As part of this year’s reading challenge, I have finally finished reading the Throne of Glass series. It is a fantasy series comprised of 8 novels written by Sarah Maas. Seven of the books are the main story and one book, The Assassin’s Blade, is a prequel. The series follows Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s most deadly assassin as she takes on a king and evil dark forces. Along the way, she discovers more about her past and a long-lost legacy.
This is a good series, one that I would consider reading again. Celaena is a cool and interesting character. It has all the makings of excellent fantasy; mythical creatures, a solid magic system, cohesive world-building, and lots of plot twists. I don’t read too many female authors who have built a solid fantasy world like Sarah Maas.
Male and Female Fantasy Authors
Granted I never compare male and female authors. If storytelling and world-building are done right, the difference is negligible. There is something about this series that did stand out to me knowing that the author is female. There are intimate moments between the characters and the way those moments are described can only be accomplished by a female author (or a very effeminate man). This is especially true in the later books during more intense intimate moments. Some of the descriptions might make a man blush; I certainly felt uncomfortable a couple of times.
I’ve heard that several of Sarah Maas’ books are like that and, in some cases, more intense. Perhaps I shy away from it because I’m not into cheesy romance novels, it’s just not my cup of tea.
Suggested Reading Order
Typically you read books in order. If there is a prequel book, you start there. Do not start there with this series; in fact, read that book last. Start with Throne of Glass. Many suggest that after reading book 4 (Queen of Shadows) you should read book 6 (Tower of Dawn) before book 5 (Empire of Storms). The events of the two books are happening at the same time, they just follow different characters.
Honestly, I think this is the order I prefer. Tower of Dawn resolves a character development that occurs in Queen of Shadows that you would otherwise have to wait for. On that same note, the cliffhanger at the end of Empire of Storms is picked up quickly in the Kingdom of Ash (book 7) which you would otherwise have to wait for.
Here is the suggested order: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Tower of Dawn, Empire of Storms, Kingdom of Ash, and then The Assassin’s Blade.
There were talks a couple of years ago this series was going to receive a television adaptation by Hulu. However, there hasn’t been an update since 2023, right around the time of the writer’s and actor’s strikes.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
– Dr. Seuss
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