Sarah J Maas Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide

Sarah J. Maas is a name synonymous with gripping fantasy, intricate world-building, and unforgettable characters. With her rise to fame as an author of captivating young adult (YA) and adult fantasy, Maas has established herself as a modern master of the genre. Her books are a whirlwind of emotions, rich lore, and multifaceted protagonists, pulling readers into worlds where magic, mystery, and romance collide. For those eager to dive into Maas’ universe, understanding the depth of her works and the proper way to approach them can be the difference between enjoying the journey and feeling lost in the complexity of her expansive storylines.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Sarah J. Maas’ books, explore the recommended reading sequence, examine what makes her series so captivating, and discuss whether it’s truly necessary to read her works in order. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why Maas’ books have captured the imaginations of millions of readers around the world, and how to navigate the labyrinth of her literary creations.

Sarah J Maas Books In Chronological Order

Throne of Glass (2012)	Details
Crown of Midnight (2013)	Details
Heir of Fire (2014)	Details
Queen of Shadows (2015)	Details
Empire of Storms (2016)	Details
Tower of Dawn (2017)	Details
Kingdom of Ash (2018)	Details
A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)	Details
A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)	Details
A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)	Details
A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)	Details
A Court of Silver Flames (2021)	Details

List Of Sarah J Maas Books In Order

1. Throne of Glass (2012)

So, the journey starts with ’Throne of Glass,’ where we meet Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a complicated past who’s in a miserable prison. She gets a shot at freedom, but only if she wins a deadly competition to become the king’s personal assassin. It’s packed with twists, a lot of intense moments, and introduces the world of magic and mystery that will keep you hooked.

2. Crown of Midnight (2013)

In ’Crown of Midnight,’ Celaena’s journey really starts to get wild. After winning the competition, she’s now the king’s assassin, but things aren’t what they seem. She has her own agenda and is secretly taking down corrupt figures, all while dealing with love, loyalty, and a bunch of shocking revelations. This book dives deep into the world’s political intrigue and has some very emotional moments.

3. Heir of Fire (2014)

Things get much more intense in ’Heir of Fire.’ Celaena heads to a completely new place to train, confront her past, and unlock her true potential as a warrior. With new characters, new threats, and a deeper dive into the magical lore of the world, this book ramps things up and throws you into a whirlwind of action and heartbreak.

4. Queen of Shadows (2015)

In ’Queen of Shadows,’ Celaena’s back and ready to take down the corrupt empire that took everything from her. The action is intense, with a reunion with old friends, and she faces new enemies that challenge her in every way possible. We also get a closer look at her character’s growth, her inner conflicts, and some serious romance tensions. This book sets the stage for even bigger confrontations.

5. Empire of Storms (2016)

’Empire of Storms’ is one of those books where everything feels like it’s building toward something epic. Celaena-now fully embracing her true identity as Aelin Galathynius-continues to gather allies and fight to take back her kingdom. This book has political intrigue, battles, a ton of character development, and some jaw-dropping twists. Plus, the stakes are higher than ever before.

6. Tower of Dawn (2017)

’Tower of Dawn’ is a bit of a detour from Aelin’s journey, but it’s such an essential piece of the puzzle. This one follows Chaol Westfall as he journeys to the southern continent for healing after serious injuries. This book brings in new characters, a different perspective, and sets up so many important plot points for the next book. It’s emotional and packed with growth, both personal and political.

7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

The finale of the ’Throne of Glass’ series is nothing short of epic. ’Kingdom of Ash’ wraps up Aelin’s journey and the fight to reclaim her throne. The book is an emotional rollercoaster filled with all the twists, heartbreak, and heroic moments you could ever ask for. Characters face the ultimate battle, with stakes higher than they’ve ever been. The final pages will leave you breathless.

8. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)

This is the start of the ’A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Feyre, a human girl, is thrust into a magical world after killing a faerie in the woods. What follows is a forbidden romance, a dangerous political world, and a whole bunch of magical intrigue. It’s definitely got that Beauty and the Beast vibe, but with a lot more darkness and danger.

9. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)

If you think the first book was intense, wait until you get to ’A Court of Mist and Fury.’ This book delves deeper into Feyre’s trauma, her relationships, and her newfound power. The stakes are higher, the romance is even more complicated, and the world expands in the most epic way. There’s a lot of emotional growth, and let’s just say, the plot takes some unexpected turns that will have your heart racing.

10. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)

In ’A Court of Wings and Ruin,’ Feyre is back, and things are getting even more dangerous. She’s caught up in the chaos of war, dealing with her own inner turmoil, and fighting for those she loves. This one ramps up the action, stakes, and political maneuvering, all while exploring the emotional complexities of love, loss, and loyalty. Get ready for the ultimate battle between fae courts.

11. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)

’A Court of Frost and Starlight’ is more of a bridge book between the war in the third book and the aftermath. It’s quieter, more reflective, and gives a look at the fae courts as they begin to rebuild. You get some heartfelt moments, a bit of healing, and the setup for the next big adventure. It’s a necessary read to tie up loose ends, but also gives you that satisfying closure with your favorite characters.

12. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

This book is all about Nesta, Feyre’s sister, and her journey toward healing after everything she’s been through. She’s struggling, feeling lost, and dealing with some serious trauma. Enter Cassian, who’s there to help her heal, but their chemistry is undeniable, and they get thrown into some wild situations. It’s a mix of emotional growth, romance, and action. Definitely one for fans who want to explore Nesta’s story in more depth.

