Where Does The Assassin’S Blade Fit In The Throne Of Glass Reading Order?

Reading 'The Assassin’s Blade' feels like unlocking a treasure chest of backstory for Celaena Sardothien. It’s a collection of five novellas that dive deep into her life before the events of 'Throne of Glass'. Chronologically, it sits first in the series, even though it was published after the first few books. The stories follow Celaena’s time as Adarlan’s most feared assassin, her complex relationship with Arobynn Hamel, and the events that lead to her imprisonment in Endovier. If you’re new to the series, I’d honestly recommend starting here—it gives so much emotional weight to her journey later on. The betrayal, the friendships, and even the seeds of future romances are all tucked into these pages. Plus, seeing how ruthless and vulnerable she is makes her growth in the main series even more satisfying.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve devoured 'Throne of Glass' and its companion stories, so let me dive into this. 'The Assassin’s Blade' is absolutely a prequel to 'Throne of Glass', and it’s one of those rare collections that adds so much depth to the main series. It’s a compilation of novellas that explore Celaena Sardothien’s life before the events of 'Throne of Glass', giving readers a raw, unfiltered look at her brutal training as an assassin and the emotional scars she carries. The stories aren’t just background noise—they’re essential for understanding her hardened exterior and the vulnerabilities she hides later. If you’ve ever wondered why she’s so fiercely independent or how she earned her reputation, this book spills all the bloody details. The beauty of 'The Assassin’s Blade' lies in how it humanizes Celaena. We see her make mistakes, fall in love, and suffer betrayals that shape her into the razor-edged woman we meet in 'Throne of Glass'. The novellas also introduce key characters like Sam Cortland, whose relationship with Celaena ripples through the main series. Reading it after 'Throne of Glass' feels like uncovering secrets—you’ll catch references and nods that suddenly click. But honestly, I recommend reading it first. It’s like watching a storm build on the horizon; you know the lightning is coming, and when it finally strikes in 'Throne of Glass', the impact is electrifying. The pacing is relentless, the emotional stakes are sky-high, and it’s impossible not to root for Celaena even when she’s at her most ruthless. This isn’t just a prequel; it’s the heart of her story. Some fans debate the best reading order, but for me, 'The Assassin’s Blade' is non-negotiable. It’s where Celaena’s defiance, her love of music, and her lethal precision all make sense. You’ll see her in Adarlan’s underworld, taking jobs that blur the line between survival and morality, and it’s impossible not to admire her resilience. The book also sets up the political tensions that explode later—like her feud with Arobynn Hamel, which is pure fire. If 'Throne of Glass' is the crescendo, 'The Assassin’s Blade' is the symphony tuning up. Missing it would be like skipping the first act of a play; you’d still follow the plot, but the emotional weight just wouldn’t land the same way.

Crown of Midnight is the second installment in Sarah J. Maas's popular Throne of Glass series, following the first book, Throne of Glass, and preceding Heir of Fire. This series is characterized by its intricate world-building and the evolution of its protagonist, Celaena Sardothien, who transitions from a feared assassin to a figure of significant moral complexity. In Crown of Midnight, Celaena grapples with her dual identity as the king's assassin while secretly opposing his tyrannical rule. The events of this novel are pivotal as they not only deepen character relationships, particularly with Chaol Westfall and Dorian Havilliard, but also set the stage for the broader conflicts in the series. The plot thickens with revelations about Celaena's true heritage and the looming threats against her and her allies, making it essential reading for understanding the overarching narrative arc. The series continues with Heir of Fire, where the stakes are raised even higher, and Celaena’s journey takes her to new lands and introduces critical new characters.

I just finished binge-reading the 'Throne of Glass' series, and figuring out the order was a bit tricky at first. The best way to dive in is to start with the original 'Throne of Glass' novel. It introduces Celaena Sardothien, the assassin with a heart of gold, and sets the stage for everything that follows. After that, move on to 'Crown of Midnight' and 'Heir of Fire' to see her journey unfold. Next, read 'Queen of Shadows' and 'Empire of Storms' back-to-back because the stakes get higher, and the lore deepens. 'Tower of Dawn' is a parallel story to 'Empire of Storms,' focusing on Chaol and Nesryn, so you can read it after or alongside. Finally, cap it off with 'Kingdom of Ash,' the epic conclusion that ties everything together. If you want extra backstory, 'The Assassin’s Blade,' a prequel collection of novellas, can be read either before the series or after 'Heir of Fire' for maximum emotional impact.