Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Throne of Glass.
What is Throne of Glass?
Throne of Glass is a seven-book fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas that follows a deadly assassin and hidden royal heir through political intrigue, war, and magic. The books blend dark fantasy, slow-burn romance, and large-scale action across a richly built world.
Who is the main character?
The series centers on Celaena Sardothien, a former assassin who is later revealed to be Aelin Galathynius, the rightful queen of the Shifting Sands. Her dual identity and journey from weapon to sovereign drive the entire arc.
How many books are in the series and what is the reading order?
There are seven main novels: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Queen of Thorns, Heir of Fire, King of Scorns, Empire of Storms, and Tower of Dawn. A novella called Crooked Staves serves as an optional prequel set before the first book.
Where should a newcomer start?
Begin with Throne of Glass, the first novel, because the plot is chronological and later volumes assume familiarity with earlier events. Crooked Staves adds background on Nehemia and Manon but is not required to follow the main storyline.
What is the 'Throne of Glass' itself?
The title refers to a powerful ancient artifact—a seat of a unique glass-like material—whose occupant gains command over vast legions of the dead. It becomes a central object of desire and conflict that multiple factions pursue across the books.
Who are the key supporting characters?
The core ensemble includes Dorian Havilliard (a scholar and love interest), Rowan Eldritch (a warrior and love interest), Manon (Celaena's fiercely loyal companion), Nehemia (her mentor and fellow assassin), and Chaol Westfall (an Adarlanian captain). Each carries a substantial personal arc spanning all seven volumes.
What is the world and setting like?
The story takes place on the continent of Erilea, home to kingdoms such as Adarlan and the Shifting Sands, as well as regions like the Shadowlands. The world features layered magical traditions, ancient histories, and competing political powers that shape every major conflict.
What are the central themes?
The series repeatedly explores identity, the cost of wielding power, loyalty versus duty, and resistance against systems that reduce people to tools. Romance and friendship are woven throughout but ultimately serve a larger narrative about a woman reclaiming her own agency.
Is Throne of Glass connected to A Court of Thorns and Roses?
No; the two series exist in completely separate universes with different characters, magic systems, and lore. They share only the author and a broad fantasy-romance tone, with no crossover or shared canon.
What moments do fans most often discuss?
Readers frequently point to Celaena's return to the Shadowlands, the full reveal of her parentage, and the escalating endgame battles in the final two books as pivotal turning points. The slow-burn romance arcs and several defiant declarations of self-worth also generate a great deal of community discussion.