Overview Of Sarah J Maas Books

Sarah J. Maas’ writing career took off with the publication of Throne of Glass in 2012, marking the beginning of the Throne of Glass series. Since then, Maas has expanded her literary reach with two hugely successful fantasy series: Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). Both series have made an indelible impact on the fantasy genre, blending elements of epic fantasy, high stakes romance, and complex character arcs.

Throne Of Glass Series

The Throne of Glass series follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, an 18-year-old assassin in a corrupt kingdom where magic is outlawed. Initially, Celaena is presented as a skilled yet hardened assassin, but as the series progresses, her story grows into something far more complex, with ties to ancient magic, royal intrigues, and world-altering battles. The series spans multiple books and culminates in Kingdom of Ash, where the fate of the entire realm rests in the hands of its heroes.

The Throne of Glass series is known for its intricate character relationships, political schemes, and Maas’ signature world-building. The growth of the protagonist, Celaena, from a seemingly simple assassin to a multifaceted leader grappling with complex decisions makes this series a rewarding one to follow.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses (ACOTAR) Series

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series began in 2015 with the first book of the same name. It’s a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, becoming entangled with the fae world after killing a wolf in the woods, which turns out to be a fae in disguise. What starts as a simple tale of survival evolves into a vast narrative filled with magic, political intrigue, and complex relationships. Throughout the series, Feyre’s world expands from the enclosed realm of the Spring Court to the intricately developed courts of the fae, exploring themes of power, loyalty, sacrifice, and love.

This series differs in tone from Throne of Glass, focusing more on romance and high fantasy, but it remains a constant feature in Maas’ works-her ability to draw the reader into a world brimming with tension, passion, and danger.

Both series are vast and sprawling, with well-developed supporting characters who bring depth and richness to the storylines. They also feature an underlying theme of discovering one’s true power and identity, often through tremendous personal growth and overcoming obstacles that seem insurmountable.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

Navigating Sarah J. Maas’ books in a structured way can enhance the reader’s experience, particularly because of the sheer volume of content and the interconnections between her different works. The ideal reading order largely depends on whether you wish to dive into each series separately or experience them chronologically as they are written.

For Throne Of Glass

The series begins with Throne of Glass and continues through the following books:

1. Throne of Glass (2012)
2. Crown of Midnight (2013)
3. Heir of Fire (2014)
4. Queen of Shadows (2015)
5. Empire of Storms (2016)
6. Tower of Dawn (2017) – This book is technically a companion novel, focusing on Chaol Westfall’s storyline, and it fits into the series between Empire of Storms and Kingdom of Ash.
7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

The series follows a linear progression, but it is important to note that Tower of Dawn should be read after Empire of Storms due to its close narrative ties.

For A Court Of Thorns And Roses (ACOTAR)

The ACOTAR series has more flexibility in terms of reading order since its later books shift focus to different characters and arcs, but they are still rooted in the same world. The reading order is as follows:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – This novella bridges the events between the third and fourth books.
5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

The ACOTAR series also includes a novella collection (A Court of Thorns and Roses: The Novellas), which includes short stories expanding on side characters and events in the world of the Fae.

Cross-Series Connections

While both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses remain distinct series, there are subtle references and Easter eggs connecting them. Maas fans have speculated about the overlap between the worlds, and reading both series gives you a fuller sense of the expansive worlds Maas has crafted.

What I Enjoy About The Series

What makes Sarah J. Maas’ books so captivating is her ability to craft richly layered worlds with relatable, dynamic characters who evolve throughout the series. Here’s what makes her work stand out:

Complex Characters

Maas excels at creating characters with depth, who experience significant growth over the course of the series. Her protagonists are not perfect, and they wrestle with their flaws and insecurities, making them more relatable. Celaena, for example, begins as a deadly assassin, but as the Throne of Glass series progresses, her understanding of loyalty, love, and leadership matures significantly. Similarly, Feyre in ACOTAR starts as a naive human and transforms into a powerful, complex figure.

Intricate World-Building

Both the Throne of Glass and ACOTAR series are set in expansive, meticulously crafted worlds. Maas is able to create intricate political systems, diverse magical systems, and rich histories that pull readers into the story. Every realm and court feels unique, with its own customs, rules, and power dynamics that make the reader feel as if they’re stepping into a living, breathing world.

Romantic Tension

Romantic relationships in Maas’ books are not simple love stories. They are filled with tension, longing, and emotional depth. Her writing captures the complexities of falling in love-power struggles, sacrifices, misunderstandings, and moments of pure, blissful connection. Whether it’s the love triangle in Throne of Glass or the intense bond between Feyre and Rhysand in ACOTAR, Maas’ relationships add a layer of emotional depth to the fantasy narratives.

Themes Of Power And Identity

Maas explores themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the responsibility that comes with great power. Her characters often grapple with their identities, questioning who they are and what they are capable of. This journey toward self-realization and the acceptance of one’s destiny is a central theme that resonates with readers of all ages.

Is It Important To Read Sarah J Maas Books In Order?

The importance of reading Sarah J. Maas’ books in order depends on the reader’s preferences. For the Throne of Glass series, reading in order is crucial, as the events are deeply interconnected, with each book building on the last. Skipping ahead or reading out of sequence might confuse readers, as plot developments and character arcs progress steadily throughout the series.

For A Court of Thorns and Roses, however, the need to read in order is a little more flexible. While the first three books follow a linear narrative, the later installments focus on different characters and timelines. That being said, reading the series in order will provide the best understanding of character motivations, especially if you are invested in the evolving dynamics between characters like Feyre and Rhysand.