Throne of Glass is a popular fantasy book series by Sarah J. Maas. It follows Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, as she faces dangerous trials, uncovers secrets, and discovers her true destiny. The series is known for its complex storyline, deep character development, and epic world-building.
A tandem read means reading books in a specific order by switching between them instead of finishing one before starting another. This method is popular among readers because it helps connect events, characters, and timelines more smoothly.
For Throne of Glass, a tandem read is beneficial because some books take place simultaneously but reveal different parts of the story. Reading in tandem allows for a richer experience, avoids spoilers, and enhances understanding of key events. It’s a great way to enjoy the series entirely.
What Is a Tandem Read?
A tandem read is a unique method for switching between books instead of reading them individually. This approach benefits series with overlapping timelines, multiple perspectives, or interconnected events. Instead of following the traditional publication order, a tandem read follows a structured sequence that enhances the flow of the story.
How Tandem Reading Enhances the Experience
Tandem reading helps readers understand the connections between events and characters more clearly. It prevents spoilers by revealing key moments in the correct order, making plot twists more impactful. This method also allows for a deeper emotional connection with the story since readers can experience different viewpoints simultaneously.
Benefits of Reading in a Specific Order
- Better Timeline Clarity – Ensures events are read in the order they happen.
- More vigorous Character Development – Helps track character growth without confusion.
- More Engaging Storytelling – Creates a smoother, more immersive reading experience.
For Throne of Glass, tandem reading is an excellent way to fully appreciate the series’ complexity while avoiding gaps in the storyline.
Why Throne of Glass in Tandem Read?
The Throne of Glass series follows a complex storyline with overlapping events, multiple character perspectives, and significant revelations across different books. Some books take place simultaneously but focus on different characters and locations. Reading them in tandem helps you experience the whole story without missing essential details. It ensures that events unfold logically, making it easier to connect different plot points and understand how they impact the story.
Character Development Across Books
One of the most exciting aspects of Throne of Glass is its deep character development. Many characters have long and complex journeys that span multiple books. Some novels provide backstories, motivations, or character growth directly impacting later events. By reading in tandem, you can follow their development in real time rather than learning about it retroactively. This approach makes the emotional moments more robust and allows readers to appreciate each character’s depth fully.
Avoiding Spoilers and Keeping Suspense
Since some books in the series reveal major plot twists that affect others, reading in publication order can sometimes lead to unintentional spoilers. Certain storylines are better understood when read in a specific sequence, keeping the suspense and excitement intact. A tandem read helps you uncover essential revelations at the right time, preserving the mystery and making each twist more impactful. It enhances the reading experience by immersing you in the unfolding events without knowing too much too soon.
Best Tandem Reading Order for Throne of Glass
The Throne of Glass series is an intricate story with multiple character arcs and overlapping timelines. While the books were published in a particular order, many readers find that a tandem reading order provides a smoother and more immersive experience. This approach ensures that events unfold logically, preventing spoilers and keeping the suspense intact.
Publication Order vs. Tandem Reading Order
The publication order follows the sequence in which Sarah J. Maas released the books:
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms
- Tower of Dawn
- Kingdom of Ash
This order works, but it creates gaps in the storyline. For example, Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn co-occur but follow different characters. Reading them separately means one story moves forward while the other lags.
The tandem reading order resolves this issue by interweaving the books and aligning the timelines so that events are experienced in real time. This approach improves pacing, enhances character development, and prevents significant spoilers.
Recommended Tandem Reading Order
To get the most out of Throne of Glass, follow this structured order:
1. Start with The Assassin’s Blade (Optional but Recommended)
This prequel collection of novellas provides an important backstory about Celaena Sardothien. While not required, it helps readers understand her character and motivations before diving into the main series.
2. Read Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight
- Throne of Glass introduces Celaena, her journey as an assassin, and her participation in the deadly competition to become the King’s Champion.
- Crown of Midnight continues her story, revealing significant secrets about the kingdom and setting up future conflicts.
3. Tandem Read: Heir of Fire and Tower of Dawn
At this point, the story splits into multiple perspectives. While Heir of Fire follows Celaena’s journey in Wendlyn, Tower of Dawn focuses on Chaol and Nesryn’s mission in the Southern Continent. Since these books take place simultaneously, reading them together enhances the experience.
Recommended sequence:
- Read Heir of Fire, Chapters 1–55
- Read Tower of Dawn, Chapters 1–57
- Finish Heir of Fire, Chapters 56–End
- Finish Tower of Dawn, Chapters 58–End
This method ensures that you follow both major storylines without feeling disconnected.
4. Read Queen of Shadows
After completing Heir of Fire and Tower of Dawn, return to Celaena’s journey as she reclaims her identity and prepares for war. This book focuses heavily on character development and political intrigue.
5. Tandem Read: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
This is the most crucial tandem read in the series. Empire of Storms follows Aelin and her allies, while Tower of Dawn continues Chaol and Nesryn’s journey in the Southern Continent. Both books coincide, revealing vital information that connects to the final book.
Recommended sequence:
- Read Empire of Storms, Chapters 1–38
- Read Tower of Dawn, Chapters 1–41
- Alternate chapters between the two books or finish Empire of Storms first, then Tower of Dawn
This order helps track major events across different locations, making the final book more impactful.
