I’ve been obsessed with reading fantasy for as long as I can remember. My childhood bookshelf held a well-loved collection of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I dreamt of attending Hogwarts and visiting Narnia. I even had a pin on my backpack with my Camp Half-Blood cabin on it. Like all phases, I expected to eventually grow out of it. But even as my reading taste matured, I still found myself longing for that magical fantasy novel. It was this search that led me to the Sarah J. Maas universe.
If you know anything about the fantasy genre, you probably know who Sarah J. Maas is. The bestselling author of 16 novels, Maas’s stories feature breathtaking magical worlds, swoon-worthy love interests, and—most importantly—strong female main characters you’ll root for from page one. Her literary world is complex and constantly growing, so much so that many readers feel too overwhelmed to pick up just one of her (very long) novels. Maas’s recent announcement only heightened the excitement: the sixth and seventh ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) novels will arrive in October 2026 and January 2027, respectively. We even know their official titles: A Court of Splintered Harmony and A Court of Forgotten Melody.
For busy moms, committing to three series that span 18 novels sounds totally unrealistic—and overwhelming. That’s where I come in. As a certified fantasy connoisseur who worships the ground Maas walks on, I’ve compiled a detailed step-by-step guide on how to read all 16 of Maas’s novels without overwhelming yourself. From reading order to speed and recs on whether or not you should listen to the book or read a physical copy, this guide has everything you’ll need to dive headfirst into the Sarah J. Maas universe. After all, if there was ever a time to start, it’s now.
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Who is Sarah J. Maas?
If there’s any author who is BookTok royalty, it’s Sarah J. Maas. Since her 2012 debut, the fantasy writer has revolutionized the genre by thrusting female characters and readers into a space that has historically been male-dominated. Her novels span three series: Throne of Glass, Crescent City, and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)—her most popular series by far. As of 2026, she has sold more than 85 million copies, reached readers in 40 languages, and inspired a passionate fanbase.
What sets Maas’s writing apart is her ability to blend high-stakes fantasy plots with heartwarming, authentic romance. When I crack open a Sarah J. Maas novel, I know I’m going to get a healthy dose of complex magic systems and battles to the death, but I’m also going to get a swoon-worthy romantic plot for the ages—the best of both worlds. Maas’s unique ability to usher once purely romance readers into the world of fantasy is what makes her such an excellent entry-level author for readers looking to try out the genre. That being said, there’s a certain art to navigating her growing list of novels.
The best reading order for the Sarah J. Maas Universe
If you want to start a fight on the internet, tell a fantasy reader what order they should read Sarah J. Maas’ books. But as a busy mom, which books should you *really* start with? Fans have strong opinions, to say the least—but don’t fret. Each of Maas’ three series is an independent story and can be read as you wish. However, as is the case with most of her books, nothing is ever simple. With crossovers and easter eggs abundant, here is my recommended reading order to get the most out of ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and the rest of Maas’ books.
Start with ACOTAR
Feyre is a huntress determined to feed her family. But when a reckless kill comes with unexpected consequences, she must journey to the alluring world of the Fae. There, she’ll face monsters, demons, and a fate beyond anything she could have imagined.
This is a pretty universal belief across the Sarah J. Maas fandom. While ACOTAR is a fantasy series, the plot is very romance-heavy and generally easier to follow than her other series. Feyre, our female main character, is whisked away from her family and into the Fae world when she accidentally murders a Fae man. What follows is a five-book series filled with court politics, breathtaking magic, and a romance that will stay with you forever. Trust me—you’ll be hooked.
If there’s any series you should prioritize on this list, it’s this one—the sixth and seventh ACOTAR books are only months away from hitting shelves.
Recommended reading order
| Reading Order | Release Date | Book Length | Read or Listen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | May 5, 2015 | 448 pg. | Read |
| A Court of Mist and Fury | May 3, 2016 | 656 pg. | Read |
| A Court of Wings and Ruin | May 2, 2017 | 720 pg. | Read |
| A Court of Frost and Starlight | May 1, 2018 | 272 pg. | Listen (quick and easy!) |
| A Court of Silver Flames | February 16, 2021 | 784 pg. | Read and listen—Nesta’s narration is incredible |
| A Court of Splintered Harmony | October 27, 2026 | 352 pg. | Read |
| A Court of Forgotten Melody | January 12, 2027 | 928 pg. | Read |
A Court of Frost and Starlight is a 272-page, multi-POV novella that bridges the events of the third and fifth novels. Some would call it a holiday novel, and while it lacks substance, it still deserves a spot on your TBR. You’ll need info from its story to move into A Court of Silver Flames. Think of it as a little brain break before reading the rest of the series.
