Tower of Dawn is the seventh book chronologically in the eight-book Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Taking place concurrently with Empire of Storms, the story shifts to follow Chaol Westfall as he and Nesryn Faliq journey to the Southern Continent’s capital, Antica, to seek healing for Chaol’s injuries and to build an alliance with the powerful Khaganate. However, their efforts fall on deaf ears as the Khaganate regards Aelin Galathynius with suspicion and hesitates to join her war. While Chaol continues to try and convince the ruling family of the dangers of the Valg Army, he must also undergo intense physical healing with the gifted healer, Yrene Towers, who harbors her own animosity towards Chaol and all that he represents from Adarlan. Meanwhile, Nesryn ventures into the mountains with Prince Sartaq, discovering ancient secrets that could aid their battle against the Valg. As political tensions rise, Chaol and Yrene realize the war is spreading further than anyone feared. Everything they discover and accomplish becomes crucial to Aelin’s battle in the North, offering hope, healing, and new allies for the war to come.
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn can be read in tandem for a richer and more immersive experience—the tandem read will alternate between both books every few chapters. Please go here for the Tandem Reading Guide.
NOTE: This post assumes you have read the previous books 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 Tower of Dawn?
While most of the Throne of Glass series takes place in Erilea, Tower of Dawn takes place in the Southern Continent, which lies to the south of the main continent, Erilea. The Southern Continent is a hot and arid landmass covered mostly in deserts. It was first governed by an ancient Queen of Antica, who built the Torre Cesme in gratitude to its healers for saving her child’s life. However, numerous kingdoms have risen and fallen since her time, and 300 years ago the first Khagan and his nomadic tribe of horse-riders, the Darghan, arrived and conquered the continent. He is remembered as a clever tactician who avoided direct conflict when he could, reserving acts of cruelty for calculated moments. By targeting key leaders, he struck fear into neighboring cities and often secured their surrender with minimal fighting—after which he would generously reward the local population. Their military power is nearly unmatched with their massive cavalry, the Darghan, and their aerial force, the Rukhin, archers that ride on giant eagle-like creatures called Ruks. Over time, the Khagan bolstered the region’s infrastructure by establishing an extensive network of roads and bridges that linked the continent’s diverse regions and supported economic growth. The Khaganate is unusually progressive, as noted through its tolerance for religious diversity, allowing its people to worship freely and honoring the many faiths practiced across the empire. Gender equality is also more prominent than in Erilea, with both men and women sharing household authority and both daughters and sons being equally eligible to inherit the Khagan title. Slavery is discouraged, and instead, paid servants are employed with opportunities for growth. It is unsurprising that the Khaganate has heralded in an age of peace and prosperity to the Southern Continent.
Who are the main characters in Tower of Dawn?
Chaol Westfall
Former head of the Royal Adarlan Guard, Chaol is sent to the Southern Continent to heal. As he struggles with both his physical and emotional wounds, he must confront his guilt and learn to trust again in order to secure an alliance for the war to come.
Nesryn Faliq
A skilled city guard, Nesryn accompanies Chaol to return to her ancestral homeland and find new allies. Her skills as an archer and soldier become vital as she confronts the growing threat in the north.
Yrene Towers
A gifted healer at the Torre Cesme, Yrene must overcome her hatred of the Adarlan Kingdom to help Chaol walk again. As their bond deepens, she uncovers hidden truths about her power and its potential role in the upcoming war.
Sartaq
Second-eldest child of Khagan Urus, he commands the Rukhin, an army of archers who fly on enormous eagle-like birds called Ruks. Sartaq becomes an unexpected ally to Nesryn as they face deadly creatures and ancient secrets.
Who are the main characters in Empire of Storms?
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius
The long-lost heir and Queen of Terrasen, Aelin travels across Erilea forging alliances and preparing for war against Erawan. As enemies close in, she must navigate political betrayal, confront ancient magical forces, and master the devastating power of her own fire.
Rowan Whitethorn
The most powerful full-blooded Fae in the realm and a prince of House Whitethorn, a noble house of Doranelle. He was once a member of Maeve’s Cadre but has now sworn allegiance to Aelin’s Court as her protector and partner. He also wields powerful wind and ice magic.
Aedion Ashryver
Aelin's cousin and a prince of House Ashryver. He is the general of the Bane, the remnants of Terrasen's army. Aedion must rally the lords to Aelin's cause but faces resistance from those unwilling to follow a queen raised in exile. As tensions rise, he must balance his loyalty to Aelin with his growing doubts about her methods.
