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

In the world of modern fantasy literature, few authors have captured the attention and hearts of readers as swiftly and powerfully as Sarah J. Maas. Known for her rich world-building, compelling characters, and intricate plots, Maas has become a name synonymous with bestselling fantasy fiction. With the rise of her Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series, her work has created a dedicated fan base that spans across the globe. But with the complexity and interconnectedness of her works, it can be daunting to approach her books, especially for new readers. How should you dive into her expansive worlds? Should you follow a particular reading order? And what is it about these books that makes them so enticing? These are some of the questions I will address in this exploration of Sarah J. Maas’ work, focusing not only on the recommended reading sequence but also the allure of her storytelling.

Sarah 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 Maas Books In Order

1. Throne of Glass (2012)

Okay, so Throne of Glass is where it all starts. Meet Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who’s been in a brutal prison for over a year. The King’s Champion has a deal for her: fight in a deadly competition to become the King’s assassin, or stay rotting in that dungeon forever. As she navigates through this deadly game, alliances are tested, and the stakes are higher than she could’ve ever imagined. This one kicks off a series that’ll keep you hooked on magic, intrigue, and of course, some serious action!

2. Crown of Midnight (2013)

In Crown of Midnight, Celaena has won the King’s competition, but don’t think that means she’s all settled in. Now she’s the King’s assassin, and things are darker than ever. She’s got secrets to uncover, enemies lurking everywhere, and a forbidden romance stirring things up. There’s so much more at play, and if you’re into strong characters, plot twists, and some serious world-building, you’re in for a treat!

3. Heir of Fire (2014)

If you thought Celaena had seen the worst in the first two books, Heir of Fire will prove you wrong. After a huge betrayal, she heads to a new land to confront her past and unlock even deeper powers. This book dives into her emotional journey, the discovery of her true identity, and the formation of some important alliances. Oh, and let’s not forget the thrilling new characters that get introduced – you’ll be rooting for and against them in no time.

4. Queen of Shadows (2015)

In Queen of Shadows, Celaena is back, but she’s no longer the same person we met in book one. With her true name revealed and her destiny hanging in the balance, she’s on a mission to take down the tyrant king, but not without making a lot of enemies along the way. Secrets are revealed, and the action ramps up to a whole new level. If you love fierce heroines, unexpected twists, and epic battles, this one will have you turning pages faster than you can blink.

5. Empire of Storms (2016)

Empire of Storms is the one where everything starts to come together. Alliances are formed, battles are fought, and the stakes are higher than ever. The power struggles intensify as Celaena and her team fight to reclaim their kingdoms from a supernatural enemy. Old and new characters continue to surprise you, and the entire world feels like it’s on the brink of an epic war. Prepare yourself for a whole lot of character development and jaw-dropping moments!

6. Tower of Dawn (2017)

Okay, now here’s the curveball in the series. Tower of Dawn shifts focus away from Celaena to Chaol Westfall, who’s recovering after a life-altering injury. While Celaena’s dealing with her own battles, Chaol embarks on his own journey to heal and confront some of his past demons. Along the way, we get more world-building, a different perspective on the war brewing, and a fresh set of characters you’ll start to care about deeply. It’s a slower burn compared to other books, but it’s crucial to the overall plot!

7. Kingdom of Ash (2018)

This is it. The final battle, the epic conclusion to everything that’s been building throughout the series. Kingdom of Ash takes everything to the extreme – characters fight, love, and sacrifice for what’s right. The stakes? Impossible. The final showdowns? Unforgettable. Maas wraps up the fates of all our beloved characters with plenty of action, emotion, and twists that you won’t see coming. It’s a satisfying, yet gut-wrenching, conclusion to a series that has become a defining fantasy epic.

8. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)

A Court of Thorns and Roses is Sarah J. Maas’ take on Beauty and the Beast, but it’s way darker. Feyre, a mortal girl, ends up trapped in a magical realm ruled by Fae after killing a faerie in the forest. As she’s forced to stay in this strange land, she discovers its hidden dangers, a love that could change everything, and the threat of an ancient curse. It’s a totally different vibe from Throne of Glass, but if you love romance, danger, and magical intrigue, this book will pull you in.

9. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)

In A Court of Mist and Fury, Feyre is still dealing with the trauma of everything that went down in book one, and things are about to get even messier. There’s new magic, more political intrigue, and some complicated relationships that make things all the more intense. Feyre’s growth as a character is incredible here, and the romantic drama? Whew, it’s going to have you torn between characters. If you’re a fan of high stakes and unpredictable twists, this one has it all.

10. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)

A Court of Wings and Ruin takes the story into full war mode. Feyre’s trying to balance her alliances and fight a war that could change everything. There are epic battles, heart-wrenching sacrifices, and a lot of shocking moments that’ll make you cheer, cry, and keep turning pages. If you’ve been invested in the world of the Fae, you’re going to want to see how everything unfolds in this thrilling, emotional conclusion to the trilogy.

11. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)

This one is like a breather after the chaos of A Court of Wings and Ruin. A Court of Frost and Starlight is a novella that focuses on the aftermath of the war and the rebuilding that follows. It’s a bit lighter than the other books, but it’s still packed with emotional depth and offers a glimpse of what’s next for our beloved characters. It’s short, sweet, and sets the stage for the next phase of the series.

12. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

In A Court of Silver Flames, we focus on Nesta, Feyre’s sister, and her journey to heal after the trauma she’s been through. There’s healing, there’s romance, and there’s a lot of character growth, making this book a must-read for fans who want to see how the side characters fare after everything that went down in the original trilogy. And, of course, there’s plenty of action and magic to keep you hooked. It’s like the next chapter for the entire Fae world, and it’ll keep you craving more!

Overview Of Sarah Maas Books

Sarah J. Maas made her literary debut with Throne of Glass, a series that follows Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin with a tragic past, as she navigates a perilous world filled with magic, betrayal, and political intrigue. The series, which spans multiple books, explores themes of identity, resilience, and the struggle between fate and free will. The characters Maas creates are multidimensional, and her plots are driven by both personal stakes and grand political machinations.

Maas later ventured into a different kind of fantasy with A Court of Thorns and Roses, which combines elements of Beauty and the Beast with a darker, more dangerous fae world. Here, Maas crafts a tale of love, sacrifice, and the fight for survival amidst supernatural creatures. The world of Prythian is rich in lore, and it is populated by complex characters with intricate motivations, offering a deep exploration of power, trauma, and healing. The series’ popularity has led to multiple spinoffs, deepening its lore and expanding Maas’ universe even further.

Beyond these two primary series, Maas has written novellas and spin-off stories that provide additional context to her primary works. Her books are filled with breathtaking twists, emotional character arcs, and relationships that keep readers invested long after the last page. Maas’ writing is often praised for its emotional depth, character-driven stories, and powerful world-building. But with multiple books, novellas, and companion stories, it can be difficult to know where to begin-or what to read next.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

The question of whether to read Sarah J. Maas’ books in order is one that many readers grapple with, especially those new to her work. Both of Maas’ primary series, Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, contain multiple books and spinoffs, and knowing the most satisfying order to read them can elevate the experience. Let’s break down the recommended sequences for both series.

Throne Of Glass Series

The Throne of Glass series consists of seven main books and several novellas, each contributing to the overarching plot and character development.

1. Throne of Glass
2. Crown of Midnight
3. Heir of Fire
4. Queen of Shadows
5. Empire of Storms
6. Tower of Dawn (This is a companion novel that takes place simultaneously with Empire of Storms. It’s important to read it at this point to maintain continuity in the plot.)
7. Kingdom of Ash

The novellas in the Throne of Glass series are best read after Crown of Midnight, although they can be interspersed throughout the series. These novellas expand on the background of key characters, particularly Celaena, and offer insights into events that shape the larger narrative.

A Court Of Thorns And Roses Series

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a little more fluid in terms of reading order, as it continues to expand with each new release. Here’s the recommended order:

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
2. A Court of Mist and Fury
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (A novella that bridges the events between the third and fourth books.)
5. A Court of Silver Flames (The first book in a new spinoff series that focuses on characters introduced in the main trilogy.)

With A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas has created a universe that continues to expand, and future books are expected to further build upon the intricate relationships, conflicts, and power struggles introduced in the earlier installments.

What I Enjoy About The Series

Sarah J. Maas’ books offer a rich tapestry of elements that draw readers in. For me, the most compelling aspect of her stories is the way she combines character-driven narratives with epic world-building. Maas crafts intricate, often morally gray characters whose motivations evolve over time, making their journeys not only thrilling but emotionally resonant. Whether it’s Celaena’s evolution from a hardened assassin to a leader of nations or Feyre’s transformation from a naïve mortal to a powerful Fae, Maas’ characters are never static; they grow, falter, and rise again.

The romantic relationships in Maas’ books are another standout feature. They aren’t just about passion and attraction; they explore themes of trauma, healing, trust, and sacrifice. In both Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses, the romantic arcs drive much of the character development, providing depth to the emotional stakes of the plot. The chemistry between Maas’ protagonists and their love interests is magnetic, creating tension, heartbreak, and eventual catharsis.

The world-building in Maas’ books is immersive and vast, allowing readers to get lost in the cultures, politics, and magic systems of each universe. Both series are rich with lore and history, and Maas often reveals these layers gradually, keeping the reader engaged and eager to uncover more. In Throne of Glass, the political intrigue between kingdoms, the mysterious magic of the world, and the epic battles between forces of light and darkness create an ever-shifting landscape for the characters to navigate. Similarly, in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the Court system of the Fae, with its various factions and power struggles, provides a complex and layered world.

Finally, the themes of empowerment, resilience, and identity in Maas’ stories resonate deeply. Her characters face unimaginable challenges, yet they persist, showing readers the strength of the human spirit and the power of personal transformation.

Is It Important To Read Sarah Maas Books In Order?

Yes, it is crucial to read Sarah J. Maas’ books in the recommended order. Both the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series have story arcs that build upon each previous book, with each installment revealing new layers of plot, character, and world-building. While Maas does an excellent job of making each book enjoyable on its own, the emotional impact, character growth, and understanding of the broader narrative are significantly enhanced by reading in order.

For example, the character development in Throne of Glass hinges on the progression from book to book. Major plot twists and character revelations in later books would be less impactful if you haven’t followed the earlier ones. Likewise, the emotional depth and complexity in A Court of Thorns and Roses are better appreciated if you experience the characters’ journeys in the proper sequence. In particular, A Court of Frost and Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames directly follow events from earlier books, offering necessary context for the evolving relationships and stakes.