Fourth Wing vs Throne of Glass: Romantasy Showdown
Fourth Wing is the new romantasy breakout. Throne of Glass is the series that built Sarah J. Maas into a phenomenon. Both feature deadly women in dangerous worlds with romantic tension, but they appeal to slightly different readers.
Side by side
| The Empyrean (Fourth Wing) | Throne of Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3 books (5 planned) | 8 books (complete) |
| Starting age | Adult from page one | Starts YA, becomes adult by book 3 |
| Heroine | Violet Sorrengail, physically fragile but strategic | Celaena Sardothien, the most feared assassin in the world |
| Romance | One primary love interest | Multiple love interests across the series |
| Setting | Dragon-rider military academy | Assassin competition, then epic fantasy war |
| Scope | Focused (one academy, one war) | Sprawling (multiple continents, many POVs) |
| Best entry point | Fourth Wing | Throne of Glass (book 1) |
| Author | Rebecca Yarros | Sarah J. Maas |
Start with Throne of Glass if you want an 8-book epic with a YA-to-adult transition and the most ambitious worldbuilding Maas has done. Start with Fourth Wing if you want adult romantasy from page one with tighter pacing and fewer books to commit to.
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Frequently asked questions
Different strengths. Fourth Wing is tighter and more adult. Throne of Glass is more ambitious and has a wider scope. Most romantasy readers love both.
No. They are separate series. Crescent City (Maas's third series) connects to both, but Throne of Glass and ACOTAR stand alone.
ACOTAR for most readers. Throne of Glass if you want the full epic. Crescent City last (it has crossover spoilers).