Throne of Glass Reading Guide

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Cover from 'Throne of Glass' from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.

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 foreign 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

A black and white map of the continent Erilea from the Throne of Glass series created by Sarah J. Maas. To the right is the continent of Wendlyn.
Map of Erilea from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. All rights belong to the original creators.

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 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 the King of Adarlan banned magic and all magical beings. In one fell swoop, magic disappeared from the continent. No one knows how, but folks whisper that the gods must have cursed them. The King began 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 any mortals with magic in their blood. Many Fae and magical creatures fled the continent and went 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.

Fan art of Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass, a blonde woman with turquoise eyes, she is wearing a blue hood that covers part of her face.

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.

A handsome man with curly black hair, blue eyes, and a strong jawline. He wears a black tunic with a high collar and stands in a medieval chapel.

Dorian Havilliard

Dorian Havilliard is the Crown Prince of Adarlan, he 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.

Fan art of Chaol Westfall from the Throne of Glass series. A handsome knight with tan skin, warm brown eyes, and black leather armor.

Chaol Westfall

Chaol Westfall is the Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, he 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.

Fan art of Philippa Spindlehead from Throne of Glass, a plump medieval maid holding a dishrag and wearing a blue dress over a peach colored shirt.

Phililppa 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, a beautiful woman with long black hear wearing an intricate gold white dress. She gazes intensely at the camera.

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.

Princess Nehemia, a beautiful African princess with caramel skin wearing a white gown and gold jewelry, standing in a lush forest courtyard.

Nehemia Ytger

Nehemia Ytger is the Princess of Eyllwe, she 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.

Fan art of Prince Hollin Havilliard of Adarlan, a chubby young prince with curly black hair wearing fine blue robes, he is pouting and whining.

Prince 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.

Queen Georgina, a beautiful middle-aged queen with green eyes and red hair streaked with silver. She wears ornate jewelry and a green velvet dress.

Queen 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.

Fan art of Theodus Brullo from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, an older knight wearing armor and wielding a metal club, he is bald but has a beard.

Theodus Brullo

Theodus Brullo is the weapons master and one of the judges for the King’s Champion Tournament. He helped train Chaol to become the Captain of the Guard and also helps train Celaena during the tournament.

Fan art of Lord Westfall from Anielle, a stern lord with bushy brown hair and a graying beard. He stands on the ramparts of a stone castle.

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.

Fan art of Terrin Westfall from Anielle, a teenage boy with dark blonde hair sitting at a desk with an open book and a pen.

Terrin Westfall

Terrin Westfall is Chaol’s younger brother, he was always the scholarly brother while Chaol was the warrior.

Fan art of Ress from Throne of Glass, a knight in shining silver armor with a red cape, he has short blonde hair and is standing in a stone chapel.

Ress

Ress is one of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Royal Adarlan Guard.

Fan art of Arobynn Hamel from Throne of Glass, a rakishly handsome pirate with long red hair and silver eyes, he lounges on a sofa with his shirt open

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.

Fan art of Minister Mullison from Throne of Glass, an elderly councilman with a long face and gray beard. He is holding plates of food in his hands.

Minister Mullison

Minister Mullison is one of the King’s ministers and a high-ranking member of the court at the Glass Palace. He sponsors Grave in the upcoming King's Champion Tournament.

An elderly nobleman with bushy white hair and a thick white beard, he sits at a disheveled desk covered in parchments and scrolls.

Minister Joval

Minister Joval is from Perranth in Terrasen and one of the many ministers within the King's court. He sponsors Nox Owens in the upcoming King's Champion Tournament.

Lord Otho is an old nobleman with short gray hair and a short beard. He wears maroon robes and sits on a balcony and is gripping the railing.

Lord Otho

Lord Otho is a member of the royal court in Adarlan and has a reputation with the women of the court.

Lord Urizen is an older lord with gray hair and a beard, he wears dark clothes and stands on a dark gray terrace next to a blue banner.

Lord Urizen

Lord Urizen is another member of the royal court in Adarlan and is well aware of Celaena's past.

Lord Garnel is an old lord with gray hair and a gruff beard. He wears armor with a fur cape and stands on a balcony with his hands together.

Lord Garnel

Lord Garnel is also a member of the royal court in Adarlan and is familiar with Celaena's services.

An African king leaning back on a golden throne in a beautiful courtyard filled with palm trees. He wears a white tunic with gold trimming.

The King of Eyllwe

The King of Eyllwe is Nehemia's father and the main monarch of Eyllwe. He sent his daughter to Adarlan to be an ambassador for their kingdom.

A regal African queen wearing an elaborate golden headdress and necklace, she is sitting in a lotus garden with pillars behind her.

The Queen of Eyllwe

The Queen of Eyllwe is Nehemia's mother and rules alongside her husband. She misses her daughter dearly.

A young African prince wearing a white tunic with elaborate golden trim and leans against a sandstone pillar. He is in a courtyard with palm trees.

The Older Prince of Eyllwe

The Older Prince of Eyllwe is one of Nehemia's two brothers. Little is known about him.

