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15 Books Like Throne of Glass: Epic Fantasy for Fans of Celaena Sardothien

Finished Throne of Glass and need your next fantasy obsession? Discover 15 books with fierce assassin heroines, enemies-to-lovers romance, and epic worldbuilding. From Nevernight to The Cruel Prince, these recommendations capture everything you loved about Celaena's story.

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15 Books Like Throne of Glass: Epic Fantasy for Fans of Celaena Sardothien

If you've devoured Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass series and find yourself desperately seeking your next fantasy obsession, you're not alone. The tale of Celaena Sardothien; assassin, lost princess, and utterly fierce heroine; has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Now the question remains: what do you read after Throne of Glass?

We've compiled this list of books similar to Throne of Glass that capture the same magic: deadly female protagonists, epic fantasy worldbuilding, slow-burn romance, and stories that grow from intimate beginnings into sweeping adventures. Whether you're craving more assassin heroines, fae courts, or enemies-to-lovers tension, these recommendations will keep you reading long into the night.


The Best Books Like Throne of Glass

1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Perfect for fans of: Deadly tournaments, enemies-to-lovers, morally complex heroes

The Crowns of Nyaxia Series

Often described as "The Hunger Games meets vampires," this New York Times bestseller follows Oraya, the human adopted daughter of a vampire king, as she enters a brutal tournament where the winner receives a wish from the goddess of death herself. When she's forced to ally with Raihn; a dangerous vampire who is both her greatest competition and an enemy to her father's crown; Oraya finds herself drawn to him despite knowing it could mean her downfall.

Like Throne of Glass, this series features a fierce heroine proving herself in a deadly competition, a slow-burn romance that will consume you, and political intrigue that keeps you guessing. The tournament structure will feel familiar to fans who loved Celaena's competition to become the King's Champion.

2. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

Perfect for fans of: Assassin schools, revenge plots, dark fantasy

The Nevernight Chronicle

Mia Corvere is the daughter of an executed traitor, and she has one goal: vengeance against the powerful men who destroyed her family. To achieve it, she must survive the Red Church; a school for assassins where failure means death and trust is the most dangerous weapon of all.

This is Throne of Glass turned up to eleven. Kristoff's prose is wickedly beautiful, the assassin training is brutal and immersive, and Mia is every bit as compelling as Celaena. The series features shadow magic, snarky footnotes, shocking betrayals, and a heroine who refuses to be anyone's victim. If you wanted more actual assassin content in Throne of Glass, Nevernight delivers in spades.

3. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Perfect for fans of: Deadly heroines, questioning authority, slow-burn romance

The Graceling Realm Series

Katsa was born with the Grace of killing; an ability so lethal that her uncle, the king, uses her as his personal assassin and enforcer. She's spent her life believing she was nothing more than a weapon until she meets Po, a prince with his own mysterious Grace, and begins to question everything she thought she knew.

One of the original YA fantasies featuring a female warrior protagonist, Graceling shares Throne of Glass's DNA: a young woman trained to kill who discovers she can be so much more than others designed her to be. The romance is satisfying, the action is thrilling, and Katsa's journey toward self-determination will resonate with anyone who loved Celaena's growth.

Graceling

Graceling

by Kristin Cashore

Discover the Graceling Realm in this unforgettable, award-winning novel from bestselling author Kristin Cashore. A New York Times bestseller * ALA Best Book for Young Adults * Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner * Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year "Rageful, exhilarating, wistful in turns" (New York Times Book Review) with "a knee weakening romance" (Los Angeles Times). Graceling is a thrilling, action-packed fantasy adventure that will resonate deeply with anyone trying to find their way in the world. Graceling tells the story of the vulnerable-yet-strong Katsa, who is smart and beautiful and lives in the Seven Kingdoms where selected people are born with a Grace, a special talent that can be anything at all. Katsa's Grace is killing. As the king's niece, she is forced to use her extreme skills as his brutal enforcer. Until the day she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, and Katsa's life begins to change. She never expects to become Po's friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace--or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone. And don't miss the sequel, Fire, and companion, Bitterblue, both award-winning New York Times bestsellers featuring Kristin Cashore's elegant, evocative prose and unforgettable characters. ALA Best Book for Young Adults Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature Winner Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal, Booklist, and BCCB Best Book of the Year

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4. Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Perfect for fans of: Assassin training, historical fantasy, slow-burn romance

His Fair Assassin Trilogy

Ismae escapes an abusive arranged marriage by seeking refuge in a convent; but this is no ordinary convent. The daughters of St. Mortain serve the god of Death himself, trained as assassins to carry out his divine will. When Ismae's first assignment sends her to the high court of Brittany, she must navigate treachery, political intrigue, and her growing feelings for the very man she was sent to watch.

