Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times bestselling author known for her captivating fantasy series filled with intricate world-building, compelling characters, and gripping romance. If you’re new to her work or a longtime fan looking to revisit her books, this guide provides a complete list of Sarah J. Maas books in order, organized by series and publication date. Whether you’re diving into the Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), or Crescent City series, we’ve got you covered with this SEO-optimized guide to help you navigate her expansive bibliography.
Why Read Sarah J. Maas Books in Order?
Reading Sarah J. Maas’s books in order ensures you follow the intricate plotlines, character arcs, and interconnected worlds as intended. Her series are best experienced in publication or chronological order to avoid spoilers and fully appreciate the depth of her storytelling. Below, we break down each series and provide a recommended reading order.
Throne of Glass Series
The Throne of Glass series is Sarah J. Maas’s debut series, blending high fantasy, action, and romance. It follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a hidden past, as she navigates a dangerous world of kings, magic, and betrayal.
Throne of Glass Books in Order
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A prequel novella collection that explores Celaena’s life before the main series. Recommended to read first for context, though it can be read later.
- Throne of Glass (2012) – The first book introduces Celaena as she competes in a deadly contest to become the King’s Champion.
- Crown of Midnight (2013) – Celaena’s journey continues as she uncovers dark secrets and faces new challenges.
- Heir of Fire (2014) – The story expands with new characters and deeper exploration of magic and heritage.
- Queen of Shadows (2015) – Celaena’s path takes a dramatic turn as alliances shift and battles intensify.
- Empire of Storms (2016) – The stakes rise with epic battles and shocking revelations.
- Tower of Dawn (2017) – A companion novel focusing on Chaol Westfall, best read before the finale for full context.
- Kingdom of Ash (2018) – The epic conclusion to the series, tying together all major plotlines.
Recommended Reading Order: Start with The Assassin’s Blade for backstory, then follow the main series from Throne of Glass to Kingdom of Ash. Tower of Dawn can be read after Empire of Storms or alongside it, as their timelines overlap.
Word Count: Approximately 3.5 million words across the series.
Target Audience: Young adult and adult readers who enjoy epic fantasy with strong female leads.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series
The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a romantic fantasy inspired by Beauty and the Beast, set in a richly imagined faerie world. It follows Feyre Archeron as she navigates love, power, and danger in the courts of Prythian.
ACOTAR Books in Order
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) – Feyre, a human huntress, is drawn into the dangerous world of the Fae.
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016) – The story deepens with new alliances, romance, and political intrigue.
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017) – War looms as Feyre faces impossible choices to protect her loved ones.
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – A novella bridging the main series and future books, focusing on recovery and relationships.
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021) – A full-length novel centered on Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister, and her journey of redemption.
Recommended Reading Order: Read in publication order, from A Court of Thorns and Roses to A Court of Silver Flames, as the story builds chronologically.
Word Count: Approximately 2.2 million words across the series.
Target Audience: Adult readers who love romantic fantasy with steamy romance and complex characters.
Crescent City Series
The Crescent City series is a modern urban fantasy with a blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. It follows Bryce Quinlan in a world of angels, demons, and shifters.
Crescent City Books in Order
- House of Earth and Blood (2020) – Bryce investigates a murder in Lunathion, uncovering dark secrets.
- House of Sky and Breath (2022) – The stakes escalate as Bryce and her allies face new threats.
- House of Flame and Shadow (2024) – The latest installment, continuing Bryce’s journey with shocking twists.
Recommended Reading Order: Read in publication order, starting with House of Earth and Blood.
Word Count: Approximately 2.4 million words across the series.
Target Audience: Adult readers who enjoy urban fantasy with intricate plots and diverse casts.
Standalone Books and Other Works
Sarah J. Maas has also written:
- Catwoman: Soulstealer (2018) – A standalone novel in the DC Icons series, featuring Selina Kyle in a young adult superhero story.
- The Starkillers Cycle – A Tumblr-based collaborative project, not officially published but available online for fans.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
For most Sarah J. Maas series, publication order aligns with chronological order, except for The Assassin’s Blade in the Throne of Glass series, which is a prequel. Reading in publication order is recommended for the best experience, as Maas often includes Easter eggs and crossovers that connect her worlds.
Crossovers and Shared Universe
Fans speculate about a shared “Maasverse” due to subtle connections between Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City. While no official crossover exists as of 2025, hints in House of Flame and Shadow suggest potential overlap. Reading all series in publication order enhances the experience of spotting these connections.
Where to Start with Sarah J. Maas Books
- New Readers: Start with Throne of Glass for high fantasy or A Court of Thorns and Roses for romantic fantasy. Crescent City is ideal for urban fantasy fans but may feel dense for beginners.
- Young Adult Readers: Throne of Glass is more YA-friendly, while ACOTAR and Crescent City lean toward adult audiences due to mature themes.
- Completionists: Follow the publication order across all series for a comprehensive experience.
Where to Buy Sarah J. Maas Books
Sarah J. Maas’s books are widely available at:
- Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org for physical and e-books.
- Audible for audiobooks, narrated by talented performers like Elizabeth Evans.
- Local bookstores often carry special editions with exclusive covers or bonus content.
FAQs About Sarah J. Maas Books
How many books has Sarah J. Maas written?
As of 2025, Sarah J. Maas has published 15 books across her three main series, plus one standalone novel and collaborative works.
What is the best Sarah J. Maas series to start with?
Throne of Glass is great for YA fantasy fans, while A Court of Thorns and Roses appeals to those who love romance-driven stories. Crescent City suits readers who prefer modern, urban fantasy.
Are Sarah J. Maas books connected?
While each series stands alone, there are subtle hints of a shared universe, especially in Crescent City. Reading all series enhances the experience.
What is the next Sarah J. Maas book?
As of July 2025, no new releases have been announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting news of future ACOTAR or Crescent City books. Check Sarah J. Maas’s official website or social media for updates.
Conclusion
Sarah J. Maas’s books offer something for every fantasy reader, from epic battles to heart-pounding romance. By reading her series in order—Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City—you’ll fully immerse yourself in her richly crafted worlds. Whether you’re a new reader or a devoted fan, this guide ensures you experience her stories as intended. Happy reading!
