Throne of Glass

By Sarah J. Maas,

Book cover of Throne of Glass

Book description

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas started a worldwide phenomenon when she published her debut novel, Throne of Glass. To date, Sarah's books have spent more than 92 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and she has hit #1 on charts around the world. Her…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

14 authors picked Throne of Glass as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book is so uniquely original. The world-building is outstanding and drew me in, but it was the characters who sealed the deal for me.

If we’re talking dragons and just dragons–technically, they’re wyverns, and technically, they didn’t show up until the third book, but I was absolutely captivated by the whole series. It drew me out of a years-long reading slump and left a hole in my chest since finishing. I felt each book becoming part of my being. 

From Anneliese's list on for people who want to ride a dragon!.

I love this one because of Celaena Sardothien, the fierce and complex protagonist. She's not just a skilled assassin but also has a depth that makes her relatable and human.

Her journey from a slave to a warrior fighting for justice is captivating. Celaena's strength, wit, and vulnerability make her an unforgettable character.

The way she faces challenges and grows throughout the series is inspiring. Her determination and resilience make this a truly compelling read.

From Brittany's list on strong female main character.

The Secret Humankind

By Gloria Oliver,

Book cover of The Secret Humankind

Gloria Oliver Author Of The Secret Humankind

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Wallflower Detail stickler Reader Unveiling the fantastic

Gloria's 3 favorite reads in 2024

What is my book about?

She keeps her head down and cleans up messes. When the body count starts rising, will trying to make a living get her flushed?

Julia Xero is stuck in survival mode. After losing the only person she loved, the introverted orphan longs to escape her toxic employment for the zen of crime and trauma scene decontamination. But when she lands her dream job and is called to a bloody rooftop with a decapitated corpse, she’s horrified to come face to face with an otherworldly shark-toothed assassin. 

Furious to learn she’s been enlisted by a clandestine race of beings against her…

The Secret Humankind

By Gloria Oliver,

What is this book about?

"Be prepared for a long night of reading as the story unfolds. The end will leave you wanting more." - Goodreads Reviewer She keeps her head down and cleans up messes. When the body count starts rising, will trying to make a living get her flushed?

Julia Xero is stuck in survival mode. After losing the only person she loved, the introverted orphan longs to escape her toxic employment for the zen of crime and trauma scene decontamination. But when she lands her dream job and is called to a bloody rooftop with a decapitated corpse, she’s horrified to come…


I really loved the female main character. She was so witty and strong. I recommend this book to be paired with my own because the FMCs are similar, but the story is complex. The emotional energy of the book was also complex, and nothing is black and white, which always makes for a more fun read.

I’m a sucker for stories about struggling underdogs, and Celaena Sardothien certainly qualifies, despite her training as an assassin. Through a series of events, she rises from being a convict in a slave labor camp to winning a contest through which she becomes the King’s Champion.

This sounds like a happy ending, but it’s nothing of the kind. The king is a vicious tyrant, and by serving him, she’s just exchanged one kind of slavery for another. Though she isn’t exactly asked to sell her soul, she’s faced with one moral dilemma after another.

This is a book in which…

Throne of Glass is a paranormal fantasy adaptation of Cinderella, where—instead of going to the ball with the hopes of meeting and marrying the Prince—the heroine is an assassin who hopes to win her freedom by emerging victorious in a deadly competition,

I loved how Celeana was a fierce warrior, adept with a blade and endowed with lightning-quick reflexes and survival instincts. I also loved the medieval romance between her and the hero Chaol, who respects her as his equal as they become friends and ultimately lovers.

I recommend this book to anyone looking to dive into epic fantasy with original world-building, complex characters, adventure, magic, and romance.

Sarah J. Maas’s skill is unparalleled, and should be a part of any fantasy lover’s book horde. I am drawn to books with a strong female lead, and Celaena Sardothien certainly fits the bill. 

Another strong female protagonist with wickedly scary skills. I love that the plot comes first, while a slow-simmering romance is building in the background. The combination of hardcore warriors/assassins, secrets, scandal, and forbidden magic draw readers in, and the fast-paced fantasy action keeps them there until the very last page.

This book is the first in a series of young adult fantasy novels. Although this book is a young adult fantasy, it still has a very sweet romantic subplot that will draw you in. There are many amazing characters to fall in love with, and an entirely new whimsical world filled with fae, magic, and wyverns. This book is for those who love epic adventure and crave a bit of romance within the main plot line. 

From M.K.'s list on fantasy with a touch of romance.

I love the unpredictability of this author’s works! Every time I read her books, I’m never able to guess what will happen next. The main character of this story is so interesting; flawed, complex, strong, and vulnerable. I always get excited when I read books that let me escape into a new world or feel something toward the characters, and this book does the job beautifully. I read the first three books in the series in about five days, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next ones.

Want books like Throne of Glass?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Throne of Glass.

Browse books like Throne of Glass

Book cover of A Game of Thrones
Book cover of Graceling
Book cover of Dead Witch Walking

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,172

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in prisoners, princes, and assassin?

Prisoners 106 books
Princes 50 books
Assassin 80 books