From Killer Assassins to Witchy Queens: Welcome to Throne of Glass (Spoiler Free)

Throne of Glass: The Fantasy Series That Broke My TBR List

(No Spoilers, Pinky Promise!)

Like a lot of people, I found myself craving an escape during the pandemic. With so much uncertainty in the world, I turned to something that always brought me comfort my whole life: books! At first, I just wanted something light to pass the time but then I did what any curious, book-hungry person would do... I opened TikTok.

And oh. my. gosh. I fell straight down the rabbit hole of BookTok and I did not come out the same.

Suddenly my FYP was filled with passionate readers talking about enemies-to-lovers, morally gray characters, tropes, and fantasy worlds I had to experience. One series kept popping up over and over again: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Everyone was raving about it. The drama. The magic. The characters. The plot twists. I was intrigued... and slightly intimidated (hello, eight books?!).

But I gave it a shot and let me tell you, it took over my life in the best way. Yes, the series is 8 books. Yes the series is nearly 5,000 pages. Am I telling you to plunge headfirst into it? YES....well only if you want to go on one of the most epic journeys everrrrrrr. Assassins, magic, ancient secrets, impossible choices....it gave everything it promised and more.

Whether you’re new to the world of Erilea or just curious if the hype is real, this spoiler-free review breaks down the vibe of the full series, the ideal reading order, and a favorite quote from each book. I’m keeping it light on details so you can experience the twists, heartbreak, and badassery for yourself because I would give anything to read this series again for the first time and would not want to spoil it for you! 

🔮 Series Overview 

Throne of Glass is a sweeping fantasy saga that follows a deadly assassin with a secret past, set in a richly built world filled with magic, darkness, rebellion, and slow-burning romance. What begins as a tale of survival inside a brutal kingdom expands into a multi-layered epic about freedom, destiny, and identity. Think competition meets court intrigue meets world-ending stakes. 

📖The Great Reading Order Debate

If you’re ready to jump into Throne of Glass, you might have come across a bit of a debate among fans: What’s the “correct” order to read the books in?

Here’s the scoop: The series includes seven main books plus a prequel novella collection called The Assassin’s Blade. And that’s where things get interesting!

Option 1: Publication Order (Most Popular)

Most readers recommend starting with Throne of Glass (the first book published) and continuing through the series in the order the books came out. This way, you experience the story exactly how fans did over the years- discovering the twists and characters alongside everyone else. It also lets you enjoy the character growth and world building as the author intended.

  • Start: Throne of Glass (Book 1)

  • Then continue: Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and Kingdom of Ash

  • Read The Assassin’s Blade anytime after finishing Throne of Glass for extra backstory (but before Queen of Shadows if you're sticking to release order--the prequel was released in 2014. 

Option 2: Chronological Order

Some fans prefer reading the series in chronological story order, beginning with The Assassin’s Blade prequel novellas before jumping into Throne of Glass. This gives you a deeper look at Celaena’s past right off the bat and some extra context before the main events.

  • Start: The Assassin’s Blade (prequel novellas)

  • Then move to Throne of Glass and follow the rest in publication order

Option 3: The Tandem Read

This method mixes things up by reading The Assassin’s Blade novellas in between certain main books — often after the first or second book, so you get a balanced drip of backstory without spoilers flooding the main plot all at once. It’s like unlocking secret side quests as you go!

  • Start: Throne of Glass (Book 1)

  • Then: Crown of Midnight (Book 2)

  • Pause for The Assassin’s Blade novellas

  • Then continue with Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows. Tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, then finish with Kingdom of Ash.

    • Juggling 2 books at one time can be intimidating but bookmarks like these make keeping track of what to read when a breeze!   

🧙‍♀️ Quiz: What Throne of Glass Reading Order Is Right for You?

Grab your sword (or your reading glasses) and find out how you should journey through the world of Erilea!
Keep track of your answers and tally your results at the end!

1. What kind of reader are you?

A. I love to experience books exactly how they were released.
B. I want the full backstory now, please and thank you.
C. I like to mix it up and keep things balanced.

2. How do you feel about prequels?

A. I’ll get to them later — I want to start with the main story.
B. I like to begin at the very beginning, even if it’s technically optional.
C. I love when prequels pop up in the middle and give me juicy secrets.

