Throne of Glass Reading Order Guide (+ Printable Checklist)

Oh, the Throne of Glass reading order debate. Everyone has an opinion, and usually a very strong one.

Most questions come down to two things:

• When should I read The Assassin’s Blade?
• Should I, or shouldn’t I, tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn?

I’ve read the series, lived the debate, skimmed when I shouldn’t have, and learned a few things the hard way. This guide is here to save you from spoiler chaos, frustration, and unnecessary suffering.

Below you’ll find:

• The official publication order recommended by Sarah J. Maas
• My personal recommended reading order
• Why tandem reading is worth the effort
• A complete checklist you can save or print

Let’s get into it.

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The Great Assassin’s Blade Debate

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, The Assassin’s Blade.

This book causes more arguments in the TOG fandom than almost anything else, and honestly, I get why.

I read The Assassin’s Blade in the so-called romantic order after Crown of Midnight, and I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I skimmed. A lot. I didn’t feel emotionally attached yet. I just wanted back in the main storyline immediately, and it did not enhance the romance for me the way it’s often hyped up to do.

Because of that, here’s my honest take:

• Reading it first gives you important background, but it can reveal information you may prefer to learn later
• Reading it in the middle can feel like slamming the brakes on the story
• Reading it last can be incredibly powerful once you’re already emotionally invested

However, and this part matters, Sarah J. Maas herself recommends reading the series in publication order, which places The Assassin’s Blade second.

And really, who can argue with SJM?

So for this guide, the official order I highlight is publication order, with the understanding that you can absolutely tweak it based on your reading style.

I’ll clearly call out my personal preference so you can decide what’s best for you.

My Personal Recommendation (Chronological or Assassin’s Blade Last)

If I were rereading the series for the first time, knowing what I know now, I would do one of two things:

• Read The Assassin’s Blade first, then continue the series
• Or save The Assassin’s Blade for last

Saving it for last isn’t the official recommendation, but emotionally, it hits harder once you already love these characters.

By the time you reach the end of the series, the backstory actually matters, and it feels meaningful instead of interruptive.

This option isn’t for everyone, but if you struggle with prequels or hate stepping away from the main plot, it’s worth considering.

Should You Tandem Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn?

Short answer, yes.
Long answer, yes, even though it’s a hassle.

I completely understand why people avoid the tandem read. It takes planning. It requires a checklist. It feels like homework.

But trust me, you do not want to read Tower of Dawn straight through on its own.

Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn take place at the same time, following different characters in different locations. Reading them separately means finishing Empire of Storms on a massive cliffhanger and then jumping backward in time for an entire book.

That is brutal.

Tandem reading allows you to experience the story in chronological order, bouncing between both books as events unfold simultaneously.

Is it extra work? Yes.
Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Tower of Dawn introduces important characters and storylines that matter later, but Empire of Storms breaks it up so it never feels like a slog. Without the tandem read, I know I would’ve skimmed, and that would’ve been a mistake.

The Ultimate Throne of Glass Checklist (Reading Order + Tandem Guide)

To make this as easy as possible, I’ve created one complete checklist that includes:

• Publication reading order
• Chronological alternative
• A full Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn tandem reading guide

You can save it, print it, or keep it open on your phone while reading, with no flipping between charts or second-guessing yourself halfway through the series.

If you want zero stress, minimal spoilers, and the smoothest emotional experience possible, start with publication order, tandem read when you get there, and don’t overthink it.

There is no wrong way to read Throne of Glass, just a few ways that make it way more enjoyable.

Grab the printable Throne of Glass reading order & tandem guide here.

Want More?

• Want book reviews and recaps? Check them out here.
• Want suggestions on what to read next? Find them here.
• Need a reading order or gift idea for a reader? Explore my guides here.

Retreat into worlds where love and magic await.