What order to read Sarah J Maas books: A journey through magical realms and tangled timelines

Sarah J Maas has captivated readers worldwide with her intricate worlds, complex characters, and sweeping narratives. As her literary universe expands across multiple series, many readers find themselves wondering about the best reading order. Let’s explore this question from various perspectives, considering chronology, thematic connections, and reader experience.

1. Publication Order: The Traditional Approach The most straightforward method is to follow the publication sequence:

• Throne of Glass series (2012-2018)
• A Court of Thorns and Roses series (2015-present)
• Crescent City series (2020-present)

This approach allows readers to witness Maas’s growth as a writer and appreciate how her storytelling techniques evolved across different series.

2. Chronological Order: Following the Timeline For those who prefer to experience the story’s internal chronology:

• Begin with the Throne of Glass prequel stories
• Continue with the main Throne of Glass series
• Move to A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Conclude with Crescent City

This method reveals subtle connections between the series that might otherwise go unnoticed.

3. Thematic Order: Exploring Similar Concepts Grouping books by themes can create a unique reading experience:

• Start with books focusing on court intrigue (Throne of Glass)
• Transition to romantic fantasy (A Court of Thorns and Roses)
• Conclude with urban fantasy elements (Crescent City)

4. Character-Centric Order: Following Protagonists Some readers prefer to follow specific character arcs:

• Celaena Sardothien’s journey in Throne of Glass
• Feyre Archeron’s transformation in A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Bryce Quinlan’s adventures in Crescent City

5. World-Building Order: Understanding the Cosmology For those fascinated by Maas’s magical systems:

• Begin with the more straightforward magic in Throne of Glass
• Explore the complex faerie courts in A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Delve into the modern magical society in Crescent City

6. Emotional Intensity Order: Managing Reader Engagement Considering the emotional weight of each series:

• Start with the action-packed Throne of Glass
• Continue with the romantic tension in A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Conclude with the high-stakes drama of Crescent City

7. Cross-Reading Order: Interweaving the Series For the adventurous reader:

• Alternate between series, following thematic parallels
• Create a custom reading list that highlights connections
• Re-read the entire collection to catch Easter eggs

8. Standalone Approach: Series by Series Some readers prefer to complete one series before starting another:

• Finish all Throne of Glass books
• Move to A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Conclude with Crescent City

9. Reverse Order: Starting with the Latest For those who want to begin with Maas’s most recent work:

• Start with Crescent City
• Move to A Court of Thorns and Roses
• Conclude with Throne of Glass

10. Hybrid Approach: Combining Methods Many readers create their own unique reading order:

• Begin with Throne of Glass
• Read A Court of Thorns and Roses concurrently
• Conclude with Crescent City

FAQs:

Q: Are Sarah J Maas’s series connected? A: While initially appearing separate, recent books have revealed connections between the series, particularly in the Crescent City novels.

Q: Should I read the Throne of Glass prequels first? A: It depends on your preference. Some readers enjoy starting with the prequels, while others prefer to read them after completing the main series.

Q: How many books are in each series? A: Throne of Glass has 7 main books and several novellas, A Court of Thorns and Roses currently has 5 books, and Crescent City has 2 books with more planned.

Q: Can I read A Court of Thorns and Roses without reading Throne of Glass? A: Yes, each series can be read independently, though there are subtle connections that enhance the reading experience when read together.

Q: Which series should I start with if I’m new to Sarah J Maas? A: Many recommend starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses as it provides a good introduction to Maas’s writing style and world-building.