Spoiler warning: This article contains spoilers about Game of Thrones and Throne of Glass
I started to watch Game of Thrones in the Spring of 2023 and finished that winter. I became a big fan and thought it was the best fantasy series I have ever watched. That is until the same friend who put me on Game of Thrones forced me to buy a copy of Throne of Glass (shout-out to Lauren Hebel).
Game of Thrones usually had at least three plot lines to follow simultaneously, which took getting used to, and I inevitably found myself liking some plots better than others. However, the ending … the ending is what got me. ALL of that plot, character development, sacrifices, and so so so so SO much more for THAT? The Game of Thrones finale was so bad that people who didn’t even watch the show knew about it. I’ve heard some people (Lauren) defend the ending and say it was symbolic and fit the storyline. I can see reason in her defense, but I can not get behind the execution. I just wanted a happy ending! Why is a happy ending in a fantasy series an uncommon thing?
That is where Throne of Glass comes in. This series has a similar plot structure where the main story splits into 2-3 storylines. The story begins with Celeana Sardothien, an assassin forcefully imprisoned for the last year. The crown prince lets her leave her prison in exchange for another one. The prince takes her to compete in a ruthless competition as the crowned prince’s champion. The deal was that she would compete in the competition, and if she won, she would act as the King’s assassin for four years. After that, she would be free. However, during her stay at the palace, her competition starts dropping like flies—a murderer is on the loose! Celeana spends her time training, playing the games created for the competition, and exploring the secret tunnels she discovers under the castle. In the tunnels, she finds a hidden message that reveals clues to what is happening around the castle.
This eight-book series follows multiple characters, including Celeana Sardothien, and their trials and errors. The book starts with a light fantasy feel and makes you wonder, “How is this such a long series?” The story picks up towards the end of the second book, a transition in which Sarah J. Maas does exceptionally well. The first two books never feel boring or irrelevant to the rest of the story. In fact, when I think about the story now, they almost feel nostalgic. It was an era.
Mass published a prequel after she released the last book, The Assassin’s Blade. It is considered the eighth book in the series, but there is a lot of debate on when a reader should read it. Some recommend reading the series chronologically and beginning with The Assassin’s Blade, as it is a prequel. Others recommend reading it in release date order since that’s the way the majority of the readers first read it. Some people even recommend reading The Assassin’s Blade after the series’ first two books, right before the main story picks up.
If you choose to pick up a copy of Throne of Glass, I suggest this order:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- The Assassin’s Blade
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms AND Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
If you’re wondering why I put two titles simultaneously, it is because I suggest you do a tandem read. Tandem reading means that readers read both books at the same time because the events of both books happen at the same time, just to different characters. I did not do the tandem read and now have to read Tower Of Dawn, which is from the perspective of a less interesting character. To put it in perspective, imagine reading a whole book’s worth of Percy Jackson’s POV and then switching to Jason Grace’s POV about the same events for another book. I love Jason, but man, I’d have to take breaks. A tandem read also adds layers to the story and creates an element of switching perspectives. If you are interested in doing the tandem read, many people have made cheat sheets to guide readers.
Overall, if you are looking for a fantasy series with a plot with depth, complicated characters, and a happy ending, Throne of Glass should go on your TBR!