(Posted elsewhere in a similar thread)..Old thread, but this was the early in the Google search, so adding on the discussion for new readers asking this same question..

Most here have answered in respect to spoilers--the earlier you read NS, the more it spoils. So that's a balance for preference... There still a valid (most important) question of what *you* want from the prequel. Most here have responded from the position of using the prequel to give hindsight appreciation to what you already know. Valid. Very valid.

Another way to approach the prequel is to use it to build momentum to the story arc, specifically in this case, the arcs of some of the major characters that have notable development in book 6. If you read NS after book 6, you develop hindsight appreciation for what just happened. However, you might appreciate the momentum of leaning into their backstory *before* their development. In that case, reading after book five and before book six can serve the momentum of the series for you. You can feel a strong pull for those characters which makes book six then more impactful...

...Anything later, and then you're just left with a discussion of minimizing spoilers, in which case, publication order would be best, in my opinion.

It's a discussion of how you want to use the prequel to aid your reading. Strategically building momentum? Or hindsight appreciation? Both are valid ideas. No perfect answer since you're trading one for spoilers and vice versa. My opinion: either after book five, or wait till publication order.

Old thread, but this was the first in Google, so adding on the discussion for new readers asking this same question..

Everyone here has answered in respect to spoilers--the earlier you read NS, the more it spoils. So that's a balance for preference... There still a valid (most important) question of what *you* want from the prequel. Everyone here has responded from the position of using the prequel to give hindsight appreciation to what you already know. Valid. Very valid.

Another way to approach the prequel is to use it to build momentum to the story arc, specifically in this case, the arcs of two of the major characters that have development in book 6. If you read NS after book 6, you develop hindsight appreciation. However, you might appreciate the momentum of leaning into their backstory *before* their development. In that case, reading after book five and before book six can serve the momentum of the series for you. You can feel a strong pull for those characters which makes book six then more impactful...

...Anything later, and then you're just left with a discussion of minimizing spoilers, in which case, publication order would be best, in my opinion.

It's a discussion of how you want to use the prequel to aid your reading. Strategically building momentum? Or hindsight appreciation? Both are valid ideas. No perfect answer since you're trading one for spoilers and vice versa. My opinion: either after book five, or wait till publication order.