A happy young black boy wearing an ornate gold and white tunic running through a lotus garden.

The Younger Prince of Eyllwe

The Younger Prince of Eyllwe is one of Nehemia's two brothers. Little is known about him.​

Fan art of Fleetfoot from Throne of Glass, a happy red-gold hunting dog running through a grassy wheat meadow.

Fleetfoot

Fleetfoot was born to one of the royal hounds after an unplanned mating, leaving her one of a litter of mixed-breed pups unfit for the royal kennels.

Fan art of Sam Cortland from Throne of Glass, an attractive man with brown hair, he wears medieval leather and carries a sword. He is on a rooftop.

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.

Fan art of Brannon Galathynius from Throne of Glass, an elf king with long red hair and a crown. He is looking up into the sun with tears in his eyes.

Brannon Galathynius

Brannon Galathynius was a Fae King and progenitor of House Galathynius. He was father to Elena Galathynius and established the Kingdom of Terrasen over 2,000 years ago. He was also a mighty warrior with powerful fire magic.

Fan art of Elena Galathynius from Throne of Glass, an ethereal elf queen with long white hair and a silver tiara surrounded by white wispy smoke.

Elena Galathynius Havilliard

Elena Galathynius Havilliard was a Demi-Fae Princess of Terrasen. She was the daughter of 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.

Fan art of Gavin Havilliard from Throne of Glass, a king with dark brown hair and a thick beard, he wears green gold armor and stands on a cliffside.

Gavin Havilliard

Gavin Havilliard was a mortal King and founder of the Kingdom of Adarlan and progenitor of House Havilliard. He was Elena Galathynius' mate and a legendary warrior, famed for defeating the dark forces from long ago.

“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

Fan art of Farnor the god of war from Throne of Glass, a large Viking with red hair, a thick beard, and runic tattoos on his biceps.

Farnor

Farnor is the God of War. He is revered by soldiers and generals alike, who invoke his name before battle in hopes of earning courage and victory.

Fan art of Lumas, God of Love from Throne of Glass, a handsome man with white wings holding a bright light in his palms.

Lumas

Lumas is Firstborn of the Great Goddess, Lord of the Gods, and God of Love. The people of Erilea celebrate his birth annually during Yulemas.

Fan art of Deanna, Lady of the Hunt from Throne of Glass, a moon goddess with flowing black hair, holding a bow and standing under a crescent moon.

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.

The King of Adarlan, an old king with white and gray hair and a gruff beard, his brows are furrowed in anger and he wears luxurious furs.

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 across Erilea.

Fan art of Duke Perrington from Throne of Glass, a large portly man with a thick neck, red hair, and a thick mustache.

Duke Perrington

Duke Perrington is the King's cousin, a calculating nobleman, and a master political strategist. He sponsors Cain in the upcoming King's Champion Tournament, hoping to secure greater influence at court.

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 will last 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 Gordaina.”

Fan art of Cain from Throne of Glass, a hulking giant of a man with unruly brown hair and black armor. He is very muscular and has huge biceps.

Cain

Cain is a sadistic and ruthless warrior from the White Fang Mountains, he is known for his strength and brutal nature. He enjoys taunting Celaena.

Fan art of Nox Owen from Throne of Glass, a handsome young man with gray eyes standing by a large stone wall and carrying two swords.

Nox Owens

Nox Owen is a young thief from Perranth, who becomes an ally and friend to Celaena.

Xavier Forul, a skinny and reedy man wearing leather and a dark blue shirt. He has thinning gray hair. He stands in a medieval market.

Xavier Forul

Xavier Forul is the self-proclaimed Master Thief of Melisande.

Fan art of Grave from Throne of Glass, a grotesque man with a thin face and greasy hair hiding under a shop awning.

Grave

Grave is a sadistic and grotesque assassin. He often jokes around with Cain and Verin.

Fan art of Ned Clement from Throne of Glass, an old man with a white beard holding a giant scythe and standing in a hazy red desert.

Ned Clement

Ned Clement is a ruthless criminal known for his favorite weapon, the scythe, which he used to torture and dismember temple priestesses.

Fan art of Bill Chastain from Throne of Glass, a dirty man kneeling in an alley way and holding a knife in one hand.

Bill Chastain

Bill Chastain is a notorious murderer with a penchant for eating the eyes of his victims.

Fan art of Verin Ysslych from Throne of Glass, a creepy man hiding in an alley way with curly dark hair, wide open eyes, and a very eager grin.

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.

Fan art of Renault, a serious looking knight with red hair and a beard sitting in a pub. He is covered in dirt and grime.

Renault

Renault is a vicious mercenary who later becomes Cain’s right-hand man and also likes to taunt Celaena.

Fan art of Pelor from Throne of Glass, a young teenage boy wearing glasses and holding a vial of blue liquid in a dark and dusty potions laboratory.

Pelor

Pelor is the youngest assassin and competitor in the tournament. He is skilled in poisons.

Fan art of Sven from Throne of Glass, a young forlorn soldier wearing armor and standing in an empty street with his head hung down.

