It is no secret that the holy grail of many fantasy bookworms is the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas—and we are no exception. At just sixteen, Sarah J Maas started working on the series that would later become her masterpiece and would spark the fire for A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City universes. If you are interested in exploring how the Maas books are connected or want to read an ACOTAR summary, characters and their zodiac signs, we have your back!
The Maasverse has taken the reading world by storm, and no matter what type of reader you are, ToG has been recommended to you at least once. But what makes Throne of Glass so compelling? It is nothing more than Maas’ genius craftsmanship of her characters. From the protagonist to the last barmaid, the reader will find characters they can identify with, fight alongside, and root for. Her diverse, opinionated characters have uttered some of the most iconic Maas quotes. And trust us, dear bookworms, that is no easy feat!
Let’s look into the Throne of Glass Characters, but be warned, valiant bookworms, there are spoilers ahead.
The only appropriate way to start is by introducing Aelin’s cadre!
Species: Fae, formerly demi-fae
Powers:
Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, Celaena Sardothien, the Firebringer, or the Fire-Breathing Bitch Queen, is the heir of two mighty bloodlines, the lost queen of Terrasen, and she was definitely not afraid to sent not one Valg royal, but two back to their realm. A lost child, saved from the slaughter of her entire family, Aelin grew up as the fearsome assassin of Adarlan, immersing herself in the art of killing, seduction, and diplomacy from a young age. Having survived betrayal and slavery in the salt mines of Endovier, her resilience and brilliant mind bring her to the Glass Castle. There she goes through a series of trials and is crowned the King’s Champion.
Her unexpected friendship with Princess Nehemia will lead her to discover the forgotten magic of Wyrdmarks and thus will start her quest to reclaim her identity and rebuild her kingdom. In her time in the Glass Castle, she will be romantically involved with Prince Dorian and Chaol, until she travels to Wendlyn and finally meets Rowan, her mate and comrade in battle, in Heir of Fire. As Calaena she has struggled a lot with self-acceptance, but once she overcomes her fear and assumes her real identity she will slowly come to love herself and her fae side. Her fierce fight—that borders on self-sacrifice—for the good of Erilea and her almost infinite firepower are what set her apart as the Queen of the Maasverse, and her happy ending is more than deserved. Come after her court and she will show you what a monster she can be!
Species: Human
Powers:
Our favorite princeling is an avid reader, loves the arts and hates his father; the King of Adarlan, who has banned magic on an entire continent. He is exceptionally intelligent, and his sharp wit will prove his greatest weapon. He takes a liking to Celaena immediately and is ready to risk his crown and life to protect her. When Celaena turns him down, he finds himself in a standstill and instead of giving up, he embarks on a soul journey and discovers the magic in his veins; a secret that can get him executed.
In his effort to control his power, he becomes involved with Sorscha, whose loss and his need to will lead to him exposing his powers and being possessed by a Valg Prince, until Aelin helps free him at the end of Queen of Shadows. After the death of his father, he becomes the new King of Adarlan and is determined to use his powers to aid Aelin. Destroying Morath, Erawan’s stronghold, will be the first step to defeating him and restoring his family’s honour. His romantic relationship with Manon Blackbeak will also assist in his healing journey and is one we definitely want to see more!
Species: Human
Chaol is the Captain of the Adarlanian Guard and Crown Prince Dorian’s best friend, and you either love or hate him. He left his life as the heir of Anielle behind to be trained as a guard. He will fall for Celaena’s fighting spirit and will trust in her inherent goodness, but he will have a hard time accepting that she is ruthless and willing to destroy anything that stands in her way, which will lead to their break-up. Upon realising Celaena’s real identity, he will bravely aid the rebels in resisting the King’s unjust rule, where he will discover that the Valg have already infiltrated Adarlan.
When Celaena, now Aelin, returns, he is again conflicted about helping her, fearing the disastrous consequences of her powers. He is loyal to the core and will ultimately choose to sacrifice himself to save Dorian. His spinal injury will lead him to his own adventure in Tower of Dawn, where he will meet Yrene Towers; the key to Erawan’s Valg curse.
Species: Human
Powers:
One of Adarlan’s most prized courtesans, Lysandra starts off as Celaena’s antagonist in the Assassin’s Blade. Fighting for Sam’s attention and Arobynn’s praise, the true girls are lost in a pointless battle, until Sam’s death destroys the carefully constructed illusion. The next time the two girls face each other, Lysandra is willing to put everything in the past to help Aelin in her uphill battle. Lysandra’s stoic and kind personality shines through when she saves Evangeline from a fate of being a courtesan like her.
Lysandra will be Aelin first true friend, and she will become a part of her court. Her devotion to Aelin will be tested countless times, and she will not hesitate making the ultimate sacrifice for Aelin’s sake. Forced into a life of fake relationships and bought affection, Lysandra has a hard time trusting men, but she will slowly grow close with Aedion, Aelin’s cousin, who she will eventually marry when the final battle is over.
