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: 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
Chaol Westfall is the former Captain of the Royal Adarlan Guard, he is sent to the Southern Continent to heal from a serious injury. 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.
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Nesryn Faliq
Nesryn Faliq is a skilled city guard, who accompanies Chaol on his journey to provide emotional and physical support. She is also returning to her ancestral homeland on the Southern Continent, where her skills as an archer and soldier become vital in their pursuit for new allies.
Yrene Towers
Yrene Towers is a gifted healer at the Torre Cesme, but must overcome her hatred for the Adarlan Kingdom if she is to help treat Chaol. As their bond deepens, she uncovers hidden truths about her power and its potential role in the upcoming war.
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Sartaq
Sartaq is the second-eldest child of Khagan Urus and a Prince of the Khaganate, he commands the Rukhin, an army of archers who fly on enormous eagle-like birds called ruks. He is incredibly close to his personal ruk, Kadara, whom he raised from a hatchling.
Who are the main characters in Empire of Storms?
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius is the long-lost heir and Queen of Terrasen, she 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
Rowan Whitethorn is 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
Aedion Ashryver is Aelin's cousin and a Prince of House Ashryver. He is the general of the Bane, the remnants of Terrasen's army. He rallies 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
Manon Blackbeak is heir of the Blackbeak clan, leader of the Thirteen, and Wing Leader of the Ironteeth Witches. She begins to question the brutal code of the Witches and her place within them. Amidst growing friction within her clan, she must decide where her true loyalties lie.
Dorian Havilliard II
Dorian Havilliard II is the former Crown Prince of Adarlan. He is finally free from the Valg's control and has reclaimed his mind and ice magic, but is still reeling from the confessions made by his father, the former King of Adarlan.
Lysandra
Lysandra is a former courtesan, who 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
Elide Lochan is the rightful heir to Perranth, she recently escaped from Morath and is traveling northward with Lorcan. She is determined to find Aelin and deliver a critical tool and message. Along the way, she must outwit enemies and navigate uneasy alliances to survive the journey.
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Lorcan Salvaterre
Lorcan Salvaterre is the most powerful demi-Fae warrior in the realm and possesses 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 waiver.
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
Khagan Urus is the ruler of the Khaganate, he 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.
The Grand Empress
The Grand Empress is the 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
Arghun is the eldest child of Khagan Urus and a Prince of the Khaganate. He is a skilled politician, known to be cold and calculated. He trades in information as currency and is politically ambitious.
Hasar
Hasar is the third child of Khagan Urus and a Princess of the Khaganate. She is cunning and headstrong, a bit cheeky at times, she does not hesitate to push boundaries, but beneath the theatrics lies a keen strategist.
Kashin
Kashin is the fourth child of Khagan Urus and a Prince of the Khaganate. He 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
Duva is the fifth child of Khagan Urus and a Princess of the Khaganate. She is mild and sweet-tempered, said to be the most cherished child of her father. She is currently pregnant with her first child.
Tumelun
Tumelun was the sixth and youngest child of Khagan Urus and a Princess of the Khaganate. Beloved by all her siblings and known for her wild personality, she died recently under mysterious circumstances.
Renia
Renia is the quiet partner of Princess Hasar, she is often present during political conversations though rarely the one speaking. Her calm presence offers a grounding contrast to Hasar’s sharp edges.
Josefin Towers
Josefin Towers was a kind and gifted healer and was Yrene’s mother. She was killed during the King of Adarlan’s purge of magic.
Kadja
Kadja is a quiet maid in the Torre Cesme assigned to help Chaol during his healing visit. At times she can be a bit too helpful.
Hashim
Hashim is an aging guard and trainer for the Antica Royal Guard.
Shen
Shen is a friendly soldier in Antica’s Royal Guard and has a small crush on Kadja.
Nousha
Nousha is the head librarian at the Torre Cesme, she is very knowledgeable and helps Yrene conduct research.
Hafiza
Hafiza is the wise and revered leader of the Torre Cesme, she is known for her vast healing knowledge and often acts as a mother-like figure to Yrene.
Eretia
Eretia is an experienced healer at the Torre Cesme, who provides guidance to Yrene. She can be a bit short-tempered at times.
Cain
Cain was a brutal warrior from the White Fang Mountains and once a contestant in the King's Champion Tournament. He was sponsored by Duke Perrington, who was actually Erawan, and used dark magic to cheat the tournament. He was also Chaol’s first kill as a soldier.
