Risingshadow
Speculative Fiction Books
  • About
    • Home
    • Articles
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Staff Members
    • Newsletter
    • Finnish (FI)
  • Books
    • New Releases
    • Coming Soon
    • Books of the Year
    • Bookshelves Activity
    • Recently Added
    • Advanced Search
    • Reviews / Comments
    • Genres and Tags
    • * Submit Book
  • Community
    • Discussions
    • - Recent Messages
    • - Recent Topics
    • - Hot Topics
    • - Popular Topics
    • - Search
    • CHALLENGES
    • - Reading Challenge
    • - Book Trivia Quiz
  • Home
  • Books
  • Sarah J. Maas
  • Throne of Glass
  • Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass #1 / 7 ✓
by Sarah J. Maas
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas
★ 7.88 / 64
1213142586107228791310

Looking for the teen girl version of Game of Thrones? Find it in this sweeping fantasy debut — that already has thousands of loyal online fans.

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men — thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.   Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.   Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Amazon: Check Best Offer

FantasyYoung AdultEpic FantasyHigh Fantasy
Release date: August 2, 2012
Reviews and Comments (2)

Book Order
Amazon
Kindle
Audible
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon Europe

Your Rating
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Standard Shelves

Readers also enjoyed

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.5)
★ 8.28 / 14
Graceling (Graceling Realm #1)
★ 8.10 / 48
Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1)
★ 8.00 / 23
Sorcery of Thorns (Sorcery of Thorns #1)
★ 7.88 / 17
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (The Chronicles of Narnia #1)
★ 7.84 / 79
The Ice Dragon
★ 7.84 / 26
Sabriel (The Old Kingdom #1)
★ 7.82 / 53

Join the Discussion
Sarah J. Maas Books: Where Should I Start?
Replied by: Visitor on 02/15/2024
You can post as a guest or sign in for more features.
Have questions about this book or want to share your thoughts? Join the conversation!
Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas’s books are a gateway into worlds where magic, betrayal, and heart-pounding adventure come together in unexpected ways. With a pen that blends lyrical beauty and unrelenting suspense, Maas has become a storyteller whose characters linger in readers' minds long after the final page is turned. Whether you’re swept into the soaring heights of Throne of Glass or lost in the labyrinth of A Court of Thorns and Roses, her novels echo with the kind of depth and emotion that only a truly unique voice can create.

Read more ...

Born in New York City and raised in the world of books, Sarah's love for storytelling was ignited early on. She spent her childhood exploring fantastical realms through the pages of her favorite novels, drawn to stories that explored complex characters and their journeys toward self-discovery. That same passion for vibrant worlds and powerful characters is at the heart of Maas's writing today. Her imagination is boundless, but it’s the emotional core of her characters—fierce, flawed, and deeply human—that truly captivates her readers.

Maas's journey into writing wasn't a straight path. She began her career in the world of fan fiction, a space where she first honed her craft and explored her signature blend of fantasy, romance, and high stakes. Her debut series, Throne of Glass, introduced readers to Celaena Sardothien, a character whose fierce determination and vulnerability would lay the foundation for Maas's literary style—complex heroines, deep emotional arcs, and thrilling plots that keep readers coming back for more.

But it was with A Court of Thorns and Roses that Maas reached an even wider audience, weaving a tale of faeries, power, and love, alongside themes of healing, choice, and resilience. This series, marked by its lush world-building and emotionally charged storytelling, became an instant favorite among readers of fantasy and beyond. Maas's books don’t just live within the pages—they breathe, they pull at you, and they demand your attention. It’s this raw, unfiltered storytelling that makes her one of the most beloved voices in modern fantasy.

Her writing is not just about escapism—it’s about confronting the darkness, finding the light, and most importantly, the strength to survive and thrive against all odds. Every book she writes feels like an invitation to an adventure, a journey through both the fantastical and the deeply personal. Maas’s characters don’t just overcome external obstacles—they wrestle with their own doubts, desires, and fears, creating a resonance that feels universal.

Sarah’s success isn’t defined by accolades alone, though they certainly speak to the impact of her work. Her books have topped bestseller lists worldwide, and her fanbase, a devoted and passionate community, continues to grow with each new release. But it’s the stories themselves—stories that encourage readers to face their own battles, find their own strength, and embrace their own potential—that are her greatest achievement.

In her own words, "The stories I tell are meant to remind us that we are all capable of more than we think." It's this message that drives Sarah J. Maas’s writing forward, creating characters and worlds that resonate long after the story ends. Through her words, Maas has become not just an author but a voice for those seeking hope in the most unlikely places—whether it’s the depths of a dark forest or the heart of a fierce warrior.

Her work continues to shape the fantasy genre, not through formulaic tropes, but through deep, personal connections with her characters and readers alike. With every book, Sarah J. Maas reminds us that even in the most fantastical of worlds, the human experience is the greatest adventure of all.