Set in medieval Brittany, this historical fantasy offers everything Throne of Glass fans crave: a deadly heroine, court intrigue, and a romance that builds beautifully. Each book follows a different daughter of Death, giving readers three complete stories of assassin women finding their own paths.

5. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Perfect for fans of: Poison and intrigue, enemies-to-lovers, escape from imprisonment

The Study Series

Yelena is about to be executed for murder when she's offered an unlikely reprieve: become the food taster for the Commander of Ixia. Now she must learn to detect poisons whilst navigating palace politics and the watchful eye of Valek, the Commander's chief of security and master assassin. But Yelena is hiding something; a developing magical ability that could mean her death in a land where magic is forbidden.

The parallels to Throne of Glass are striking: a young woman offered freedom in exchange for dangerous service, an enemies-to-lovers romance with a deadly man, and a heroine discovering hidden powers. The slow-burn romance between Yelena and Valek is legendary among fantasy readers.

Poison Study

Poison Study

by Maria V. Snyder

Choose: A quick death or a slow poison ☠️ Locked deep in the palace dungeon for killing her abuser, Yelena knows she'll never be free again. The laws in Ixia are strict, and murderers must be executed. But just as she's resigned herself to her fate, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. As the food taster, she will eat the best meals and have rooms in the palace -- but risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia. To make matters worse, the chief of security deliberately feeds her a deadly substance, and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena comes to terms with her new position, rebels plot to seize Ixia, and her life hangs in the balance. To survive, she must unravel the secrets behind the past she's been running from, and the mysterious powers that are suddenly coming to the surface... Readers are OBSESSED with The Chronicles of Ixia Series: 'SWOON!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Different. Unique. Marvelous.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A fascinating world with dynamic characters, intrigue, magic and adventure' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Easily one of the best-written and most underrated fantasy series that I've come across' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'It's been a long while since I loved a book this much' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Magic, danger, plot twists, slow-burn romance... so so good!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I am in love with this series already' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'My absolute favourite read of the past five years!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This was everything' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect for fans of: 🔮 High fantasy ⚔️ Assassins ✨ Magic 🖤 Enemies-to-lovers 🔥 Slow burn romance If you love books by Sarah J. Maas, Cassandra Clare and Rebecca Yarros, you'll love The Chronicles of Ixia series 🔮 Don't miss the rest of The Chronicles of Ixia series: ☠️ Poison Study - Book 1 🔮 Magic Study - Book 2 🔥 Fire Study - Book 3 ☁️ Shadow Study - Book 4 🌙 Night Study - Book 5 🌤️ Dawn Study - Book 6

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6. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Perfect for fans of: Forbidden romance, hidden identities, protective love interests

The Blood and Ash Series

Poppy has lived her entire life in isolation, destined to serve the gods as the Maiden. She's forbidden from being touched, seen, or experiencing life beyond her gilded cage. When Hawke, a golden-eyed guard, enters her world, everything begins to unravel; including the lies she's been told about her kingdom, her gods, and herself.

This series captures the same addictive quality as Throne of Glass with its blend of action, romance, and world-shattering revelations. If you loved discovering the truth about Celaena's identity, you'll be equally hooked by the twists in Poppy's story.

From Blood and Ash

From Blood and Ash

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.A Maiden...Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy's life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.A Duty...The entire kingdom's future rests on Poppy's shoulders, something she's not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.A Kingdom...Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

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7. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Perfect for fans of: Enemies-to-lovers, witches and demons, dark romance

The Kingdom of the Wicked Series

When Emilia's twin sister is murdered, she'll do anything to find the killer; even summon one of the seven demon princes of Hell. Wrath is dangerous, infuriating, and hiding his own secrets. As Emilia descends into a world of dark magic and demonic courts, she discovers the truth may be far more devastating than she imagined.

Fans of Throne of Glass's later books; with their fae courts, political intrigue, and intense romance; will find a lot to love here. The banter between Emilia and Wrath crackles with the same energy as Celaena's best verbal sparring matches.

8. Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

Perfect for fans of: Deadly competitions, queens and power, dark fantasy

The Three Dark Crowns Series

In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, triplets are born to the queen. All three are female, all three possess powerful magic, and all three have equal claim to the throne. On their sixteenth birthday, the battle begins; and only one will survive to become the new Queen.

This series delivers the same blend of court intrigue, magical competition, and morally complex characters that made Throne of Glass compelling. If you loved watching Celaena navigate deadly political waters, you'll be captivated by the three queens' struggle for survival.