ACOTAR 6, A Court of Splintered Harmony, comes out on October 27, 2026. ACOTAR 7, A Court of Forgotten Melody, comes out on January 12, 2027. These new releases should be read after you’ve completed the entire ACOTAR series. It’s also preferable (but not required) to read The Crescent City series before ACOTAR six and seven come out, due to crossovers with different characters. You can preorder both titles now:
In the sixth installment of this bestselling series, the Night Court is crumbling under the growing threat of Koschei the Deathless. The Inner Circle refuses to stand by as innocents are killed, but as lies and betrayals threaten to undo their once unbreakable bonds, holding a united front proves to be difficult.
Bloomsbury Publishing also recently confirmed this novel’s length at 328 pages—on the shorter end for those who have read any other Sarah J. Maas books.
pre-order now!
The seventh ACOTAR installment will pick up as the threat of Koschei looms darker and peace hangs by a fragile thread. As the Night Court’s Inner Circle disperses far and wide, old enemies (and unlikely allies) will emerge when things are most dire.
Unlike the shorter sixth book, the seventh ACOTAR novel comes in at a hefty 928 pages. So readers can expect a big story with lots of twists and turns.
pre-order now!
The blurbs for these new books are definitely vague, but the subtitle on both of the covers—The Valkyrie Cycle—has fans wondering if these two novels may revolve around the the Valkyries, a league of ancient, legendary female warriors that have played a key role in the story thus far. Hopefully more information will be coming soon, but for now, theorize away!
Is A Court of Silver Flames any good?
A Court of Silver Flames, the series’ fifth installment, is easily Sarah J. Maas’ most controversial title. For context, the first three ACOTAR books take place from Feyre’s perspective, while A Court of Silver Flames is all about Nesta, Feyre’s moody, often malicious older sister. You’re not alone if you finish the first four books and think to yourself, “Why in the world would I want to read about her?” But the magic of A Court of Silver Flames is realizing just how wrong you are—and watching Nesta blossom into a character you’ll soon love.
I’ll also say this: as someone who has read the entire Sarah J. Maas universe, Nesta is bound to play a huge role in the sixth and seventh ACOTAR books. So don’t give up on her yet—she’ll surprise you!
Then move onto Throne of Glass
In a land void of magic, assassin Celaena Sardothien is pulled from the salt mines and summoned to the King’s castle. But she has not come to kill him—she intends to win her freedom by defeating twenty three other warriors, thieves, and murderers. Yet, as dark forces gather on the horizon, her trials grow more challenging. Soon, Celaena will have to fight to protect herself and everything she holds dear.
I find it difficult to sum up just how much this series means to me in a few sentences. Despite ACOTAR getting all the buzz, I believe that Throne of Glass is Maas’s best work by far. The eight-book fantasy series follows deadly assassin Celaena Sardothien in a world where magic has been banished. Though the start can feel slow, the payoff is well worth it. I mean it when I say I would do anything to read this series for the first time again.
Recommended reading order
The reading order here is a little bit more complicated (and controversial). Throne of Glass includes a set of prequel novellas titled The Assassin’s Blade. You can read this book either first, third, or fourth, so long as you read it before the fifth book, Queen of Shadows. However, I do believe some reading orders are superior to others. Here’s my recommendation:
| Reading Order | Release Date | Book Length | Read or Listen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throne of Glass | August 2, 2012 | 432 pg. | Listen—it’s easier to get into the series! |
| Crown of Midnight | August 15, 2013 | 448 pg. | Listen (especially the end of the book!) |
| The Assassin’s Blade (set of prequel novellas) | March 4, 2014 | 464 pg. | Read or listen |
| Heir of Fire | September 2, 2014 | 568 pg. | Read |
| Queen of Shadows | September 1, 2015 | 653 pg. | Read |
| Empire of Storms | September 6, 2016 | 693 pg. | Read |
| Tower of Dawn | September 5, 2017 | 688 pg. | Read or listen |
| Kingdom of Ash | October 23, 2018 | 992 pg. | Read |
By reading The Assassin’s Blade third, I believe the stories deliver maximum emotional effect, especially when combined with everything we’ve learned thus far about our female main character. This is also the reading order Sarah J. Maas herself recommends, which speaks volumes. Be warned—this book is sad. Like, crying in my bed at 2 a.m. sad, but it’s a small price to pay for what the rest of the series has to offer.
