Sarah J Maas Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most celebrated fantasy authors of the 21st century. Known for creating richly imagined worlds, unforgettable characters, and epic romances, her books have captivated millions of readers around the world.
If you're wondering where to start or how to read Sarah J. Maas's books in order, this guide covers all three of her bestselling series and the recommended reading order for each.
Sarah J. Maas Books by Series
Sarah J. Maas has written three main fantasy series:
- Throne of Glass (ToG)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
- Crescent City (CC)
Each series is set in its own world and can be read independently, however there are multiverse crossovers. We recommend reading them in the above order: ToG first, ACOTAR second, and CC third. Not only does this take you from historical fantasy through to urban fantasy, but allows you to appreciate Maas as a writer as her experience develops.
Throne of Glass (ToG) Order:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin's Blade (a prequel, but reading it third avoids spoilers for the first two books)
- Heir of fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
See the full series here: Throne of Glass Boxset.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
- Sixth book to be released October 2026
- Seventh book to be released January 2027
See the full series here: A Court of Thorns and Roses Boxset.
Crescent City (CC) Order:
See the full series here: Crescent City Boxset.
What should you expect in each series?
Throne of Glass:
- Epic fantasy
- Assassins
- Magic
- Political intrigue
- Long character arcs
A Court of Thorns and Roses:
- Fantasy romance
- Fae courts
- Slow-burn relationships
- Character-driven stories
- Found family
Crescent City:
- Urban fantasy
- Murder mysteries
- Modern settings
- Magical creatures
- Fast-paced action
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to read all of Sarah J. Maas's series?
No. Each series can be enjoyed on its own, although many readers eventually read them all because of the author's immersive storytelling and memorable characters. Since the worlds do eventually crossover, there are sections in the books that may make less sense if you do not already know the characters.
Is Throne of Glass or ACOTAR better?
It depends on what you're looking for. Throne of Glass leans more towards epic fantasy and adventure, while A Court of Thorns and Roses places a stronger emphasis on romance and relationships.
Are Sarah J. Maas's books suitable for young readers?
While Throne of Glass begins as young adult fantasy, later books contain more mature themes. A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City are generally considered adult fantasy and include explicit scenes, violence, and mature content. We would recommend all to be for age 16+ to 18+.
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Whether you're discovering Sarah J. Maas for the first time or planning a reread, following the correct reading order helps you get the most from each series. From epic battles and unforgettable romances to richly developed worlds and iconic characters, her books have earned their place among modern fantasy classics.
No matter which series you begin with, you're in for an unforgettable reading adventure.