Throne of Glass is the second book chronologically in the eight-book Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. In a world where magic is outlawed by the tyrannical King of Adarlan, one assassin holds the key to revolution. One year after the events of The Assassin’s Blade, Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s most lethal killer, has survived a year of brutal slavery in the salt mines of Endovier, but her real fight begins when Crown Prince Dorian Havilliard offers her freedom at a deadly price. To win her pardon, she must compete against 23 of the kingdom’s most dangerous fighters in a high-stakes tournament to become the King’s Champion. Within the glittering halls of the glass palace, Celaena must face fierce and violent opponents, all while navigating court intrigue and political betrayal. But as competitors start showing up dead, she discovers something far more sinister is lurking in the shadows. With the help of Nehemia, a princess from Eyllwe with secrets of her own, and Chaol Westfall, the guarded captain of the Adarlan forces, Celaena must unravel a conspiracy that could shake the empire to its core.
NOTE: This post assumes you have read the previous book in the series. Major spoilers ahead for earlier installments and minor spoilers ahead for the current book.
Table of Contents
What is the world in Throne of Glass?
The Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, a land rich in history and magic. To the far east of Erilea and beyond the Great Ocean lies the continent Wendlyn and to the south lies the Southern Continent. Over time, Erilea has seen the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms alongside the ebb and flow of magic. Originally, the first inhabitants were the immortal Fae and they coexisted peacefully with lesser faeries and humans for centuries. However, ten years ago magic disappeared. No one knows how, but folks whisper that the gods must have cursed them. Regardless, the King of Adarlan capitalized on the disappearance of magic and began a campaign to conquer Erilea. He initiated a campaign of destruction unlike anything the continent had ever seen, destroying and burning ancient texts, sacred sites, and anyone associated with magic, including magical beings and mortals with Fae heritage. Many Fae and magical creatures alike were forced to suppress their powers or flee and go into hiding as the continent fell under the oppressive rule of the King of Adarlan. The fall of magic in Erilea was a catastrophic and devastating tragedy with the loss of countless lives and priceless knowledge.
Who are the main characters in Throne of Glass?
Celaena Sardothien
A notorious assassin, famed for her deadly skill, sharp wit, and love of books. Celaena is given a chance to win her freedom through a brutal competition at the royal palace, she must navigate deadly trials, court intrigue, and powerful rivals.
Dorian Havilliard II
The Crown Prince of Adarlan, Dorian is charming, clever, and a bit sheltered. Though he lives in a court full of ruthless politics and dark secrets, he harbors a strong sense of justice and a longing to define his own path—separate from his father’s shadow.
Chaol Westfall
The Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, Chaol is disciplined, loyal, and deeply committed to his role in protecting the Adarlan kingdom. Tasked with overseeing Celaena for the King’s Champion Tournament, he approaches his duty with caution.
Who are the minor characters in Throne of Glass?
Philippa Spindlehead
A sharp, practical servant in the royal palace assigned to help Celaena adjust to life at court. She’s refreshingly blunt and shows compassion without fuss or fanfare.
Kaltain Rompier
A beautiful and calculating noblewoman, Kaltain arrives at court as a guest of Duke Perrington, a powerful and intimidating figure in the king’s inner circle. Ambitious and socially astute, Kaltain has her eyes set on Prince Dorian.
Theodus Brullo
The Weapons Master and one of the judges for the King’s Champion Tournament. He also trained Chaol to become the Captain of the Guard. He helps train Celaena during the competition and is loyal to those who have earned his trust.
Hollin Havilliard
The much younger, spoiled brother of Crown Prince Dorian. Indulged by his mother and quick to throw a tantrum, Hollin was shipped to boarding school after an incident with a servant.
Georgina Havilliard
Queen Georgina is a refined and image-conscious figure focused on court appearances and her sons' reputations. Though she holds little political power, she remains a constant presence within the palace’s social sphere.
