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series Reading Order

Crescent City Books in Order

3 Books
2020 – 2024 Published
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Reading order
01
House of Earth and Blood
House of Earth and Blood
2020
Amazon
02
House of Sky and Breath
House of Sky and Breath
2022
Amazon
03
House of Flame and Shadow
House of Flame and Shadow
2024
Amazon

How to Read the Crescent City Series

The Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas is a thrilling blend of modern urban fantasy, mystery, and paranormal romance. Because it is part of a larger interconnected multiverse known to fans as the "Maasverse," deciding when and how to read these books can be a bit tricky. Here is our recommended reading path to get the absolute most out of the story.

The Recommended Maasverse Order

While you can read the books in simple publication order, we strongly advise against diving in completely fresh if you haven't read Maas's other works. Here is why and how to tackle them:

  • Read A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) First: We highly recommend reading the entire ACOTAR series before starting Crescent City. The third book, House of Flame and Shadow, features a major crossover with the ACOTAR universe. Reading ACOTAR first ensures you understand the characters, magic system, and setting involved, and prevents massive spoilers.
  • Read Throne of Glass (Optional but Recommended): Sarah J. Maas's epic high-fantasy series also shares subtle ties with the broader multiverse. Reading it before or alongside Crescent City adds rich layers of context to the lore.

Crescent City Books in Publication Order

If you are ready to focus solely on Midgard, the narrative follows a strict chronological and publication order. You should read the novels in this sequence:

  1. House of Earth and Blood (2020): Introduces Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae party girl, and Hunt Athalar, an enslaved fallen angel, as they investigate a series of brutal murders in Lunathion.
  2. House of Sky and Breath (2022): Bryce and Hunt attempt to find normalcy while being pulled into the rising rebellion against the tyrannical Asteri.
  3. House of Flame and Shadow (2024): The stakes reach a multiversal scale as Bryce finds herself stranded in an unfamiliar world, desperate to return to Midgard and save her people.

What We Know About Crescent City Book 4

Sarah J. Maas has officially confirmed that a fourth Crescent City book is planned. However, as of mid-2026, there is no official title or release date. The author has indicated she is currently focusing on the next installments of A Court of Thorns and Roses (with ACOTAR 6 and 7 anticipated around late 2026 and early 2027), meaning fans will need to wait a bit for the next chapter of the Midgard saga.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended reading order for Crescent City?

We recommend reading the entire A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series before starting Crescent City. While the publication order of Crescent City itself is straightforward, the third book (House of Flame and Shadow) contains a major crossover that requires ACOTAR context for the best experience.

QCan I read Crescent City without reading A Court of Thorns and Roses first?

Yes, but it is not recommended. The crossover in House of Flame and Shadow is significant and will spoil major plot points of ACOTAR, while potentially leaving you confused about key characters and mechanics.

QWill there be a fourth Crescent City book?

Yes! Sarah J. Maas has confirmed she plans to write a fourth book in the series. However, no official release date or title has been announced yet, as she is prioritizing the next A Court of Thorns and Roses books first.

QIs Crescent City suitable for young adults?

No. Unlike Sarah J. Maas's early work, Crescent City is explicitly written and marketed as an adult fantasy series. It contains mature themes, violence, profanity, and explicit romance.

QHow does Throne of Glass connect to Crescent City?

While the connection to Throne of Glass is much more subtle than the direct crossover with ACOTAR, both exist within the same overarching "Maasverse" multiverse. Reading Throne of Glass provides deeper lore and appreciation for the world-building details in House of Flame and Shadow.

QWho are the main characters of the Crescent City series?

The series primarily centers on Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae, half-human young woman, and Hunt Athalar, an enslaved fallen angel who works as an enforcer for the city's rulers.