17 Best Sarah J Maas Books
The best Sarah J. Maas books, ranked by how many expert sources recommend each one, with guidance on starting her series and choosing what to read next.
Our take
Sarah J. Maas writes fantasy built around romance, dangerous power, hard won friendships, and characters struggling with loss. Her three main series offer different entrances into that combination. The books grow increasingly connected and expansive, so a favorite volume is not necessarily the best place for a new reader to begin.
A Court of Thorns and Roses starts with a mortal heroine entering a faerie world and places romance near the center. Throne of Glass begins with an assassin competing for freedom, then develops into a completed epic with a much larger cast. Its prequel collection, The Assassin's Blade, adds context to the main sequence. House of Earth and Blood introduces the modern urban setting of Crescent City, with a murder investigation and substantial worldbuilding. Catwoman: Soulstealer offers a separate adventure in Gotham.
Start with the first book of the series whose setting appeals most, then follow that sequence rather than jumping directly to a highly ranked sequel.
17 books · 9 sources · Last updated
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Reading Sarah J Maas in order? See all Sarah J Maas books in order
How to choose from this list
Skip to the full rankingIf you want to start with fantasy romance: A Court of Thorns and Roses → A Court of Mist and Fury → A Court of Wings and Ruin
If you want a completed epic series: Throne of Glass → Crown of Midnight → The Assassin's Blade
If you prefer modern urban fantasy: House of Earth and Blood → House of Sky and Breath → House of Flame and Shadow
If you're continuing beyond Feyre's main arc: A Court of Frost and Starlight → A Court of Silver Flames
If you want a separate Gotham adventure: Catwoman
The 17 books, ranked
Ranked by how many expert sources name each book. Ties go to the book more people recommend.
For readers continuing Feyre’s story who want emotional recovery and romance given more space. Its expanding relationships distinguish it from the first book, though the shift in loyalties can be frustrating if you preferred the original dynamic.
What it's about
Haunted by what she endured Under the Mountain, Feyre is suffocating in the Spring Court when her bargain with Rhysand finally drags her to the Night Court. There she finds new powers, new allies, and a dangerous second chance at love and freedom.
For readers seeking a romance led introduction to Maas’s fantasy. Its fairy tale framework provides a more familiar entrance than Crescent City’s dense opening, though the early courtship and unequal power dynamics will not suit every reader.
What it's about
When mortal huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the forest, a beastly faerie drags her to the magical land of Prythian to pay the price. In a cursed Spring Court full of deadly politics and beauty, her hatred slowly tangles with forbidden desire.
For readers who prefer urban fantasy, an adult cast, and a mystery alongside romance. Its modern setting distinguishes it from Maas’s other series, though the opening introduces substantial terminology before the story settles into its rhythm.
What it's about
In magic‑soaked Crescent City, party‑girl Bryce Quinlan loses her best friend to a brutal demon attack and never really recovers. Years later, another killing drags her into an investigation with enslaved angel Hunt Athalar, forcing them to chase a stolen relic and the truth behind a corrupt regime.
For established readers who want a quieter visit with familiar characters between larger conflicts. Its domestic and seasonal focus provides breathing room, though the novella is slight on plot and works chiefly as a bridge.
What it's about
Set after the war, this novella finds Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends rebuilding Velaris and preparing for Winter Solstice. As gifts are exchanged and old wounds surface, the story quietly sets the stage for Nesta’s downward spiral and the next phase of the series.
For readers interested in Nesta’s perspective, recovery, and a more explicitly sexual romance. Its change of lead refreshes familiar relationships, though the long character journey and conflict around Nesta can make it a divisive continuation.
What it's about
Broken by war and drowning her pain in sex and alcohol, Nesta Archeron is forced to move into the House of Wind to train with Cassian. As they hunt for deadly relics called the Dread Trove, her brutal journey toward healing collides with a fierce, complicated love.
For readers following Feyre who want the romance placed within a larger military and political conflict. Its ensemble brings earlier relationships together, though the expanded action leaves less space for the intimacy of the preceding book.
What it's about
Posing as a dutiful consort in the Spring Court, Feyre works as a spy while Hybern prepares to tear down the wall and re‑enslave humans. To save both realms, she must unite rival courts and survive a brutal, world‑shaping war.
For readers continuing from Throne of Glass who want greater stakes and darker consequences. It develops the first book’s relationships and hidden tensions, though its transitional role means the larger world remains only partly visible.
What it's about
Now serving as the king’s Champion, Celaena secretly spares the rebels she’s ordered to kill and uncovers a plot tied to banned magic and ancient Wyrdkeys. Court intrigues, a shocking loss, and buried truths force her to choose where her loyalties really lie.
For established Throne of Glass readers who enjoy a widening cast and converging alliances. Its scale rewards investment in the earlier books, though the many moving parts and abrupt ending make it unsuitable as a casual entry point.
What it's about
Aelin and her growing court race across seas and kingdoms to secure pirate fleets, Fae warriors, and witch allies before the dark king Erawan unleashes his armies. Every bargain, romance, and betrayal tightens the noose around Terrasen—and around Aelin herself.