Nehemia Ytger
Princess of Eyllwe, Nehemia comes to the royal court under the pretense of strengthening political relations between her kingdom and Adarlan. Known for her intelligence, dignity, and fierce loyalty to her homeland, she carries herself with grace and authority.
Lord Westfall
Chaol’s father, a harsh and strict noble. Lord Westfall rules over Anielle and has always been at odds with Chaol’s choices.
Terrin Westfall
Chaol’s younger brother, he was always the scholarly brother while Chaol was the warrior. After Chaol abdicated his right as eldest son to Anielle, Terrin inherited the title of Lord of Anielle.
Ress
One of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Royal Guard.
Arobynn Hamel
King of the Assassins and head of the Assassin’s Guild, he is ambitious and willing to take advantage of every situation. He found Celaena near death on the banks of a frozen river and trained her as an assassin according to his brutal methods.
Sam Cortland
A skilled assassin and Celaena’s first love. Loyal, brave, and deeply caring, he was killed during their time with the Assassin’s Guild. His memory continues to shape Celaena’s emotional journey.
Rosamund
Dorian’s first love, who unfortunately left him to marry a different lord.
Brannon Galathynius
The founder of Terrasen, he was a Fae King and father to Elena Galathynius. He established Terrasen over 2,000 years ago and was a mighty warrior.
Elena Galathynius Havilliard
The first Queen of Adarlan and mate to Gavin Havilliard. She was the daughter of the Fae King Brannon and played a vital role in banishing the dark forces of the past.
Gavin Havilliard
The first King and founder of Adarlan and mate to Elena Galathynius. He was a legendary warrior, famed for defeating the Dark Lord Erawan.
Lord of the North
The spirit of Terrasen, often depicted as a white sun stag with flames between its antlers, lives in the Oakwald Forest. Sun stags were sacred to Mala Fire-Bringer and were later brought to Terrasen by Brannon Galathynius. The name also refers to a stag constellation that always points toward Terrasen.
The Kingsflame
A small flame-like flower that symbolizes Brannon Galathynius and Terrasen. It is said to only bloom when the realm is at peace and under the reign of a good king. When Orlon Galathynius became king, a single kingsflame bloomed, which he plucked and preserved in crystal.
Fleetfoot
Celaena’s loyal and protective dog, who often provides comfort and companionship. Gifted to her by Dorian.
Who are the gods and goddesses in Throne of Glass?
“Beings of a higher, different existence. For whom time was fluid, and bodies were things to be shifted and molded. Who could exist in multiple places, spread themselves wide like nets being thrown. They were as mighty and vast and eternal as a human was to a mayfly. They had not been born in this world.” – Elena Galathynius in Empire of Storms
Deanna
Goddess of the Moon and sister to Mala Fire-Bringer, she is associated with hunting, maidenhood, and protection of the young.
Lumas
Firstborn of the Great Goddess, Lord of the Gods, and God of Love. The people of Erilea celebrate his birth at Yulemas.
Farnor
God of war, often associated with a silver sword during celebrations.
Who are the antagonists in Throne of Glass?
The King of Adarlan
The tyrannical ruler of the Adarlan empire, a man driven by a hunger for control and conquest. He is responsible for the brutal subjugation of both humans and Fae.
Duke Perrington
A cunning and manipulative nobleman, Duke Perrington is a key ally to the King of Adarlan and a ruthless political strategist. His calculated actions and hidden motives make him one of the most dangerous figures in the royal court.
Who are the King's Champion competitors in Throne of Glass?
The King’s Champion Tournament is a deadly competition held by the King of Adarlan to choose a royal assassin. Twenty-four thieves, assassins, and criminals, each chosen by a member of the king’s council, compete in a series of challenges testing their strength, skill, and cunning. The competition lasts for 13 weeks with a new test every week. They will be judged by Theodus Brullo, the Weapons Master. The final four contestants will duel individually until a winner is chosen. Celaena Sardothien is the only female competitor and competing under the alias Lillian Gordiana.
