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Throne of Glass Box Set – Complete Contents and Buying Guide

Henry Morgan Howard • 2026-03-09 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

The Throne of Glass box set represents one of the most comprehensive ways to experience Sarah J. Maas’s epic fantasy series. Spanning eight volumes that chronicle the journey of assassin Celaena Sardothien, these collections package the complete saga—including the prequel novellas—in formats designed for both new readers and longtime fans seeking a definitive shelf edition.

Bloomsbury Publishing has released multiple iterations of these sets since the series concluded in 2018, with current options ranging from substantial paperback compilations to premium hardcover editions. The collections have become particularly significant as the series has sold millions of copies globally and been translated into 38 languages, earning recognition including Goodreads Choice Awards and features in TIME’s best fantasy lists.

Understanding the exact contents, pricing variations, and reading order remains essential for buyers navigating retailer inventories. This guide examines the verified specifications of available editions, direct purchasing channels, and the comparative value against individual volume purchases.

What Books Are Included in the Throne of Glass Box Set?

Author
Sarah J. Maas
Total Books
8 (7 novels + 1 prequel collection)
Publisher
Bloomsbury Publishing
Primary Formats
Paperback and Hardcover
  • Contains the complete series narrative arc from assassin training to kingdom-scale conflict
  • Includes The Assassin’s Blade, a collection of five prequel novellas compiling backstory before Throne of Glass
  • Hardcover editions feature exclusive four-color posters not available in standalone purchases
  • Paperback box sets offer significant per-book savings compared to individual purchases
  • Total page count exceeds 5,000 pages across all volumes
  • Individual books in the set typically measure 8.5″ x 5.7″ in paperback format
  • Collections suitable for both first-time readers and collectors seeking uniform editions
Attribute Specification
Core Novels 7 (Throne of Glass through Kingdom of Ash)
Prequel Content The Assassin’s Blade (5 novellas)
Total Page Count 5,008 pages
Paperback Dimensions 8.5″ H x 5.7″ W x 11.7″ D (boxed)
Total Weight 2.41 lbs (paperback set)
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
Series Genre Epic Fantasy
Publication Span 2012–2018
Hardcover Bonus 4-color exclusive poster
Global Reach 38 languages
Bestseller Status #1 New York Times
Box Set Availability Post-2018 release

The complete collection includes all seven main novels—Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, Empire of Storms, Tower of Dawn, and Kingdom of Ash—plus the prequel collection The Assassin’s Blade, which gathers five novellas originally published separately. Target’s paperback listing confirms the set contains exactly these eight titles with no additional content.

Hardcover editions distributed by Bloomsbury include the same literary content but add a four-color exclusive poster. The publisher confirms that no UK-specific editions are detailed in current listings, though standard Bloomsbury editions apply globally.

Where to Buy the Throne of Glass Box Set

Major Retailer Availability

Target currently lists the paperback box set with prices ranging from $60.00 to $99.00, though inventory fluctuates seasonally. Bloomsbury directly distributes the hardcover edition, which commands a premium price point commensurate with its exclusive artwork and durable binding.

Individual retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble stock various configurations of the series, though specific box set pricing for these channels was not detailed in available data. Buyers seeking the complete collection should verify that listings specifically mention all eight books rather than partial sets of the seven main novels.

Physical Specifications by Edition

The paperback collection weighs 2.41 pounds and contains 5,008 total pages when combining all volumes. The hardcover alternative offers enhanced durability for repeated reading, though exact weight specifications for the hardcover boxed set remain unverified in publisher materials.

Retailer Verification Recommended

Availability and pricing vary significantly between vendors. Bloomsbury confirms hardcover editions include the poster, but third-party sellers may list incomplete sets or previous printings. Verify that listings specifically mention The Assassin’s Blade alongside the seven numbered novels.

Standard Bloomsbury editions apply globally, though regional pricing varies. The publisher’s single-volume listings indicate typical individual book pricing between $19.00 and $32.00 MSRP, providing context for box set valuation.

Throne of Glass Box Set vs. Buying Books Individually

Cost Analysis

Individual paperback volumes typically retail between $9.97 and $20.36 through major retailers, with original list prices ranging from $19.00 to $32.00 per title. Purchasing all eight books separately at full price would cost approximately $160. The boxed paperback set, priced between $60.00 and $99.00, reduces the per-book cost to approximately $7.50–$12.38, representing savings of 40–50% compared to standalone purchases.

Content Organization and Reading Order

While individual purchases allow readers to acquire books progressively, the box set presents The Assassin’s Blade as a single collected volume. Sarah J. Maas recommends reading the prequel first, despite its publication after the initial trilogy, to establish protagonist backstory. However, experienced readers note that splitting the five novellas between Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire enhances specific plot reveals, though this requires accessing individual stories rather than the compiled box set volume.

Optimal Reading Sequence

For first-time readers, The Assassin’s Blade provides essential context for Celaena Sardothien’s relationships and skills. The five novellas establish characters who reappear throughout the main series, making early consumption valuable, though not strictly mandatory for comprehension.

Tandem Reading Required

Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn feature parallel storylines that converge in Kingdom of Ash. Reader consensus recommends alternating chapters between books six and seven to maintain chronological coherence before the finale, effectively creating a single 1,000-page reading experience.

