Sarah J. Maas books in order: How to read ‘ACOTAR,’ ‘Throne of Glass’ and ‘Crescent City’

If you’ve spent any time on #BookTok, the literary corner of TikTok, over the past few years, chances are you’ve heard the name Sarah J. Maas.

Maas is the bestselling author behind three sprawling fantasy series: "Throne of Glass," "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (better known as ACOTAR) and "Crescent City."

If you're new to Maas' work, you might be trying to figuring out which book to actually pick up first, as that can feel like its own fantasy quest.

While you can technically begin anywhere, there are reading orders and connections between the worlds that are worth knowing before you start.

Even better news, there’s more books on the way. The sixth "ACOTAR" book, "A Court of Splintered Harmony," arrives on Oct. 27, followed by "A Court of Forgotten Melody" on Jan. 12.

So, whether you’re wondering which Maas book to read first, trying to figure out where "The Assassin’s Blade" belongs in the "Throne of Glass" reading order or simply want to understand how all of Maas’ fantasy worlds connect, we've got you covered.

Which Sarah J. Maas books should you read first?

Starting with "Throne of Glass," moving to "A Court of Thorns and Roses" and then "Crescent City" is the reading ordered suggested by Maas on her website. Though there is no particular reading order, Maas fans do agree that starting with "ACOTAR" is the way to go.

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Start with:

The 'ACOTAR' series

1. "A Court of Thorns and Roses"
2. "A Court of Mist and Fury"
3. "A Court of Wings and Ruin"
4. "A Court of Frost and Starlight"
5. "A Court of Silver Flames"
6. "A Court of Splintered Harmony" (To be released on Oct. 27)
7. "A Court of Forgotten Melody" (To be released Jan. 12)

What is 'ACOTAR' Book 6?

"A Court of Splintered Harmony" is officially the sixth book in the series and will be released Oct. 27.

Then read:

The 'Throne of Glass' series

According to Maas' website, "'Throne of Glass' is a classic fantasy series that follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin, in a world where magic has been banished."

The official preferred order listed by Maas is:

1. "Throne of Glass"
2. "Crown of Midnight"
3. "The Assassin’s Blade"
4. "Heir of Fire"
5. "Queen of Shadows"
6. "Empire of Storms"
7. "Tower of Dawn"
8. "Kingdom of Ash"

When should you read The Assassin's Blade?

The "Assasin's Blade" is a collection of five prequel novellas, so chronologically its events happen before "Throne of Glass." However, Maas's official guide places it after "Crown of Midnight."

Finally read:

The 'Crescent City' series

1. "House of Earth and Blood"
2. "House of Sky and Breath"
3. "House of Flame and Shadow"

Are Sarah J. Maas' books connected?

Without giving away any spoilers, the three series exist as distinct stories and can be enjoyed separately, but there are connections between Maas's worlds that become increasingly important.