Photo: Beowulf Sheehan

Throne of Glass

In a kingdom torn apart by betrayal, magic, and bloodshed, the story of Throne of Glass unfolds—a tale that draws readers deep into a world where power is the ultimate currency, and survival demands more than just strength.

At its heart is Celaena Sardothien, an assassin with a past shrouded in secrets, pulled from the darkness of a labor camp to compete in a deadly tournament for the king's favor. But her victory comes at a price far steeper than any contract she's ever faced. As she navigates court intrigues, bonds with unlikely allies, and unearths long-forgotten powers, Celaena’s journey is anything but predictable. With each victory, she uncovers deeper mysteries that could unravel the kingdom itself.

Read more ...

The world Maas has created is rich with tension, where politics and magic collide in brutal ways. There’s something inherently captivating about the balance between light and shadow in this universe—a place where the stakes are never just personal. Magic is a forbidden force, its wielders hunted and driven into hiding, while those who dare to hold power will do anything to keep it. Ancient prophecies, shifting alliances, and unyielding ambition form the backdrop of this compelling story, creating an atmosphere that feels both dangerous and mesmerizing.

But it’s not just the world that stands out. The characters, from the complex and morally ambiguous Celaena to the stoic yet compassionate Chaol and the enigmatic Dorian, pulse with life and depth. Their relationships evolve in ways that are unexpected, building a foundation that feels as much about the heart as it is about the struggle for control. And as the series unfolds, each character must come to terms with the choices they’ve made—and the ones they’re yet to face.

With its lush world-building, evocative prose, and thrilling twists, Throne of Glass stands as a brilliant testament to what happens when fantasy embraces both light and darkness. For readers who crave intricate plots, heart-stopping battles, and heroines who refuse to be defined by their circumstances, this series is more than just a journey—it’s a revelation.


Throne of Glass consists of seven primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass #0.5)
★ 8.28 / 14
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
★ 7.88 / 64
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
★ 7.94 / 49
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
★ 8.58 / 41
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
★ 8.70 / 33
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
★ 8.84 / 24
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
★ 7.82 / 17
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)
★ 8.96 / 23
The World of Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass)
⧗ 9.80 / 5

Reviews and Comments

10/02/2013
Xariel avatar
Xariel
746 books, 17 reviews
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

Throne of Glass is... something else. Really good, cutting-edge YA high fantasy! And yes, we don't get that very often. I hear it's being marketed as the Young Adult version of Game of Thrones, which is true and is not true at the same time. Yes, there are many complex characters, all scheming with their own motives. Some you like, some you hate, but she scale of love and hate in Throne of Glass is nowhere near to that of George R.R. Martin's saga. Comparing those two novels in that fashion, I would have expected Throne of Glass to be much darker, gloomier and, well, gorier than it actually was. If you've read them both, I'd like to hear what you think about the comparison. What's clear, however, is that Throne of Glass is an excellent read - fast-paced, action-packed novel with a kick-ass heroine who's strong, smart and likable. We get two men, who in readers' hearts compete as the protagonist Celaena Sardothien's love interests. Sarah J. Maas did say, however, that in her mind there was never real competition and that the choice has always been clear to her. Well, thank you very much, Ms. Maas, but I rooted for that other guy. No spoilers. A thought. Princess Nehemia was a really cool character. She is independent, motivated, "nice like people are in real life, which means only as long as she likes to be". She's not one of those secondary characters whose acts seem to be created just so that the plot could advance. No, we get to find out why she makes her choices. And she just happens to be a person of color, without being a stereotypical person of color, or feeling like an added thing, just because there should be a person of color in a book. If you like thrill of competition, can stomach high fantasy world building (not everybody can) and won't be put out with a love triangle - please, read Throne of Glass. And don't forget the fantastic little prequels. Yum!

06/15/2013
Tim avatar
Tim
566 books, 34 reviews
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

I don't say this very often but... "Throne of Glass" is better than Artemis Fowl, The Hunger Games, The Curse Workers, Percy Jackson and some other fantastic series combined!!! I really, honestly... don't know how Sarah J. Maas can write such a book. I think this must be one of the three best books I've ever read! Maas creates characters, adventures, worlds and much more which appeal to the imagination! How can she do this? You can't say it's good, or fantastic, or magnificent, or[fill in by yourself]. Those are words who cannot even describe the essence of the story. As one of the official reviews on the Internet said: "I believe the word 'unputdownable' was created for this book"! And even that's wrong, in my opinion. If I ever lose this book, I'm prepared to travel the world just to find a copy of it. Ms. Maas: if you ever read this: I believe you are one of the best writers in history AND I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK!

^ Top
Follow Us: Newsletter | Facebook | X | Mastodon | RSS
Hosted by Planeetta Internet Oy
© 1996 - 2026 Risingshadow. All rights reserved.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Privacy Policy