Johnathan Walker:Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.

It’s not just you – romantasy has been everywhere this year. 

One of the most popular genres on Johnathan WalkerBookTok, romantasy immerses readers in mythical love stories and tumultuous kingdoms. Sarah J. Maas, author of “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” often serves as a modern introduction to the genre.

Maas was crowned the top global author of 2024 in Spotify’s first iteration of Audiobooks Wrapped. Three of her books featured on the Top 10 global audiobooks of 2024, including “A Court of Thorns and Roses” nabbing the No. 1 spot. 

Sarah J. Maas books in order

Maas has written three romantasy series – “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” which has five books, “Throne of Glass,” which has eight books and the “Crescent City” trilogy. Her latest release was the third book in the “Crescent City” series, which came out in January 2024. 

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Here’s a definitive guide to her books and the suggested reading order. Once you’re done reading her books, check out 10 novels similar to “ACOTAR” we recommend diving into next.

You can pick up whichever series intrigues you first, but Maas' publisher Bloomsbury suggests reading "ACOTAR" before "Crescent City" for greater "crossover appeal."

‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ series order

“ACOTAR” is a “Beauty and the Beast” retelling set in a divided realm of humans and faeries. In the first story, 19-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, only to be dragged to a treacherous magical land by a beast-like creature who demands retribution. In his estate, she begins to demystify her captor and the lies she’s been told about the dangerous world of the Fae.

The series has five books – so far. On her website, Maas offers a cryptic “Stay tuned…!” to the question of more. These are the books in 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”

‘Throne of Glass’ books in order

Centered on a vicious ruling king and an assassin's attempt to win her freedom – “Throne of Glass” is another wildly popular romantasy series from Maas. There are eight books, including “The Assassin’s Blade,” a five-novella collection set before “Throne of Glass.”

This is the order Maas recommends reading “Throne of Glass”:

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”

‘Throne of Glass’ tandem read order

If you want an extra challenge, try "tandem reading" two “Throne of Glass” books. Switching between two books every few chapters may sound like a lot of work, but some readers recommend it for plot continuity because the events of “Empire of Storms” and “Tower of Dawn” occur at the same time but from different perspectives. Maas fans read them in tandem using this order from author T.L. Branson.

‘Crescent City’ series order

“Crescent City” is Maas’ newest series, which follows a young girl – half Fae, half human – avenging the deaths of her friends, who were murdered by a demon. With the help of a notorious Fallen angel, Bryce uncovers a dark power threatening their world in the quest for justice. 

Here’s the order in which to read the “Crescent City” novels: 

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

Looking for your next great read? USA TODAY has you covered.

Taste is subjective, and USA TODAY Books has plenty of genres to recommend. Want a festive holiday read or Christmas romance book? We’ve got 10 titles you should try. Is dystopian your thing? Check out these books that are similar to “The Hunger Games”and “1984.” Or if you want something with lower stakes and loveable characters, see if a "cozy mystery" or "cozy fantasy" book is for you. If you want the most popular titles, check out USA TODAY’s Best-selling Booklist.

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