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, once 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: 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
Celaena Sardothien is 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
Dorian Havilliard II is 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
Chaol Westfall is 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
Philippa Spindlehead is 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
Kaltain Rompier is a beautiful and calculating noblewoman, she 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
Theodus Brullo is 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
Prince Hollin Havilliard is the much younger, spoiled brother of Crown Prince Dorian. Indulged by his mother and quick to throw a tantrum, Prince 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
Lord Westfall is Chaol’s father, he is harsh and cruel. He rules over Anielle and has always been at odds with Chaol’s choices.
Terrin Westfall
Terrin Westfall is Chaol’s younger brother, he was always the scholarly brother while Chaol was the warrior.
Ress
Ress is one of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Royal Guard.
Arobynn Hamel
Arobynn Hamel is 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
Sam Cortland is 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
Rosamund was Dorian’s first love, she unfortunately left him to marry a different lord.
Brannon Galathynius
Brannon Galathynius was 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
Elena Galathynius Havilliard was a Demi-Fae and Princess of Terrasen. She was the daughter of the Fae King Brannon and played a vital role in banishing the dark forces of the past. She was Gavin Havilliard's mate and became the first Queen of Adarlan.
Gavin Havilliard
Gavin Havilliard was a mortal and became the first King and founder of Adarlan. He was Elena Galathynius' mate and a legendary warrior, famed for defeating the Dark Lord Erawan from long ago.
Lord of the North
The Lord of the North is the spirit of Terrasen, often depicted as a white sun stag with flames between its antlers, it 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
The Kingsflame is 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
Fleetfoot is 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
Farnor
Farnor is God of war, often associated with a silver sword during celebrations.
Lumas
Lumas is Firstborn of the Great Goddess, Lord of the Gods, and God of Love. The people of Erilea celebrate his birth at Yulemas.
Deanna
Deanna is the Goddess of the Moon and sister to Mala Fire-Bringer, she is associated with hunting, maidenhood, and protection of the young.
Who are the antagonists in Throne of Glass?
The King of Adarlan
The King of Adarlan is 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.
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Duke Perrington
Duke Perrington is a cunning and manipulative nobleman, he 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
Cain is a sadistic and ruthless competitor, known for his strength and brutal nature. He enjoys taunting Celaena.
Nox Owen
Nox Owen is a young thief from Perranth, who becomes an ally and friend to Celaena.
Xavier Forul
Xavier Forul is the self-proclaimed Master Thief of Melisande.
Grave
Grave is a sadistic and grotesque assassin. He often jokes around with Cain and Verin.
Ned Clement
Ned Clement is a ruthless criminal known for his favorite weapon, the scythe, which he used to torture and dismember temple priestesses.
Bill Chastain
Bill Chastain is a notorious murderer with a penchant for eating the eyes of his victims.
Verin Ysslych
Verin Ysslych is a loudmouthed-thief, prone to taunting the other competitors. He has a crude sense of humor and is Cain’s right-hand man.
Renault
Renault is a vicious mercenary who later becomes Cain’s right-hand man and likes to taunt Celaena.
Pelor
Pelor is the youngest assassin and competitor in the tournament. He is skilled in poisons.
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Sven
Sven is a discharged soldier, who only wants his freedom.
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.
City of 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 and inhospitable city ruled by Lord Westfall, Chaol’s father. The weather is perpetually cold and gray, allowing little to grow,
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 is 1 bonus chapter intended to be read before Throne of Glass.
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.
There are also 2 bonus chapters intended to be read after Throne of Glass and before Crown of Midnight.
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.
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