Sarah J. Maas Books: The Ultimate Guide to Her Works

Looking for where to start with Sarah J. Maas' works or wondering if you’ve missed any hidden gems? You’ve come to the right place. Sarah J. Maas is a master of weaving tales soaked in magic, danger, and just the right amount of swoon-worthy romance. Below, we’ve broken down all her major works—from epic series to shorter novellas—so you can plan your adventure into her fantastical worlds.

Complete List of Sarah J. Maas' Books

If collecting Sarah J. Maas’ books feels like finding rare treasures, well, you're not alone. With her expanding universe of stories, there’s always something new to add to your shelf (or e-reader). Here’s the full breakdown—no spoilers, just the good stuff.

The Throne of Glass Series

This is where it all began. Throne of Glass was Maas’ debut series, and oh boy, what a way to start. It follows Celaena Sardothien (an assassin with more secrets than anyone has a right to), as she unravels a world of political intrigue, ancient magic, and betrayals that make Game of Thrones look like a kid’s playdate.

Here’s what you’ll find in the main series, which consists of eight jaw-dropping books if you count the prequel novella collection, The Assassin's Blade:

• Throne of Glass (2012)
• Crown of Midnight (2013)
• Heir of Fire (2014)
• Queen of Shadows (2015)
• Empire of Storms (2016)
• Tower of Dawn (2017)
• Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Want to start from the very beginning? Begin with The Assassin's Blade, which gives you a glimpse into Celaena’s life before the events of Throne of Glass.

This series is all about powerful friendships, fierce battles, and surprises that will straight-up leave you staring at the pages like, “She didn’t just do that… did she?!?” Spoiler alert (she did).

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series

If Throne of Glass is pure adrenaline, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR for short) is like sipping a dangerously addictive love potion. Starting as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, this series quickly dives into darker, steamier waters that left fans gasping for more (ahem, chapter 55, anyone?).

Here’s what you’ll find in this spellbinding saga filled with high Fae, life-altering bargains, and realms of magic that make reality seem extra boring:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
• A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) (novella)
• A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

The ACOTAR universe expands over time, and while it starts off simple—girl hunts wolf, ends up tangled in a magical curse—it quickly flips into an emotional rollercoaster filled with broken trust, political scheming, and, uh, scenes where you realize this isn’t your typical PG-13 fantasy series.

Bonus? Rumor has it Hulu is adapting this series into a show. Start binge-reading now so you’re ready to critique every casting choice!

The Crescent City Series

Next on the Maas menu is Crescent City, her modern twist on fantasy. Think magic meets urban noir. Monsters meet detective work. Angels meet... well, Bryce Quinlan, our star protagonist with as much snark as she has secrets (and that’s saying something).

Here’s where this new series stands so far:

• House of Earth and Blood (2020)
• House of Sky and Breath (2022)
• House of Flame and Shadow (2024)

Unlike her other series, Crescent City ropes you into a world where humans and magical beings live side by side—and by “side by side,” we mean they’re trying (and failing) to keep from murdering each other. The world-building is denser, the stakes higher, and the characters? They’ll pull you in, chew you up, and spit you out—but you’ll thank them for it.

Fans are eagerly waiting for Book 3, so if you haven’t jumped on the Crescent City bandwagon yet, there’s no better time.

Novellas and Anthologies

Can’t commit to an entire series? Sarah J. Maas has gifted us bite-sized stories too! Whether you want backstory, bonus lore, or another reason to swoon over your favorite characters, these novellas and anthologies deliver every time:

• The Assassin’s Blade (2014) (This collection of five prequel novellas is a must-read for Throne of Glass fans.)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) (Set after ACOTAR Book 3, this is basically an extended epilogue filled with festive vibes and emotional heartwarming moments... and drama. Always drama.)

These shorter reads are perfect if you’re stuck in a reading slump or just aren’t ready to say goodbye to Maas’ worlds quite yet.

Other Upcoming Books by Sarah J. Maas

This is the part of the list where we scream “MORE, PLEASE!” Sarah J. Maas is known for crafting entire universes, and thankfully, she’s far from done. While the details about her upcoming releases are cloaked in as much secrecy as Feyre’s bargain with Rhysand, here’s what we do know:

• A 4th book in the Crescent City series is currently in the works.
• Plus perhaps more ACOTAR!

If you’re dying for updates, following her on Instagram is your best bet—plus, you get a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process (and adorable pets).

If you're looking for a more detailed overview of Sarah J Maas' book series, click here.

Who is Sarah J. Maas? An Overview of Her Works and Legacy

Sarah J. Maas isn’t just a well-known author in the fantasy genre—she’s a phenomenon. With her heart-stopping plots, richly textured worlds, and characters that spark intense fan debates, Maas has carved out her own unique legacy in modern literature. But what makes her such a force to be reckoned with?

