Where to Start With Sarah J. Maas? The Perfect Reading Order for Every Fan
Satish kumar
6 minutes readSarah J. Maas is one of the most influential fantasy authors of the 21st century.
Known for her lush worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and swoon-worthy romance, Maas has captivated millions of readers worldwide. With bestselling series like Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), and Crescent City, she has redefined modern fantasy and built a devoted fanbase that continues to grow in 2025.
If you are new to her work, you may wonder: What’s the best order to read Sarah J. Maas books? Should you start with Throne of Glass, or jump into ACOTAR? And how does Crescent City tie in? This guide provides the complete Sarah J. Maas books in order, along with summaries, key themes, pros and cons, and expert insights to help you navigate her magical universes.
Author Biography: Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas was born on March 5, 1986, in New York City. A graduate of Hamilton College with a degree in Creative Writing, Maas began her career at a young age. She started writing Throne of Glass as a teenager, posting early drafts on FictionPress, where it gained a passionate following.
Her breakout novel, Throne of Glass (2012), launched her career and set the stage for her to become a household name in fantasy. Since then, Maas has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide (as of 2025), with her books translated into over 35 languages. She is frequently compared to fantasy giants like J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, and Leigh Bardugo, but her distinctive blend of romantasy (romance + fantasy) has carved out a unique niche.
In 2025, Maas continues to dominate the fantasy market with new installments and crossovers between her series, keeping her readership engaged and hungry for more.
Sarah J. Maas Books in Order: Complete Guide
There are three main series to read:
- Throne of Glass series (2012–2018)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series (2015–present)
- Crescent City series (2020–present)
Recommended Reading Order
- Start with Throne of Glass if you enjoy epic high fantasy with assassins, political intrigue, and slow-burn romances.
- Begin with ACOTAR if you prefer fae romance and character-driven storytelling.
- Read Crescent City for a modern urban-fantasy twist with Maas’s signature intensity.
Throne of Glass Series (2012–2018)
The Throne of Glass series spans eight books (including novellas) and follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who becomes entangled in political conspiracies, magical forces, and destiny.
Throne of Glass Books in Order:
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014, prequel novellas)
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
Key Themes
- Identity and transformation
- Power struggles and tyranny
- Female strength and resilience
- Friendship, loyalty, and love
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Expansive worldbuilding, layered character arcs, satisfying finale.
- Cons: Early books have YA tropes that some readers find predictable.
Expert Review
Kirkus Reviews praised Kingdom of Ash as “a deeply emotional and thrilling conclusion to one of the most ambitious YA fantasy series of the decade.”
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (2015–present)
ACOTAR is perhaps Maas’s most popular series to date, blending fae mythology, romance, and high fantasy. It begins as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling but evolves into a sweeping saga of love, war, and power.
ACOTAR Books in Order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018, novella)
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
- Upcoming Spin-Offs (2025 Update: Maas confirmed two more ACOTAR novels are in development, with one expected in late 2025).
Key Themes
- Healing from trauma
- Found family and sisterhood
- Love as strength
- War and sacrifice
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Rich romance, emotional depth, fan-favorite characters (Rhysand, Feyre, Nesta).
- Cons: Pacing can be uneven; some readers debate the explicitness of later books.
Reader Impact
ACOTAR has developed a massive online fandom, inspiring TikTok (#BookTok) trends, fan art, and dedicated book clubs. It has also been optioned for a Hulu TV series, expected to update further in 2025.
Crescent City Series (2020–present)
Maas’s Crescent City introduces an urban fantasy world with technology, angels, demons, and fae. The series follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae party girl turned reluctant heroine.
Crescent City Books in Order:
- House of Earth and Blood (2020)
- House of Sky and Breath (2022)
- House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
2025 Update:
In a February 2025 interview, Maas hinted at a fourth Crescent City novel and teased deeper crossovers with ACOTAR, suggesting her universes may be interconnected.
Key Themes
- Trauma and resilience
- Urban fantasy meets epic fantasy
- Found family
- Love, grief, and destiny
Expert Reviews
Publishers Weekly called House of Earth and Blood “a dizzying blend of murder mystery, fantasy adventure, and romance that only Maas could deliver.”
Analysis: Why Read Sarah J. Maas in Order?
- Character Evolution: Maas’s characters undergo long arcs that are best appreciated in sequence.
- Worldbuilding: Each book layers more complexity, especially in Throne of Glass.
- Crossover Hints: As of 2025, Maas has begun weaving threads between her series, making reading in order more rewarding.
Impact of Sarah J. Maas on Fantasy
- Genre Shift: Popularized “romantasy” as a mainstream trend.
- Publishing Success: Her books dominate bestseller lists and drive online fandom culture.
- Representation: Though praised for strong heroines, she has faced criticism for limited diversity, a subject Maas has begun addressing in later works.
Criticism and Debates
- Diversity: Early works lacked representation of LGBTQ+ and POC characters.
- Pacing & Tropes: Some readers find her reliance on romantic tropes repetitive.
- Target Audience: Though marketed as YA initially, Maas’s explicit content has sparked debates about categorization.
FAQs About Sarah J. Maas Books
Q1. What is the best Sarah J. Maas book to start with?
If you like high fantasy: start with Throne of Glass. If romance is your priority: start with ACOTAR.
Q2. Are all Sarah J. Maas series connected?
Yes—by 2025, Maas has confirmed crossover hints between ACOTAR and Crescent City.
Q3. How many Sarah J. Maas books are there in total?
As of September 2025, there are 19 published books, with more announced.
Q4. Will there be more ACOTAR books?
Yes. Maas confirmed at least two additional ACOTAR novels, with one expected in late 2025.
Q5. Is there an ACOTAR TV adaptation?
Yes. Hulu is developing a series with Outlander’s Ronald D. Moore, though release updates are pending.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah J. Maas is a bestselling fantasy author with over 30 million books sold worldwide.
- Her three main series—Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City—should ideally be read in order for full impact.
- In 2025, fans can expect new ACOTAR installments and further Crescent City expansions.
- Maas’s works have shaped the “romantasy” subgenre and influenced a new generation of fantasy readers.
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