Kait Mae

If you’re on any social media platform, there’s a high chance you’ve seen at least one post about Sarah J. Maas and one of her series. She’s been praised for several years for creating characters that spark conversations and a multiverse that we can’t stop reading about. After finishing the books she currently has out, I decided to rank them. So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Maas’s work, here’s my ranking of her novels.

Disclaimer: I’m more of a plot-driven reader than romance, so if you’re more into romance-driven novels, you might disagree with my ranking. And that’s perfectly fine.

‘A Court of Frost and Starlight’

2 Stars

I understand it’s important to start A Court of Silver Flames, but this novella just fell so flat for me. It took me so long to read it – and it’s not even 250 pages. I read every other book in the series and the Throne of Glass series in so much less time.

A Court of Frost and Starlight switched perspectives several times – from Feyre’s perspective to a third-person perspective of others – most notably Rhys. But I would have preferred not getting Feyre’s perspective at all – it was just jarring interjected between others.

‘House of Sky and Breath’

3 Stars

I read the entire Crescent City series in one month – and this one just fell so flat for me. Until the ending, that is. I liked the concept, but there was so much going on that we didn’t need. To be completely honest, every book past the first should’ve been cut into two each because there is no reason these should be near 1000 pages.

Out of every perspective in this book, I genuinely loved Bryce’s the most. That said, after 500 pages, the book just felt like it was dragging on and on. I was genuinely tired of reading and only got through by pure determination to say I finished the current books.

‘Crown of Midnight’

3 Stars

The sequel curse strikes again – what’s with so many second books just feeling bleh compared to their first book? Anyway, this book falls prey to that curse – and it’s a shame because this is my favorite SJM series.

The worst part of this book had to be when Chaol found out about Celaena – and then how she left. Talk about unfulfilling – but at least we got better books after this. Also, Dorian in this book was “sad boi vibes” and you can’t convince me otherwise.

‘House of Flame and Shadow’

3.5 Stars

Much like the second book of this series, House of Flame and Shadow just kept dragging on. The only reason this has an extra half of a start is because two specific characters died by Bryce’s actions – and I was cheering for it.

Plus, we get more Nesta outside of ACOTAR and book. The entire time Bryce was in the ACOTAR world, I would skim through the other chapters so I could get back to that storyline. Outside of this, I barely remember most of the book.

‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’

3.5 Stars

I’ll be honest – I can’t re-read the ACOTAR series because I’d have to read this book. And I just can’t do that to myself again after Tamlin’s actions in the second and third books.

Outside of that, it was a little slow until we reach Amarantha and Under the Mountain. The only reason this is so high compared to others is because I remember loving it when I read it – but now that I’ve read the rest, it’s just bittersweet.

‘Queen of Shadows’

4 Stars

This might surprise some die-hard fans of Throne of Glass, but this one was always hard for me to get through. Chaol’s actions were just infuriating at times, so it doesn’t surprise me that I skimmed most of this during my re-read.

That said, I absolutely adored Aelin’s journey thus far and Rowan’s entrance. And there are so many iconic lines from this book alone – one that made my jaw drop while reading was when Rowan thanked Arobynn for the oil.

‘Tower of Dawn’

4 Stars

I remember stopping the series when this book was released because I just couldn’t think I’d enjoy any part of Chaol’s journey anymore. But I’m so glad I was proven wrong because I actually flew through this during my tandem read.

Despite that, I still struggled in the beginning before Chaol started cooling down a bit. I got through those first 20-ish chapters out of pure want of getting back to Empire of Storms, but then I was rushing through EoS to get back to Tower of Dawn.

‘A Court of Mist and Fury’

4 Stars

I’ll give it to ACOTAR for breaking the second book curse. ACOMAF was amazing compared to the first, but I remember struggling because of Tamlin’s behavior after he got back to the Spring Court with Feyre. It just reminded me of a past relationship of mine.

Some of my favorite parts are when Feyre found about about her mate, the motel scene, and the notes Rhys made her write. Plus, more Suriel!

‘Kingdom of Ash’

4 Stars

Out of the three outrageously long novels SJM has written, this is the best. It felt the most cohesive and wrapped up everything perfectly. That said, there are three major reasons this isn’t a 4.5- or 5-star book for me.

The first is the Thirteen’s death – I have tear stains in my book because of this. The second is the length – while everything felt necessary, it could have been two books. And the third – Fenrys. That’s all I need to love a book nowadays – where can I get my own Fenrys?

‘A Court of Wings and Ruin’

4 Stars

I know most people prefer ACOMAF over ACOWAR, but I remember picking this up at a bookstore and not being able to wait in the checkout line without starting it. That’s how obsessed I was with the series in college.

I also remember just adoring Feyre’s story as she destroyed the Spring Court from the inside-out. Some of my favorite moments are when Ianthe died, Lucien protected Feyre, and “Watch how you speak to my High Lady.”

‘The Assassin’s Blade’

4.5 Stars

I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I originally read the first story as an ebook, then bought the book later on for the rest. I was not a big short story or novella person, but this book made me one.

I loved reading these after Crown of Midnight just to see every loose thread in the stories tied up in the later books. Plus, seeing the characters come back because Aelin was merciful or kind to them – amazing. I wish we saw more of this today.

‘A Court of Silver Flames’

4.5 Stars

Somehow, the first book not following Feyre’s story is my favorite. And I’ll be honest – I was expecting to not like it because I didn’t like Nesta leading up to this. Plus, everyone’s reviews I heard were about the spice – and I don’t care if a book is that or not.

But once I got into it, about 10 chapters in, I knew I would love it. Yeah, there was a lot of spice that I skimmed past, but I loved Nesta’s journey as her friendship with Gwyn and Emerie grew and they trained together. It made me want to be a Valkyrie like them.

‘Throne of Glass’

5 Stars

While it’s a five-star read for me, I know several other people don’t like it – they blame not reading the series on this book. But this is a YA book – it’s written for teens. And I read it in high school and loved it immediately.

Now, I’ve read it over 10 times because I love Celaena so much. Her sass, attitude, and strength amongst everything going on – iconic. Plus, it’s always nice to revisit the book to see how each little thread tied up throughout the book and then the series.

‘Heir of Fire’

5 Stars

Most people I’ve seen on social media have said this is their least favorite or second-least favorite book in the Throne of Glass series. I don’t know why because seeing Celaena take back her title and name is so beautiful.

Her reactions, her actions, her growth and coming out of the trauma she’s been through was amazing. And while her relationship with Rowan turned romantic, I loved seeing it before then. I loved this book with my whole heart – even the bits where we followed Manon, Chaol, and Dorian.

‘House of Earth and Blood’

5 Stars

I DNF’d this book twice before picking it up a third time determined to finish it before the third book was released. And I’m shocked it took me so long. Both times before when I put it down, I managed to get through the deaths but never much further.

But once I got over that hump, it was almost entirely unending action. I loved everything about this story and it was paced so well. Why didn’t the other books feel like this? It quickly became my favorite first book in an SJM series.

‘Empire of Storms’

5 Stars

I know it’s not just me – this book was the best (or one of the best, according to other readers) in the Throne of Glass series. There’s something about this book that just hits different. From Manon’s storyline to Aelin’s, I was in awe every step of the way.

I still get chills thinking about Rowan’s reaction to Aelin disappearing and Elide’s reaction to seeing Lorcan crawling to Maeve. I can’t believe I read this for the first time over five years ago. It feels like just yesterday I read it for the first time – and that’s why I love it so much.