If you’ve ever wandered through the fantasy section of a bookstore or scrolled through #BookTok, chances are you’ve heard the name Sarah J. Maas. With multiple bestselling series, legions of passionate fans, and worlds filled with fierce heroines, swoon-worthy romances, and magical intrigue, her books have become essential reading for fantasy lovers everywhere. But with so many titles and sprawling universes, one big question keeps coming up: which Sarah J. Maas series to read first?
Whether you’re brand new to her work or debating where to jump in next, this guide will help you choose the right starting point based on your reading preferences. From the assassin-filled adventures of Throne of Glass, to the steamy fae politics in A Court of Thorns and Roses, to the gritty, urban fantasy world of Crescent City, each series offers a unique entry into her ever-expanding multiverse.
In this post, we’ll break down the main Sarah J. Maas books in order, compare the themes and tone of each series, and answer common questions like: “Is ACOTAR appropriate for teens?” and “Are the series connected?” Whether you’re into romance, high fantasy, or emotionally devastating plot twists, we’ve got you covered.
So if you’re wondering where to start with Sarah J. Maas books, keep reading, your next book obsession awaits.
Also, take this quiz to find out which ACOTAR character you are most like!
II. Quick Overview of Her Series
Before we dive into which Sarah J. Maas series to read first, let’s take a quick look at her three main fantasy worlds. Each series stands on its own, with its own cast of characters, settings, and tone, so your perfect starting point really depends on the kind of story you love to read.
1. Throne of Glass (2012–2018)
📚 Books: 8 total (including the prequel collection The Assassin’s Blade)
🎯 Genre: YA to NA high fantasy
🗡️ What It’s About: This is where it all began. Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, a teenage assassin offered a chance at freedom if she wins a deadly competition to become the king’s champion. But what starts as a brutal survival story quickly evolves into an epic tale of magic, rebellion, and destiny.
✨ Themes: Power, rebellion, identity, magic, found family
💬 Best for: Readers who love slow-burn world-building, character growth, and multi-book arcs with increasing complexity.
2. A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR, 2015–ongoing)
📚 Books: 5 books so far (with more on the way)
🎯 Genre: New Adult romantic fantasy
🧚 What It’s About: Starting as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, ACOTAR follows Feyre, a mortal girl who’s pulled into the fae world after killing a wolf that’s more than it seems. What unfolds is a sweeping, sensual saga filled with dangerous magic, political alliances, and unforgettable romance.
✨ Themes: Romance, trauma, healing, fae courts, war
💬 Best for: Fans of romantic fantasy, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and emotionally rich stories with plenty of spice.
3. Crescent City (2019–ongoing)
📚 Books: 3+ (currently ongoing)
🎯 Genre: Urban high fantasy for adults
🌆 What It’s About: Set in a modern, magical city, Crescent City follows Bryce Quinlan as she navigates heartbreak, crime investigations, and divine secrets after a brutal tragedy shatters her life. With angels, demons, and fae all vying for control, this series is darker, more layered, and packed with action and heartache.
✨ Themes: Friendship, grief, found family, crime, angel/fae/demon politics
💬 Best for: Adult readers who enjoy complex world-building, emotional depth, and fast-paced fantasy thrillers.
Each of these series offers something different, so the real question is: what kind of fantasy are you in the mood for? Up next, we’ll help you figure that out with a guide based on your reading preferences.
III. Reading Age & Content Level
One of the most important factors when deciding which Sarah J. Maas series to read first is understanding the tone, maturity level, and content of each. While all of her books explore emotional depth, dark themes, and intense relationships, some are more suitable for younger readers while others lean heavily into adult fantasy territory.
Here’s a breakdown to help guide your choice:
| Series | Recommended Age | Spice Level | Content Warnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Throne of Glass | 14+ (YA to NA) | Mild to Medium | Violence, death, emotional trauma |
| A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) | 17+ (NA) | Medium to High | Explicit sex scenes, war, PTSD, toxic relationships |
| Crescent City | 18+ (Adult) | High | Graphic violence, drug use, grief, sex, adult language |
Throne of Glass
Starts out firmly in the YA category but matures along with its heroine. As the series progresses, the tone grows darker and more emotionally complex, bordering on New Adult by the final books. While romance is present, it’s more subdued in the earlier books and slowly builds.