Should I tandem read?
The other point to consider when reading Throne of Glass is whether or not to tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, the sixth and seventh books in the series. These are two separate novels that focus on different sets of characters, but that take place simultaneously. If you want, these novels can be read in a guided order that alternates between books, offering more clarity on the stories’ connections and timelines. I did the tandem read, and while it has its benefits, for a reader just getting started with fantasy—particularly busy moms with a lot on their plate already—I’d stick to reading the two books independently. Both stories have a lot to offer and will move you in different ways. Just beware of the cliffhanger at the end of Empire of Storms—it’s a brutal one.
Finally, read Crescent City
Bryce Quinlan used to have everything she could want—a good job, a loving group of friends—until a senseless crime stole it all from her. When the violence starts up again, Bryce is forced to step back into the bustling streets of Crescent City and avenge her loved ones, once and for all. To succeed, she’ll need the help of Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel desperate to win his freedom. Together, the pair will discover what secrets lurk in the underbelly of their home.
Maas’s most recent addition to her literary world, Crescent City, is an adult urban fantasy series that takes place in the bustling city of Lunathion. Unlike Maas’s other series, the characters of Crescent City have all the modern technology we do—cars, phones, weapons—making their world that much more complex. The story follows half-human, half-Fae Bryce Quinlan as she faces her family (and destiny) once and for all.
Recommended reading order
Thus far, there are only three novels in the Crescent City series, so the reading order is pretty self-explanatory:
| Reading Order | Release Date | Book Length | Read or Listen? |
|---|---|---|---|
| House of Earth and Blood | March 3, 2020 | 816 pg. | Listen—it’s easier to get into the series! |
| House of Sky and Breath | February 15, 2022 | 816 pg. | Read or listen |
| House of Flame and Shadow | January 30, 2024 | 838 pg. | Read or listen |
These books are long and complex. Try your best not to be scared off by the multitude of magical creatures and government hierarchies—you don’t need to remember it all. Just focus on Bryce’s journey. Even long after finishing the third book, it’s her character arc that has stuck with me most. In fact, I’d venture to say that the first Crescent City book, House of Earth and Blood, is some of Maas’s best work. The end had me feeling more than just a little teary-eyed.
One other important note here: while readers should feel free to decide whether to read the ACOTAR series or Throne of Glass first, Crescent City should absolutely be the final Sarah J. Maas series you read. I won’t say too much, but there are some crossovers from previous series that take place in the final book, none of which will make any sense if you haven’t already read the previous works. Even if you take none of my earlier advice, make sure to leave this series for last.
I would also recommend getting through this series before you start ACOTAR six and seven. Crossovers from Crescent City will no doubt play a role in the stories yet to unfold.
More tips for reading Sarah J. Maas books
1. Take breaks between series
I started the Sarah J. Maas universe while I was a college student, and it was hard not to get overwhelmed by the pure volume of novels while also balancing exams, papers, and a packed class schedule. I’m sure busy moms will be able to relate to this feeling. One thing I did to alleviate the stress was to strategically space out each series.
I’d recommend reading the first three ACOTAR books—a complete trilogy on their own—and then stepping away from the fantasy world for a week or two. Once your head is clear, return to read A Court of Frost and Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames, a welcome pace change in the series. Then, if you feel like you need it, you can take another beat before heading into the series’ new additions: A Court of Splintered Harmony and A Court of Forgotten Melody. There’s a natural pause in the story here. A break may be warranted!
As for Throne of Glass, read through Heir of Fire, then take a pause before heading into the latter half of the series. This is where things really pick up. At that point, you won’t be able to put these books down.
