Few authors have had as much of an impact on modern fantasy as Sarah J. Maas. Whether you discovered her through the wildly popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series, the epic journey of Throne of Glass, or the urban fantasy world of Crescent City, chances are you’ve heard readers passionately discussing her books online.
With millions of copies sold worldwide and devoted fan communities on BookTok, Bookstagram, and Goodreads, Sarah J. Maas has become one of the most influential fantasy authors of her generation. Her novels combine magic, romance, political intrigue, unforgettable characters, and expansive world-building that keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
If you’re looking to dive into her work for the first time or want to make sure you’re reading everything in the correct order, this guide covers every Sarah J. Maas book in order.
Who Is Sarah J. Maas?
Sarah J. Maas is the bestselling author behind three major fantasy series:
- Throne of Glass
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
- Crescent City
Her books have sold millions of copies globally and have been translated into dozens of languages. While Throne of Glass began as a young adult fantasy series, her later works have increasingly embraced adult fantasy and romantasy elements, helping define one of the fastest-growing genres in publishing.
Today, Maas is widely considered one of the biggest names in fantasy fiction.
Throne of Glass Books in Order
For many readers, this is where the Sarah J. Maas journey begins. The series follows Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who becomes entangled in a battle that could determine the fate of her entire world.
This series starts as a young adult fantasy but evolves into an epic fantasy adventure filled with political intrigue, magic, war, and character development.
1. The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
This collection of novellas serves as a prequel to the main series and introduces readers to Celaena before the events of Throne of Glass.
Many fans debate whether to read this first or later in the series. Personally, I recommend reading it first because it provides important emotional context for several key storylines.
2. Throne of Glass (2012)
Celaena is pulled from a labor camp and offered a chance at freedom if she can win a competition to become the king’s champion.
What begins as a competition quickly turns into something much darker.
3. Crown of Midnight (2013)
As the king’s assassin, Celaena faces impossible choices that begin reshaping her future and the future of the kingdom.
4. Heir of Fire (2014)
This is where the series truly expands. New characters, new locations, and larger stakes transform the story into a sprawling fantasy epic.
Many readers consider this the point where Throne of Glass becomes exceptional.
5. Queen of Shadows (2015)
Celaena returns home to confront old enemies and reclaim her destiny.
This installment features some of the most satisfying character arcs in the series.
6. Empire of Storms (2016)
The story accelerates as alliances form, secrets emerge, and the battle for the future intensifies.
7. Tower of Dawn (2017)
Unlike previous books, this novel focuses heavily on Chaol Westfall’s journey.
While some readers are tempted to skip it, don’t. Important character development and world-building occur here that directly impact the final book.
8. Kingdom of Ash (2018)
The epic conclusion brings together years of storytelling in a massive finale filled with battles, sacrifices, and emotional moments.
At nearly 1,000 pages, it delivers one of the most ambitious endings in modern fantasy.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Books in Order
If Throne of Glass helped establish Sarah J. Maas as a fantasy author, A Court of Thorns and Roses turned her into a publishing phenomenon.
Inspired by classic fairy tales, this series blends romance and fantasy in a way that helped popularize the romantasy genre.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
Feyre Archeron kills a wolf in the woods and is taken to a magical realm as punishment.
What follows is a story inspired by Beauty and the Beast that quickly evolves into something much larger.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Widely regarded as one of Maas’s best books, this sequel expands the world while delivering one of fantasy’s most beloved character relationships.
Many readers become lifelong fans after reading this installment.
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
War threatens Prythian as Feyre and her allies prepare for a conflict that could change everything.
The scale of the story reaches new heights here.
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
This shorter novel serves as a bridge between major story arcs.
Think of it as a holiday special mixed with an epilogue.
5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
The spotlight shifts to Nesta Archeron, one of the most divisive and fascinating characters in the series.
Her journey of healing and self-discovery makes this one of the most emotionally powerful books Maas has written.
Upcoming ACOTAR Books
Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that additional books in the series are planned, though publication dates have not yet been announced.
Because of the series’ immense popularity, future installments are among the most anticipated fantasy releases in publishing.
Crescent City Books in Order
For readers looking for a more adult fantasy series, Crescent City offers a modern setting filled with magic, mystery, and unforgettable characters.
The series combines urban fantasy, romance, crime investigation, and epic fantasy elements.
1. House of Earth and Blood (2020)
Bryce Quinlan’s life changes forever after a devastating tragedy rocks Crescent City.
As she investigates what happened, she uncovers secrets that threaten the entire city.
This book starts slowly but rewards patient readers with one of the most memorable finales in fantasy.
2. House of Sky and Breath (2022)
The story expands dramatically as new threats emerge and shocking revelations reshape everything readers thought they knew.
3. House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
The third installment continues Bryce’s story while connecting larger threads across Maas’s fantasy universe.
Longtime fans will find plenty to discuss after finishing this one.
Should You Read Sarah J. Maas’s Series in a Specific Order?
One of the most common questions readers ask is whether they should read all of Sarah J. Maas’s books in publication order.
The good news is that each series can be enjoyed independently.
Recommended Reading Order for New Readers
If you’re completely new to Sarah J. Maas, I recommend:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- Continue the ACOTAR series
- Throne of Glass series
- Crescent City series
The reason is simple: ACOTAR is the most accessible entry point and often serves as the gateway that introduces readers to Maas’s writing style.
If you prefer traditional epic fantasy over romance, however, starting with Throne of Glass may be the better choice.
Which Sarah J. Maas Series Is the Best?
This answer depends on what type of fantasy you enjoy.
Read Throne of Glass If You Want:
- Epic fantasy
- Large casts of characters
- Political intrigue
- Long character arcs
- Massive world-building
Read ACOTAR If You Want:
- Romance-driven fantasy
- Memorable relationships
- Fast-paced storytelling
- Magical courts and fae politics
- BookTok favorites
Read Crescent City If You Want:
- Urban fantasy
- Mystery elements
- Adult characters
- Modern settings mixed with magic
- Connected fantasy universes
For me, Throne of Glass remains Sarah J. Maas’s strongest achievement. The growth of Celaena’s story from a relatively straightforward fantasy adventure into a sprawling epic is impressive, and the payoff in the later books makes the journey worthwhile.
Final Thoughts on Sarah J. Maas Books in Order
Sarah J. Maas has built one of the most successful fantasy franchises of the modern era. Whether you’re interested in assassins battling dark forces, fae courts filled with intrigue, or magical cities hiding dangerous secrets, her books offer something for nearly every fantasy reader.
The best part is that there isn’t a wrong place to start. Each series showcases a different side of Maas’s storytelling while maintaining the compelling characters, emotional depth, and high-stakes adventures that have made her a favorite among fantasy readers.
If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, following this Sarah J. Maas reading order is the perfect place to begin. Just be prepared—you may find yourself adding a dozen books to your reading list before you’re finished.
Sarah J. Maas’s worlds have captivated millions of readers, and once you step into them, it’s easy to see why.
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