Manon Blackbeak
Heir of the Blackbeak clan, leader of the Thirteen, and Wing Leader of the Ironteeth Witches, Manon begins to question the brutal code of the Ironteeth Witches and her place within it. As tensions rise within her coven, she must decide where her true loyalties lie.
Dorian Havilliard II
Former Crown Prince of Adarlan, Dorian is finally free from the Valg's control and has reclaimed his mind and his magic, but is still reeling from the confessions made by his father, the former King of Adarlan.
Lysandra
A former courtesan, Lysandra uses her shapeshifting abilities to become a powerful force in battle, taking on deadly forms to fight alongside Aelin’s forces. Aelin paid off her debts and freed her from Madame Clarisse DuVency's brothel.
Elide Lochan
Rightful heir to Perranth, Elide escapes Morath and travels northward with Lorcan, determined to find Aelin and deliver a tool and a critical message. Along the way, she must outwit enemies and navigate uneasy alliances to survive the journey.
Lorcan Salvaterre
The most powerful demi-Fae warrior in the realm and possessing dark magic, he is the de facto commander of Maeve’s Cadre. Lorcan travels with Elide under Maeve's orders, but as they face growing dangers together, his loyalty begins to shift.
Who are the minor characters in Tower of Dawn?
The Khaganate of the Southern Continent is a vast and powerful empire ruled by a Khagan, the supreme monarch chosen from among the previous ruler’s children. Unlike hereditary succession, the Khagan is won through merit, political maneuvering, and the favor of the court, making the competition among royal siblings fierce and often deadly. The current Khagan Urus secured his position after a brutal six-hour battle with his brother Orda, until only one son remained standing. Afterwards, the rest of the siblings were dispatched either through death, exile, or sterilization. Despite the intensity of the succession process, the Khaganate’s society is cultured, rich in tradition, and highly advanced in both medicine and governance. The capital city, Antica, sits like a jewel on the coast with a diverse, cosmopolitan population and is home to the Torre Cesme, an ancient and revered healing institution.
Khagan Urus
The ruler of the Khaganate, determined to protect his empire’s interests above all else. He mourns the death of his youngest daughter and refuses to join Aelin’s war.
Grand Empress
Wife of Khagan Urus, she holds no formal power but commands deep respect as the matriarch of the royal family. She mourns the death of her youngest daughter.
Arghun
Eldest child of Khagan Urus and a skilled politician, Arghun is cold, analytical, and politically ambitious. He trades in information as his currency, and refuses to support Aelin’s war efforts.
Hasar
Third child of Khagan Urus, Hasar is cunning and headstrong. A bit cheeky, she doesn’t hesitate to push boundaries, but beneath the theatrics lies a keen strategist loyal to those she trusts.
Kashin
Fourth child of Khagan Urus, Kashin prefers the company of his soldiers and lives away from the gossip and subterfuge of the court. He is his father’s staunchest defender.
Duva
Fifth child of Khagan Urus, Duva is mild and sweet-tempered, said to be the most cherished child of her father. She is currently pregnant with her first child.
Tumelun
Sixth and youngest child of Khagan Urus. Beloved by all her siblings and known for her wild personality, she died recently under mysterious circumstances.
Renia
The quiet partner of Princess Hasar, often present during political conversations though rarely the one speaking. Her calm presence offers a grounding contrast to Hasar’s sharp edges.
Josefin Towers
A kind and gifted healer and Yrene’s mother. She was killed during the King of Adarlan’s purge of magic.
Kadja
A quiet maid of the Torre Cesme assigned to help Chaol during his healing visit. At times she can be a bit too helpful.
Shen
A friendly soldier in Antica’s royal guard with a crush on Kadja.
Hashim
An aging guard and trainer for the Antica royal guard.
Nousha
The head librarian at the Torre Cesme, she is very knowledgeable and helps Yrene conduct research.
Hafiza
The wise and revered leader of the Torre Cesme, known for her vast healing knowledge and unshakable composure.
Eretia
An experienced healer at the Torre Cesme, who provides guidance to Yrene, known for her short-temper and no nonsense attitude.
Cain
A brutal warrior from the White Fang Mountains and once a contestant in the King's Champion Tournament. He was discovered to have been a pawn of Duke Perrington/Erawan’s dark forces. He was also Chaol’s first kill as a soldier.
