Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien's only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan's Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King's Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan's biggest threat - and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

This third novel in the Throne of Glass sequence, from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, is packed with more heart-stopping action, devastating drama and swoonsome romance, and introduces some fierce new heroines to love and hate.

Published
August 26, 2014
Where to find this book
External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.
Throne of Glass

The series

Full series details →

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.

Read full series description

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.

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.

Risingshadow

Rating distribution

How reader ratings are distributed across the 1–10 scale.

1047
939
840
79
67
50
40
30
20
14
Risingshadow

What did you think of this book?

Share your experience with other Risingshadow readers.

Risingshadow

Reader reviews

1 review

What Risingshadow readers think about this book

10/10

Tamora Pierce said that 'Celaena Sardothien is as much an epic hero as Frodo or Jon Snow'. I believe she is absolutely right. "Heir of Fire" is about 150 pages longer than its predecessors and readers will love it. So much happens - for everyone. Maas makes you sit at the edge of your chair. It is unbelievable that anyone is able to write such a flawless book. I'd rate it 6/5, but of course that's impossible. I can't wait to read the sequels and Maas's other series. If you ask me, "Throne of Glass" really is the best series ever written.

Risingshadow

Readers Also Enjoyed