Throne of Glass

There are two main ways to read the Throne of Glass series. The most common way is the publication order, which is also what the publisher recommends.

Here's the publication order:

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. The Assassin's Blade
4. Heir of Fire
5. Queen of Shadows
6. Empire of Storms
7. Tower of Dawn
8. Kingdom of Ash

A big question is where to put The Assassin's Blade. It's a prequel collection, so its events happen first, chronologically. But many readers suggest saving it for third, right after Crown of Midnight. That way, you avoid spoilers for the earlier books.

Some people also "tandem read" Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Those two books happen at the same time, and you can look up a chapter-by-chapter guide to read them together. But that's optional and not for everyone.

So, for a straightforward first read, stick to the publication order above. It's the safest and most common choice.

There are seven main books in the Throne of Glass series. There's also one prequel novella, The Assassin's Blade.

So you'll see people call it an eight-book series when you count the novella.

Here's the order:

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. Heir of Fire
4. Queen of Shadows
5. Empire of Storms
6. Tower of Dawn
7. Kingdom of Ash

You can read The Assassin's Blade first, or later on—it's up to you. It's a collection of prequel stories.

It really depends on what you want. Throne of Glass leans more epic fantasy. You get assassins, battles, politics, and a big world. The plot builds a lot over the series, and many readers think it sticks the landing better.

A Court of Thorns and Roses leans more romantasy. It's heavy on fae courts, romance, and spice. The emotional pull is huge, and it's easier to binge. But some readers find the later books messy.

So if you want plot and a badass heroine, Throne of Glass might win. If you want romance and court drama, ACOTAR is probably your pick. Neither is objectively better—just different flavors.

Yeah, it's worth reading—especially if you like fantasy with a badass heroine. The first book is a bit rough around the edges, but the series gets way better as it goes. Celaena is fun to follow, and the world opens up in a big way. If you stick with it, you'll get epic battles, magic, and a lot of emotional twists.

But it's not perfect. Some people find Celaena too arrogant at first, and the romance can feel a bit dramatic. Also, the series is long, so it's a commitment. Still, most fans say it's worth it. If you like strong characters and a story that grows, give it a shot.

So, Throne of Glass is about an 18-year-old assassin named Celaena Sardothien. She’s been a slave in a brutal salt mine for a year. Then the Crown Prince offers her a deal: if she wins a deadly competition against other killers, she’ll earn her freedom.

She goes to the capital to compete, but she hates the royal family because the King murdered her own family. While she’s there, she gets close to two very different men: the Crown Prince, Dorian, and the Captain of the Guard, Chaol. But then contestants start dying in gruesome, mysterious ways. Celaena’s fight for freedom turns into a fight for survival, and she has to figure out what evil is lurking in the castle before it gets her too.