The Ultimate 2025 Throne Of Glass Reading Order: Chronological Vs. Author's Recommendation (And The Secret Tandem Read)
Welcome to the definitive guide for navigating the epic, high-stakes world of Sarah J. Maas’s *Throne of Glass* series. As of December 21, 2025, the series is complete, but the question of the "correct" reading order remains a passionate debate among the fandom. This article cuts through the confusion, providing you with the author’s official recommendation, the full chronological path, and the essential secret to reading the mid-series twist: the infamous tandem read.
Whether you are a new reader diving into the story of Celaena Sardothien, the most feared assassin in Adarlan, or a veteran looking for a definitive re-read path, understanding the different orders is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment. The choice between publication order and chronological order drastically changes the pacing, emotional impact, and reveal of key plot points, particularly concerning the prequel, *The Assassin's Blade*.
The Complete Throne of Glass Series Book List (8 Entities)
The *Throne of Glass* universe is comprised of seven full-length novels and one collection of novellas, *The Assassin's Blade*. Here is the complete list of all eight major installments, which serve as the foundation for any reading order you choose:
- Book 1: Throne of Glass (Published: 2012)
- Book 2: Crown of Midnight (Published: 2013)
- Prequel Novellas: The Assassin's Blade (Published: 2014)
- Book 3: Heir of Fire (Published: 2014)
- Book 4: Queen of Shadows (Published: 2015)
- Book 5: Empire of Storms (Published: 2016)
- Book 6: Tower of Dawn (Published: 2017)
- Book 7: Kingdom of Ash (Published: 2018)
Reading Order #1: The Official Author's Recommendation (Publication Order)
The most widely accepted and officially recommended reading order—the one designed by Sarah J. Maas herself—is the Publication Order. This method is generally considered the best for first-time readers because it preserves the intended mystery and emotional impact of the main character’s journey.
Why Choose the Author's Recommended Order? (3 Entities)
This order is structured to introduce you to Celaena Sardothien as the enigmatic, famous assassin who has been captured and brought to the glass castle of Adarlan. The prequel, *The Assassin's Blade*, is strategically placed after *Crown of Midnight* to deliver a massive emotional gut-punch and provide crucial context just before the series' major turning point in *Heir of Fire*.
Pros:
- Preserves Mystery: You experience the reveals about Celaena’s past, her true identity, and her relationships with characters like Sam Cortland and Arobynn Hamel exactly as the author intended.
- Best Pacing: The emotional stakes are higher when you read the prequel after you've already grown attached to the main character in the first two books.
- Flows into the Main Arc: The events of *The Assassin's Blade* directly lead into the character development and world-building that explode in *Heir of Fire*.
The Official Publication Reading Order:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin's Blade (The Prequel Novellas)
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash (The Grand Finale)
Reading Order #2: The Chronological Order
The Chronological Order is straightforward: you read the books in the order the events occur within the timeline of the world of Erilea. This means starting with the prequel collection, *The Assassin's Blade*, as it details Celaena's life before she is captured by Crown Prince Dorian Havilliard and Captain Chaol Westfall.
Why Choose the Chronological Order? (3 Entities)
While not the author's preferred method for a first read, some readers prefer this path because it offers a more complete picture of the protagonist from the very beginning. It allows you to understand the full weight of Celaena's trauma, her skills as the King's Champion, and her relationships with other key players like Lysandra and Manon Blackbeak before the main story even begins.
Pros:
- Deeper Context: You immediately understand the origins of Celaena's skills, her emotional baggage, and her connection to the greater world of Terrasen and Wendlyn.
- Smoother Character Arc: The transition from the prequel to *Throne of Glass* feels like a natural continuation of her life story, rather than a flashback.
- World-Building First: You get a comprehensive introduction to the political landscape, the terrifying Valg, and the magic system early on.
The Full Chronological Reading Order:
- The Assassin's Blade (Prequel)
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
The Essential Mid-Series Debate: The Tandem Read
Regardless of whether you choose the Publication or Chronological path, you will eventually reach the point in the series where the narrative splits into two simultaneous storylines: *Empire of Storms* (Book 5) and *Tower of Dawn* (Book 6).
In *Empire of Storms* (EOS), the main plot continues with Celaena Sardothien (Aelin Galathynius) and her court as they prepare for the ultimate war against the King of Adarlan and the dark forces threatening Erilea. Simultaneously, *Tower of Dawn* (TOD) follows the journey of Chaol Westfall and Yrene Towers as they travel to Antica to seek healing and form crucial alliances with the Khaganate.
Reading one book after the other means a massive, jarring shift in perspective and a huge cliffhanger in the first book that won't be resolved until the end of the second. The solution is the Tandem Read.
What is the Throne of Glass Tandem Read? (5 Entities)
The Tandem Read is a method where you read specific, alternating chapters of *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn* together. This keeps the two storylines moving in parallel, exactly as they are occurring chronologically in the world. It maintains the overall story's momentum, prevents the loss of tension from the EOS cliffhanger, and ensures a smoother transition into the final book, *Kingdom of Ash* (KOA).
While the prospect of juggling two books may seem daunting, countless readers agree it is the superior method for experiencing the narrative. You will need a detailed, chapter-by-chapter guide to execute the tandem read successfully, which are widely available online. This is the only way to fully appreciate the simultaneous political maneuvering, character development, and romantic tension happening across the vast continent.
The Tandem Read Placement:
- Empire of Storms AND Tower of Dawn (Read Together)
- Kingdom of Ash
Final Verdict: Which Reading Order is Best for You? (7 Entities)
The "best" reading order ultimately comes down to your personal preference as a reader, but here is a quick summary to help you decide on your journey through this epic Young Adult (YA) fantasy series, often praised for its complex characters, intricate plot, and powerful themes of sacrifice and redemption.
- For the Emotional Impact Reader: Choose the Publication Order. The reveal of Celaena's past in *The Assassin's Blade* is a devastating, perfectly timed emotional blow that elevates the stakes for *Heir of Fire*. This is the author’s preferred method and the most popular choice among the fandom.
- For the Lore and Context Reader: Choose the Chronological Order. If you value understanding the protagonist's full backstory, including her time with the King of the Assassins and her relationship with the Pirate Lord, before the main events unfold, this is your path. It offers immediate clarity on her motives.
- For EVERY Reader: ALWAYS perform the Tandem Read of *Empire of Storms* and *Tower of Dawn*. Skipping this step will severely diminish the impact of the series' climax.
No matter which order you choose, you are embarking on a magnificent journey into a world of magic, Fae, witches, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters like Rowan Whitethorn, Dorian Havilliard, and Manon Blackbeak. Prepare for a story that is rich in lore, brutal in its action, and deeply rewarding in its conclusion.
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