Story Summary
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is the explosive beginning to one of the most popular fantasy romance sagas of the decade.
The story follows Celaena Sardothien, the most feared assassin in Adarlan, who's been imprisoned in the brutal salt mines of Endovier. When Crown Prince Dorian Havilliard offers her a deal — fight in a deadly tournament to become the king's champion in exchange for her freedom — she reluctantly accepts.
Under the watchful eye of Captain Chaol Westfall, Celaena trains within the glass castle, where she uncovers court politics, ancient magic, and a series of mysterious murders. But as she grows closer to both the prince and the captain, she begins to rediscover her own strength — and the legacy that could change everything.
It's a story of survival, love, and destiny — the first step toward a throne claimed in fire.
Main Characters
Celaena Sardothien
Age: 18 | Hair Color: Blonde | Eye Color: Blue-gray
Identity: Assassin / prisoner turned royal champion
Fierce, witty, and proud — an assassin with a heart that refuses to stop fighting.
Dorian Havilliard
Age: 19 | Hair Color: Black | Eye Color: Sapphire blue
Identity: Crown Prince of Adarlan
Intelligent, kind, and charming — a prince with a conscience.
Chaol Westfall
Age: 22 | Hair Color: Brown | Eye Color: Gold
Identity: Captain of the Guard
Loyal, disciplined, and guarded — torn between duty and emotion.
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Throne of Glass? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.
Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
Throne of Glass isn't explicit, but it's full of slow-burn tension and emotional closeness. The romantic buildup between Celaena, Dorian, and Chaol defines the softer side of this assassin story — all glances, teasing, and the ache of wanting more.
Chapter 28 – The Library Moment
Celaena escapes to the royal library for peace. Dorian finds her there among the candlelight and dusty books. They joke about her reading habits until the air shifts — one quiet heartbeat and their laughter fades.
"He smiled, and something inside her cracked open like a door left ajar."
Chapter 36 – The Birthday Gift
Dorian surprises her with a rare book and a puppy for her birthday. Their fingers brush as she grabs the book, and she totally forgets to breathe for a second.
"His fingers brushed hers, and the world felt suspended in that touch."
Chapter 44 – The Balcony Kiss
At the castle ball, Dorian pulls Celaena outside and grabs her hand. She sticks around, and when he kisses her, it's soft and easy. A quick moment that feels like it lasts forever.
"His lips tasted like something she'd forgotten — something dangerously close to joy."
Chapter 50 – The Dance
At another court gathering, Dorian finds her again and asks her to dance. The crowd fades. His hand settles on her back, her laughter fills the room — the scene plays like a memory they'll both replay later.
"The world narrowed to his hand on her back and the sound of her own heartbeat."
Chapter 54 – The Balcony with Chaol
Later, Celaena stumbles upon Chaol training at night. He's shirtless, breathing hard, and surprised to see her. She teases him about his form, and he smirks back. Their banter feels like a dance — sharp, funny, and charged.
"He looked at her as though he'd never seen her before — as though he finally did."
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Throne of Glass? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.
Goodreads Reader Reactions
Throne of Glass averages around 4.2 stars on Goodreads and is often called a "gateway fantasy romance" — the book that turned casual readers into lifelong Maas fans.
Positive Reactions
- "Celaena isn't just a fighter — she's vain, funny, dramatic, and I adore her for it."
- "This is the perfect blend of magic, danger, and slow-burn tension."
- "I fell in love with Dorian, but Chaol snuck up on me."
Readers praised how Maas balanced the brutality of Celaena's past with her charm and humor. Her relationships with both Dorian and Chaol felt natural — tender moments surrounded by death, danger, and defiance.
"It's the spark before the fire — you can feel something huge waiting beneath every chapter."
Critical Reactions
- "The beginning drags, but once the competition starts, it's unputdownable."
- "Less assassin action than expected, more court drama — but still addictive."
Overall: Readers call Throne of Glass a captivating start — more mystery and longing than spice, but full of charisma and promise. It's a story about survival and spark — a foundation that grows into one of fantasy's greatest epics.
"It's not about heat — it's about the moment before the match is struck."
Related Books – The Throne of Glass Reading Order
The Throne of Glass universe is sprawling and interconnected, and reading order can change the experience.
Publication Order (recommended for new readers)
- 1️⃣ Throne of Glass
- 2️⃣ Crown of Midnight
- 3️⃣ Heir of Fire
- 4️⃣ Queen of Shadows
- 5️⃣ Empire of Storms
- 6️⃣ Tower of Dawn
- 7️⃣ Kingdom of Ash
Chronological Order (optional re-read)
- 1️⃣ The Assassin's Blade
- 2️⃣ Throne of Glass
- 3️⃣ Crown of Midnight
- 4️⃣ Heir of Fire
- 5️⃣ Queen of Shadows
- 6️⃣ Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn (tandem)
- 7️⃣ Kingdom of Ash
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What order to read Throne of Glass?
Publication order is best for first-time readers. It preserves character reveals and pacing.
Q: How to read Throne of Glass series?
Start with Throne of Glass, then continue in release order. You can save The Assassin's Blade for after Queen of Shadows or read it first as a prequel.
Q: How many books in Throne of Glass series?
There are eight books total, including the prequel The Assassin's Blade.
Q: How to tandem read Throne of Glass?
Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn side by side, alternating chapters, since both occur at the same time in different locations.
Q: Is Throne of Glass complete?
Yes, the series concluded with Kingdom of Ash in 2018.
Q: Is Throne of Glass connected to ACOTAR?
Indirectly — both exist within Sarah J. Maas's shared multiverse, subtly linked through her Crescent City series.
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Throne of Glass? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.