The Ultimate Guide to Sarah J. Maas Books Reading Order
Curious about the best order to read Sarah J. Maas books? You may not have cracked open one of her spellbinding tomes just yet, but chances are, you’re searching for your next best book to read. Welcome to the universe where every page turn is a leap into the unknown, filled with heart-throbbing romance, nail-biting action, and characters so real you’ll wish they were your BFFs! I’m thrilled to unfurl the ultimate Sarah J. Maas books reading order so you can have the best Maasverse reading experience.
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Publishing Order
Prepare to be regaled with tales so immersive, you’ll find yourself lost in the depths of fantastical realms, forging bonds with characters who become as dear as old friends. But, before we get all lost in the magic (and trust me, it’s easy to) and give you the best reading order of Sarah J. Maas’s books, let’s talk publishing order, because, sometimes you just wanna see how her brain evolved, right?
1. Throne of Glass Series
Did you know that “Throne of Glass,” the book that catapulted Sarah J. Maas into the spotlight, first hit the shelves in August 2012? It wasn’t just any debut; it swooped right into the hearts of readers everywhere and snagged a nomination for the Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction that very year.
But there’s more to this epic saga. The journey through the kingdom didn’t end until October 2018, with the series wrapping up after seven spellbinding books. And here’s a little nugget of inspiration for you: Sarah J. Maas started penning the drafts of what would become her debut novel when she was just 16 years old. Imagine that—a world so vast and characters so beloved, all starting from the imagination of a teenager. Truly, the beginnings of what would become a monumental series in YA fantasy.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses
Did you hear about how “A Court of Thorns and Roses” gives a whole new twist to the classic “Beauty and the Beast” story? Yep, it was releashed in May 2015, and let me tell you, it was not just your ordinary retelling. Sarah J. Maas threw in a curveball that caught everyone by surprise, weaving magic, mystery, and a touch of beautiful darkness (*wink*) into the beloved tale.
And guess what? It wasn’t just the readers who were spellbound. The book clinched a spot as a Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy& science Fiction on 20215, proving it was a hit right out of the gate.
But the story doesn’t end there. Thanks to its roaring success and the undeniable charm of its world and side characters, the series was destined to grow. Fans, hungry for more, were thrilled when a spin-off series was announced. It’s like the universe heard our pleas for more adventures, more romance, and, let’s be honest, more of those characters we just can’t get enough of.
So, in came “A Court of Silver Flames” in February 2021, the fifth book in the series, the first to dive into the spin-offs. It was like a dream come true for fans, offering a deep dive into the lives and loves of the beloved side characters. Because, really, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to lose themselves in the stories of their favorite characters all over again?
3. Crescent City Series
It’s the newest gem in her dazzling crown, and it has taken the world by storm, just as we all expected! Winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Fantasy in 2020, this book series marked its grand entrance in March 2020, and it was nothing short of spectacular. But here’s the kicker—it’s her first foray into adult fantasy.
This series isn’t just a new set of books; it’s a whole new playground for Maas, where she’s unfurling her magic in the realm of adult fantasy. The anticipation was sky-high, and believe me, it delivered on every front. The depth, the darkness, the twists—it’s all there, wrapped up in that signature Maas enchantment that we’ve all come to love and yearn for. So, if you haven’t dived into this one yet, you’re in for an absolute treat.
Suggested Order to Read Sarah J. Maas Books
I’m sure you’ve heard debates over the best way to tackle Sarah J. Maas’s books. Here’s where I put on my cool big sister hat and tell you that if you’re up for a bit of a twist in your journey, if you want the joy, the gasps, and the “Aha!” moments of recognizing cameos and connecting dots across series, then honey, have I got the reading order for you:
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 1-3
Meet Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress whose journey you won’t be able to resist following. Sarah J. Maas doesn’t just invite you into the mythical world of Prythian; she grabs your hand and pulls you in, into a realm so vivid and enchanting, you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay forever.
And oh, the characters you’ll meet! Some of the most beloved, not to mention powerful, figures in the Maas Universe make their grand entrance, captivating your heart and imagination. What I absolutely adore about Sarah J. Maas’s storytelling is the way she weaves the bonds of solid friendship, unyielding loyalty, and awe-inspiring character growth, all while sprinkling in just the right amount of spice and a generous dose of humor (especially in books 2-3).
It’s a cocktail of elements that makes for an unforgettable reading experience, one where laughter and camaraderie light up the pages, making every moment spent in Prythian a treasure.
Read these first three books to help you get started with the rest of the series.
