What to Read After Throne of Glass Series: A Journey Beyond Erilea

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas has captivated readers with its intricate world-building, complex characters, and thrilling plot twists. As you turn the final page of Kingdom of Ash, you might find yourself yearning for more stories that can fill the void left by Celaena Sardothien’s epic journey. Fear not, for the literary world is vast and filled with tales that can transport you to new realms, introduce you to unforgettable characters, and keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are some recommendations to guide you on your next reading adventure.

1. The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

Why You’ll Love It: If you were drawn to the magical elements and political intrigue in Throne of Glass, Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy (Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising) will be a perfect fit. Set in the war-torn land of Ravka, the series follows Alina Starkov, a young soldier who discovers she possesses a rare and powerful ability that could change the fate of her country. The series is rich in lore, with a unique magic system and a cast of morally complex characters.
What Sets It Apart: Bardugo’s world-building is meticulous, and her exploration of themes like power, identity, and sacrifice will resonate with fans of Maas’s work.

2. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas

Why You’ll Love It: If you haven’t already delved into Maas’s other series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is a must-read. While it shares some thematic elements with Throne of Glass, ACOTAR leans more heavily into romance and faerie lore. The series follows Feyre Archeron, a human huntress who is drawn into the dangerous and enchanting world of the fae.
What Sets It Apart: The romantic tension and steamy scenes in ACOTAR are more pronounced than in Throne of Glass, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy a strong romantic subplot.

3. The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black

Why You’ll Love It: Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series (The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King, The Queen of Nothing) is a dark and twisty tale of faeries, political intrigue, and revenge. The protagonist, Jude Duarte, is a human girl raised in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she must navigate a world of deceit and danger.
What Sets It Apart: Jude’s cunning and ambition make her a compelling protagonist, and the series’ exploration of power dynamics and moral ambiguity will appeal to fans of Celaena’s complex character.

4. The Seven Realms Series by Cinda Williams Chima

Why You’ll Love It: Cinda Williams Chima’s Seven Realms series (The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne, The Crimson Crown) is a high fantasy series that combines elements of magic, politics, and romance. The story follows Han Alister, a former streetlord, and Princess Raisa ana’Marianna, as their paths intertwine in a struggle for power and survival.
What Sets It Apart: The dual perspectives of Han and Raisa provide a rich and layered narrative, and the series’ exploration of class struggle and political maneuvering will keep you engaged.

5. The Poppy War Series by R.F. Kuang

Why You’ll Love It: For readers who enjoyed the darker, more intense aspects of Throne of Glass, The Poppy War series (The Poppy War, The Dragon Republic, The Burning God) by R.F. Kuang offers a gritty and brutal take on fantasy. The series follows Rin, a war orphan who discovers she has a terrifying power that could change the course of a brutal war.
What Sets It Apart: Kuang’s series is unflinching in its portrayal of war, colonialism, and the cost of power, making it a thought-provoking and emotionally intense read.

6. The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty

Why You’ll Love It: S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad Trilogy (The City of Brass, The Kingdom of Copper, The Empire of Gold) is a lush and immersive fantasy series set in a world inspired by Islamic mythology. The story follows Nahri, a con artist in 18th-century Cairo, who discovers she is descended from a long line of powerful djinn.
What Sets It Apart: The series’ rich cultural backdrop, intricate politics, and morally complex characters make it a standout in the fantasy genre.

7. The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden

Why You’ll Love It: Katherine Arden’s Winternight Trilogy (The Bear and the Nightingale, The Girl in the Tower, The Winter of the Witch) is a beautifully written series that blends historical fiction with Russian folklore. The story follows Vasilisa, a young girl with a connection to the supernatural, as she navigates a world where old gods and new religions clash.
What Sets It Apart: Arden’s lyrical prose and atmospheric storytelling create a haunting and enchanting reading experience.

8. The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Why You’ll Love It: For readers who crave epic world-building and intricate magic systems, Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive (The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War) is a must-read. The series is set in the world of Roshar, where powerful storms shape the land and its people.
What Sets It Apart: Sanderson’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to weave together multiple storylines make this series a masterclass in epic fantasy.

9. The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin

Why You’ll Love It: N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth Trilogy (The Fifth Season, The Obelisk Gate, The Stone Sky) is a groundbreaking series that explores themes of oppression, survival, and the power of the earth itself. The story follows Essun, a woman with the ability to control seismic activity, as she searches for her daughter in a world on the brink of apocalypse.
What Sets It Apart: Jemisin’s innovative narrative structure and her exploration of complex social issues make this series a thought-provoking and unforgettable read.

10. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Why You’ll Love It: Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree is a standalone epic fantasy that offers a rich and diverse world filled with dragons, magic, and political intrigue. The story weaves together the fates of multiple characters as they confront an ancient evil.
What Sets It Apart: Shannon’s inclusive world-building and her ability to craft a compelling narrative in a single volume make this book a standout in the fantasy genre.

Q: Are there any other series by Sarah J. Maas that I should read after Throne of Glass? A: Yes, Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series is highly recommended. It offers a different but equally captivating fantasy world with a strong romantic subplot.

Q: I loved the strong female protagonist in Throne of Glass. Are there other series with similar characters? A: Absolutely! Series like The Folk of the Air by Holly Black and The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang feature strong, complex female protagonists who navigate challenging and dangerous worlds.

Q: I’m looking for a series with a unique magic system. Any suggestions? A: Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archive and Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha Trilogy both feature intricate and well-developed magic systems that are integral to their respective worlds.

Q: Are there any standalone fantasy novels that are as immersive as Throne of Glass? A: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is a standalone epic fantasy that offers a rich and diverse world, making it a great choice for readers looking for a single-volume story.

Q: I enjoyed the darker themes in Throne of Glass. Are there other series that explore similar themes? A: The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisin and The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang both delve into darker, more intense themes, making them excellent choices for readers who enjoyed the more serious aspects of Throne of Glass.