Romantasy Goddesses discussion

Hey, I’m looking for opinions on where to start with SJM’s books. I have never read them and would like to give them a try. I know Crescent City goes last, but I’m debating whether to start from Throne of Glass or ACOTAR. TOG seems more like my type of fantasy, so I’m leaning more towards it as the first, but I’m unsure… any advice? I’d love to hear your own experiences, too. 🥰

I have started with ACOTAR myself as from what I gathered, it is a much softer introduction to her fantasy world setting. I was recommended to do it this way from people on TikTok. The reviews on TOG are better than ACOTAR as well so I feel it is worth building up to. I am really enjoying them so far.

Is reading ACOTAR necessary though. I don’t like spice it just makes my skin crawl and from what I’ve heard TOG is pretty clean so I want to read TOG and not ACOTAR basically, is that possible????

Yes it is possible, there is no set reading order apparently :)
I am really looking forward to TOG - just purchased the full box set

Okay thanks so much🩷

I started with ACOTAR and I plan on reading Throne of Glass this year.

We need a Throne of Glass reading Party 😂💜

Cristina wrote: "Hey, I’m looking for opinions on where to start with SJM’s books. I have never read them and would like to give them a try. I know Crescent City goes last, but I’m debating whether to start from Th..."

You don't have to read ACOTAR to enjoy TOG. They are both separate stories that don't need each other to be understood. and yes, ACOTAR I feel gets progressively more spicy so if you don't feel comfortable at all, you can skip it and still enjoy TOG a lot. I haven't read Crescent City Personally, not planning to read it, but I do know it has some spice but less than ACOTAR.

I mean, I do not dislike spice. If it’s there I’m fine, if it’s not there I’m fine, too 😂 Unless there’s more spice than actual plot I don’t mind it at all! I was saying that TOG seems more like my type of fantasy simply because of the plot that interests me more, that’s it. I do like also ACOTAR’s plot, though! But I know that many people disliked the first book of ACOTAR and I don’t like the idea of “pushing through it”. I would do it if I had the certainty that what comes after is good, which again brings me back to leaning towards starting with TOG. But you all seem to have started with ACOTAR… is there a reason behind it? Like, why did people suggest you to start there?

I was told to start with ACOTAR as it's a fantasy setting that builds the world slowly, so it is good if you are not used to reading the genre.
Throne of glass assumes a level of reader experience and therefore the world building is more complex and intense a lot quicker.

From my experience, ACOTAR is quite slow paced but it is enjoyable. Then the 2nd ACOMAF and 3rd ACOWAR are brilliant! And those 3 make up a story arch together so you can stop there if you like as well.

The last two books in the ACOTAR series (3.5 and 4) are a significant increase in spice level, and also shift the focus to other characters.

I started with ACOTAR and I’m now reading Throne of Glass and I personally have found that to be the best reading order but I was new to the genre when I read ACOTAR last year and since have read a lot more.

I would say that I enjoyed the first ACOTAR book and didn’t agree with a lot of the discourse around it being slow and I’m usually very critical!

Hot take but I think the quality of the writing in TOG is better so reading ACOTAR afterwards is probably going to feel like a bit of a downgrade (but still good!).

Cristina: don’t let the first book deter you from ACOTAR, the first book is actually not that bad (it has been a while since I read it, so keep that in mind) the reason most people hate the first book is because of the second book and you won’t understand until you read the second book. I also started with ACOTAR before any of her other books, a lot of people say it’s the best introduction series for Sarah j mass. I will say tho the first 3-4 chapters in the first book of ACOTAR is really had to get through but once you do it gets way more interesting.

I started with ACOTAR and it made me enjoy romantasy. However, I like TOG much better than ACOTAR, personally. I like the story better.

Here to thank all of you and let you know that you convinced me to read ACOTAR first, even if I’m still fairly certain I will like TOG more lol. But I want to read ACOTAR too anyway, so I trust you all on it being a better intro to SJM’s world. Thank you for your advice ❤️

I'm a bit late and I start with acotar as well it's the best choice for me (Tog is also my fav) Tell us if you enjoy the sagas !!!

TOG is my favorite of her series. Her worlds are all connected, but you can read them as standalone series without much issue (except Crescent City). As far as reading order goes, I usually prefer to read in publication order. HOWEVER, for Maas's series reading ACOTAR first might be better. I say this because there is a small ACOTAR reference towards the end of the TOG series that you won't really get without reading ACOTAR. It's not huge or significant so it's fine to switch it up if you prefer to read TOG first. You definitely should read both series before Crescent City because that series makes references to both TOG and ACOTAR. The TOG references are pretty vague, but the ACOTAR connections are significant. Unfortunately, Crescent City makes the most references to A Court of Silver Flames, which is by far the spiciest of all of Maas's books. So, if you want to skip this book due to the spice level, I think it will definitely impact your reading of Crescent City.

TOG I liked it way better

I would defo start with ACOTAR! :)