Cain
A sadistic and ruthless competitor, known for his strength and brutal nature. He enjoys taunting Celaena. He was sponsored by Duke Perrington.
Nox Owen
A young thief from Perranth, who becomes an ally and friend to Celaena. She teaches him how to throw daggers.
Xavier Forul
The self-proclaimed Master Thief of Melisande.
Grave
A sadistic and grotesque assassin. He often jokes around with Cain and Verin. He was sponsored by Minister Mullison.
Ned Clement
A ruthless criminal known for his favorite weapon, the scythe, which he used to torture and dismember temple priestesses.
Bill Chastain
A notorious murderer with a penchant for eating the eyes of his victims.
Verin Ysslych
A loudmouthed-thief, prone to taunting the other competitors. He has a crude sense of humor and is Cain’s right-hand man.
Renault
A vicious mercenary who later becomes Cain’s right-hand man and likes to taunt Celaena.
Pelor
The youngest assassin and competitor in the tournament. He is skilled in poisons.
Sven
A discharged soldier, who wants his freedom.
Other Competitors
Several other nondescript and unnamed competitors.
Where does Throne of Glass take place?
Endovier
A brutal slave camp and salt mine on the Adarlan and Terrasen border. Enemies of the state such as magic wielders, rebels, and criminals are sent to toil their lives away in the mines. Thousands of prisoners labor under harsh conditions and are monitored by cruel Overseers.
Adarlan
Sharing a border with Terrasen to the north, Adarlan is the dominant empire on the continent of Erilea. It is a militaristic and expansionist kingdom ruled by House Havilliard.
Rifthold
The glittering capital of Adarlan, built on the banks of the Avery River and with a harbor opening into the Great Ocean to the East. Despite its beauty, the city is a center of oppression.
The Glass Palace
A dazzling, magical structure rising atop the original stone castle. Made of tempered glass and crystalline spires, it is home to House Havilliard and has 600 rooms, three gardens, a wildlife game park, and two stables.
Palace Library
The beautiful Royal Library at the Glass Palace, home to more than a million books. One of Celaena’s favorite places.
Clock Tower
A clock tower made of black stone, likely obsidian, with eight gargoyles around the top perimeter. The King of Adarlan had it erected shortly after Prince Dorian’s birth. It makes a wretchedly loud booming noise.
Oakwald Forest
A beautiful and mighty forest that runs through much of the eastern half of Erilea, it is also known as Brannon Galathynius’ forest. Once home to many species of Fae before the King of Adarlan’s banishment of magic.
Anielle
Nestled between the White Fang Mountains and the Oakwald Forest, Anielle is a harsh, foreboding city ruled by the Westfalls. The current leader is Lord Westfall, Chaol’s father.
Eyllwe
A kingdom in the southeast corner of Erilea and Nehemia’s homeland. It is a wealthy kingdom with many waterways and trade routes. Famous for its luscious Grasslands and Stone Marshes, a relic from a bygone civilization.
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Terrasen
Once a powerful and noble kingdom in the North of Erilea founded by Brannon Galathynius. It was overthrown by the King of Adarlan, but its people remain proud and resilient. It was famous as a center of magic and learning.
Does Throne of Glass have any bonus chapters?
Yes, there are 3 bonus chapters associated with the Throne of Glass novel.
The Captain and the Prince Bonus Chapter is a conversation between Chaol and Prince Dorian discussing who will be chosen as the Prince’s champion. Intended to be read after The Assassin’s Blade and before Throne of Glass.
The Assassin and the Princess Bonus Chapter is a quick shopping trip and bonding experience between Celaena and Nehemia.
The Assassin and the Captain Bonus Chapter sees Celaena returning to the capital city after completing her first mission for the King.
Both of these bonus chapters are intended to be read after Throne of Glass and before Crown of Midnight.
Where to Buy Throne of Glass
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