Species: Demi-Fae
Powers:
The wolf of the North is Aelin’s cousin and has not stopped looking for her for the last ten years. To protect his people and help in any way he can, he has pretended to fall in league with Adarlan and with his prowess in battle, no one has dared question him. It is not until we see him meet with Ren Allsbrook that we learn of his association with the rebels. His tenaciousness is greatly feared and will almost cause his life when captured by Adarlan.
Aelin will free him and their reunion will more quite tear-jerking. Bearing pale blonde hair, and turquoise eyes lined with gold, the two cousins are firmly alike. After meeting Rowan and finding out he has taken the blood oath from him, we will see the first signs of his temper, which will flare when Lysandra makes a deal with Aelin behind his back. Finding and the losing his father, Gavriel the Lion of Doranelle, will be a catalyst to his life, and he will learn to forgive and beg for forgiveness the hard way.
Species: Fae
Powers:
Prince Rowan Whitethorn will become the first member of Aelin’s court, her mate and consort. Being led to believe he cost the life of his mate and their unborn child, he is recruited by Maeve the Fae Queen of Doranelle. However, meeting Aelin in Wendlyn for the first time in the Heir of Fire will be the start of a great adventure. He will be the one to train her on using her Fae form and senses, and he will quickly realise there is no way he can stay away from her. He will even defy Maeve and swear the blood oath to Aelin.
His bravery and loyalty will quickly endear him to Aelin, and soon enough they will discover they are destined to fight the evil of the Valg together. Rowan will have the hardest time accepting that Aelin must sacrifice herself for the greater good, and will fight with every ounce of his being to prevent that. Valiantly, the Galathynius Consort will win back both Aelin and Terrasen.
Species: Human
Elide has perhaps suffered equally with Aelin, after the fall of Terrasen. The rightful Lady of Peranth has been held captive in the tower of her own palace by her evil uncle. The sacrifice of her mother, Lady Marion, is what allowed Aelin to survive, and it’s something Elide carries with great pride and pain. We first see her in Heir of Fire, and her interaction with Manon is quite interesting.
Her bond with the witches will serve her well, and she will be tasked with delivering one of the Wyrdkeys to Aelin. On her way to find her lost Queen, she will be found by Lorcan who is in search of the Wyrdkey she is carrying. Despite her feelings for him, choosing her over Aelin will be his greatest mistake and one she will hardly forgive.
Maeve’s cadre is not an acceptable term in this household!
Species: Demi-Fae
Powers:
Lorcan is the strongest and most ruthless demi-fae in Doranelle and is said to blessed by the God of Death, Hellas himself. His love for Elide will be cathartic in a way, and it will help him rethink where his loyalties lie. With Elide by his side, he will be Lord of Peranth and a warrior for Aelin’s court.
Species: Fae
Powers:
Fenrys is the rebel child of Doranelle, with so much hatred for Maeve, he ends up breaking his blood bond and essentially life force to save Aelin. The White Wolf is quite traumatized, having witnessed his brother taking his own life, but that does not stop him from laying it all out to defend Terrasen and cracking a silly joke about it.
Species: Fae
Powers:
Aedion’s long-lost father and one of the elite warriors of Doranelle, the Lion, is brave, valiant and honorable. With a strong moral compass and a nack for diplomacy, he has survived long under Maeve’s unjust rule. When the time comes, he will sacrifice himself for his son and Terrasen.
An absolute badass, the leader of the Thirteen and the last Crochan Queen, Manon is a ruthless delight to any reader. Her romance with Dorian is sizzling and her friendship with Aelin deeply touching. When riding upon her trusted wyvern Abraxos, Manon is a thing of cruel beauty. But we have to admit that when our witchling and the other witches descended to defend Terrasen in Kingdom of Ash, we got goosebumps all over.
Manon’s cousin and her second, Asterin is a force to be reckoned with. She is explosive, yet has one of the most heartbreaking stories with a lost witchling and a long-dead human lover that have branded her as unclean, which we only find out in Queen of Shadows. Asterin, like the rest of the Thirteen, will choose to make the Yielding, the ultimate sacrifice, to protect Terrasen and save Manon.
Sorrel is Manon’s third and unlike Asterin’s impulsive nature, Sorrel is more cautious and cunning. A steady force behind Manon, she will help bring peace when Manon and Asterin quarrel. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for Manon is touching to say the least.
There are definitely many characters who played a role in Aelin’s journey.
Arobynn Hamel
The King of the Assassin’s and head of the Assassin’s Guild, he rescued and raised Aelin as Celaena. His charm and cruelty are an intoxicating mix for the readers. Let’s just say his unhealthy obsession with his protégée will not end very well for him.
