The “Throne of Glass” series by Sarah J. Maas is a popular young adult fantasy series that follows the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin in a corrupt kingdom. Here is the series in order, including the main books and the collection of novels.
- Throne of Glass (2012) – The first book introduces Celaena, who is offered her freedom on the condition that she acts as the king’s champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.
- Crown of Midnight (2013) – Continuing her journey, Celaena must navigate her role as the king’s champion while delving deeper into the mysteries of the court and her own heart.
- Heir of Fire (2014) – Celaena’s quest for justice and vengeance takes her to distant lands, where she must confront her past and embrace her destiny as Aelin Galathynius, true heir to the throne of Terrasen.
- Queen of Shadows (2015) – Aelin returns to the empire to confront her past and battle the forces that threaten to destroy her world.
- Empire of Storms (2016) – As war looms over the horizon, Aelin races to gather allies and face the enemy in a decisive battle.
- Tower of Dawn (2017) – Running parallel to the events of “Empire of Storms,” this novel focuses on Chaol Westfall’s journey to the southern continent to seek healing and allies.
- Kingdom of Ash (2018) – The epic conclusion to the series, where Aelin and her allies face their greatest challenge in a final battle for freedom and salvation.
Additionally, there’s a collection of novellas that explore the backstory of several characters and events leading up to the first book:
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – A compilation of five novellas that take place before the events of “Throne of Glass,” providing deeper insights into Celaena’s past and her relationships.
More about it.
The “Throne of Glass” series is a high fantasy saga that weaves together elements of magic, mystery, romance, and adventure. The narrative centers around Aelin Galathynius, initially known as Celaena Sardothien, a highly skilled assassin with a mysterious past. Over the course of the series, Aelin must confront her dark history, embrace her identity, and fight for her kingdom and the people she loves. Here’s a broader look at the themes and plotlines across the series:
Main Themes
- Identity and Transformation: Aelin’s journey from a notorious assassin to a queen is a central theme. Her evolution is marked by self-discovery, redemption, and the acceptance of her heritage and responsibilities.
- Power and Responsibility: The series explores the use and abuse of power in various forms, including political power, magical power, and personal strength. The characters must learn to wield their power responsibly to protect their world from destruction.
- Friendship and Loyalty: Strong bonds of friendship and loyalty among the characters play a critical role in their survival and successes. These relationships are tested and strengthened through trials and tribulations.
- Love and Sacrifice: Romantic relationships are pivotal to the story, with themes of love intertwined with sacrifice. The characters often face difficult choices, balancing their personal desires with the greater good.
Plot Overview
- The Beginnings: The story starts with Celaena being freed from a death camp to compete in a tournament to become the king’s champion, an assassin bound to serve the empire she hates. Despite her initial goal of freedom, she becomes embroiled in the kingdom’s deeper mysteries and politics.
- Revelation of Destiny: As the series progresses, Celaena’s true identity as Aelin, the rightful queen of Terrasen, is revealed. Her journey shifts towards reclaiming her throne and defeating the dark forces threatening her world.
- Gathering Allies: Aelin seeks allies across the kingdoms, including faeries, witches, rebels, and even those within the empire itself. Each character introduced has a unique background and role to play in the unfolding saga.
- The Fight Against Darkness: The series builds towards a climactic confrontation with dark forces led by a tyrannical king and ancient evils. Aelin and her allies face trials that test their strength, will, and bonds to each other.
- Conclusion: The series culminates in a grand final battle where sacrifices are made, and destinies fulfilled. The resolution brings closure to the characters’ arcs and the overarching themes of duty, love, and freedom.