Should I Read Crescent City Or Throne Of Glass First: Complete Guide & Key Details
Okay, so picture this: I was deep in a book slump, a real, soul-crushing, "staring-at-the-ceiling-for-hours" kind of slump. Nothing was working. I’d pick up a book, read a chapter, and feel absolutely nothing. Nada. Zilch. Then, a friend, bless her saintly heart, shoved two massive books into my hands. "Read these," she commanded, her eyes glinting with evangelical zeal. "They're life-changing."
The books? Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City and Throne of Glass. And that, my friends, is how I found myself staring at two epic fantasy series, each boasting a legion of devoted fans, and wondering, with a healthy dose of panic, "Which one do I even start with?" It felt like a literary Sophie's Choice. You've probably been there, right? You hear about these incredible worlds and characters, and you want to dive in headfirst, but the sheer volume of stuff can be intimidating.
So, if you're currently in that existential book-crisis of deciding between the glittering, urban magic of Crescent City and the epic, fae-filled quest of Throne of Glass, you've come to the right place. I’ve navigated the treacherous waters (and by "treacherous waters," I mean a lot of late-night reading and internet rabbit holes) and I'm here to equip you with the ultimate guide. Let's break it down, shall we?
Crescent City vs. Throne of Glass: The Big Question
This is the question that haunts the dreams of many a SJM fan (and soon-to-be fan). Both series are behemoths in the fantasy genre, both are penned by the queen herself, Sarah J. Maas, and both have that addictive blend of romance, action, and world-building that we all crave. But they are very different beasts. Think of it like choosing between a sleek, modern sports car and a majestic, ancient castle. Both are impressive, but they offer vastly different experiences.
So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What are the key differences? What are the similarities? And most importantly, which one is going to steal your heart (and your sleep schedule) first?
Throne of Glass: The Epic Quest of a Fae Assassin
Let's talk about Throne of Glass first. This is the OG, the one that kicked off SJM's journey into massive fantasy success. It’s a series that truly grows with you, starting with a more YA feel and evolving into something far more complex and mature.
The Premise: You're thrown into the world of Erilea, a kingdom steeped in magic (or at least, the remnants of it). Our protagonist is Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin who's been rotting in a salt mine. She's offered a chance at freedom: win a deadly competition to become the King's Champion. Sounds simple, right? Oh, sweet summer child, it is not.
Key Details:
- Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult (starts YA, gets more New Adult/Adult)
- Magic System: It's more subtle and ancient. Think Fae powers, elemental magic, and ancient, forgotten forces. It’s not as flashy or in-your-face as Crescent City’s system initially.
- World-Building: Rich and expansive. You'll travel across diverse kingdoms, encounter different races (humans, Fae, witches, etc.), and learn about a deeply layered history filled with ancient wars and prophecies. It feels epic in scope.
- Romance: Oh, the romance. SJM is known for her swoon-worthy romances, and ToG delivers in spades. There are multiple love interests, and let me tell you, picking a favorite is a national sport among fans. Expect love triangles, slow burns, and plenty of longing looks.
- Characters: Celaena is a force of nature. She's fierce, witty, flawed, and undergoes significant character development throughout the series. The supporting cast is equally beloved – characters like Chaol, Dorian, and Nehemia will worm their way into your heart.
- Pacing: The first book is a bit of a slow burn, introducing you to the world and characters. But trust me, it picks up. By the middle books, you'll be on the edge of your seat, and the last few are an absolute rollercoaster.
- Themes: Identity, destiny, freedom, found family, the corrupting nature of power, and the fight against oppression.
- Books: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, Kingdom of Ash. (Don't forget the prequel novella collection, The Assassin's Blade, which is highly recommended before book 2!)
Who is Throne of Glass for? If you love epic quests, complex political intrigue, a slow-burn romance with multiple compelling love interests, and a character who starts rough around the edges but becomes a legend, then ToG is your jam. It’s for readers who enjoy building a connection with characters over a long, satisfying journey.
Crescent City: The Urban Fantasy with a Heart of Gold (and Sass)
Now, let's switch gears to Crescent City. This series is a departure from SJM’s typical fantasy settings, bringing her signature style to a modern, urban landscape. It's got that gritty, neon-lit, found-family vibe that's absolutely intoxicating.
The Premise: Welcome to Lunathion, a city teeming with magic and mortals, where fae, witches, shifters, and other magical creatures live (sometimes uneasily) alongside humans. Bryce Quinlan, a party-loving angel (or half-angel, technically) is living her best life until tragedy strikes. She finds herself entangled in a dark mystery that pulls her into a world of ancient secrets and hidden dangers. And then, of course, there's the brooding, mysterious partner she’s forced to work with… because SJM knows what we want.
Key Details:
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, New Adult/Adult
- Magic System: More prominent and diverse from the get-go. You'll see distinct powers for different magical races, and the magic feels more integrated into the daily life of the city. Think powerful shifters, elemental witches, and ancient angelic powers.
- World-Building: Dense and contemporary. It's a city with its own unique culture, technology, social hierarchies, and a dark underbelly. It’s a fascinating blend of magic and modernity. You get a real sense of place.
- Romance: SJM’s trademark spice and intensity are here. The primary romance is a slow burn, full of tension and incredible chemistry. Expect enemies-to-lovers vibes, undeniable attraction, and characters who are willing to fight for their love.
- Characters: Bryce is a relatable protagonist who's been through hell and is finding her strength. Hunt is the tortured hero you can't help but root for. The supporting cast, especially Ruhn and Danika, are wonderfully developed and contribute significantly to the emotional core of the story.
- Pacing: The first book, House of Earth and Blood, takes its time establishing the world and the stakes, which can feel a little slower for some. But once the plot kicks into gear, it moves with relentless speed and delivers major emotional punches. The subsequent books ramp up the intensity considerably.
- Themes: Grief, trauma, healing, found family, fighting for justice, prejudice, and the power of love and loyalty.
- Books: House of Earth and Blood, House of Sky and Breath, House of Flame and Shadow (the third book, released in January 2024, so it’s a bit more current for those who don’t want to wait for conclusions!).
Who is Crescent City for? If you adore urban fantasy settings, enjoy a fast-paced plot with plenty of twists, love morally grey characters, and are a sucker for intense, slow-burn romances with a heavy dose of steam, then Crescent City might be your first stop. It’s for readers who like their magic served with a side of city grit.
So, Which One Should You Read FIRST?
Ah, the million-dollar question. The one that will have fans arguing for eternity. Honestly? There's no wrong answer. Both are incredible, and both will likely lead you to devouring the other series anyway. But if you're looking for a nudge, here are my two cents:
Option 1: Start with Throne of Glass If…
You're a purist and want to see where it all began for SJM’s epic fantasy. You're patient and enjoy a series that truly grows with you, from a more typical YA feel to something much grander and more adult. You don't mind a bit of a slower start because you know the payoff is huge. You love extensive world-building and intricate political plots. You're ready for a saga that spans seven books (plus novellas!).
Honestly, starting with ToG feels like reading the foundational text of a literary empire. You’ll understand the evolution of SJM’s writing and her world-building prowess. Plus, the emotional investment you build over seven books is unparalleled.
Option 2: Start with Crescent City If…
You prefer a more contemporary, urban fantasy vibe. You enjoy faster pacing (once it gets going) and a more immediate sense of intrigue. You’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers tropes and appreciate a strong romantic core from the outset. You want to jump into a series that’s still actively being written and might be a bit easier to jump into if you’re intimidated by a seven-book commitment (though that won’t last long, trust me).
Crescent City feels like a modern fantasy blockbuster. It's got that immediate "wow" factor and a plot that grips you quickly. If you're looking for a series that feels more adult from page one and delivers on the romance and action, CC is a fantastic entry point.
A Little Side Note on Connections (No Major Spoilers!)
Now, before you dive in, you might be wondering if these series are connected. And the answer is… sort of. Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that all her published series exist within a larger multiverse. While Throne of Glass and Crescent City are distinct stories set in different worlds, there are subtle nods and very subtle connections that only become apparent much later on, especially in Crescent City.
Think of it like discovering that two seemingly unrelated historical events actually had a minor impact on each other centuries down the line. It's not a direct crossover where characters from ToG are suddenly showing up in CC (or vice versa), but rather a cosmic wink from the author. So, you absolutely do not need to read one to understand the other. They are independent stories. However, knowing they could be connected adds a fun layer of anticipation for dedicated readers.
Some fans speculate about certain characters or events having echoes across the universes. It's part of the fun of being in the SJM fandom – theorizing and connecting the dots! But again, do not let this influence your starting point. Read them for their own merits.
Final Thoughts Before You Plunge In
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to think about what kind of story you're in the mood for right now. Do you want to be swept away by a classic epic fantasy tale with a fierce assassin and a kingdom on the brink? Or do you want to be immersed in a dazzling, dangerous city where magic and modernity collide, and a half-angel finds her power?
Whichever you choose, I can guarantee you're in for a wild ride. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll swoon, and you'll probably want to throw the book across the room in frustration at cliffhangers (but in the best way possible!). Just pick one, dive in, and let Sarah J. Maas work her magic. And hey, once you've finished one, the other will be waiting for you, ready to welcome you into another incredible world. Happy reading!