Which Throne Of Glass Books Are The Tandem Read

So, you’ve decided to dive into Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. Fantastic choice! But then you heard the whispers: the Tandem Read. It sounds like a secret handshake or a marathon, doesn’t it? Spoiler alert: it’s the best kind of chaos.

What Is This Legendary Tandem Read?

Simply put, the Tandem Read is a way to read two books in the series at the same time. We’re talking about Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, books five and six. They happen simultaneously in the timeline, and reading them together is like unlocking a bonus level.

Think of it as the director’s cut of the series. You get the sweeping war drama from one side, and the quieter, character-deep journey from the other. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure, but better.

Why Bother? Isn’t That Just Extra Work?

Sure, it sounds like homework. But trust me—it’s the most fun kind of homework you can have. Normally, you read Empire of Storms (action, battles, dragons) and then Tower of Dawn (healing, romance, desert vibes) separately.

By the time you finish the first, you might forget what happened in the second! The Tandem Read keeps everything fresh. You get the explosive tension of Chaol’s journey while Aelin is burning things down. It’s like watching a TV show with two storylines intercut perfectly.

Okay, How Does It Actually Work?

Don’t panic. I’m not asking you to juggle books like a circus performer. There’s a very simple chapter-by-chapter guide that fandom has perfected. You read one chapter from Empire of Storms, then a specific chapter from Tower of Dawn, and so on.

Search for “Throne of Glass tandem read order” and you’ll find a dozen foolproof guides. Print it out, use a bookmark, or—if you’re feeling rebellious—just switch when a character name pops up. The point is to sync their timelines.

Set of Throne of Glass Tandem Read Bookmarks, SJM, Manon and Dorian

The Real Magic: Emotion Amplified

Here’s the secret sauce: reading them together makes the emotional stakes skyrocket. A character’s decision in one book suddenly echoes in the other. You’ll gasp, you’ll cry, and you’ll annoy your friends by yelling, “Wait, but that just happened in the other book!”

It turns a great story into an immersive experience. You’re not just a reader; you’re a detective, piecing together the puzzle. And honestly? That’s what makes life feel fun.

What If I’m a Purist? Can I Skip It?

Of course you can! The Purist Path is totally valid. You read book five, then book six. You’ll still get the whole story. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Tandem Read makes the pacing perfect.

Book five is a breakneck storm of action, while book six is a slow, beautiful burn. Alone, they can feel jarring. Together, they balance each other out like yin and yang. You get the rush, then the reflection, then the rush again.

I Will Tab Your SJM Throne of Glass (empire of Storms/tower of Dawn

A Little Tip for the Journey

Get two physical copies—or one ebook and one audiobook—so you can flip fast. Mark your guide with sticky notes. And don’t cheat by peeking ahead! Let the suspense build naturally.

Also, prepare for your friends to ask why you have two books open at once. Just smile and say, “I’m a time-bending wizard.” They’ll be jealous soon enough.

The Uplifting Finale (Because You Deserve It)

Here’s the thing: life is full of linear, boring routines. The Tandem Read is a tiny act of creative rebellion. It says, “I will not consume my stories one at a time. I will feel them all at once.”

So grab those books, find your cozy spot, and dive in. Whether you do the tandem or go solo, you’re about to experience one of the most epic fantasy series ever written. And if you choose the tandem? You’ll end up with a story that feels woven with gold.

Go on. The adventure is waiting. And remember: you are the hero of your own reading journey—now go make it messy, expansive, and utterly unforgettable.