ACOTAR
Best known for its high levels of emotional and physical intimacy. The first book reads like a traditional YA fantasy, but the second (A Court of Mist and Fury) marks a sharp shift toward steamy New Adult content. If you enjoy romantic fantasy with depth and spice, this series delivers.
Crescent City
From page one, this is an adult fantasy through and through. With graphic violence, explicit scenes, and heavy themes like grief and addiction, Crescent City is not recommended for younger readers. It’s dense, intense, and deeply layered, perfect for mature readers looking for a more sophisticated fantasy experience.
Quick Tip: If you’re shopping for a teen reader or prefer fade-to-black romance, start with Throne of Glass. If you’re here for steam and soul-crushing plot twists, ACOTAR and Crescent City will be more your speed.
Next up: we’ll help you pick the right series based on your reading style and what kind of fantasy world you’re craving.
IV. What Type of Reader Are You?
Still wondering which Sarah J. Maas series to read first? The best place to start depends on the kind of reader you are and what you’re in the mood for. Whether you love court intrigue, fiery romance, or intricate world-building, there’s a perfect entry point waiting for you.
Let’s match your reading style to the right series:
💫 1. “I’m New to Fantasy and Want Something Addictive”
📚 Start With: Throne of Glass
If you’re just dipping your toes into fantasy or want an easy-to-follow series that grows with you, Throne of Glass is the ideal beginning. It starts with a straightforward competition plot, then slowly evolves into a rich, magical epic filled with twists, political drama, and personal growth. It’s perfect for fans of strong female leads, slow-burn relationships, and coming-of-age arcs. Bonus: The series expands massively in scope, so you’ll be hooked for all 8 books.
💘 2. “I Love Romance With a Dark, Fantastical Twist”
📚 Start With: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
Are you a romantasy fan? Do you live for enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray love interests, and emotionally intense relationships? Then ACOTAR is your dream series. While it starts off as a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it quickly becomes something much deeper and steamier. Ideal for readers who crave passion, drama, and fae politics with high stakes and heart.
🌌 3. “I Want Something Gritty, Complex, and Urban”
📚 Start With: Crescent City
If you’ve already read a lot of fantasy and are ready for something more mature and layered, dive into Crescent City. With its urban setting, modern magic systems, and emotionally wrecking plotlines, this series is a slow burn that pays off in a big way. Think angels, demons, ancient gods, and a whole lot of heartbreak. Best suited for readers who love complex lore, fast-paced action, and high fantasy with an edge.
No matter your reader type, you can’t go wrong with Sarah J. Maas. But finding the right fit for your style will make your reading experience even more magical. Up next: Should you read the books in release order or try something else? Let’s talk strategy.
V. Should You Read in Publication Order or Chronological?
Once you’ve decided which Sarah J. Maas series to read first, the next big question is: what order should you read her books in? With multiple series, overlapping timelines, and hints that all of her stories may be part of a connected universe, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the best reading path.
Let’s break it down:
📖 Recommended: Publication Order
Most readers—and even longtime fans—agree that the best way to experience Sarah J. Maas’s books is in publication order. Why? Because:
- You grow with her writing style. Maas evolves as a storyteller, and reading her books in the order they were released lets you see that progression.
- Each series was designed to stand alone (at least early on), so there’s no need to follow a strict timeline.
- Later books contain Easter eggs and possible crossovers that are more rewarding if you’ve already read her earlier work.
Suggested Publication Reading Order:
- Throne of Glass series (2012–2018)
→ Start with The Assassin’s Blade or Throne of Glass - A Court of Thorns and Roses series (2015–ongoing)
- Crescent City series (2019–ongoing)
🧭 Chronological Order (Optional for Re-reads)
If you want to follow the events as they unfold in the story world (especially if you’re doing a re-read), you can try a chronological reading order within each series—but be warned, it won’t work well across all three. For example:
- The Assassin’s Blade takes place before Throne of Glass but is best read after Book 2 or 3 to avoid spoilers.