2. Listen to the audiobooks—especially Throne of Glass
As much as we wish it did, life doesn’t stop for a long book series. If you find yourself engrossed in the Sarah J. Maas universe while also balancing school pickup and drop-off, meal prep, and family holidays, never fear. Audiobooks are excellent tools for multitasking, and these are ones you certainly won’t want to miss. The Throne of Glass audiobooks, in particular, add a level of emotion and intrigue that makes the reading experience that much more exciting. I read the series first, then went back and listened to some of my favorite scenes. The narrator is excellent with inflections and emotional standoffs. I’ve even begun hearing her voice when I read the books.
I’ll also add that the graphic audiobooks for Throne of Glass are currently in production, and will include different actors for each character, cinematic music, and various sound effects. The first Throne of Glass book’s graphic audio is scheduled for release in December 2027. While this is still quite a ways off, if you’re in the midst of the series at that time, I’d recommend listening.
3. Give yourself time to get into the series before you “DNF”
I’m particularly guilty of “DNF-ing” (not finishing) a book simply because it didn’t hook me. I almost didn’t finish the first Crescent City book because the world-building was so overwhelming. But after reaching the end of Maas’s work, I’m grateful I didn’t let the first few chapters of a series scare me off. While the buildup for a Sarah J. Maas novel can feel like information overload, the payoff will have you pondering how you ever considered putting it down.
This is especially true for Throne of Glass. The first few books in the series were Maas’s first published works, and at times, her writing betrays her inexperience. Yet, I cannot emphasize enough: do not let this deter you. By the third and fourth book, the beauty of the story will start to reveal itself to you, and the latter half of the series will change your life—no, I’m not exaggerating.
4. Keep an eye out for easter eggs
As you make your way through the Sarah J. Maas universe, connections will start to appear. While I won’t get into too many details, one of the most rewarding aspects of reading the author’s series is noticing these patterns as they emerge. By the time you read Crescent City, the easter eggs and crossovers will have you gaping at your bedroom wall, questioning how you didn’t see it before. There are also plenty of easter eggs that are sure to come up in ACOTAR six and seven. Use this spoiler-free warning as motivation to keep reading—just because you finish a series doesn’t mean you’ll never see those characters again.
5. Expect romance, but also fantasy
One of the biggest misconceptions about Sarah J. Maas’ novels is that they are purely steamy romances. While Maas definitely isn’t afraid to include a sex scene where it’s called for, her series are fantasy first. ACOTAR—her most romance-centered series—only includes a handful of prominent steamy scenes in each novel, despite the internet hyping it up as one of the smuttiest novels ever. Throne of Glass, on the other hand, doesn’t feature any explicit scenes until over halfway through the series.
This doesn’t mean the romance in these stories is any less magical. In fact, I’d say the slow burn only adds to the payoff for the reader, but be warned: Maas’s stories are not your typical romance novels. There’s as much political intrigue and magic as there is romance.
FAQs
What order should I read the ACOTAR series in?
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
- A Court of Splintered Harmony (coming October 2026)
- A Court of Forgotten Melody (coming January 2027)
When do ACOTAR 6 and 7 come out?
ACOTAR 6, A Court of Splintered Harmony, comes out on October 27, 2026. ACOTAR 7, A Court of Forgotten Melody, comes out on January 12, 2027.
Can I skip A Court of Frost and Starlight?
While A Court of Frost and Starlight is just a novella, it bridges the events of the third and fifth ACOTAR novels and shouldn’t be skipped. You’ll need info from the story to head into A Court of Silver Flames.
Do I need to read A Court of Silver Flames before ACOTAR 6 and 7?
Yes, you need to read A Court of Silver Flames before you read ACOTAR 6 and 7. While it’s definitely a more divisive story in the Sarah J. Maas fandom, the novel’s events set up Nesta—Feyre’s older sister—as a key player in the rest of the series.
Do I need to read Throne of Glass and Crescent City before ACOTAR 6 and 7?
Personally, I would say yes, particularly Crescent City, as events in House of Flame and Shadow—the third Crescent City novel—confirmed that all of Sarah J. Maas’s books are linked. That being said, it’s not a hard requirement. They’re still independent series and can be enjoyed separately, especially if you’re worried about getting through all these books before October.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Assistant
As an Editorial Assistant, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented.