Throne of Glass Order?!

Oh my gosh, I totally get where you're coming from! I remember being at one of the most pivotal points of my reading life, staring at Assassin's Blade and Heir of Fire, completely stuck on which to pick up next. After finishing the first two books, the struggle to decide felt immense. It’s a common dilemma in the Throne of Glass series, and honestly, the order you choose can really shape your experience! Let me break down the main ways readers tackle this epic series, so you don't feel as lost as I did. 1. The Publication Order: This is the order the books were originally released. For some, it's the purest way to read, experiencing the story as Sarah J. Maas intended, revealing mysteries organically. Throne of Glass Crown of Midnight Heir of Fire The Assassin's Blade (Prequel Novellas) Queen of Shadows Empire of Storms Tower of Dawn Kingdom of Ash If you choose this, you'd read Heir of Fire next after Crown of Midnight, and then Assassin's Blade after that. Many argue that reading Assassin's Blade later allows certain reveals and character developments in the main series to hit harder, making the emotional impact more significant. 2. The "Romantic" / Chronological-ish Order (The one everyone talks about!): This is often called the 'romantic' order because it's believed to enhance the emotional payoff and character connections, especially with Rowan. In this order, The Assassin's Blade is read earlier. My personal recommendation, and what many fans swear by, is to read The Assassin's Blade after Crown of Midnight (so, as your 3rd book) and before Heir of Fire (your 4th book). Why? The Assassin's Blade introduces key characters, backstories, and emotional weight that truly enriches Celaena’s journey in Heir of Fire. When you read AB before HoF, Celaena’s struggles, her past, and her relationships with certain characters resonate so much more deeply. You'll understand her motivations and pain on a profound level, making her development in Heir of Fire incredibly powerful. I truly believe it makes the emotional connections, particularly the romantic ones, much richer. For me, it made Heir of Fire an even more impactful read. So, for this order, it would look like: Throne of Glass Crown of Midnight The Assassin's Blade Heir of Fire Queen of Shadows Empire of Storms Tower of Dawn Kingdom of Ash 3. What comes after Heir of Fire? Regardless of whether you read Assassin's Blade before or after Heir of Fire, the next book in the main storyline is Queen of Shadows. That's where things really start to escalate, and the stakes get incredibly high for Celaena and the entire continent. Does Throne of Glass follow the same characters? Yes, absolutely! One of the best parts of the Throne of Glass series is how deeply you get to follow Celaena Sardothien, and a growing cast of beloved characters, through their entire journey. Their arcs are continuous, complex, and incredibly rewarding. Each book builds on the last, expanding the world and deepening the character relationships. So, rest assured, you'll be sticking with your favorites all the way through! Ultimately, there's no single "wrong" way to read, but based on my experience and countless discussions in the BookTok community, reading Assassin's Blade earlier, specifically before Heir of Fire, just hits different if you're looking for that heightened emotional and romantic impact. I hope this helps you decide and removes some of that "stuck" feeling! Happy reading!