Throne of Glass Publication Timeline and Reading Order

  1. : Throne of Glass — Series debut introducing Celaena Sardothien as a prisoner in the salt mines of Endovier
  2. : Crown of Midnight — Continuation of the assassin’s court intrigue and rising stakes
  3. : Heir of Fire — Expansion into broader magical world-building and character evolution
  4. : The Assassin’s Blade — Prequel novella collection (publication year, though chronologically first)
  5. : Queen of Shadows — Transition to larger conflict and shifting alliances
  6. : Empire of Storms — Beginning of parallel narrative structure
  7. : Tower of Dawn — Companion storyline running simultaneously with book six
  8. : Kingdom of Ash — Series conclusion resolving all storylines
  9. : Complete box sets released following series conclusion

What We Know and What Remains Unclear

Established Information

  • All box sets include exactly 8 books: 7 novels plus The Assassin’s Blade collection
  • Paperback sets contain 5,008 total pages and weigh 2.41 lbs
  • Hardcover editions include a four-color exclusive poster
  • Bloomsbury Publishing holds global distribution rights
  • Target pricing for paperbacks ranges $60–$99
  • Series available in 38 languages with millions of copies sold
  • Individual books measure approximately 8.5″ x 5.7″ in paperback format

Information Requiring Verification

  • Specific UK pricing and potential exclusive regional editions
  • Current Amazon and Barnes & Noble box set availability and pricing
  • Whether future special editions will include additional novellas or artwork
  • Exact hardcover box set MSRP (not specified in current publisher data)
  • Long-term availability of the 2018-release box set configurations
  • Inventory levels at specific retail locations

The Phenomenon Behind the Collection

Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series emerged as a defining work in modern epic fantasy, centering on Celaena Sardothien, an assassin operating initially in a magic-less world under a tyrannical king. The narrative arc spans from her origins as a prisoner to her role in continent-spanning conflicts involving resurrected powers and complex political alliances.

The series has achieved #1 New York Times bestseller status and garnered critical recognition including Goodreads Choice Awards and inclusion in TIME magazine’s best fantasy lists. Similar to the immersive experience sought by visitors of the Harry Potter Tour London – Best Studio and Walking Tours, Throne of Glass fans seek complete, tangible connections to the fictional world, driving demand for comprehensive box sets that provide uniform shelf presence.

With translations spanning 38 languages, the books have cultivated global fandoms that actively discuss narrative structure, particularly the recommended reading order for the prequel content and the tandem approach required for the sixth and seventh volumes. Series tracking data indicates sustained reader engagement years after the 2018 conclusion.

Publisher and Community Perspectives

The Throne of Glass series follows one of the most recognizable assassins in fantasy literature through a complete character evolution from prisoner to queen, spanning over 5,000 pages of epic world-building.

— Bloomsbury Publishing series description

Fans recommend reading The Assassin’s Blade first, though some prefer to split the five prequel novellas across different points in the series to enhance specific reveals, particularly regarding certain character introductions.

— Reader consensus from author community discussions

Is the Throne of Glass Box Set Worth It?

The Throne of Glass box set offers a definitive collection of Sarah J. Maas’s eight-volume epic, presenting significant cost savings over individual purchases while providing uniform editions suitable for display. With verified specifications including 5,008 pages in paperback formats and exclusive poster content in hardcover editions, these collections represent the most streamlined method for acquiring the complete narrative. Prospective buyers should verify retailer listings to confirm inclusion of all titles, particularly The Assassin’s Blade, and compare current pricing across major vendors before purchasing. For those interested in exploring other major entertainment collections, examining the Drew Starkey Movies and TV Shows – Complete Filmography and Timeline provides insight into screen-based narrative franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct reading order for the Throne of Glass box set?

Read The Assassin’s Blade first, followed by Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Heir of Fire, Queen of Shadows, then read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn simultaneously (tandem reading), finishing with Kingdom of Ash.

Does the Throne of Glass box set include all novellas?

Yes, the set includes The Assassin’s Blade, which compiles all five prequel novellas. No additional novellas are included in standard box set editions.

How much money does the box set save compared to individual books?

The paperback box set ($60–$99) costs approximately $7.50–$12.38 per book, compared to $10–$20 for individual paperbacks, saving roughly 40–50% off list prices.

Is the hardcover box set worth the premium price?

Hardcover editions include an exclusive four-color poster and offer greater durability. The value depends on collectibility preferences, as the literary content matches paperback editions.

Are there international editions of the box set?

Bloomsbury distributes editions globally, though specific regional pricing and availability, particularly for UK-exclusive versions, require direct retailer verification.

Can I read the books in the box set without the prequel?

While possible, reading The Assassin’s Blade first provides essential backstory for protagonist Celaena Sardothien that enhances the main series.

What is tandem reading and why is it necessary?

Tandem reading involves alternating chapters between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, as their timelines run parallel and converge in the final book.

Is the Throne of Glass box set appropriate for young readers?

The series targets young adult and adult readers, featuring assassin protagonists and escalating fantasy violence typical of the epic genre.

Henry Morgan Howard

About the author

Henry Morgan Howard

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.