For Throne of Glass readers ready for the story to move beyond its initial setting. Its attention to grief, training, and new perspectives broadens the series, though the change of pace delays some earlier character threads.
What it's about
Sent abroad on a mission she has no intention of completing, Celaena travels to Wendlyn to bargain for answers and instead is forced to train with Fae warrior Rowan. As she grapples with grief and emerging fire magic, war and rebellion ignite back home.
For readers ready to finish the Throne of Glass sequence and follow its many storylines toward resolution. Its scale offers accumulated emotional payoff, though the very long finale assumes close knowledge of the entire series.
What it's about
After months of torture and imprisonment, Aelin faces the final war against Erawan and Maeve with her magic nearly burned out and allies scattered. Battles rage from Terrasen’s walls to distant seas in a conclusion that tests every oath, friendship, and sacrifice.
For readers who have followed the early Throne of Glass books and want a more confident, expansive conflict. Its converging character threads provide momentum, though the emotional payoffs depend heavily on remembering earlier relationships and events.
What it's about
Embracing her identity as Aelin Galathynius, she returns to Adarlan’s capital to confront her former master, rescue her cousin, and try to free a prince enslaved by dark magic. Old enemies, new allies, and the return of magic reshape the fight against the king.
For readers who want more context for Celaena’s history and later relationships. The linked prequel novellas give key memories greater weight, though their episodic form and placement make them a different experience from the main novels.
What it's about
This collection of prequel novellas follows a teenage Celaena on missions for the Assassin’s Guild—pirate deals, desert training, rival courtesans, and a doomed romance. Each story peels back how she became Adarlan’s most feared killer and what ultimately led her to Endovier.
For readers who want to begin Maas’s completed epic fantasy series at its original starting point. The competition framework is easier to enter than the later books, though its younger voice differs from the series’ eventual scale.
What it's about
Legendary assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged from a death camp and offered a deal: win a competition to become the king’s Champion, serve him for a few years, and earn her freedom. Inside a glass castle full of secrets, something ancient starts killing her rivals.
For Throne of Glass readers willing to follow a different cast and region before the finale. Its focus on healing and political relationships adds depth, though the detour can feel slow after the preceding book’s urgent ending.
What it's about
While Aelin fights elsewhere, Chaol Westfall sails to the southern continent seeking both healing for his shattered spine and an alliance against Erawan. In Antica’s glittering, lethal court, he and healer Yrene Towers uncover ancient secrets that could change the whole war.
House of Flame and Shadow
For readers continuing Crescent City who enjoy connections across Maas’s fictional worlds. Its converging conflicts reward earlier reading, though the rapid developments and heavy dependence on prior knowledge make it a demanding and sometimes crowded continuation.
What it's about
Stranded beyond Midgard, Bryce searches for a route back to her loved ones while struggling to decide whom she can trust. Meanwhile, imprisoned Hunt seeks freedom from the Asteri as their world moves toward collapse.
For readers already invested in Crescent City who enjoy conspiracy, multiple viewpoints, and a larger political conflict. Its expanding scope offers more than another isolated mystery, though the density and ending require commitment to the continuing series.
What it's about
Trying to lie low after saving their city, Bryce and Hunt are pulled into the human rebel movement against the Asteri when secrets about Bryce’s friend Danika surface. Their search for missing thunderbird siblings uncovers grim truths about how Midgard really works—and who is willing to burn it down.
For readers who want a shorter commitment outside Maas’s main fantasy series. The Gotham setting and familiar comic characters provide a different route into her action and romance, though it follows franchise conventions rather than extensive original worldbuilding.
What it's about
Selina Kyle returns to Gotham under the wealthy identity of Holly Vanderhees while Batman is away. Joining forces with Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, she attracts the attention of Batwing, whose civilian identity, Luke Fox, is also her neighbor.
Sources
- 1
Sarah J Maas
fantasticfiction.com
- 2
Sarah J. Maas books in order: How to read ‘ACOTAR,’ ‘Throne of Glass’ and ‘Crescent City’
abcnews.com
- 3
The Best Sarah J. Maas Books To Read Before You Read 'ACOTAR' Book 6
brit.co
- 4
Where to start with Sarah J. Maas
bloomsbury.com
- 5
Best Books of Sarah J. Maas
goodreads.com
- 6
Sarah J. Maas Books Ranked (from Best to Not-Best)
brittvandenelzen.com
- 7
5 Best Sarah J. Maas Books (2025)
ereads.com
- 8
How to Read Sarah J. Maas’s Books in Order
harpersbazaar.com
- 9
SJM ranking!!!
reddit.com
Edited by
Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.
Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shape MRB and its growth.
































Comments
Spotted a missing book, a wrong order or a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix this page.
We're a reading guide, not the author or publisher, so we can't send books or pass on messages.