What Order Does the Throne of Glass Series Go In? And Why Does Celaena Sardothien Love Cake So Much?

What Order Does the Throne of Glass Series Go In? And Why Does Celaena Sardothien Love Cake So Much?

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is a sprawling epic fantasy that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. With its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thrilling plotlines, the series has become a staple in the fantasy genre. However, one of the most common questions readers have is: What order does the Throne of Glass series go in? This question is often followed by a more whimsical inquiry: Why does Celaena Sardothien, the series’ protagonist, have such an undying love for cake?

In this article, we will explore the correct reading order for the Throne of Glass series, delve into the reasons behind Celaena’s cake obsession, and discuss the broader themes and character arcs that make this series so compelling.


The Correct Reading Order for the Throne of Glass Series

The Throne of Glass series consists of seven main novels, one prequel collection of novellas, and a companion book. To fully appreciate the story and its characters, it is essential to read the books in the correct order. Here is the recommended reading sequence:

  1. The Assassin’s Blade (Prequel Novellas)
    This collection of five novellas provides crucial backstory for Celaena Sardothien, the series’ protagonist. It explores her life as an assassin, her relationships, and the events that shaped her into the character we meet in the first novel.

  2. Throne of Glass (Book 1)
    The series begins with Celaena Sardothien, a renowned assassin, being pulled from the salt mines of Endovier to compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion.

  3. Crown of Midnight (Book 2)
    Celaena, now the King’s Champion, is tasked with carrying out his dark orders. However, she begins to uncover secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.

  4. Heir of Fire (Book 3)
    Celaena travels to Wendlyn to confront her past and unlock her magical abilities. Meanwhile, rebellion brews in Adarlan.

  5. Queen of Shadows (Book 4)
    Celaena returns to Rifthold to reclaim her identity and take down the tyrannical king. Alliances are formed, and old enemies resurface.

  6. Empire of Storms (Book 5)
    The stakes rise as Celaena and her allies prepare for war against the Valg, a demonic force threatening to destroy their world.

  7. Tower of Dawn (Book 6)
    This novel focuses on Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq as they journey to the southern continent to seek allies and healing.

  8. Kingdom of Ash (Book 7)
    The epic conclusion to the series, where all the characters come together for a final battle to save their world.


Why Does Celaena Sardothien Love Cake So Much?

Celaena Sardothien’s love for cake is one of the most endearing and humorous aspects of her character. While it may seem like a trivial detail, her obsession with cake serves several narrative and thematic purposes:

  1. Humanizing the Assassin
    Celaena is introduced as a deadly assassin with a fearsome reputation. Her love for cake adds a layer of relatability and vulnerability, reminding readers that even the most formidable characters have simple pleasures and quirks.

  2. A Symbol of Freedom
    Throughout the series, Celaena’s life is marked by hardship, loss, and confinement. Her love for cake can be seen as a symbol of the freedom and joy she longs for. It represents the small moments of happiness she clings to in a world filled with darkness.

  3. A Reflection of Her Growth
    As Celaena evolves from an assassin to a queen, her relationship with cake also changes. In the early books, her love for cake is almost childlike, but as she matures, it becomes a reminder of her humanity and the things worth fighting for.

  4. A Touch of Humor
    The series is filled with intense and emotional moments, but Celaena’s cake obsession provides much-needed levity. It adds a touch of humor to her character and the story as a whole.


Themes and Character Arcs in the Throne of Glass Series

The Throne of Glass series is rich with themes and character development. Here are some of the key elements that make the series so compelling:

  1. Identity and Self-Discovery
    Celaena’s journey is one of self-discovery. As she uncovers her true identity as Aelin Galathynius, the lost queen of Terrasen, she must grapple with her past and embrace her destiny.

  2. Power and Responsibility
    The series explores the weight of power and the responsibilities that come with it. Celaena’s transformation from an assassin to a queen highlights the sacrifices and challenges of leadership.

  3. Friendship and Loyalty
    The bonds between characters are a central theme. Celaena’s relationships with Chaol, Dorian, Rowan, and others are tested and strengthened throughout the series.

  4. Love and Sacrifice
    Romantic relationships play a significant role in the series, but they are often fraught with challenges. Love is portrayed as a source of strength, but it also requires sacrifice.

  5. Resilience and Hope
    Despite the darkness and despair that permeate the series, resilience and hope are recurring themes. The characters’ determination to fight for a better future is inspiring.


Q: Can I skip The Assassin’s Blade and still understand the series?
A: While it is possible to skip The Assassin’s Blade, reading it provides valuable context and depth to Celaena’s character and her relationships. It enhances the overall reading experience.

Q: Is Tower of Dawn necessary to read, or can I skip it?
A: Tower of Dawn is essential to the series. It provides critical developments for Chaol and introduces new characters and plotlines that are important in Kingdom of Ash.

Q: Why is Celaena’s love for cake such a big deal?
A: Celaena’s love for cake is a recurring motif that humanizes her character and adds humor to the story. It also symbolizes her longing for freedom and joy in a world filled with darkness.

Q: What makes the Throne of Glass series stand out in the fantasy genre?
A: The series stands out due to its complex characters, intricate world-building, and emotional depth. Sarah J. Maas masterfully weaves together themes of identity, power, and resilience, creating a story that resonates with readers.

Q: Are there any spin-offs or related works to the Throne of Glass series?
A: While there are no direct spin-offs, Sarah J. Maas has written other series, such as A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City, which share similar themes and writing styles. Fans of Throne of Glass often enjoy these works as well.