Ress
Ress was one of Chaol’s most trusted men and a member of the Adarlan Royal Guard. He was tortured and killed by the King of Adarlan for spying for Chaol.
Theodus Brullo
Theodus Brullo was 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
Brahim Faliq is Nesryn’s uncle, he is a merchant in Antica and encourages Nesryn to sing again.
Zahida Faliq
Zahida Faliq is Nesryn’s aunt, she is thrilled whenever Nesryn visits.
Delara Faliq
Delara Faliq is Nesryn’s sister. She loves teasing Nesryn about her short hair and has three children.
Sayed Faliq
Sayed Faliq is Nesryn’s father, he owns and operates several bakeries in Rifthold and is famous for his pear tarts.
Cybele Faliq
Cybele Faliq was Nesryn’s mother, she was originally from Adarlan but always loved the Southern Continent more. After her death from a wasting sickness, her family buried her on the Southern Continent.
Falkan Ennar
Falkan Ennar is an Adarlanian 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
Borte is a bold and fiercely loyal member of the Rukhin and the Eridun clan. She is hearth-sister to Prince Sartaq and loves teasing him at Nesryn’s expense.
Houlun
Houlun is a well-respected elder and hearth-mother of the Eridun clan. She has deep knowledge of the Southern Continent’s history and threats and is also Borte’s grandmother.
Yeran
Yeran is 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
Kadara is 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
Arcas is Borte’s personal Ruk, she is known for her sweet personality.
Athril
Athril was a Fae warrior from long ago, he was close friends with Brannon Galathynius and was also Queen Maeve’s lover. When he discovered Maeve's true intentions, he fought against her and in the ensuing battle, Maeve killed him.
Brannon Galathynius
Brannon Galathynius was 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
Elena Galathynius Havilliard was a Demi-Fae and Princess of Terrasen. She was the daughter of the Fae King Brannon and the Goddess Mala Fire-Bringer. She was Gavin Havilliard's mate and became the first Queen of Adarlan. She played a vital role in setting the stage for Aelin's destiny.
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. However, in truth he and Elena had merely locked Erawan up.
The King of Adarlan
The late King of Adarlan was known for his ban on magic and his expansionist regime that conquered Terrasen. He was seen as a tyrant but in reality, his mind and body were being controlled by a Valg prince working in service to Erawan.
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.
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.
Lady Westfall
Lady Westfall is Chaol’s mother, she cares deeply for Chaol but is kept at a distance by her domineering husband. She watches from afar as her son forges his own path.
Terrin Westfall
Terrin Westfall is 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.
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
Silba is 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
Hellas is the God of darkness and violent deaths, ruler of the underworld and consort of Anneith. Lorcan is a direct descendant of Hellas.
Mala Fire-Bringer
Mala Fire-Bringer is 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.
Tehome
Tehome is Lady of the Great Deep, Goddess of the Seas, and Goddess of Oaths. She is celebrated by the people on the Southern Continent.
Vanth
Vanth is 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
Temis is Goddess of wild things and protector of caged animals. Lysandra often prays to her in her time of need.
Mab
Mab was the 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.
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Mora
Mora was 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?
Erawan/Duke Perrington
Erawan is an ancient and ruthless Valg King who was long thought to have been banished by King Gavin, but in actuality, was merely trapped. The King of Adarlan and Duke Perrington accidentally released him in their youth, upon which he occupied Duke Perrington's body for many years. Now he has his own body and seeks to conquer Erilea once again.
Mantyx
Mantyx is the middle brother 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 older than Erawan and younger than Orcus.
Orcus
Orcus was the eldest brother 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 older brother to both Erawan and Mantyx.
Kharankui
Kharankui are giant spiders that are highly intelligent and able to speak. They live in the Southern Continent and unlike their northern continental cousins, they do not trade away their Spidersilk to humans.
Stygian Spiders
Stygian Spiders are giant spiders that are very intelligent and able to speak. They are known for their Spidersilk, a highly durable yet lightweight organic matter, that they trade with humans in exchange for intangibles such as dreams, hopes, youth, and memories.
Queen Maeve
Maeve is 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 forces centuries ago and is powerful and manipulative. She is also a distant aunt of Aelin Ashryver Galathynius. She hides ancient secrets tied to the Valg and the Gods.
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The Valg
The Valg are 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.
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.
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.
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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,
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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