You’re staring at your screen, probably halfway through a wiki, wondering if you actually missed a page or if the game is just messing with you. It’s the thorn of glass order. If you know, you know. It’s that specific, slightly maddening sequence in the Throne of Glass series (or the associated gaming mods and RPG adaptations that have cropped up recently) that feels like a literal puzzle designed to break your brain.
Honestly? It's not just you.
When people talk about the thorn of glass order, they are usually referring to one of two things: the chronological versus publication reading order of Sarah J. Maas’s massive series, or the specific mechanical sequence required in the Glass Throne inspired gaming challenges that have taken over Reddit and Discord. Both are tricky. Both require a bit of a roadmap so you don't end up wasting ten hours doing something in the wrong sequence.
Why the Order Actually Matters
Why do we care? Because context is everything. If you jump into the Throne of Glass world—whether you're reading the books or playing through a fan-made campaign—doing it out of order ruins the emotional payoff. It’s like eating dessert before the main course, except the dessert is a spoiler that makes the main course taste like cardboard.
Most players and readers get stuck on The Assassin’s Blade. It’s a collection of novellas. Some say read it first. Others say wait until after book two or three. The thorn of glass order isn't just a list; it’s a strategy.
The Reading Order Debate: Chronological vs. Emotional Impact
Let’s get into the weeds.
If you go strictly by publication, you start with Throne of Glass. It’s fine. It works. But you’re missing the "why" behind the main character's trauma. If you start with The Assassin’s Blade, you get the backstory, but some argue it lacks the mystery of the first novel.
Here is how the thorn of glass order usually shakes out for the purists:
🔗 Read more: Lust Academy Season 1: Why This Visual Novel Actually Works
- Throne of Glass
- Crown of Midnight
- Heir of Fire
- Queen of Shadows
- Empire of Storms AND Tower of Dawn (The infamous tandem read)
- Kingdom of Ash
Wait. I forgot the novellas. See? This is where it gets messy.
If you want the maximum emotional damage—and let's be real, that's why we're here—the most recommended thorn of glass order is actually placing The Assassin’s Blade third, right after Crown of Midnight. Why? Because the ending of Crown of Midnight hits like a freight train, and the prequel stories give you the context you need before the world expands in Heir of Fire.
It’s about the narrative arc. It’s about feeling the weight of the glass before it shatters.
The "Tandem Read" Nightmare
You’ve probably heard of it. Two massive books. One timeline. Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn happen at the exact same time but on different continents.
Some people try to read them one after the other. Don't do that. You’ll finish Empire of Storms on a massive cliffhanger, and then you’ll have to slog through 600 pages of a completely different character's journey before you find out what happened. It's frustrating. The thorn of glass order for these two is often a chapter-by-chapter swap. It's intense. It requires a PDF guide and a lot of bookmarks. But it turns a potentially boring subplot into a cinematic experience.
Gaming Mechanics and the Glass Sequence
Now, if you’re here because of the Throne of Glass inspired mods in titles like Skyrim, Elden Ring (via total conversion mods), or tabletop RPGs, the thorn of glass order takes on a literal meaning.
In these contexts, the "Thorn" refers to the legendary weapon or a specific status effect. In many fan-developed questlines, you have to activate the "Glass Pillars" in a specific sequence to unlock the final boss of the "Glass Castle" segment.
💡 You might also like: OG John Wick Skin: Why Everyone Still Calls The Reaper by the Wrong Name
- The South Pillar (The Wounded Assassin): Usually activated first to represent the protagonist's origins.
- The East Pillar (The Crown): Representing the transition to the capital.
- The West Pillar (The Fae): This one usually requires a magic check.
- The North Pillar (The Fire): The final activation before the portal opens.
Miss one? You reset. It’s punishing. It’s very "old school RPG" in its design, which is why so many people are searching for the thorn of glass order lately. They’re tired of the reset animation.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The biggest mistake? Skipping Tower of Dawn. I know, I know. You want to see what happens to Aelin. You don't care about Chaol right now. But if you skip it, Kingdom of Ash will make zero sense. There are characters introduced in the "Southern Continent" arc that are literally essential to the finale.
Another mistake in the thorn of glass order is trying to read the prequels first as a brand-new fan. Honestly, the prose in the early novellas is a bit different. It’s better to fall in love with the world through the main books first, then go back and see how the "Thorn" was planted.
The Complexity of the Glass
The imagery of the thorn and the glass isn't just aesthetic. It represents the fragility of the political alliances in the story. Every time someone tries to "order" the world, it breaks. This is reflected in the way the books are structured. They start as a simple "competition" story and evolve into a high-fantasy war epic.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
If you're tackling this for the first time, keep a notebook. I’m serious.
Whether you’re keeping track of the 50+ characters in the later books or trying to remember which lever you pulled in the gaming mod, the thorn of glass order is a lot to juggle.
- Check the chapter lists: If you're doing the tandem read, download a checklist. It saves lives.
- Don’t rush Heir of Fire: This is where the tone shifts. If you find the thorn of glass order feels slow here, stick with it. It’s the bridge to the good stuff.
- Mind the spoilers: If you’re looking up the order for the gaming puzzles, be careful. The names of the pillars or items often reveal major plot twists from the books.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think there is a "correct" way. There isn't. There's only the way that works for your brain. Some people love the chronological start because they hate flashbacks. Others love the publication order because they like uncovering the mystery along with the characters.
📖 Related: Finding Every Bubbul Gem: Why the Map of Caves TOTK Actually Matters
The thorn of glass order is flexible, but it’s not irrelevant.
If you're playing the mods, the order is usually hard-coded. You can't bypass it. If you're reading, the "order" is a suggestion that has been vetted by millions of fans to ensure you don't throw the book across the room in frustration.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most out of your experience, here is what you should do right now:
If you are a reader, decide today if you are a "Purist" or a "Romantic." If you are a Purist, follow the publication order. If you are a Romantic, put The Assassin’s Blade third to maximize the emotional impact of the backstories.
If you are a gamer struggling with the sequence, check your inventory for the "Letter from the King." Often, the thorn of glass order is hidden in the first letter of each paragraph in that specific in-game item.
Finally, if you're doing the tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, print out a physical tracking sheet. Crossing off chapters with a pen makes the 1,500-page journey feel much more manageable. You’ll thank yourself when you hit the final 100 pages of Kingdom of Ash and everything finally clicks into place.