- The ACOTAR books are mostly sequential and easy to follow.
- Crescent City becomes more interconnected with the other series as it progresses, particularly in House of Sky and Breath, which includes potential multiverse crossovers.
🌌 What About the Maas Multiverse?
By Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas begins weaving in multiverse elements that suggest her series might take place in parallel worlds. While it’s not necessary to read Throne of Glass or ACOTAR first, doing so will give you a deeper appreciation for the cameos, symbols, and universe-hopping theories that have lit up fan forums.
TL;DR:
- New to Maas? Stick to publication order. It’s the most satisfying and spoiler-free path.
- Completionist or theorist? Read all three series in release order to catch multiverse clues.
- Still not sure? Start with the series that matches your reading style, and go from there.
Coming up next: Do these series actually connect, or are they just cleverly written standalones? Let’s explore the multiverse theory in the next section.
VI. Shared Universe Theory: Do They All Connect?
If you’ve heard whispers of a “Maasverse,” you’re not alone. As Sarah J. Maas continues to expand her fantasy empire, many fans are asking: do all of her series take place in the same universe? The short answer? Maybe. The long answer? Probably—especially if you’ve read Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath.
Let’s dive into the theory that’s turned the fandom upside down.
🌌 The “Maasverse” Begins to Take Shape
While Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City were originally marketed as separate stories, breadcrumbs throughout the books suggest a deeper connection. Each series explores different realms, magical systems, and pantheons—but what if those realms are just different worlds within one larger multiverse?
In House of Sky and Breath (Book 2 of Crescent City), Sarah J. Maas drops her biggest clue yet—a shocking crossover event that hints at the characters from ACOTAR and possibly even Throne of Glass existing in parallel dimensions.
✨ Easter Eggs and Fan-Favorite Clues
Hardcore fans have spotted subtle nods for years:
- Similar symbols and magical motifs across all three series
- References to “realms,” “rips in space,” and ancient beings that sound eerily familiar
- Characters in Crescent City mentioning “other worlds” with unique powers and histories
- The House of Flame and Shadow is a gateway to other Sarah J. Maas worlds, ACOTAR specifically.
These hints have sparked massive fan theories and reading guides attempting to piece together a unified timeline.
📚 Do You Have to Read All the Series?
No—at least not yet. Each series stands strong on its own, with its own protagonists, conflicts, and resolutions. You don’t need to finish Throne of Glass before diving into ACOTAR, or ACOTAR before reading Crescent City. That said…
If you’re reading Crescent City, especially Book 2 and beyond, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you’ve read at least A Court of Thorns and Roses first. Some plot twists hit harder when you recognize the connections.
Final Verdict:
- 📘 New Readers: Don’t stress about the multiverse, start with the series that calls to you most.
- 🧠 Theory-Lovers & Re-Readers: Prepare to fall down a rabbit hole of fan theories, timelines, and possible crossovers.
- 🌍 The Maasverse is real, and it’s just getting started.
Next, we’ll share some practical tips for first-time readers to help you get the most out of your Sarah J. Maas journey.
VII. Tips for First-Time Readers
Starting a Sarah J. Maas series can feel like stepping into a whole new world—because it is. With rich world-building, massive character casts, and emotional plot twists, her books are immersive, addictive, and sometimes a little overwhelming. Whether you’re picking up your very first Maas novel or just dipping your toes into a new series, these tips will help you make the most of your reading experience.
📚 1. Don’t Skip The Assassin’s Blade
If you’re starting with Throne of Glass, you might be tempted to skip the prequel collection, The Assassin’s Blade. Don’t. These stories give essential backstory on Celaena’s character and emotional depth that will hit harder later in the series. For the best experience, read it after Book 3 (Heir of Fire) or before the main series, depending on how much context you like going in.
🌀 2. Be Patient With the First Books
Whether it’s Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, or Crescent City, the first book in each series tends to set the stage rather than deliver non-stop action. Trust the process. Sarah J. Maas is known for slow-build payoffs, and by Book 2 or 3, you’ll be completely hooked. (A Court of Mist and Fury, for example, changes everything.)
