Everything You Need To Know About What Order To Read Sarah J Maas Books Reddit
So, you’ve stumbled down the rabbit hole, haven’t you? The land of Sarah J. Maas. It’s a place filled with Fae, assassins, morally grey heroes, and enough romantic tension to power a small city. And if you’re like most of us who’ve ventured in, your first thought after devouring one book is: "Okay, what’s next? And when do I read it?" Fear not, fellow traveler. The internet, specifically the glorious, chaotic, and incredibly helpful realm of Reddit, has already charted the course for you. We're talking about the sacred SJM reading order, a topic that sparks more passionate debate than "Is it coffee or tea in the morning?"
Navigating the SJM universe can feel a bit like trying to find a specific portal in Prythian on your first visit – overwhelming and slightly disorienting. But thankfully, the Reddit community, a veritable hive mind of bookworms, has meticulously mapped out the best paths to take. Think of this as your friendly, low-key guide to unlocking the secrets of the SJM reading order, as endorsed by the folks who practically live and breathe these stories.
The Big Question: Does Order Really Matter?
Ah, the age-old question. For some authors, hopping around is totally fine. For SJM? It’s generally recommended to stick to a chronological order, or at least a series-by-series order, to truly appreciate the character development, plot threads, and those delicious Easter eggs that link her worlds together. Imagine watching The Empire Strikes Back before A New Hope – you’d miss some crucial emotional beats, right? Same vibe here. The payoff is just so much better when you’ve followed the journey from the beginning.
Reddit’s consensus is pretty strong on this: series order is king. You wouldn't start your TikTok scrolling with the last trending soundbite, would you? It's about building context, understanding the stakes, and getting to know your favorite characters (or the ones you love to hate) in their natural habitat. It’s about that slow burn, that gradual unveiling of magic and mayhem.
Let’s Break Down the Realms: A Closer Look at the SJM Universes
Sarah J. Maas has blessed us with a few distinct, yet interconnected, series. Each has its own flavor, its own brand of enchantment and danger. And yes, some fans swear by specific orders within these, but for your first foray, keeping it to series-by-series is the sweet spot.
The Young Adult Reign: Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses
These are your gateway drugs into the SJM universe. They are the foundations upon which the later, more complex narratives are built. And yes, there's a delightful debate about which one to start with. Reddit offers a few popular takes.
Option 1: The Throne of Glass (TOG) First Approach
This is a classic for a reason. Throne of Glass introduces you to a world of assassins, kings, and magic that feels deeply medieval fantasy. It’s an epic journey of self-discovery for its protagonist, Celaena Sardothien (who you’ll come to know and love as Aelin Ashryver Galathynius). The Reddit community often points to this as a solid starting point because it’s a more traditional fantasy build-up. You get to see SJM hone her craft over a longer series, and the character arcs are truly chef’s kiss.
The Throne of Glass Reading Order (as per Reddit consensus):
- The Assassin's Blade (Prequel Novellas) – This is often recommended to be read after the first book or two of the main series, or even after the entire main series. Why? Because these stories offer crucial backstory for Celaena, but reading them first can sometimes slow down the initial momentum of Throne of Glass. Think of it like watching the deleted scenes of your favorite movie before you’ve even seen the main feature. It’s good info, but maybe not essential for your first viewing. However, many Redditors love reading them right before Heir of Fire to get that backstory injection when Celaena is at a low point. Your mileage may vary, but if you're feeling impatient, just jump into Book 1.
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn – This one is a bit tricky! Many Redditors suggest reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn concurrently. They happen at the same time and offer two different, but equally important, perspectives on the same events. It's like having two cameras on the same action sequence. You can read them one after the other, but the experience is often richer if you dip between them.
- Kingdom of Ash
Reddit Tip: Many users on r/Fantasy and r/SarahJMaas will tell you that Kingdom of Ash is one of the most satisfying finales they've ever read. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster!
Option 2: The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) First Approach
This is the other incredibly popular starting point. ACOTAR is a bit more of a romance-forward fantasy, drawing heavily on Beauty and the Beast tropes. Feyre’s journey from a human girl struggling to survive to a powerful Fae is captivating. If you're drawn to more immediate romantic stakes and fae courts filled with alluring (and dangerous) beings, this might be your jam. Reddit often sees this as a slightly faster-paced entry point for some readers.
The A Court of Thorns and Roses Reading Order (as per Reddit consensus):
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury – This is the book that solidifies ACOTAR’s place in many readers’ hearts. Prepare for it. Seriously. The internet will practically implode when you get to this one.
