What Order Do I Read Sarah J Maas Books
So, you've heard the whispers, the excited gasps, the slightly dramatic sighs of book lovers everywhere. You've been told about Sarah J. Maas, the author who can weave tales so enchanting, so addictive, that you'll forget to eat, sleep, or possibly even blink. And now, you're standing at the literary crossroads, wondering: "Where do I even begin with this magical, messy, magnificent world?" Fear not, fellow adventurer, for I'm here to be your slightly-too-enthusiastic guide.
Let's break it down, shall we? Imagine Sarah J. Maas's universe as a sprawling, interconnected theme park. Each series is like a different thrilling ride, but they all share a certain sparkle and, occasionally, a familiar character might pop up for a surprise cameo. It's less about a strict timeline and more about diving into one awesome world before hopping to the next, or perhaps revisiting a beloved friend.
Most folks like to start with A Court of Thorns and Roses, or as we affectionately call it, ACOTAR. Think of this as the grand entrance to the park. It's a fairy tale, but with way more teeth, very little singing with woodland creatures (unless they're trying to eat you), and a whole lot of complicated feelings. You'll meet Feyre, a young woman who's basically a professional at making tough choices, and Rhysand, a High Lord who’s as dangerous as he is… well, let’s just say charming is an understatement.
ACOTAR introduces you to the magical land of Prythian, a place filled with different fae courts, each with their own vibe. You've got the terrifyingly beautiful Night Court, the ancient and wise Spring Court, and several others, all with their own secrets and schemes. It’s a journey of survival, of finding your inner strength, and maybe, just maybe, falling head over heels for a brooding, powerful male who has a surprisingly soft spot.
Once you've devoured the first book and are desperate for more, you'll move onto A Court of Mist and Fury. This is where things really start to get juicy. If the first book was a tense walk in a beautiful, dangerous forest, this one is like a rollercoaster that takes you to the very top and then whooshes you down with incredible speed. Your heart will race, your breath will catch, and you might even find yourself yelling at the pages.
The characters in ACOTAR aren't just cardboard cutouts; they feel like real people, with flaws and fears and incredibly loud inner monologues. You'll root for them, you'll cry with them, and you’ll probably develop an unhealthy obsession with certain friendships. The found family aspect in this series is truly something special, and you’ll find yourself wishing you were part of their inner circle.
After A Court of Mist and Fury, the order is pretty straightforward: A Court of Wings and Ruin, then A Court of Frost and Starlight, and finally, the latest installment, A Court of Silver Flames. Each book takes the stakes higher and the emotional journey deeper. You'll witness epic battles, heartbreaking sacrifices, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy that will make you want to reread the entire series immediately.
Now, some of you might be asking, "But what about that other series? The one with the assassins and the magic?" Ah, yes, you're thinking of Throne of Glass. This is another fantastic gateway into the SJM universe, and honestly, you can read this one completely independently of ACOTAR. Many people start with Throne of Glass and fall just as hard.
Imagine a deadly assassin, Celaena Sardothien, who’s as sharp with her wit as she is with her blades. She’s forced into a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion. It’s a world of political intrigue, forbidden magic, and a simmering romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This series is all about proving everyone wrong, about finding your power, and about fighting for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you.
The Throne of Glass series is a slow burn of epic proportions. You'll see Celaena grow from a hardened criminal into something so much more. The friendships she forms are fierce and loyal, and the enemies she makes are truly terrifying. It’s a story that spans kingdoms and continents, filled with ancient prophecies and world-altering events.
The order for Throne of Glass is: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, and the concluding books, Tower of Dawn and Kingdom of Ash. Yes, I know, it looks like a lot, but trust me, each book is a self-contained adventure that builds upon the last. And when you reach the end… well, let’s just say there will be tears. Happy ones, sad ones, and probably a few from pure, overwhelming emotion.
Now for the really fun part: the connections! Sarah J. Maas is a master of weaving her worlds together. While ACOTAR and Throne of Glass are separate series, there are subtle nods and shared universe elements that will make you squeal with delight. You might notice a familiar phrase, a shared legend, or even a fleeting mention of a character from another world.
For instance, in A Court of Wings and Ruin, you might find a moment that subtly hints at something happening in the Throne of Glass world. It's like finding a secret Easter egg in your favorite video game, but with more dragons and fae. These connections are not essential to understanding either series, but they add an extra layer of joy and wonder to the reading experience.
Some readers like to read one series completely before diving into the other. Others prefer to intersperse them. For example, you could read ACOTAR, then Throne of Glass, then ACOMAF, and so on. There's no wrong way to do it! Think of it as a buffet of awesomeness; you can pick and choose what you want, in the order that makes your reader heart sing.
My personal (and completely unofficial) advice? Dive into ACOTAR first. The modern fairy tale vibe is incredibly welcoming and immediately draws you in. Then, once you’re hooked on the fae, jump over to Throne of Glass and experience a different kind of magic. You’ll get to see the evolution of Sarah J. Maas's writing, from her earlier, more straightforward storytelling to the intricate, layered narratives she crafts today.
And for the truly adventurous, there’s the newest series, Crescent City. This is a whole new ballgame, set in a modern, urban fantasy world with witches and shape-shifters and so much more. It’s a departure from the fae and fairy tales, but it has that same signature SJM blend of high stakes, complex characters, and a romance that will make your toes curl. You can absolutely read this series on its own, too!
The Crescent City books, starting with House of Earth and Blood, then House of Sky and Breath, and the upcoming House of Flame and Shadow, are a whole different flavor of fantastic. Imagine a detective story mixed with a paranormal investigation, all set against a backdrop of glittering cities and shadowy secrets. Bryce Quinlan, the protagonist, is a whirlwind of chaos and determination, and Hunt Athalar is the brooding angel you never knew you needed.
Here’s the kicker: at the very end of the Crescent City series, Sarah J. Maas has started to weave in connections to her other worlds! So, while you can read it standalone, if you’ve already dipped your toes into the fae worlds, you’ll get an extra thrill when those little Easter eggs start appearing. It’s like getting a bonus chapter of your favorite saga.
Ultimately, the "order" is more of a suggestion than a rule. The most important thing is to pick up a book that calls to you. Do you love the idea of a dark fairy tale? Start with ACOTAR. Are you drawn to fierce heroines and epic quests? Pick up Throne of Glass. Craving a modern, urban fantasy thrill? Crescent City awaits!.
Don't stress too much about the perfect chronological order. Sarah J. Maas's books are meant to be savored, enjoyed, and perhaps obsessed over. The joy is in the journey, in the characters you meet, and in the worlds you get to explore. So grab a blanket, a cozy drink, and prepare to be swept away. Happy reading, and may your TBR pile grow ever taller!