.
Some people prefer to read Empire of Storms, then jump into Tower of Dawn. Others weave them together, alternating chapters or reading them as a pair.
This is where you can really experiment! If you're feeling adventurous, try reading them side-by-side. If you prefer a more linear progression, finishing one before starting the other is perfectly fine.
The key is to remember that both Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn are happening around the same time. They offer different perspectives and move the overall plot forward in significant ways.
Ultimately, the magic of Throne of Glass is in its characters, its world-building, and its sprawling, epic story. No matter which order you choose, you're in for an unforgettable ride.
So, take a deep breath. Pick up that first book. And let Sarah J. Maas whisk you away. Whether you start with the whispers of the past or the roar of the present, your adventure awaits.
Just promise me one thing: embrace the journey. Embrace the tears, the laughter, the sheer epicness of it all. Because that, my friends, is the true order of things.