Throne of Glass
Throne of Glass - 2012
If you want more action and a slower-burn romance. Her first series is YA and more adventure-focused, with an assassin protagonist.
Beginner guide
The best Sarah J. Maas book to start with
A big catalog is intimidating. Here's exactly where to begin - and what to skip first. - Updated June 2026
Why start here
It is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with fae, which makes the premise instantly accessible even if you have never read fantasy.
The romance develops across the full series in a way that keeps readers obsessed. Book 2 is where most people become fully hooked.
Maas writes compulsively readable prose. Her chapters end on hooks that make it nearly impossible to stop.
It is the entry point to her entire interconnected world - ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City all connect.
Other good entry points
Depending on what you're in the mood for.
House of Earth and Blood
House of Earth and Blood - 2020
If you want urban fantasy instead of medieval. Crescent City is set in a modern city with angels, fae, and a murder mystery.
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Mist and Fury - 2016
Not an alternate start - but book 2 is where the series transforms. If book 1 feels slow, push through. Most fans say ACOMAF is where Maas hits her stride.
A Court of Silver Flames
A Court of Silver Flames - 2021
If you are an adult reader worried about YA vibes. This book is explicitly adult, but it is book 5, so start from the beginning.
What not to start with (yet)
Great books - just not first.
House of Flame and Shadow - 2024
Book 3 of Crescent City has major crossover spoilers for ACOTAR. Do not start here under any circumstances.
A Court of Silver Flames - 2021
It is the fifth book and assumes knowledge of everything before it. You will spoil four books of character development.
Kingdom of Ash - 2018
The finale of Throne of Glass. Starting here would be like watching only the last episode of a TV series.
Ready to start with A Court of Thorns and Roses?
Kindle, paperback, or listen free on Audible.
Frequently asked questions
It was originally marketed as YA, but the series shifts to adult content by book 2. Most readers and bookstores now shelve it as adult fantasy romance.
No. They are independent series. ACOTAR is the more popular entry point and the better-written starting series. You can always go back to Throne of Glass later.
Start with ACOTAR (5 books), then Crescent City (3 books). Throne of Glass (8 books) can be read anytime. The crossover content comes in Crescent City book 3, so finish ACOTAR first.
Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026