Mamon & Dorian
Throne of Glass
Jumping into “Throne of Glass” can feel like navigating a maze with all its complex world-building—it’s no walk in the park, let me tell you. It’s almost like you need a warm-up session before tackling it, and diving into “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) first is like that perfect stretch. It eases you into Sarah J. Maas’s universe, prepping you for the marathon ahead. And, honestly, “Throne of Glass” demands a bit of patience at the start, but trust me, it’s like investing in a slow-burn stock; the payoff is immense.
I get it, there were moments, especially around book 3, where I was this close to calling it quits. But then, the collective wisdom of countless forum dwellers (bless their souls) urged me to press on. And boy, am I glad I listened! It’s one of those series that blossoms beautifully, and once you’re in deep, you’re hooked for life.
Now, if you’re itching for that top-tier Sarah J. Maas experience with “Throne of Glass” (TOG), I’ve got you. Below, you’ll find my handpicked Throne of Glass Series reading order, tailored to enhance your journey through this intricate tapestry of storytelling. Diving into TOG after ACOTAR not only makes the climb smoother but lays out the grandeur of Maas’s universe in full, vibrant color. So, ready to see how all these series weave into the mesmerizing universe of Maas?
Let’s dive in, and trust me, it’s a plunge worth taking.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 4-5
Why the suggestion to pause before diving into books 4 and 5, you ask?
Well, it’s all about the timeline and how the stories unfold—sort of like watching a TV series in the right order to get the full effect of those plot twists and character arcs. But hey, if you’re the type to binge your way through a series, soaking in every detail in one epic marathon, then by all means, go for it!
Reading the entire ACOTAR series in one go won’t lessen the magic one bit. In fact, you might find that immersing yourself fully in the world without pause keeps the enchantment alive, making every discovery and every “AHA” moment even more thrilling.
So, if you’re ready to dive headfirst into the adventure and experience the full spectrum of Maas’s magic in one continuous flow, you’re in for an unforgettable ride.
Crescent City
Ah, the tale of Bryce Quinlan, our unforgettable party girl. Diving into her story in “Crescent City” might give you a bit of déjà vu from “Throne of Glass” at the start, with a whirlwind of world-building that feels like it’s coming at you all at once. Yes, those first few chapters? They can feel like you’re trying to drink from a firehose with all the information being thrown your way. But, hey, this is Sarah J. Maas’s playground we’re talking about—she’s the queen of crafting intricate worlds and complex stories that you eventually can’t help but fall head over heels in love with.
And just like the enchanting journey through “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” “Crescent City” brings its own flavor of fun characters, the kind of deep, meaningful friendships that warm your heart, laugh-out-loud banter, and romances that make you swoon so hard you might just need a minute.
Maas has this knack, you see, for taking you on a rollercoaster that starts with a “What in the world is happening?” and ends with a “I never want to leave.” So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed at the start, just hold on tight—because once you get past the initial information avalanche, you’re in for a story of friendship, hilarity, and love that only Sarah J. Maas could spin.
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Throne of Glass Reading Order
“Throne of Glass” isn’t just a series; it’s an odyssey, complete with its own epic backstories. Hence, the existence of those six juicy novellas. Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret: while each novella adds layers to the world, you don’t need to devour all of them to get the gist of the main storyline.
However, do yourself a favor and at least sink your teeth into “The Assassin’s Blade” novella. Trust me, it’s a treasure trove of prequels, characters, and locations that will pop up later in the series and make you go, “Aha!”
First things first, let’s lay down the publication order for those who love to see how the story unfolded in real-time:
But, for the adventurers who want the inside scoop on the best way to tackle this behemoth series, here’s the suggested reading order that’ll give you the smoothest, most enriching journey through the saga:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Assassin’s Blade (Yep, here’s where you dive into the backstory goldmine.)
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms | Tower of Dawn (These babies unfold simultaneously, but trust me, read Empire of Storms first to keep the flow.)
- Kingdom of Ash
A quick note on “Empire of Storms” and “Tower of Dawn”: they might be happening at the same time, but “Tower of Dawn” is like a side quest—essential, exciting, but set in a whole new world with a bunch of new faces. So, if you’re bingeing, make sure “Empire of Storms” is your priority. It sets the stage for everything that follows, while “Tower of Dawn” gives you that extra depth and perspective.
Wrapping Up with a Bow
Getting to the end of this little guide, I’m buzzing with excitement for you! The world of Sarah J. Maas is a landscape ripe for exploration, and I just know you’re going to fall head over heels for the characters, the twists, and the sheer magic of it all. Welcome to the fandom in advance; we’re so lucky to have you! Here’s to many late nights under the covers, flashlight in hand, and to the countless adventures that await you. May you love these stories as deeply as I do, and here’s to the memories you’re about to make. Happy reading!
There you have it, our Ultimate Guide to Sarah J. Maas Books Reading Order. Looking for more book recommendations?
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