The Complete Sarah J. Maas Reading Order: ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City
New to Sarah J. Maas and not sure where to start? With three massive fantasy–romance series—Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), and Crescent City, it can feel overwhelming to figure out the reading order.
This guide walks you through the best reading path, including publication order, spice-level notes, and where the upcoming ACOTAR book fits in.
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1. Throne of Glass Series (2012 to 2018)
Total books: 8 main novels + 1 prequel collection (The Assassin’s Blade – scroll for recommended reading order)
Spice level: 🌶️ Mostly fade-to-black or closed door. It starts as YA and matures over time.
👉 Link to the 7 Throne of Glass Books and The Assassin’s Blade
Recommended reading order:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- The Assassin’s Blade (Optional)*
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
Optional but recommended:
- The Assassin’s Blade
(This is a prequel, but read after Heir of Fire and before Queen of Shadows for the best experience)
If you want the Box Set
(includes The Assassin’s Blade)
2. ACOTAR Series (2015 to present)
Total books: 4 main novels + 1 novella bridge. More planned
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Open door and high heat starting with A Court of Mist and Fury
Recommended reading 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 (novella)
- A Court of Silver Flames
What’s next:
Sarah J. Maas confirmed she has finished the first draft of the sixth ACOTAR book as of July 11, 2025, but does not have a confirmed title or release date yet.
If you want the Box Set
3. Crescent City Series (2019 to present)
Total books: 3 novels, with a fourth in development
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️ Medium spice; open door scenes are less frequent than in ACOTAR
👉 Link to the 3 Crescent City Books
Recommended reading order:
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
- House of Flame and Shadow
What’s Next:
The fourth Crescent City book, tentatively titled House of Many Waters, is confirmed by author Sarah J. Maas to be in development, though it will be a few years before its release.
If you want the Box Set
Where to Begin
- If you want YA epic fantasy—start with Throne of Glass
- If you crave steamy fantasy romance—jump into ACOTAR
- If you prefer a modern magical world—start with Crescent City
Most new readers start with ACOTAR if they’re looking for romance and spice right away. Then they explore the others based on their mood.
Closing Thoughts
Sarah J. Maas has created one of the most compelling fantasy romance universes out there. Whether you’re following heroic transformations, political intrigue, or found-family connections, there’s a story waiting for you across her series.
Already finished ACOTAR and hungry for more? Check out my guide Done with ACOTAR? What to Read Next for fresh reads full of spice and worlds to get lost in.
Before you go
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New to spice? Start with our Spicy Romance Glossary or explore Starter Books.
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Reddit Communities: – r/RomanceBooks , r/SpicyRomanceBooks , r/Booktokreddit
Reading Tools: The StoryGraph, BookWyrm, or LibraryThing for fresh takes.
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