A reader's guide to the world(s) of Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

After killing a wolf, nineteen-year-old Feyre is visited by an ancient creature, who demands she pay for what she did. He drags her away to a land of magic Feyre didn't even know was real—thus, Maas introduces both protagonist and readers to the dangerous and enchanting faerie realm that anchors the whole series. As she gets used to her new surroundings, Feyre realizes that faeries are nothing like she was taught to believe and that the beast who captured her is actually Tamlin—an immortal faerie she soon develops strong feelings for.

A Court of Wings and Ruin  by Sarah J. Maas

The third installment finds Feyre settled into her life and power in the faerie realm. But power comes with consequences, and soon Feyre is dragged deep into the thorny webs of fae politics. With war coming for the Spring Court and threatening everyone and everything she loves, Feyre is forced to take drastic actions—actions that will affect the fate of the entire world.

A Court of Silver Flames  by Sarah J. Maas

The last book (for now) in the series focuses on Feyre's sister, Nesta, who's been commandeered into becoming High Fae, even though it's not really what she wants. She's wrestling with the demons of her past and struggling to make a place for herself in a world that doesn't seem made for her. Her complicated feelings for Cassian, a warrior with his own scars and demons, don't make things easier. But if the two of them can admit how they feel and face their pasts together, then maybe they'll both find the healing they're looking for.

Crown of Midnight  by Sarah J. Maas

Having won a position as the King's Champion, Celaena must hide her true aims in order to survive. But as her deceptions become ever more elaborate, the danger in the castle only grows, threatening the lives of everyone she's come to care about.

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The Assassin's Blade collects five prequel novellas featuring different characters from the series. All the novellas take place prior to the events of—and all but one were originally published in the lead-up to—Throne of Glass. So unlike the prequels of other popular series, these were originally introduced to readers as such.

However, many fans prefer reading these stories after Heir of Fire and before Queen of Shadows, in what's known as the romantic order. Fans of the series have suggested that taking a detour through the prequels at this point sets up clearer connections from the past to events and characters that come in later books, and lets you spend time in a different way with characters you’ve come to know in the previous three books.

Fun fact: originally The Assassin's Blade was published six months before Heir of Fire. But that's a reading order recommended by few today.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena, now known as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, gets a crash course in "Wow, it's extremely hard to lead a kingdom" in this action-packed novel. War is brewing on the borders; animosity between those with magic and those without is growing; and monsters Aelin has never seen before are threatening to destroy everything she's worked to build.

Kingdom of Ash  by Sarah J. Maas

In the blistering conclusion to the series, Aelin has been captured by the Queen of the Fae and is unable to help her friends and allies as they fight for the future of the kingdom. It'll take all her strength—and theirs—to finally break free, and make the better world they've all been dreaming of a reality.

House of Sky and Breath  by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan and her lover, the supernatural being Hunt Athalar, have survived a whole lot of danger and managed to save Crescent City from the dark power that was bent on destroying it. Naturally, they're pretty tired, and all they want is some time to themselves to explore their relationship and build a future. But that's not what they get, because revolution is brewing, and neither of them can stay quiet and silent when there's injustice to fight.