How to read Sarah J Maas books in order in preparation for ACOTAR 6 release

Her iconic series Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses (also known as ACOTAR) and Throne of Glass have become bookstagram and booktok staples, with each series boasting massive fandoms.

And we've got some great news for her fans. Last week, Maas posted an exciting post on Instagram, which featured her hand closing a notebook entitled ACOTAR 1-6 and popping champagne, with the caption "First drafts DONE".

So, if you want to reread Sarah J Maas's books before the release of ACOTAR 6, we're here to help you out.

While you're here, why not check out Ruth Jones and James Corden's new Gavin and Stacey book?

Jump to:

• How to read A Court of Thorns and Roses books in order
• Will there be more ACOTAR books?
• How to read the Crescent City series in order
• Do you need to read Crescent City before ACOTAR 6 comes out?
• Will there be a Crescent City book 4?
• How to read the Throne of Glass series in order
• When should you read The Assassin's Blade?
• Which Sarah J Maas series should I read first?

How to read A Court of Thorns and Roses books in order

Perhaps the best known of Sarah J Mass's series, ACOTAR follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal who is taken to the fae lands after hunting and killing a wolf.

Before long, she becomes involved with Tamlin, a High Fae lord, and uncovers a deadly curse threatening his world. A tale of magic, romance and political intrigue unfolds across the rest of the series.

Here are the A Court of Thorns and Roses books in order:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
• A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
• A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

Will there be more ACOTAR books?

The short answer is yes: fans need not worry because Sarah J Maas is working hard to continue the story of the ACOTAR series.

In fact, on 12th July 2025, Maas revealed in an Instagram post that she had finished writing the first draft of ACOTAR 6. We're keeping our eyes peeled for any further information...

How to read the Crescent City series in order

If you're after a romantasy series that blends love, sacrifice and rebellion with magic, mystery and celestial politics, then you're in the right place. In the Crescent City, we meet Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae party girl whose life is destroyed after the murder of her friends, and her mission to find out the truth.

Here is a list of the Crescent City books in order:

• House of Earth and Blood (2020)
• House of Sky and Breath (2022)
• House of Flame and Shadow (2024)

Do you need to read Crescent City before ACOTAR 6 comes out?

Without giving too much away for those who haven't yet finished the Crescent City series, yes, you do hae to read it before ACOTAR 6.

There is a crossover between the two worlds in House of Flame and Shadow- and that's all we'll be saying...

Will there be a Crescent City book 4?

Sarah J Mass has now confirmed that there will be a fourth instalment in the Crescent City series.

As far as we know, Maas was only under contract for three Crescent City books, to complete a trilogy. However, the author confirmed in an interview with TODAY that a fourth book will be coming.

For now, details are strictly limited.

How to read the Throne of Glass series in order

The Throne of Glass series follows the assassin Celaena Sardothien as she is freed from prison to compete for the title of king's champion. Through deadly trials, Celaena slowly uncovers more about magic, her past and her true identity.

The following are the Throne of Glass books in order:

• Throne of Glass (2012)
• Crown of Midnight (2013)
• Heir of Fire (2014)
• Queen of Shadows (2015)
• Empire of Storms (2016)
• Tower of Dawn (2017)
• Kingdom of Ash (2018)

When should you read The Assassin's Blade?

The Assassin's Blade, a collection of five stories in the Throne of Glass world, can be read at various points. If you're reading in release order, you should read it after Heir of Fire, as it was published shortly afterwards in 2014.

However, it's a prequel so if you want to read it before the Throne of Glass series, that works too! It might even give you more background information to enhance your experience with the series.

Which Sarah J Maas series should I read first?

While there is no strict order you're supposed to read the Sarah J Mass series in, general consensus says that Crescent City should be read last, due to the overlapping worlds in House of Flame and Shadow.

If you're after a more accessible starting point, we'd recommend beginning with ACOTAR, as it is heavier on romance and starts out as more YA in tone, before moving onto Throne of Glass and finishing with Crescent City.

However, if you want to go in chronological order, Throne of Glass is best to start with as it's set in a separate older world. Then move onto ACOTAR and finish with Crescent City.

Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight.

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