If you want to read Throne of Glass in the most rewarding way, tandem reading is the strategy many fans use to move through the series without hitting a major pacing wall. It means reading two books at once in a planned sequence so the timeline, character arcs, and reveals stay balanced.
The goal is not to “speed through” the series, but to preserve momentum and emotional impact. With a clear reading plan, you can enjoy Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together without losing track of either storyline.
How do you tandem read Throne of Glass?
Tandem reading Throne of Glass usually means alternating chapters between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn so the timelines line up and key plot developments arrive in a smoother order. The most common approach is to follow a chapter-by-chapter guide, switching whenever the paired chapters are meant to correspond in the story.
What tandem reading is and why readers use it
Tandem reading is a fan-made reading method, not an official publication order. Readers use it because the series’ later books split the cast into separate storylines, and reading them separately can make one book feel like a pause before the next major event.
The basic idea
- Read two books in parallel instead of finishing one before starting the other.
- Alternate chapters according to a guide that matches the chronology.
- Keep the momentum of the larger story while still following each character arc.
Why it works for this series
In the later stretch of the series, the narrative separates into different locations and missions. Tandem reading helps the reader experience those parallel threads as part of one larger design, which can make the eventual reunions and convergences feel more cohesive.
The simplest tandem reading order
The most widely used tandem approach is to read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together, then continue to the final book. Since chapter-by-chapter guides vary, it is best to use a trusted tandem chart and keep both books open as you go.
- Read the earlier books in the series in standard order.
- Begin Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn together.
- Switch between the two using a tandem chapter guide.
- Finish both books before moving on to the series finale.
Important note about the guide
There is no single official tandem map. Different readers prefer slightly different chapter breaks, and that is normal as long as the order preserves the broad chronology and avoids major spoiler problems.
Step-by-step guide to tandem reading Throne of Glass
1. Read the series in order up to the tandem point
Before tandem reading, make sure you have reached the point where the story splits into parallel arcs. The earlier books establish the world, the magic system, the political stakes, and the main cast, so tandem reading works best when you already know the foundations.
2. Choose a reliable chapter guide
Use a chapter-by-chapter tandem guide created by a reader who has mapped the two books carefully. The purpose is to help you alternate at natural stopping points rather than guessing where to switch.
3. Mark both books clearly
Whether you are reading print, ebook, or audiobook, keep the two books easy to distinguish. Sticky notes, bookmarks, or a reading app with chapter notes can help you avoid losing your place.
4. Read in short alternating sessions
Many readers find it easiest to read a few chapters of one book, then switch to the other before the momentum fades. This keeps the emotional rhythm steady and reduces the risk of burnout.
5. Track characters, locations, and timeline shifts
The later books introduce separate groups, new settings, and overlapping events. A simple note on who is where, and what each chapter is building toward, can make the reading experience much clearer.
6. Finish both books before starting the next one
Once you begin the tandem section, try to complete both books before moving on. That way, the larger story lands as intended and the final transitions feel earned rather than interrupted.
What to watch for while tandem reading
Timeline alignment
The main challenge is not plot complexity alone, but timing. Chapters in one book may overlap with or respond to events in the other, so the order matters if you want to avoid spoilers and preserve suspense.
Emotional pacing
One book may feel more urgent or action-driven, while the other may be more reflective or exploratory. Tandem reading balances those tones, which can make the overall experience feel richer.
Character focus
Because the series gives different characters separate arcs, tandem reading lets you stay connected to the whole ensemble. That is especially useful if you prefer a broad, interconnected cast rather than a single-thread narrative.
Benefits of tandem reading Throne of Glass
- Better pacing: You do not have to leave one major storyline hanging for too long.
- Less reading fatigue: Switching between arcs can keep the experience fresh.
- Stronger chronology: The parallel structure becomes easier to follow.
- More satisfying payoffs: Converging storylines can feel more immediate and connected.
Possible drawbacks
Tandem reading is not for everyone. Some readers prefer the simplicity of finishing one book at a time, and alternating can feel disruptive if you like to sink deeply into one storyline before moving on.
It can also be confusing if you lose track of the chapter order. If you are a first-time reader who wants the cleanest possible experience, standard order may be easier; if you enjoy structure and comparison, tandem reading can be ideal.
Who should tandem read the series?
Good fit for readers who:
- enjoy large fantasy series with multiple plotlines
- like reading plans and structured chapter guides
- want to avoid waiting too long for one storyline to reconnect with another
- prefer a more complete sense of the series’ overall chronology
Maybe skip tandem reading if you:
- prefer a straightforward, one-book-at-a-time approach
- do not want to manage two bookmarks or two chapter tracks
- are rereading casually and do not mind the separation
How tandem reading changes the reading experience
Tandem reading can make the later Throne of Glass books feel less like separate detours and more like interlocking parts of a single epic structure. That matters in a series built on shifting alliances, expanding worldbuilding, and long-form payoff.
It also highlights one of the series’ strengths: the way personal journeys and larger political conflict unfold side by side. Reading tandem can make that design more visible, especially for readers who enjoy noticing parallels, contrasts, and delayed revelations.
Practical tips for a smooth tandem read
- Use two bookmarks so you never confuse the books.
- Keep a chapter checklist and mark each switch as you go.
- Read at a steady pace rather than rushing to “catch up.”
- Avoid spoilers by following the guide closely.
- Take notes if you are reading after a long break from the earlier books.
Should you tandem read on a first read?
Yes, if you enjoy planning your reading and want the most balanced experience of the series’ later arcs. No, if you prefer to discover the books in a simpler, more traditional order. Both approaches are valid; tandem reading is a preference, not a requirement.
If you are unsure, think about what matters more to you: ease of reading or structural completeness. Tandem reading favors the second, while standard order favors the first.
Final takeaway
The best way to tandem read Throne of Glass is to use a chapter guide, alternate carefully between Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, and keep the chronology clear as you go. If you like immersive fantasy with interwoven arcs, tandem reading can make the series feel even more rewarding.
For more series guidance, you may also want to explore how many books are in the Throne of Glass series and how Sarah J. Maas’s books connect.