Is the immersive experience of reading a beloved fantasy series truly enhanced by a more unconventional approach? The answer, for devotees of Sarah J. Maas's "Throne of Glass" series, is a resounding yes, especially when it comes to the daring undertaking of a tandem read. This method, involving the simultaneous consumption of two specific novels within the series, offers a uniquely layered and rewarding journey through Erilea and its captivating characters.
The world of "Throne of Glass," a sprawling saga spanning eight main novels and a prequel collection, has captured the imaginations of readers worldwide. At its heart lies Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin thrust into a deadly competition for freedom. As the story unfolds, it expands into a complex tapestry of political intrigue, magical battles, and enduring love. Among the numerous books, two stand out for their intertwined narrative structure: "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn". These two books, chronologically concurrent, present events happening simultaneously but in geographically disparate locations, offering a rich, multi-faceted narrative perspective. While the publisher and many readers recommend a specific order to fully appreciate the parallel storytelling of "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn," this reading format presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Many readers embrace what is known as the tandem read, switching between chapters of the two books in a particular sequence, allowing for a deeper understanding of events and a heightened emotional connection to the characters.
Heres a brief overview of the primary books, and the pivotal roles they play within the broader series, specifically with regards to the tandem read:
Throne of Glass: Introduces Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin forced to compete for her freedom.
Crown of Midnight: Follows Celaena's continued struggle and unveils more of the intricate court politics.
Heir of Fire: Celaena journeys to Wendlyn, beginning her exploration of her magical lineage.
Queen of Shadows: Celaena returns to Adarlan, preparing for a climactic confrontation.
Empire of Storms: The fifth installment, crucial for the tandem read, follows multiple plotlines as the conflict escalates. Events unfold at the same time as "Tower of Dawn," which is why it is so important to switch between the books.
Tower of Dawn: The sixth installment, and essential for the tandem read, focusing on Chaol Westfall's journey to the southern continent. Read alongside "Empire of Storms."
Kingdom of Ash: The final book, delivering the epic conclusion to the series, pulling all the storylines together.
The Assassin's Blade: A prequel collection offering insight into Celaenas past and formative experiences.
Undertaking the tandem read may initially appear complex, but it is a surprisingly manageable endeavor, especially with modern reading technology. This approach, which entails switching between "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn" in a pre-determined order, unlocks a deeper appreciation for the intertwined narratives, character developments, and overarching themes.
For the uninitiated, the prospect of juggling two lengthy novels simultaneously can appear daunting. However, the benefits of this experience, once experienced, are well worth the effort. It's like having two distinct windows into the same cataclysmic world, allowing readers to appreciate the full scope of the story and its characters in a way not possible with a linear reading experience. Fortunately, there are well-established methods to facilitate this complex reading journey. These are the keys to unlocking the enhanced experience that awaits.
One of the most effective ways to manage a tandem read is using a digital reader, such as the Kindle. The Kindle app on a smartphone or tablet provides convenient access to both books, allowing for effortless switching between chapters. You can bookmark the last page of the chapter with a marker or a physical bookmark. Then, by creating a collection within the app that only contains the two tandem read books, makes it simpler than ever to return to the relevant book. The key to success is in adopting a consistent system, and with a little planning, the tandem read can be an engaging and memorable experience.
Here's a recommended chapter-by-chapter breakdown, the generally accepted order to tackle the books to maximize the impact of the tandem read:
1. Empire of Storms: Chapter 1-16
2. Tower of Dawn: Chapter 1-22
3. Empire of Storms: Chapter 17-22
4. Tower of Dawn: Chapter 23-34
5. Empire of Storms: Chapter 23-35
6. Tower of Dawn: Chapter 35-46
7. Empire of Storms: Chapter 36-43
8. Tower of Dawn: Chapter 47-end
9. Empire of Storms: Chapter 44-end
This arrangement maximizes the emotional impact and provides a balanced understanding of events, alternating between the main characters and plot threads of each book. Readers are encouraged to consider these options, or to adjust the order to best suit their reading preferences.
With the advancement of digital reading technologies, executing a tandem read has become remarkably simple. Amazon Kindle users, for instance, have a seamless experience. E-books, whether purchased individually or as part of a bundle, allow for effortless chapter-by-chapter switching. The Kindle app on smartphones and tablets further enhances accessibility. The primary obstacle with a kindle is that it doesn't show progress for each individual book, only the progress for the bundle as a whole. You will be able to tell how many total pages or percentage you have read from the bundle as a whole. It will display page numbers for the bundle, not the individual books. However, using the Kindle app on your phone, the reader can bookmark the last page of the chapter when they are ready to switch to the other book. Creating a collection within the app that includes only the two books to be read in tandem is also a useful strategy. This approach significantly simplifies the process of toggling between titles.
Readers can also use physical books, but this method is admittedly more difficult to navigate. This method requires the use of multiple bookmarks, making it a less efficient and engaging experience. While it is perfectly possible, it is a much less appealing option for the vast majority of readers.
The tandem read method is not just a gimmick; it's a deliberate act of enhancing the reader's experience. This reading structure exposes the reader to the full breadth of Maass narrative prowess. "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn" cover the same period of time and tell the same story from different viewpoints, which is the very essence of the tandem read experience.
Ultimately, the decision to undertake a tandem read of "Empire of Storms" and "Tower of Dawn" is a personal one. While the process might take a small amount of extra preparation, the resulting reading experience will provide a more robust and memorable experience. Readers who follow this path report a heightened sense of immersion in the story and a greater understanding of the intricate connections between its characters. If you're a fan of the "Throne of Glass" series, consider this reading adventure, which offers a fascinating method to fully immerse yourself in this rich fantasy world.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Series Name | Throne of Glass |
Author | Sarah J. Maas |
Books Involved in Tandem Read | Empire of Storms (Book #5) & Tower of Dawn (Book #6) |
Tandem Read Purpose | To provide a more immersive and comprehensive reading experience by reading two books simultaneously that cover the same timeline but from different perspectives. |
Reading Order Recommendation | Alternating chapters between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn to coincide with overlapping events and character arcs. The order is: Empire of Storms (Chapters 1-16), Tower of Dawn (Chapters 1-22), Empire of Storms (Chapters 17-22), Tower of Dawn (Chapters 23-34), Empire of Storms (Chapters 23-35), Tower of Dawn (Chapters 35-46), Empire of Storms (Chapters 36-43), Tower of Dawn (Chapters 47-end), and Empire of Storms (Chapters 44-end) |
Recommended Platforms | Kindle app, or physical books with multiple bookmarks |
Benefits | Enhanced understanding of the plot, deeper emotional connection with the characters, a richer and more integrated narrative experience. |
Challenges | Requires focus, active chapter switching, potential disruption to reading flow, especially for those not used to this format |
Reference Website | Sarah J. Maas Official Website |


