Wondering what order to read Sarah J. Maas’s books in? Whether you’re here for slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers tension, or sprawling fantasy worlds, getting the reading order right can make a huge difference. With three major series—each with different tones, timelines, and crossover moments—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This guide breaks down the best reading order for Sarah J. Maas, it explains what each series is about, and includes spice-level ratings so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you start.
If you’re diving into the world of Sarah J. Maas for the first time, you’re in for an unforgettable ride—think epic fantasy, intense romance, and sprawling interconnected worlds. I consumed these books one after the other. But one question trips up nearly every new reader:
Where do you start?
With three major series and subtle crossover elements, the reading order can make a big difference in how you experience the story. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly guide to help you get the most out of the Maasverse.
✨ The Best Recommended Reading Order for Sarah J. Maas books
This order is widely considered the best way to experience Sarah J. Maas’s books without spoilers while fully appreciating the connections between series.
1. Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
- 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
What it’s about
This much-loved series follows Feyre Archeron, a human huntress who is drawn into the magical world of the fae after a fateful encounter in the woods. What begins as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast quickly evolves into a sweeping story about power, trauma, love, and identity.
What to expect
- Heavy focus on romance and relationships
- A shift from fairytale vibes to political intrigue and war
- Found family dynamics and character-driven storytelling
- Increasingly mature themes and emotional depth as the series progresses
Spice level 🌶️
- Book 1: 🌶️ (mild romance)
- Book 2+: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (spicy, explicit scenes)
Why start here
ACOTAR is the most accessible entry point, and my personal favourite. The pacing is engaging, the emotional stakes are clear, and it introduces key concepts that echo across Maas’s wider universe.
Sarah J. Maas announced the release of the much-anticipated 6th and 7th books in the ACOTAR series on the 4th of March, 2026. Book 6 is scheduled for release on the 27th of October 2026, and Book 7 is due for release on 12 January 2027. They are available for pre-order already.
2. Move on to Throne of Glass
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- The Assassin’s Blade (prequel collection)
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
What it’s about
The Throne of Glass series centres on Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin given a chance at freedom if she competes to become the king’s champion. What starts as a contained story gradually expands into a massive, continent-spanning epic involving magic, ancient powers, and world-altering stakes.
What to expect
- A transition from YA fantasy to full epic fantasy
- Expansive world-building with multiple locations and cultures
- A large cast of interconnected characters and storylines
- Themes of destiny, sacrifice, and resilience
Reading tip
Read The Assassin’s Blade after Heir of Fire—this placement deepens the emotional impact of later events.
Spice level 🌶️
- Early books: 🌶️ (very light romance)
- Later books: 🌶️🌶️ (more emotional than explicit)
Why it comes second
By this point, you’ll be comfortable with Maas’s style and ready for a more complex, layered story. This series builds the deepest lore in her universe.
The Legendary “Tandem Read”
As you reach the end of the Throne of Glass series, you’ll hit a unique crossroads: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn.
While these are books five and six in the series, they actually happen at the exact same time. Empire of Storms follows the main action on one continent, while Tower of Dawn follows Chaol Westfall on a vital mission elsewhere.
Why do a tandem read?
- Avoid the Cliffhanger: Empire of Storms ends on a heart-shattering cliffhanger. If you read them separately, you have to get through nearly 700 pages of Tower of Dawn before finding out what happens next.
- The Full Picture: Reading them together allows you to see how the timelines sync up perfectly, making the world feel massive and interconnected.
- Pacing: It keeps the momentum high as you head into the series finale, Kingdom of Ash.
Is it difficult? It requires a bit of flipping back and forth between books, but most fans agree it is the “definitive” way to experience the story. You can find many “Tandem Read Guides” online that tell you exactly which chapters to read before switching books.
Pro-Tip: if you’re a first-time reader who finds large casts of characters overwhelming, you can read them separately—just be prepared for the emotional agony of that EOS ending!
3. Finish with Crescent City
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
- House of Flame and Shadow
What it’s about
Set in a modern, urban fantasy world, this series follows Bryce Quinlan as she navigates grief, mystery, and dangerous secrets after a brutal tragedy. Alongside Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel, she uncovers conspiracies that reach far beyond her city.
What to expect
- A blend of urban fantasy, mystery, and romance
- A more modern setting with technology alongside magic
- Dense world-building is introduced quickly (especially in book one)
- Major reveals that connects to Maas’s wider universe
Spice level 🌶️
- 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (moderate to high, especially later books)
Why it’s last
The Crescent City series contains important crossover elements and references that are far more rewarding if you’ve already read both ACOTAR and Throne of Glass.
🔁 Why This Reading Order Works
This reading order is designed to:
- Build complexity gradually — from accessible romance to epic fantasy to dense urban fantasy
- Avoid spoilers — especially for crossover moments
- Maximize emotional payoff — key reveals land better with full context
📚 Alternative Reading Order (By Publication / Chronological Feel)
If you want a different experience, here are two popular alternatives:
Option 1: Start with Throne of Glass first
- Throne of Glass series
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series
- Crescent City series
👉 Best if you prefer classic epic fantasy first and don’t mind a slower start that builds into something huge.
Option 2: Publication-style (for lore progression)
- Throne of Glass (early books)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Finish Throne of Glass
- Crescent City
👉 This mirrors how fans experienced the expanding universe over time.
Important: Always read Crescent City last to avoid spoilers and fully appreciate crossover moments.
🧠 Final Tips Before You Start
- Love romance-heavy fantasy? Start with ACOTAR
- Prefer classic epic fantasy? Try Throne of Glass first
- Want the full interconnected experience? Follow the recommended order above
🌙 Final Thoughts
There’s no single “perfect” way to read Sarah J. Maas—but the right order can transform your experience from great to unforgettable. Whether you’re here for the romance, the action, or the intricate world-building, the Maasverse has something that will pull you in and refuse to let go.
Happy reading!
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