💬 3. Avoid Spoilers at All Costs
Seriously—these books are filled with massive plot twists, surprise character reveals, and emotional gut punches. If you want the full impact, try to avoid fan forums, TikTok reactions, or even Goodreads reviews until you’re caught up. Trust us: the journey is better when you don’t see the plot twists coming.
🔥 4. Prepare for the Spice (Especially in ACOTAR and Crescent City)
If you’re diving into A Court of Thorns and Roses or Crescent City, be aware that the romance can get very steamy. These are New Adult and adult fantasy books, with explicit scenes, mature themes, and intense emotional arcs. If that’s not your thing, Throne of Glass offers a more subtle approach to romance, at least in the beginning.
📝 5. Keep Track of Characters and Lore
As the stories expand, so do the character lists, magical systems, and historical references. If you’re a note-taker or love a good spreadsheet, this is your time to shine. Some readers find it helpful to keep a running character guide, especially in Crescent City, which has a sprawling cast and a dense mythology.
💖 6. Embrace the Emotion
Sarah J. Maas doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes feelings. Her characters experience trauma, grief, love, loss, and growth in ways that often mirror real-life struggles. Be prepared to laugh, cry, scream, and highlight like crazy. That’s part of the magic.
No matter which Sarah J. Maas book you start with, one thing’s for sure: you’re in for an unforgettable ride. In the next section, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions from new readers, including age recommendations, reading order tips, and whether you really have to read every series.
VIII. FAQs
Still have questions about which Sarah J. Maas series to read first or how to dive into her magical multiverse? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions new readers ask when starting her books, for answers that are spoiler-free, honest, and helpful.
Q: What Sarah J. Maas book should I read first?
A: Start with the series that best matches your reading style.
- If you’re new to fantasy or prefer classic YA structure: Throne of Glass
- If you love romance and fae politics: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
- If you’re an experienced fantasy reader craving adult themes and dense world-building: Crescent City
There’s no wrong answer. It’s about what you’ll enjoy most.
Q: Do I need to read Throne of Glass before ACOTAR or Crescent City?
A: Nope! Each series is self-contained and can be read independently. That said, some readers enjoy picking up on Easter eggs and crossover elements, especially in the Crescent City series. If you’re a completionist, reading in publication order offers the best experience.
Q: Are Sarah J. Maas books appropriate for teens?
A: It depends on the series:
- Throne of Glass is best for ages 14+, with some mature themes later in the series.
- ACOTAR is recommended for 17+, especially after Book 1 when the series shifts into more explicit content.
- Crescent City is firmly 18+ due to graphic violence, language, and mature romantic scenes.
Parents or educators should preview content if they’re unsure.
Q: Are all the series connected?
A: Not officially—yet. However, Crescent City: House of Sky and Breath includes a major crossover that hints at a shared universe. While it’s not essential to read everything in order, longtime fans will definitely pick up on deeper connections and surprises if they’ve read Throne of Glass and ACOTAR first.
Q: How many books are in each series, and are they finished?
- Throne of Glass – 8 books (series complete)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) – 5 books so far, with more planned
- Crescent City – 3 books planned/ongoing
Q: Should I read The Assassin’s Blade before or after Throne of Glass?
A: Either works, but many readers recommend saving The Assassin’s Blade until after Book 3 (Heir of Fire) to avoid minor spoilers and get the full emotional impact. However, if you like knowing character backstory from the beginning, it’s totally fine to start with it.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to fierce assassins, fae-filled romance, or emotionally rich urban fantasy, there’s a perfect entry point waiting for you in the world of Sarah J. Maas. Each series offers something unique, so the real answer to which Sarah J. Maas series to read first comes down to your personal reading style.
No matter where you begin, you’re in for epic adventures, unforgettable characters, and stories that will stay with you long after the final page. So grab a book, dive in, and prepare to fall in love with the Maasverse.
Visit the Sarah J. Maas website for a handy reader guide to all her book series!
Which series are you starting with? Let us know in the comments!