Ress
One of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Royal Guard. He was tortured and killed by the King of Adarlan for spying for Chaol.
Theodus Brullo
Chaol’s Weapons Master and trusted advisor, he also trained Chaol to become the Captain of the Guard. He was tortured and killed by the King of Adarlan for spying for Chaol.
Brahim Faliq
Nesryn’s uncle, he is a merchant in Antica and encourages Nesryn to sing again.
Zahida Faliq
Nesryn’s aunt, she is thrilled whenever Nesryn visits.
Delara Faliq
Nesryn’s sister. She loves teasing Nesryn about her short hair and has three children.
Sayed Faliq
Nesryn’s father, he owns and operates several bakeries in Rifthold and is famous for his pear tarts.
Cybele Faliq
Nesryn’s mother, she was originally from Adarlan but died from a sudden illness and is buried on the Southern Continent.
Falkan Ennar
An Adarlan merchant searching for a Stygian Spider that stole his youth, he is determined to reclaim what he sees as a bad trade. He is also searching for his long-lost niece.
Borte
A bold and fiercely loyal member of the Rukhin and member of the Eridun clan. Hearth-sister to Prince Sartaq, she loves teasing him at Nesryn’s expense.
Houlun
A well-respected elder and hearth-mother of the Eridun clan. Known for her wisdom and deep knowledge of the Southern Continent’s history and threats. She is also Borte’s grandmother.
Yeran
A serious Ruk rider and captain of the Berlad Clan, he once resorted to cheating in a competition to beat Borte and has thus earned her ire. He is also betrothed to Borte, much to her displeasure.
Kadara
Prince Sartaq’s majestic Ruk, whom he raised from a hatchling. She is intelligent and fiercely loyal to Sartaq. He considers her to be more of a family member than some of his siblings.
Arcas
Borte’s personal ruk, known for her sweet personality.
Athril
A Fae warrior and Queen Maeve’s former lover. He was also close friends with Brannon Galathynius.
Brannon Galathynius
A Fae King, he was father to Elena Galathynius and founded the Kingdom of Terrasen over 2,000 years ago. He was also husband to Mala Fire-Bringer, who gifted him with fire magic, which he used to fight the Valg.
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.
The King of Adarlan
The late King of Adarlan, known for his ban on magic and his expansionist regime that conquered Terrasen. He was seen as a tyrant but in reality, his body was being controlled by a Valg prince working in service to 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.
Who are the gods and goddesses in Tower of Dawn?
“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
Silba
Goddess of Healing and gentle deaths, symbolized by the owl, the color lavender, and the element of water. Many of the healers in the Southern Continent are descended from her.
Hellas
God of darkness and violent deaths, ruler of the underworld and consort of Anneith. Lorcan is a direct descendant of Hellas.
Tehome
Lady of the Great Deep, Goddess of the Seas, and Goddess of Oaths. Celebrated by the people in the Southern Continent.
Mala Fire-Bringer
Goddess of the Sun and sister to Deanna, she is associated with the sun, light, learning, and fire. She bound herself to a mortal form to be with Brannon Galathynius, with whom she bore children, including Elena Galathynius.
Vanth
Goddess of the dead. Her followers in the Southern Continent are a secretive sect that worship and perform their rites out of the spotlight.
Temis
Goddess of wild things and protector of caged animals. Lysandra often prays to her.
Mab
Youngest of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mora and Maeve. She could transform into a white swan and was progenitor of the Ashryver family and Kingdom of Wendlyn. She gave up her immortality to be with a mortal and was later syncretized into the goddess Deanna.
Mora
One of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mab and Maeve. She could transform into a hawk and was progenitor of the Whitethorn family and the reason why their house sigil is a hawk. She relinquished her immortality to be with a mortal.
Who are the antagonists in Tower of Dawn?
Erwan/Duke Perrington
An ancient Valg King long thought to have been banished by King Gavin, he was actually trapped in a sarcophagus but released by the King of Adarlan and Duke Perrington in their youth. He has been inhabiting the body of Duke Perrington but is now released and building an army to conquer Erilea once again.
Orcus
One of the three Valg Kings who tried to subjugate Erilea thousands of years ago but was sent back to the Valg World by Maeve. He is the eldest brother to Erawan and Mantyx.
Mantyx
One of the three Valg Kings who tried to subjugate Erilea thousands of years ago but was sent back to the Valg World by Maeve. He is the middle brother to Erawan and Orcus.