Sam Cortland
Arobynn’s second most talented assassin and Celaena first love, Sam is the perfect man. Understanding, sweet, loving, and brave, he would have made one hell of a King. His unfortunate demise in the Assassin’s Blade shapes Celaena into the Aelin who schemes and plans alone, to avoid anyone else getting hurt. His ruthless murder will be one of the worst tragedies. Rowan might be Aelin’s mate, but Sam was Celaena’s.
Kaltain Rompier
Perhaps the character most wronged by readers, Kaltain is a true martyr. Taken to Morath due to the strong magic that runs in her family, she becomes possessed by a Valg prince and is at Duke Perrington’s beck and call. She will not only manage to break free of the manipulation and defeat the Valg parasite, but will destroy half of Morath and give one of the Wyrdkeys to Elide. Her shadow fire is one of the most powerful gifts we see in the series, and we salute her as a true hero.
Yrene Towers
A very interesting character with even more interesting storyline. Yrene Towers is working as a barmaid in Innish when a kind stranger decides to teach her self-defense and give her money to go to the Torre Cesme to train as a healer. Years later, in the Tower of Dawn Chaol travels to Antica in need of a gifted healer, and finds Yrene. Her gift will not only heal Chaol, but will prove the key to eradicating the Valg from Erilea. She will go on to defeat Erawan and save the day!
Nehemia Ytger
The light of Eyllwe, Nehemia is a true symbol for the people who have been enslaved by Adarlan. She will be the one who will set everything in motion, after meeting with the spirit of Elena. Being adept in the magic of Wyrdmarks, she will teach Celaena and bestow the name of Elentiya- “spirit that cannot be broken” on her. Her tragic loss sets Celaena on a rampage and helps her face the truth. Celaena’s first true friend and a true princess, like Kaltain, Nehemia will always be in our hearts.
Nesryn Faliq
Nesryn first appears in Queen of Shadows as Chaol romantic interest and one of the rebels. She is not one for fake niceties, and her skill with the bow has earned her the nickname of Neith’s Arrow. Her family is originally from Antica, so she travels with Chaol in Tower of Dawn, where she will meet the royal family and more specifically Prince Sartaq. The two go on a quest where they discover Maeve’s real origins and the way to each other.
An epic quest would not be complete without a trio of evil villains.
Maeve
We gotta hand it to her, Maeve was a real villain; evil, elusive and explosive. A Valg Queen having altered fae history and impersonating a Fae Queen for centuries, only to be defeated by the young queen of Terrasen must sting.
Erawan (Duke Perrington)
Erawan is the super villain of ToG. One of the three Valg Kings, he is set on dominating Erilea and bringing all his Valg subjects there. Thankfully, Yrene sends him back to his pitiful existence once and for all.
The King of Adarlan
One might say that the King of Adarlan was a victim being possessed by Valg himself, but had it not been for his greed and curiosity, the first Wyrdkey and Erawan would have stayed in place. But he does get extra points for helping Aelin and Dorian with the lock.
From one bookworm to another, Tog might be one of the most unique, masterfully crafted and addictive magical universes. No, you will never get over your book hangover and nothing will ever compare. But the only way to cope, is to keep reading and discovering new fantasy realms and magic systems.
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The main character of Throne of Glass is Celaena Sardothien, whose real name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and is the lost Princess of Terrasen. In Heir of Fire, she admits that she is Aelin and starts her quest to reclaim her heritage and free Erilea from the King of Adarlan.
Prince Rowan Whitethorn is Aelin’s mate and husband, but in the first books, she is momentarily romantically involved with Dorian Havilliard and Chaol Westfall. Her first love, however, is Sam Cortland, who dies in the Assassin’s Blade.
Manon Blackbeak first appears in Heir of Fire where she is undercover as a Crochan witch. When the Blackbeak Matron makes her work with Erawan, she feels uneasy but follows her orders. In Empire of Storms, she will defy the matron to protect her Thirteen and will be almost fatally wounded, only to be saved by Aelin and her friends. In Kingdom of Ash she will assemble the Crochans with Dorian’s help and go to Aelin’s aid.
Always living in her own enchanted little world, Christina discovered the magic that can be hidden within the pages of a book when one dares to take a closer look from a tender age. An avid reader, she is constantly inspired to delve into the secrets woven between the lines and challenges herself to find her own voice amidst the chaos. She is a dedicated fan of the classics, but the supernatural creatures that have tormented readers for years are her kryptonite. The mastery it takes to infuse the author's essence, molded by the era they grew up in to their innermost desires fascinates her. Undoubtedly, putting her passion and knowledge on paper has a mesmerizing allure on her, and following the steps of so many other dreamers before her she wishes to leave her mark in the literary world. Guided by T.S Eliot’s haunting words: “I will show you fear in a handful of dust” she intends to wreak havoc in the minds of her future readers.