3. What’s your vibe when reading a series?

A. Classic all the way — give me the OG reader experience.
B. Give me context and character depth ASAP.
C. I like a little adventure and don’t mind jumping around a bit.

4. How important is avoiding confusion to you?

A. Very. I want the story to flow without me overthinking timelines.
B. I don’t mind knowing a bit more than the characters — it adds drama!
C. I can handle a little complexity if the payoff is good.

5. How long are you planning to be emotionally wrecked after this series?

A. A while. I’m pacing myself.
B. Just wreck me now, I’m ready.
C. Wreck me, but like... with strategy.

Tally Your Results:

  • Mostly A’s → Publication Order
    You’re a classic reader who loves letting the story unfold as intended. You’ll enjoy the suspense and mystery that comes with the original reading experience.

  • Mostly B’s → Chronological Order
    You’re here for the deep dive! You want all the context and emotional baggage upfront — give you the big picture right away. Start with The Assassin’s Blade and dive into Celaena’s world with full emotional investment.

  • Mostly C’s → Tandem Read
    You’re the adventurous type who wants the best of both worlds. You love balance, pacing, and secret backstories that hit just right. Mix in The Assassin’s Blade after Book 2 and enjoy the ride!

    *I journeyed through Erilea via Tandem Read and it did not disappoint! whichever path you chose, it'll be a great one!

     


Book-by-Book Summaries

Throne of Glass
A deadly assassin gets a shot at freedom but only if she wins a brutal competition to become the king’s champion. Secrets, danger, and twists await behind every corner.

Crown of Midnight
The game gets even more dangerous as loyalties blur and the assassin faces impossible choices inside the palace walls.

Heir of Fire
New lands, fierce magic, and fresh allies shake everything up. The journey to embrace a hidden destiny begins.

Queen of Shadows
Old rivals return and battles rage. The fight for the throne grows darker and fiercer than ever.

Empire of Storms
War looms. Secrets explode. The kingdom braces for a massive showdown that could change everything.

Tower of Dawn
A powerful side story following a key character on a journey of healing, hope, and unexpected discoveries far from the war.

Kingdom of Ash
The epic finale where fate, sacrifice, and courage collide in a battle that decides the future of the realm.

📖 Epic Quote

📘 Throne of Glass

Quote: “Libraries were full of ideas—perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”

📕 Crown of Midnight

Quote: “I worry because I care. God help me, I care so much I can’t think sometimes.”

📗 Heir of Fire

Quote: “She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.”

📙 Queen of Shadows

Quote: “You make me want to live, not survive.”

📓 Empire of Storms

Quote: “You do not yield.”

📔 Tower of Dawn

Quote: “The world will be saved and remade by the dreamers.”

📕 Kingdom of Ash

Quote: “Live. Fight. Stay alive.”

🌟 The Verdict:

So, is Throne of Glass worth the read?
 Absolutely.
If you’re in the mood for a fierce heroine, found family feels, wild plot twists, and fantasy that actually gets better with every book this one deserves a spot on your shelf. This series is seriously stacked with elite characters and the world building is 😚🤌

Until next time, happy reading from your favorite bookish guinea pig.
🖤 Brittny Tried It

✨ Shop It Here: 

Box Sets: https://amzn.to/3Gcj7VB or https://amzn.to/45uIwUW

Kindle Set:  https://amzn.to/45BOtPU

Individual Books: 

The Assassin's Blade: https://amzn.to/3THAm4d

Throne of Glass: https://amzn.to/4k6XGn5

Crown of Midnight:https://amzn.to/45AG6Ed

Heir of Fire: https://amzn.to/3HUPPeP

Queen of Shadows: https://amzn.to/4neJB9G

Empire of Storms:https://amzn.to/4njNaM0

Tower of Dawn: https://amzn.to/4k6opA5

Kingdom of Ash: https://amzn.to/4napuJX 🫶

Tandem Read Bookmarks:https://amzn.to/4kWAxou

The Throne of Glass Coloring Book: https://amzn.to/3TGbppO

 Kindle Sleeve: https://amzn.to/3Gck14r

Embers of Memory: https://amzn.to/3HRxjE8

*If you use my link, I may earn a small commission—thank you for supporting Brittny Tried It! 💕 

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