The enchanting world of Sarah J. Maas, a New York Times best-seller, a powerhouse in the realm of young adult and new adult fantasy, is as addictive as you hear it is. You're in luck if you are looking for the complete list of her books in order.
As an avid reader and an admirer of Maas's work, I've often been asked about the best way to approach her richly woven narratives.
She has captivated readers worldwide with her intricate storytelling, compelling characters, and breathtaking worlds. From the fierce battles in "Throne of Glass" to the romantic entanglements in "A Court of Thorns and Roses," her books are a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures.
So, whether you're a newcomer to her magical realms or fantasy series or a returning fan looking to revisit the stories, I'm here to guide you through all 15 of her spellbinding books. I recently introduced my sister to the Maas Universe; this is the exact order I would read the Sarah J. Maas books if I were starting from scratch.
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Series Order
To get right to it, I would read the series in this order:
Crescent City Series
Throne of Glass Series
Throne of Glass: This is the first book I would read. I was immediately drawn to into Celaena Sardothien’s story; a young assassin with a mysterious past. Her journey from the salt mines of Endovier to the deadly competition to become the King’s Champion kept me turning the page.
Crown of Midnight: Celaena’s story deepens in this book as she is faced with new challenges and secrets she must keep. The growth her character goes through, and the complexity of the relationships are welcome additions to the storyline.
Heir of Fire: This book introduces new realms and magical elements, expanding the universe beyond what I thought was possible. Celaena’s character continues to develop, and the emotional connection she draws from the characters and readers in the book is profound.
Queen of Shadows: This book was exciting… in a tale of rebellion and strategy, this book showcased Celaena’s return to Rifthold, where she confronts her past and plots her future. The debut of Aelin Galathynius made this book especially special.
Empire of Storms: With epic battles and gut-wrenching twists, this book was a rollercoaster that evoked emotional responses from me, as the reader. Experiencing the unfolding of Celaena’s destiny page by page brought on a mix of emotions I didn’t expect. This was a page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Tower of Dawn: This novel focused solely on Chaol’s journey, offering a refreshing perspective and crucial backstory. This is a tandem read with Empire of storms. It takes place at the same time Empire of Storms does.
Kingdom of Ash: The finale to the Throne of Glass series, where all the plot threads come together in a spectacular tapestry and satisfying conclusion.
Maas has developed prequel novellas. You can find Assassin's Blade here. It would be set before Throne of Glass.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series
A Court of Thorns and Roses: This had a slower start for me, but ultimately the mesmerizing retelling/parallel to ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with a faerie twist, won me over. Nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre is the female heroine in this series whose journey from a mortal to a powerful player in the magical world was a captivating read.
A Court of Mist and Fury: The sequel took me on an emotional rollercoaster, not really knowing how to feel about several characters. This book reveals unexpected truths and showcases character growth in a beautifully crafted world.
A Court of Wings and Ruin: This explosive third book has higher stakes than ever. Alliances are tested amongst the night court, and epic battles that reshape the world of Prythian leave this book as a page-turner.
A Court of Frost and Starlight: A novella that gave a much-needed reprieve and deeper insight into the character's lives post-war.
A Court of Silver Flames: This book focuses on Nesta's journey; it is beautifully crafted to explore the healing and self-discovery paths many take after experiencing trauma.
Crescent City Series
House of Earth and Blood: This series is set in a modern, urban fantasy setting. This first book introduces you to Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae. The creative writing used to express this tale of mystery, friendship, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss makes this one of my favorite maas' books.
House of Sky and Breath: This book picks up on the heels of House of Earth and Blood. Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal. This is an action-packed sequel and is a captivating story. I don’t want to give too much away, but Bryce, Hunt Athalar, and their friends get pulled into rebel plans and find unexpected allies. With their world on the line, they will do anything to save it.
House of Flame and Shadow: COMING SOON JAN. 2024. This book will continue the story of half-fae, half-human Bryce Quinlan, who finds herself stranded in a strange new world, far from her family, friends, and Hunt Athalar.
Maas Universe Updates
Sarah J Maas books have captivated the world, making her an international bestselling author with her books having been translated into thirty-seven languages. Back in March of 2023, Sarah J Maas signed a further four-book deal in addition to the three that are currently under contract with Bloomsbury Publishing. It hasn't been announced if any of the books will be a separate series or if they will continue to grow her already popular series.
She did an interview in September with "Live Talks Los Angeles" where she hinted that she is working on the next Court of Thorns novel where she said she is "drafting it" and that is all she would say.
It isn't a surprise that she is continuing the ACOTAR series since her website says it's an ongoing series, but will it make up the four additional books she's contracted for?
Check out the recap of this interview here, where Maas answers some fan theories.
Comment your Maas Verse theories below! I will update with my universe theories when I finish my current re-read.
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