Kharankui
Giant spider-like Valg monsters that are highly intelligent and able to speak. They live in the Southern Continent and unlike their northern continental cousins, they think it is beneath them to trade Spidersilk with humans.
Stygian Spiders
Giant spider-like Valg monsters that are highly intelligent and able to speak. They live in Erilea and are known for their Spidersilk, a highly durable yet lightweight organic matter, which they trade to humans in exchange for intangibles such as dreams, hopes, youth, and memories.
Queen Maeve
One of the three Fae sister-queens, along with Mora and Mab, and the only one who did not give up her immortality and remains Queen of Doranelle. She helped banish the dark and demonic Valg forces centuries ago. Known for her magical powers and manipulation of those around her. She hides ancient secrets tied to the Valg and the Gods.
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The Valg
Ancient, parasitic demons from another realm who seek to conquer Erilea by possessing mortal bodies and often warping them beyond recognition. Driven by hunger and commanded by their dark kings, they are nearly unstoppable unless banished with rare magic.
Where does Tower of Dawn take place?
Antica
The largest city on the Southern Continent, it is a vibrant coastal metropolis known as Milas Agia, or "god-city," because it was rumored to have been built by the gods. Renowned for the Torre Cesme, a prestigious healing academy, Antica thrives as a cultural and architectural mosaic, with diverse peoples and traditions coexisting peacefully.
Palace of the Khagan
A grand marble structure perched atop one of the city's many hills, featuring intricate mosaics and tile artwork that depict the empire's rich history. Each architectural element is sourced from a particular region of the Southern Continent and symbolizes the unity and diversity of the Khaganate's vast realm.
Torre Cesme
Tower of Dawn in the Halha language, it is an ancient structure in Antica that is home to the most gifted healers. It was constructed over 1,200 years ago by an ancient Queen who was grateful to the healers for saving her child’s life. As various empires have risen and fallen on the Southern Continent, the Torre Cesme has always been left in peace.
The Torre Cesme Library
Bathed in golden light and filled with the scent of parchment and ink, at the base of the Torre Cesme is their Library, a sanctuary of healing knowledge. Its endless shelves hold centuries of healer wisdom, offering both solace and scholarly challenge to those who seek its secrets.
Silba's Womb
Deep within the Torre Cesme lies Silba’s Womb, a series of labyrinthian underground tunnels and natural hot springs. The springs have been diverted into dozens of carved stone tubs for both hydrothermal therapy and relaxation.
The Death Chamber
Silent and solemn, the Death Chamber is where the terminally ill are brought to pass in peace. Draped in reverence rather than fear, it honors death as a natural passage, and is overseen by compassionate healers who offer comfort in their patients’ final moments.
Tavan Mountains
The largest mountain range on the Southern Continent, they are home to the Rukhin, fierce aerial warriors and their Ruks, giant eagle-like creatures. They are also home to several nomadic clans such as the Eridun Clan, led by hearth-mother Houlun.
Grasslands
To the east of the Southern Continent are the grassy steppes, the ancestral homelands of the Khagan. The grasslands stretch endlessly beneath vast clear blue skies, their emerald waves shimmering in the sunlight like a living sea.
The Rukhin Aeries
High-altitude mountain strongholds and sanctuaries for the Ruks, massive, eagle-like creatures. Isolated among the peaks, the aeries serve as both home and nesting grounds to the Ruks.
The Fae Watchtowers
Ancient, often abandoned structures located across the Southern Continent. Part of a forgotten network built by an advanced, long-lost Fae civilization, there are mysterious carvings and old runes on the surfaces.
Aksara Oasis
A secluded sanctuary deep in the arid desert of the Southern Continent that is only open to the royal family as their private refuge. There are a few desert caves within the oasis that may house ancient books.
Dagul Fells
Within the Tavan Mountains, the Dagul Fells are a rocky and steep mountain terrain, home to many wild creatures. The humans of this region know to give this place a wide berth.
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.
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.
Does Tower of Dawn have any bonus chapters?
Yes, there is 1 bonus chapter intended to be read before Tower of Dawn. Chaol Westfall travels to Antica to seek healing from the healers of the Torre Cesme. With war looming, he and Nesryn work to gain the support of Antica’s rulers for their allies back home. Their journey begins an effort that could change the course of the conflict.
Read the Chaol and Nesryn Bonus Chapter.
Where to Buy Tower of Dawn
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