Overview Table
| Full Name | Sarah Janet Maas |
|---|---|
| Born | March 5, 1986 |
| Age (2025) | 39 years |
| Profession | Author, Fantasy Novelist |
| Nationality | American |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult |
| Famous Works | Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crescent City |
| Years Active | 2012 – Present |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $20 million+ |
| Writing Style | Epic fantasy with strong female leads, emotional depth, and world-building |
| Latest Release (2025) | Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow (2024), rumored ACOTAR spin-off coming 2025 |
Sarah J. Maas has reshaped modern fantasy literature, blending high fantasy with romantic, emotional storytelling that appeals to both young adult and adult audiences. Her books — Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), and Crescent City — have sold millions of copies worldwide, earning her a devoted fandom and critical recognition for her immersive worlds and fierce heroines.
In an era where fantasy is often reimagined for streaming platforms and new readers, Maas’ works bridge the gap between traditional epic fantasy and modern romantic storytelling. Understanding her books in order helps readers follow complex timelines, overlapping universes, and evolving character arcs that define her signature storytelling.
About the Author: Sarah J. Maas Biography
Born in New York City in 1986, Sarah Janet Maas grew up writing stories inspired by mythology and fairy tales. She graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in Creative Writing and Religious Studies — influences that echo in her complex world-building and mythological themes.
At just 16, Maas began writing what would become Throne of Glass and later published it via Bloomsbury Publishing in 2012. Her debut marked the beginning of one of the most popular fantasy series of the 21st century. Maas’ style — often described as cinematic, sensual, and emotionally charged — has made her one of the top fantasy authors worldwide, often compared to Leigh Bardugo and Rebecca Yarros.
Sarah J. Maas Books in Order
Sarah J. Maas currently has three major series and a few related works. Here’s the complete reading order:
1. Throne of Glass Series (2012–2018)
Genre: YA Fantasy / Epic Adventure
Main Character: Celaena Sardothien
No. of Books: 8
Reading 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)
Overview & Summary:
The Throne of Glass series follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin imprisoned by a tyrannical king. When she’s offered a chance at freedom in exchange for serving as the king’s champion, her journey unfolds into an epic battle for magic, love, and destiny.
Key Themes:
- Female empowerment
- Found family
- Identity and redemption
- Political intrigue
Expert Insight:
According to The Guardian, Maas “revived the YA fantasy genre by combining the grit of epic fantasy with the emotional intensity of romance.”
Pros & Cons:
Expansive world-building
Deep character development
Slow start for new readers
Overlapping POVs can be complex
Reader Impact:
This series cemented Maas as a household name, especially among Throne of Glass fandom communities on TikTok (#BookTok).
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series (2015–Present)
Genre: New Adult / Romantic Fantasy
Main Character: Feyre Archeron
No. of Books (as of 2025): 5 main + 1 novella
Reading 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)
Rumor (2025): Maas confirmed in a January 2025 interview that the next ACOTAR book is in development, focusing on Elain Archeron’s story.
Summary:
ACOTAR begins as a Beauty and the Beast retelling but evolves into a sprawling fae saga exploring love, trauma, and power. Feyre Archeron’s journey from human to High Fae mirrors the emotional depth Maas is known for.
Key Themes:
- Love and trauma
- Feminine strength
- Consent and healing
- Power dynamics in fantasy courts
Expert Commentary:
Publishers Weekly called A Court of Mist and Fury “a masterclass in romantic fantasy world-building.”
Pros & Cons:
Lush world and mature themes
Emotionally rich storytelling
Adult content may not suit all YA readers
Overly detailed romance at times
Reader Impact:
ACOTAR has become one of the most discussed series on BookTok, influencing the “romantasy” subgenre and inspiring countless fan arts and cosplays.
3. Crescent City Series (2020–Present)
Genre: Urban Fantasy / New Adult
Main Character: Bryce Quinlan
No. of Books (as of 2025): 3
Reading Order:
- House of Earth and Blood (2020)
- House of Sky and Breath (2022)
- House of Flame and Shadow (2024)
Summary:
Set in the sprawling, high-tech city of Lunathion, this series blends modern technology and ancient magic. Bryce Quinlan’s quest for justice after a brutal tragedy leads her into a war that challenges the boundaries between worlds.
Key Themes:
- Grief and loss
- Friendship and loyalty
- Technology vs. magic
- Interconnected universes
2025 Update:
In February 2025, Maas revealed that Crescent City connects directly with ACOTAR, confirming fan theories about a shared universe — something that could reshape how her readers view both series.
Expert Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews praised House of Earth and Blood as “a bold, cinematic fusion of fantasy and contemporary storytelling.”
Pros & Cons:
Complex world and lore
Mature, emotional storytelling
Dense world-building for beginners
Long pacing in middle sections
Standalone Works and Extras
While Maas hasn’t released standalone novels outside her main series, she’s hinted at future crossovers and adaptations.
- Throne of Glass TV adaptation: rumored under Hulu/Disney+ development (as of 2025).
- ACOTAR series in early production stages with Ron Moore (Outlander).
Writing Style and Literary Impact
Sarah J. Maas’s writing style combines:
- High fantasy structure reminiscent of Tolkien or Martin
- Romantic and character-driven arcs similar to Cassandra Clare
- Emotional vulnerability inspired by modern psychological fiction
Her books are taught in YA literature courses and analyzed for feminist and mythological interpretations.
Impact on Modern Fantasy
- Defined the “romantasy” trend
- Brought new adult fantasy to mainstream
- Paved the way for authors like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Rebecca Yarros
Criticism and Controversy
While highly popular, Maas’ books have faced some criticisms:
- Overemphasis on romance overshadowing plot (some critics argue)
- Representation concerns in earlier works
- Long publication gaps between books
However, Maas has openly addressed diversity and character depth in newer works, showing growth as a storyteller.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the correct order to read Sarah J. Maas books?
Start with Throne of Glass, then move to ACOTAR, and finally Crescent City. This keeps continuity for shared-universe connections.
2. Is Crescent City connected to ACOTAR?
Yes. House of Sky and Breath (2022) confirmed that both series share the same multiverse.
3. What book should I start with?
If you like epic fantasy — start with Throne of Glass.
If you prefer romance and fae — start with ACOTAR.
4. Is there a new Sarah J. Maas book coming in 2025?
As of October 2025, Maas teased an ACOTAR spin-off focusing on Elain, expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
5. Are her books suitable for teens?
Throne of Glass fits YA audiences, but ACOTAR and Crescent City are more adult (rated 18+ for content).
Key Takeaways
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most influential fantasy authors of the 21st century.
Her three interconnected series — Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and Crescent City — define modern romantasy.
Each series offers deep world-building, complex heroines, and themes of love, loss, and empowerment.
2025 marks a major year with possible new ACOTAR release and ongoing TV adaptations.
Explore more:
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