6. Finish with Kingdom of Ash
This is the conclusion to the Throne of Glass series, bringing together all characters and storylines. Following the tandem read order, readers will understand every event leading to the epic finale.
How This Order Improves the Reading Experience
- Better Pacing – Reading books in tandem prevents delays in one storyline while another moves forward. Events happen in real time, making the reading experience smoother.
- Stronger Character Connections – Since multiple characters are on different journeys simultaneously, a tandem read allows readers to experience their growth side by side, making the story more emotionally engaging.
- More Immersive Storytelling – Following the tandem reading order enhances suspense, as key revelations unfold in the correct sequence rather than being spoiled too early.
How a Tandem Read Changes the Experience
Reading Throne of Glass in a tandem order instead of the traditional way can make a big difference in how you experience the story. It helps connect different events, clarifies foreshadowing, and strengthens the suspense. Here’s how:
Deeper Connections Between Characters and Events
The Throne of Glass series follows multiple characters, each with their journey. In the standard reading order, some characters disappear for an entire book, only to return later with significant developments that can feel sudden. A tandem read keeps their stories running side by side, helping readers see how different events and character choices affect the bigger picture. This makes relationships, alliances, and conflicts feel more meaningful.
Understanding Foreshadowing and Plot Twists Earlier
Sarah J. Maas includes a lot of foreshadowing—subtle hints about future events—but reading in traditional order might make these more challenging to catch. A tandem read allows readers to spot these clues earlier, making major plot twists more satisfying. You get to experience reveals in real time rather than having to remember past details from previous books.
A More Immersive and Engaging Experience
When books are read in tandem, the pacing feels smoother, and suspense builds naturally. Instead of finishing one book and then backtracking to another storyline, you move through all the events as they unfold. This keeps readers engaged and makes the series even more exciting, as you’re always aware of what’s happening across different locations and characters.
By reading Throne of Glass in tandem, you get a richer and more complete understanding of the story, making it a more rewarding experience.
Challenges of a Tandem Read
While reading Throne of Glass in tandem has many benefits, it also comes with some challenges. Managing multiple storylines and switching between books can be tricky, especially for first-time readers. However, with the right approach, these challenges can be overcome.
Potential Confusion and How to Overcome It
One of the most enormous difficulties with a tandem read is switching between two books instead of reading one straight through. This can be confusing, especially if you’re not used to reading books in this way. To make it easier, try using a reading guide or a bookmark with notes to remind yourself where you left off. Sticking to a structured reading order helps keep events in sync.
Keeping Track of Multiple Storylines
Since the Throne of Glass series follows different characters in various locations, jumping between books might make it harder to remember who is doing what. To stay organized:
- Take short notes on key events.
- Pay attention to character names and locations to connect different storylines.
- Use chapter checklists to ensure you’re reading in the correct order.
Over time, switching between books will feel more natural, and the connections between events will become more apparent.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Try a Tandem Read
A tandem read is great for readers who love deep storytelling and want to experience the series entirely. It’s especially recommended for those re-reading the books or readers who enjoy following multiple perspectives simultaneously.
However, first-time readers may find it overwhelming, as they are still learning about the characters and world. If you’re new to Throne of Glass, it might be easier to read in the traditional order first and try a tandem read on your second read-through.
Despite the challenges, a tandem read can be an exciting and rewarding way to experience Throne of Glass—as long as you’re prepared to stay organized and engaged.
Tips for a Successful Tandem Read
A tandem read of Throne of Glass can be an exciting and immersive experience, but it requires some planning to keep track of events and characters. Here are some helpful tips to make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Taking Notes and Using Bookmarks for Key Events
Since a tandem read involves switching between books, keeping track of key moments is essential. Taking short notes about important events, character developments, and plot twists can help you stay organized. Using bookmarks or sticky notes to mark important pages will make revisiting details easier when needed. Some readers even use color-coded tabs to separate different character arcs.
Joining Reading Groups or Discussions for Clarity
Reading Throne of Glass in tandem can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the format. Joining online reading groups, forums, or social media discussions can help clarify confusing parts. Many fans share tandem reading guides, insights, and discussions that make the experience more engaging. Platforms like Reddit, Goodreads, and Facebook have active communities where readers exchange thoughts and answer questions.
Managing Pacing to Avoid Burnout
Switching between books requires focus, so it’s important not to rush. You might miss key details or get confused if you read too quickly. Instead, set a comfortable reading pace, balancing excitement with comprehension. Taking breaks between major plot points can also help process the story better. Some readers prefer to follow a daily reading schedule, ensuring they don’t feel overwhelmed.
By staying organized, engaging with other readers, and setting a good pace, you can make your Throne of Glass tandem read a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Final Thoughts
Reading Throne of Glass in tandem order offers a unique and exciting way to experience the story. It helps readers connect events, understand foreshadowing, and follow character arcs more smoothly. By reading the books in an interwoven way, you can see how different storylines influence each other, making the entire series even more immersive. If you’re a fan of deep storytelling and love catching hidden details, a tandem read is worth trying. While it may seem challenging initially, reading guides, taking notes, and joining discussions can make the process easier. Whether reading Throne of Glass for the first time or revisiting the series, a tandem read can give you a fresh perspective and a more engaging experience. Give it a try and enjoy the journey in a whole new way!