Find out more about Sarah J. Maas here.

Why She’s a Leading Voice in Fantasy Literature

It’s no exaggeration to call Sarah J. Maas one of the defining fantasy authors of our time. Why? Because she writes the kind of books that turn casual readers into obsessive fans who cosplay at conventions and crash bookstore sites at midnight for pre-orders.

Maas has a way of blending familiar fantasy tropes (yes, we love a good magical chosen one) with fresh twists that feel entirely her own. Her stories brim with high stakes, swoon-worthy romance, and enough twists to keep you guessing. Plus, her writing appeals to a wide audience—whether you’re into young adult fantasy, epic sagas, or steamy new adult tales, Maas delivers.

Her work also doesn’t shy away from deeper emotional and social issues. Through characters who grapple with trauma, loss, and identity, her stories resonate on a deeply human level. This blend of magic and relatability has catapulted her books to bestseller lists worldwide.

The Themes That Define Her Books

Why do Sarah J. Maas’ books hit so hard? It’s the themes—those universal truths and struggles her characters face that just get you:

• Resilience: Whether it’s Celaena battling her inner demons or Bryce fighting to make her voice heard, her protagonists embody strength in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Power and Responsibility: Maas loves to explore characters who wield immense power and grapple with the moral consequences of their choices (looking at you, Rhysand).
• Love in All Its Forms: From romantic love to familial bonds and friendships, her books remind us of the ways relationships shape who we are.
• Overcoming Trauma: Many of Maas’ characters carry the scars of their pasts, and watching them heal is one of the most rewarding parts of her stories.

These themes don’t just make for compelling reading—they give the books an emotional resonance that keeps readers coming back again and again.

Why Fans Are Obsessed with Sarah J. Maas' Books

It’s not just her massive social media following or the growing fan merchandise market (how many themed candles are too many? Asking for a friend)—it’s the experience of getting completely immersed in her stories. Fans of Sarah J. Maas aren’t just readers; they’re dedicated members of a passionate fandom. Here’s why her books have that effect.

Engaging Plots and Powerful Worldbuilding

Sarah J. Maas can take you from zero to obsessed in about three chapters flat. Her plots are a masterclass in slow-burn reveals and edge-of-your-seat tension. She’s got that rare ability to combine breakneck action with strategy, scheming, and long-game storytelling that spans multiple books.

But it’s not just the plots—it’s the worlds. Maas builds settings that feel alive, teeming with intricate details and rich histories. From the deadly glass castle in Adarlan (Throne of Glass) to the lush courts of Prythian (ACOTAR), every location in her books feels like a character in itself. You can almost hear the rustling leaves in the Spring Court or the clashing blades in Heir of Fire’s training scenes.

Iconic and Relatable Characters

Most authors get a couple of characters to break through and achieve icon status. Maas? Practically her entire roster has a fan following.

Why? Her characters are complex, flawed, and endlessly relatable. It’s not just that we love fierce warriors like Celaena or morally complicated heroes like Feyre—it’s that we are them in some ways. Maas has mastered the art of creating characters you want to root for, scream at, cry over, and sometimes even hate a little (looking at you, Tamlin). They evolve, grow, falter, and fight back in ways that make them feel real and raw.

Many fans also find themselves in her characters’ struggles with identity and self-worth. Whether it’s Rhysand learning he’s more than the monster his enemies painted him to be or Bryce finding purpose through grief, these journeys feel universal.

Emotional Highs That Keep Readers Coming Back

If you haven’t ugly cried at least once while reading Sarah J. Maas, are you even a fan? Her books know how to tug at your heartstrings, deliver sucker-punch plot twists, and leave you breathless with perfectly timed romantic tension.

Take the heartbreak of Kingdom of Ash, the epic reunions in House of Sky and Breath, or that scene in ACOTAR (you know the one). Maas’ ability to balance humor, heartbreak, and those triumphant moments that leave you fist-pumping in the middle of the night is unparalleled.

And don’t even get us started on the romance. Maas knows how to write relationships that aren’t just romantic fluff—they’re raw, complicated, and oh-so-satisfying when they finally come together. (We’re looking at you, Feyre and Rhys, aka one of the most #goals couples in fantasy fiction.)

From her epic world-building to her unforgettable characters, Sarah J. Maas’ stories don’t just entertain—they take root in your soul. Whether you’re here for the romance, the magic, or the emotional rollercoaster, once you step into one of her worlds, there’s no going back. Time to grab your tissues, make a cup of tea, and settle in for the ride of your life.