9. The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Perfect for fans of: Reluctant partnerships, curse-breaking, adventure

The Assassin's Curse Duology

When pirate's daughter Ananna refuses an arranged marriage, the offended clan sends an assassin to kill her. But when Ananna accidentally saves his life, they're bound by an unbreakable curse; and the only way to survive is to work together.

This duology offers a lighter tone than some recommendations but delivers on the assassin-meets-unlikely-partner dynamic. The forced proximity and reluctant teamwork will appeal to fans who loved watching Celaena and Chaol's relationship develop.

10. Red Sister by Mark Lawrence

Perfect for fans of: Assassin nuns, brutal training, found family

The Book of the Ancestor Series

Nona Grey was born to be a killer, and she's been sold by her mother, abandoned, and left to die. When she ends up at the Convent of Sweet Mercy, she discovers a sisterhood of warrior nuns trained in the art of blade and fist; and perhaps the family she never had.

Mark Lawrence's assassin school is more brutal than the Red Church and the competition in Adarlan combined. If you loved the training sequences and female warrior bonds in Throne of Glass, Red Sister delivers an entire trilogy of them with stunning prose and devastating emotional beats.

11. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

Perfect for fans of: Lost princesses, epic quests, Asian-inspired fantasy

The Celestial Kingdom Duology

Xingyin has been raised in hiding on the moon, her very existence kept secret to protect her mother from the Celestial Emperor's wrath. When her magic flares and reveals her presence, she must flee to the very kingdom that threatens her family; and find a way to free her mother while hiding her identity.

This lush fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology offers the same "secret princess in enemy territory" vibes as Celaena's journey. The romance is swoony, the worldbuilding is gorgeous, and Xingyin's determination to save her family echoes Celaena's own fierce loyalty.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess

Daughter of the Moon Goddess

by Sue Lynn Tan

The acclaimed national and international bestseller "Epic, romantic, and enthralling from start to finish."--Stephanie Garber, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Caraval series "An all-consuming work of literary fantasy that is breathtaking both for its beauty and its suspense."--BookPage, starred review A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang'e, in which a young woman's quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm. Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin's magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind. Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince. To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream--striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos. Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic, of loss and sacrifice--where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

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12. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Perfect for fans of: Brutal empires, dual POVs, star-crossed romance

An Ember in the Ashes Series

Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier in the empire that enslaves her people. When Laia's brother is arrested for treason, she infiltrates the military academy as a spy; where she crosses paths with Elias, who dreams of nothing but escape from the brutal system he was born into.

This series shares Throne of Glass's epic scope, complicated political landscape, and protagonists forced into impossible situations. The romance develops across enemy lines, and both characters must decide what they're willing to sacrifice for freedom.

An Ember in the Ashes

An Ember in the Ashes

by Sabaa Tahir

BOOK ONE IN THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES • One of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy and 100 Best YA Books of All Time • People's Choice Award winner • Bustle's Best Young Adult Book “This novel is a harrowing, haunting reminder of what it means to be human—and how hope might be kindled in the midst of oppression and fear.” — The Washington Post The beloved and bestselling fantasy series that “glows, burns, and smolders.” (Huffington Post).  Laia is a slave. Elias is a soldier. Neither is free. Under the Martial Empire, defiance is met with death. Those who do not vow their blood and bodies to the Emperor risk the execution of their loved ones and the destruction of all they hold dear.   It is in this brutal world, inspired by ancient Rome, that Laia lives with her grandparents and older brother. The family ekes out an existence in the Empire’s impoverished backstreets. They do not challenge the Empire. They’ve seen what happens to those who do.   But when Laia’s brother is arrested for treason, Laia is forced to make a decision. In exchange for help from rebels who promise to rescue her brother, she will risk her life to spy for them from within the Empire’s greatest military academy.   There, Laia meets Elias, the school’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias wants only to be free of the tyranny he’s being trained to enforce. He and Laia will soon realize that their destinies are intertwined—and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire itself. ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR FROM The Wall Street Journal • Buzzfeed • LA Weekly • Bustle • Paste Magazine • Indigo • Suspense Magazine • The New York Public Library • Popsugar • Hypable

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13. Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Perfect for fans of: Dual timelines, chosen ones, elemental magic

The Empirium Trilogy

Two queens born a thousand years apart, connected by a prophecy: one will be the world's salvation, the other its destruction. Rielle is a princess hiding devastating power; Eliana is a bounty hunter in a conquered world. Their stories intertwine across centuries toward an earth-shattering conclusion.

The dual timeline structure offers twice the fierce heroines, and both women share Celaena's complexity; capable of great love and terrible destruction. If you're searching for fantasy books like Throne of Glass with equally powerful female leads, this trilogy delivers.

