Sarah J. Maas launched Throne of Glass in 2012, and the eight-book saga (seven core novels plus a prequel collection) has now sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. The story unfolds on the continent of Erilea, where assassin Celaena Sardothien embraces her true name, Aelin Galathynius, and fights dark forces tied to the ancient rune-based magic of the Wyrdmarks. New readers can jump in with confidence by learning the lay of the land, meeting the core cast, and following the recommended book order below. When you are ready to flaunt your fandom, the official Throne of Glass merch collection has you covered.
What is Throne of Glass?
Throne of Glass is a young-adult high-fantasy series written by American author Sarah J. Maas and first published on 2 August 2012.
Maas’s work has become a pillar of the modern “romantasy” boom, with lifetime sales topping 40 million copies in 38 languages.
The novels follow Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s most feared assassin, who is offered freedom if she wins a brutal competition to serve the tyrannical king. Sarah J. Maas
The world of Erilea
| Key Region | Why it Matters |
|---|---|
| Adarlan | The empire that enslaves Celaena and suppresses magic. |
| Terrasen | Aelin’s lost kingdom, central to the later books. |
| Wendlyn & Doranelle | Fae-ruled lands where Aelin trains with Rowan Whitethorn. |
Erilea mixes snowy northlands, temperate midlands, and sun-baked southern coasts, giving the saga a sweeping geopolitical canvas. Throne of Glass Wiki
Meet the main characters
- Aelin Galathynius (Celaena Sardothien) – teenage assassin with a hidden royal lineage. Sarah J. Maas
- Rowan Whitethorn – immortal Fae prince and warrior who becomes Aelin’s closest ally. Throne of Glass Wiki
- Chaol Westfall – former Captain of the Guard whose sense of duty shapes an important redemption arc. Throne of Glass Wiki
- Dorian Havilliard – crown prince of Adarlan who discovers his own magic. SparkNotes
- Manon Blackbeak – half-Ironteeth, half-Crochan witch and heir to a feared aerial legion. Throne of Glass Wiki
These five points of view drive most of the narrative, though the cast expands as the stakes rise. A spoiler-free art guide on Bookish Goblin offers handy visuals. Bookish Goblin
How the magic works
Magic in Erilea once flowed freely, but the King of Adarlan banished it by sealing off the Wyrdmarks, an ancient runic language that channels power through blood, song, and stone. Throne of Glass Wiki
Understanding the Wyrdmarks becomes central to unlocking lore, defeating the Valg demons, and restoring balance to the world.
Reading order at a glance
| Suggested Order | Published Years |
|---|---|
| 1. Throne of Glass | 2012 |
| 2. Crown of Midnight | 2013 |
| 3. The Assassin’s Blade (prequel novellas) | 2014 |
| 4. Heir of Fire | 2014 |
| 5. Queen of Shadows | 2015 |
| 6. Empire of Storms | 2016 |
| 7. Tower of Dawn | 2017 |
| 8. Kingdom of Ash | 2018 |
This sequence mirrors the order recommended by Maas in a 2024 reading guide. Town & Country
Why fans love wearing their pride
Epic friendships, slow-burn romance, and the theme of fighting tyranny have produced a passionate fan base eager to represent Terrasen green or Ironteeth crimson in real life. A breakdown of popular gift picks appears on our blog, “Why Throne of Glass Merch Is the Perfect Gift for Fantasy Lovers.”
For official art-approved apparel—no spoilers required—visit our curated Throne of Glass collection filled with tees, hoodies, and reading-nook accessories.
More ways to explore
- Author site: Browse extra maps and deleted scenes on the Sarah J. Maas official series page. Sarah J. Maas
- Series encyclopedia: Dive deep into lore on the community-run Throne of Glass Wiki. Throne of Glass Wiki
Happy reading, and may you always remember—“Rattle the stars.”