If you’re diving into the Throne of Glass series, you might stumble upon discussions about reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn concurrently – a method known as tandem reading. This guide will explain what tandem reading is and why it’s become a popular choice for experiencing these two books.
Save this guide for easy access while you read!
Why Choose the Tandem Read for Throne of Glass?
My strong recommendation is to always opt for the tandem read when tackling Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn. Let’s delve into why this approach significantly enhances your reading experience.
Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn unfold during the same timeline in Erilea but through completely separate character perspectives. While you’ll recognize some familiar faces, many new characters are introduced, expanding the intricate web of storylines within the series. By the time you reach these books, the Throne of Glass universe boasts a vast cast, making it necessary to split their narratives across two books.
While Empire of Storms was published before Tower of Dawn, choosing to read it first can lead to a jarring experience. Many readers who attempted Empire of Storms initially found themselves struggling to transition to Tower of Dawn afterward.
The challenge lies in the earth-shattering climax of Empire of Storms. This pivotal moment is so impactful that returning to the beginning of the same timeline to follow the comparatively slower-paced narrative of Tower of Dawn can feel anticlimactic. Conversely, starting with Tower of Dawn isn’t ideal either, as its ending inadvertently reveals crucial plot points from Empire of Storms, spoiling a major storyline.
After years of debate within the Throne of Glass community about the optimal reading order, tandem reading emerged as the perfect compromise. It effectively merges these two books into one cohesive, immersive experience. This guide provides a community-vetted and successful chapter-by-chapter reading order to facilitate your tandem read.
Managing two books simultaneously is most seamless with a Kindle edition, especially if you own them individually. Physical books require a bit more juggling, but it’s certainly manageable. Audiobook tandem reading presents the biggest challenge when needing to consult the guide on the go.
For audiobook tandem reading, consider taking a tip from my own experience: add the tandem guide as a prominent widget on your phone’s home screen for quick chapter switching reference. Another helpful method for audiobooks is to set bookmarks within chapters according to the guide at the start of each reading session, allowing you to easily switch between books as you reach each bookmark.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tandem Reading
Is Tower of Dawn Skippable? I’m not a fan of Chaol and hesitant to read his book.
Absolutely not. While Chaol might not be everyone’s favorite character, Tower of Dawn is indispensable to the series. Reframe your perspective – it’s not solely Chaol’s story. Tower of Dawn transports you to a new continent with a completely new ensemble cast. This cast is absolutely VITAL for Kingdom of Ash. Furthermore, Tower of Dawn unveils significant revelations that directly impact the events of Empire of Storms and the overarching plot of the Throne of Glass series. It even ties back to events from Assassin’s Blade.
Beyond its plot significance, Tower of Dawn serves as the perfect romantic comedy counterpart to the intense emotional rollercoaster of Empire of Storms, creating a balanced and richer reading experience when read in tandem.
Tandem Reading Seems Too Complicated. Is There an Alternative to Reading Them Separately?
It’s understandable if tandem reading feels daunting. If you’re truly opposed to it, here’s a viable alternative reading order:
- Read Tower of Dawn up to, but not including, the Epilogue.
- Read Empire of Storms in its entirety.
- Return to Tower of Dawn and finish the Epilogue.
This method allows you to experience the majority of Tower of Dawn without the Empire of Storms spoilers, before fully immersing yourself in the main storyline and then concluding Chaol’s arc. However, for the most integrated and impactful experience, the Throne Of Glass Tandem Read Guide is still highly recommended.
Alt text for image: Book covers of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn displayed side by side, illustrating the concept of a Throne of Glass tandem reading guide.