Sven

Sven is a discharged soldier, who only wants his freedom.

Fan art of Endovier from Throne of Glass, a gray and dreary labor camp and mining operation with tall wooden scaffolding and stairways cut into stone.

Endovier

Endovier is 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.

Fanart of Adarlan from Throne of Glass. A beautiful landscape of a city with emerald domes, white buildings, and a blue ocean in the background.

The Kingdom of Adarlan

Adarlan is the dominant empire on the continent of Erilea. It is a militaristic and expansionist kingdom ruled by House Havilliard. Over the last 10 years, the King of Adarlan embarked on an aggressive conquest to take over the other kingdoms on the continent.

Fan art of Rifthold from the Throne of Glass series. A large medieval metropolis with emerald green roofs, white walled buildings, and a large river.

Rifthold

Rifthold is the glittering capital of Adarlan, it was built on the banks of the Avery River and has a large harbor opening into the Great Ocean to the east. Despite its beauty, the city is a center of oppression.

The Glass Palace is a translucent, slightly blue castle with dark-green topped spires. It sits atop the stone remains of the older stone castle.

The Glass Palace

The Glass Palace is a dazzling, magical structure rising atop the original stone castle in Rifthold. 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.

Fan art of the clocktower in Rifthold, a huge domineering black stone column with a clocktower at the top and gargoyle statues at the base.

The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is 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.

Fan art of the Glass Palace library from Throne of Glass, an extravagant library with black and white marble flooring and huge pillars.

The Palace Library

The beautiful Palace Library at the Glass Palace is home to more than a million books and provides an elegant space for constituents to read or study. It is one of Celaena’s favorite places.

Eyllwe is a lush river landscape with verdant forests and tall grasslands surrounded by winding blue turquoise rivers.

The Kingdom of Eyllwe

Eyllwe is a kingdom in the southeast corner of Erilea and is Nehemia’s homeland. It is a wealthy kingdom with many waterways and trade routes. It is famous for its luscious Grasslands and Stone Marshes, a relic from a bygone civilization.

Banjali is an exotic river city with many stone archways and water canals. The streets are lined with lush palm trees and other tropical plants.

Banjali

Banjali, the capital of Eyllwe, is a vibrant and prosperous city renowned for its thriving economy and elegant architecture. It is also Princess Nehemia's hometown, where she was raised in a magnificent river palace filled with lotus blossoms.

Fan art of Anielle from Throne of Glass, a stone fortress nestled between harsh and bare snowcapped mountains.

Anielle

Nestled between the White Fang Mountains and the Oakwald Forest, Anielle sits by the Silver Lake and is a harsh and inhospitable city ruled by Lord Westfall, Chaol’s father. The weather is perpetually cold and gray, allowing little to grow.

Fan art of Melisande from Throne of Glass, a cute little village with cobblestone roads and wooden houses.

Melisande

Melisande is the smallest kingdom within Erilea and known for its craftsmen and tinkerers, who are famous for their clever little hands that make clever little knick knacks such as instruments, clocks, and toys. ​

Fenharrow is a pastoral landscape with rolling green hills dotted with small villages and the occasional dairy farm with herds of cows.

Fenharrow

Fenharrow is the kingdom directly south of Adarlan and is a quieter, more rural region known for its beautiful plains and farms. It is home to many small hamlets and settlements. It borders the Great Ocean to the east and its capital is the wealthy port city of Bellhaven.

Bellhaven, a medieval coastal city with rustic stone buildings and towers coming out of a sandy beach. There are many fishermen on the sand.

Bellhaven

Bellhaven is the capital of Fenharrow and is located on the eastern coast of the pastoral kingdom. It is a wealthy port city, home to many thriving merchants that foster much maritime trade.

Fan art of Terrasen from Throne of Glass, a vast forested landscape with a snowy mountain range in the distance. In the middle is a human settlement.

Terrasen

Terrasen was 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.

Orynth is a white stone city surrounded by a large white wall. In the center atop a large stone cliff is a gleaming white castle with many towers.

Orynth

Orynth was the capital of Terrasen and once home to House Galathynius. It was a thriving city but fell into decline after the royal family was overthrown, it is now a symbol of hope for the people of Terrasen. There use to be a famous library filled with books on magic, but that was destroyed during the Adarlan conquest.

Fan art of the Oakwald Forest from Throne of Glass, a beautiful green woodland area with moss covered rocks and a slight mist in the air.

Oakwald Forest

Oakwald Forest is a beautiful and mighty ancient forest that runs through much of the eastern half of Erilea, it is also known as Brannon Galathynius’ forest. It was once home to many species of Fae before the King of Adarlan’s banishment of magic.

Wendlyn is a vast green continent with mountain ranges and a large tributary of rivers flowing through it. The skies above are blue and cloudy.

Wendlyn

Wendlyn is a vast continent east of Erilea, untouched by Adarlan's rule and one of the few places where magic continues to flourish. It is home to powerful magical beings and creatures of nightmares.

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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