Furyborn

Furyborn

by Claire Legrand

The first book in the instant New York Times bestselling series, the Empirium Trilogy! Furyborn is an epic YA fantasy about two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it. When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and one of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed as the Blood Queen...unless the trials kill the queen first. One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable--until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined. As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world--and of each other. Perfect for: Epic fantasy and dark fantasy YA readers Fans of To Kill A Kingdom and Ash Princess Lovers of dual POVs and epic world building Those who enjoy fiction about strong girls and women The Empirium Trilogy: Furyborn (Book 1) Kingsbane (Book 2) Lightbringer (Book 3) Praise for Furyborn: "Set in an immersive world of elemental magic, legendary godsbeasts, and cutthroat assassins, Claire Legrand's Furyborn is an addictive, fascinating fantasy." -- Kendare Blake, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Three Dark Crowns series A BuzzFeed Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018 A Goodreads Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018 A Bustle Most Anticipated Title of Spring 2018 "A must-read." --Refinery29 "A series to watch." --Paste Magazine "Visionary." --Bustle "One of the biggest new YA Fantasies." --Entertainment Weekly "Empowering." --BuzzFeed

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14. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Perfect for fans of: Fae courts, enemies-to-lovers, morally grey characters

The Folk of the Air Series

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she was stolen away to the High Court of Faerie. Now seventeen, she's determined to carve out a place for herself in a world where humans are despised. To do so, she must defy Prince Cardan; cruel, beautiful, and the bane of her existence.

Holly Black's fae are genuinely dangerous, and the enemies-to-lovers romance between Jude and Cardan is one of the best in the genre. Jude shares Celaena's cunning, ambition, and refusal to be underestimated. If you loved the fae elements in later Throne of Glass books, this series is essential reading.

15. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Perfect for fans of: Well, Throne of Glass itself

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series

If you haven't already read Sarah J. Maas's other series, this Beauty and the Beast-inspired romantasy follows huntress Feyre after she kills a faerie wolf and is dragged to the immortal lands as punishment. What begins as a captive narrative transforms into an epic tale of war, sacrifice, and love that spans five books.

ACOTAR shares Throne of Glass's DNA; fierce heroine, fae lords, sweeping romance, and a story that expands dramatically with each instalment. Many readers consider the second book, A Court of Mist and Fury, to be Maas at her absolute best.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by Sarah J. Maas

4.5

The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism - The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy - Stylist Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building ... a page-turning delight - Guardian Escapism in its purest form - Independent ****** Feyre is a huntress, but when she kills what she thinks is a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor, Tamlin, is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal Fae. And there's more to the Fae than the legends suggest. As Feyre adapts to her new home, her feelings for Tamlin begin to change. Icy hostility turns to fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But shadows are creeping in, and Tamlin has a dark secret that he cannot share. Fate brought Feyre to Tamlin for a reason, but saving him from the darkness that threatens his world will lead her down a path that she can never return from. Enter the world of Sarah J. Maas and discover the sweeping romantic fantasy that everyone's talking about for yourself. ****** 5* reader reviews 'This is the first fantasy book I've ever read . . . I'm hooked. I'm addicted' 'I'm a standard romance girl but this swept me off my feet' 'Her writing is exquisite; her characters complex . . . and worlds all-consuming' 'This book has ignited my spark for reading again'

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What Makes These Books Similar to Throne of Glass?

Readers searching for books like Throne of Glass typically want several key elements:

  • Strong female protagonists - Women who are warriors, assassins, or possess deadly skills

  • Enemies-to-lovers romance - Tension-filled relationships that simmer before igniting

  • Epic fantasy worldbuilding - Magic systems, political intrigue, and immersive settings

  • Found family - Protagonists who build loyal bonds with unexpected allies

  • Hidden identities - Secret pasts, lost royalty, and shocking revelations

  • Coming-of-age growth - Heroines who evolve from survivors to leaders

Each book on this list captures at least several of these elements whilst bringing something unique to the table.


Where to Start?

If you're looking for your next read after Throne of Glass, here's our quick guide:

  • Want more assassins? Start with Nevernight or Grave Mercy

  • Craving fae courts? Try The Cruel Prince or A Court of Thorns and Roses

  • Love tournament plots? The Serpent and the Wings of Night is your best bet

  • Need slow-burn romance? Poison Study or Graceling won't disappoint

  • Ready for something darker? Red Sister or Kingdom of the Wicked await

Whatever you choose, these fantasy series like Throne of Glass will keep you turning pages late into the night; and probably cursing authors for those cliffhanger endings.


Looking for more fantasy book recommendations? Check out our guides to books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, Fourth Wing read-alikes, and Must-Read Fantasy Books Taking the Genre by Storm in 2026.

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