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (Novella) – This is a lighter, holiday-themed novella that bridges the gap between the main trilogy and the next phase of the series. Read it after ACOWAR.
- A Court of Silver Flames – This book shifts focus to a new protagonist, Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister. It’s a much more character-driven and intense story, and many Redditors advise reading the first three books to fully appreciate Nesta’s backstory and her complex relationships.
Reddit Tip: The ACOTAR books are known for their intense romantic elements. If you’re a fan of steamy scenes and deep emotional connections, you’re in for a treat. Just be prepared for some passionate discussions about Rhysand and Feyre on Reddit!
The Intertwining Threads: When Do the Worlds Connect?
This is where things get really interesting, and where Reddit’s collective wisdom shines. While TOG and ACOTAR are distinct series, there are subtle hints and direct nods that suggest a shared universe. Most readers advise completing one series before diving headfirst into the other, but some brave souls enjoy spotting the connections as they read.
For your first SJM journey, sticking to the series-by-series order is the most straightforward. You’ll catch the connections organically, and the "aha!" moments will be that much sweeter. It’s like finding a hidden gem in your favorite video game – it’s more rewarding when you’ve earned it.
The Crescent City Chronicles: A Jump into the Modern Age
Then there’s Crescent City. This series is a complete departure in setting, taking place in a modern, urban fantasy world filled with magic, technology, and… angels? It’s a fascinating blend that’s really captured the imagination of SJM fans. And importantly, this series is generally read after you've experienced both TOG and ACOTAR.
Why? Because Crescent City is where the worlds truly begin to collide in a more significant way. The connections are more overt, and understanding the nuances of the magic systems and character motivations from the previous series will enhance your appreciation for Crescent City immensely. Think of it as unlocking the post-game content of a massive RPG. You get all the lore, all the character backstory, and then you get to see how it all fits into a grander scheme.
The Crescent City Reading Order:
- House of Earth and Blood
- House of Sky and Breath
- House of Flame and Shadow (Upcoming, but eagerly anticipated!)
Reddit Tip: Crescent City is a more mature series with complex themes and a darker tone than parts of ACOTAR or TOG. If you enjoy intricate world-building and a touch of noir, this is for you. The discussions on Reddit about the plot twists are legendary – try to avoid spoilers!
The “What If?” Scenarios: Alternate Reading Orders Debated on Reddit
While the series-by-series approach is dominant, there are always rebels! Some readers enjoy a more "interspersed" method. For example, some might read TOG up to a certain point, then switch to ACOTAR, and then back.
Reddit generally advises against this for first-time readers. The reason is simple: consistency. Jumping between series can be disorienting, especially when you’re still getting a feel for the characters and their individual journeys. It’s like trying to listen to two podcasts at once – you might catch some interesting bits, but you’ll likely miss the overarching narrative of both.
However, for seasoned SJM fans looking for a re-read experience, these interspersed orders can be a fun way to catch those early hints and foreshadowing. They might read TOG 1-3, then ACOTAR 1-2, then back to TOG 4-7, and then ACOTAR 3-5, all before starting Crescent City. It’s a commitment, but for those who live for the SJM lore, it’s a labor of love.
The Ultimate Reddit-Approved Order (for Beginners):
If you’re feeling lost in the magical woods and just want a clear path, here’s the most frequently cited and recommended order on Reddit:
- Start with Throne of Glass series (in its chronological order).
- Then, move on to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (in its chronological order).
- Finally, dive into the Crescent City series (in its chronological order).
This allows you to fully immerse yourself in each world, understand the individual character arcs, and then appreciate the grand tapestry as it’s woven together. It’s the most satisfying way to experience SJM’s storytelling for the first time.
A Final Word of Encouragement
The truth is, there’s no single "wrong" way to read Sarah J. Maas. If you absolutely adore a book and want to immediately jump to the next in that series, go for it! If you find a particular character from another series calling to you, you might just have to answer. However, for the most cohesive and rewarding experience, especially for your first journey through these fantastical realms, the Reddit-approved order is your best bet.
Reading these books is an adventure. It's about getting lost in richly imagined worlds, falling in love with characters who feel like old friends, and staying up way too late because you "just need to finish this chapter." And isn't that what life is all about? Finding those passions that make you lose track of time, that offer a comfortable escape, and that connect you to a community of like-minded souls (even if it's just online). So grab your favorite reading snack, find a comfy spot, and prepare to be swept away. The Fae, the assassins, the courts – they’re all waiting for you. And honestly, doesn't that sound like a pretty fantastic way to spend an afternoon?