“Don’t feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.”
Few book series have enchanted readers quite like A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Blending lush fantasy settings, thrilling court intrigue and irresistible romance, this series has become a global phenomenon, adored by fans of epic storytelling and swoon-worthy characters. Whether you’re pulled in by the slow-burn love stories, the high-stakes action, or the enchanting world of the fae, ACOTAR offers a reading experience that is nothing short of magical. But, with multiple books, a novella and potential spin-offs expanding the world, it can be tricky for new readers to work out the best way to dive in? We here at What We Reading have you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the series step by step. From the original trilogy to the latest addition and what’s on the horizon, join us to discover how to read A Court of Thorns and Roses in order!
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Overview
A Court of Thorns and Roses (referred to as ACOTAR) is a spellbinding romantasy series by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. The story opens with Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress whose life is changed forever when she is taken to the fae realm of Prythian as a punishment for killing a wolf that is revealed to be a fae in disguise. As Feyre navigates this dangerous yet beautiful world, she becomes entangled in the politics and intrigue of the fae courts, confronts ancient threats and discovers a love that will challenge her very existence.
The series is renowned for weaving together themes of romance, personal growth and high-stakes adventure, all set against the backdrop of richly imagined magical kingdoms. The slow-burning romances are tantalising, the fierce and complex characters provide a depth and the layers of court intrigue make every page shine with tension and wonder.
Sarah J. Maas, also known for her Throne of Glass series and the Crescent City books has a knack for developing intricate worlds and unforgettable characters. ACOTAR is no exception to this, cementing itself as a modern fantasy classic.
Reading the series in order is essential for fully grasping the character arcs and overarching plotlines. With new spin-offs expanding the story, understanding the correct sequence ensures readers don’t skip over any essential details or connections. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Prythian or a returning fan, the journey is always better when it is taken step by step.
A Court Of Thorns And Roses Books In Order
The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is best read in publication order to appreciate the character development and overarching plotline fully. Here’s the order:
A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
The series kicks off with Feyre Archeron’s journey from a struggling mortal huntress to a reluctant guest in the fae realm of Prythian. This book introduces the key players and lays the foundation for the series’ themes of romance, sacrifice and magic.
A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Often seen as the fan-favourite of the series, this sequel delves deeper into Feyre’s emotional recovery and her growing connection with the enigmatic Night Court. Packed with court intrigue and breathtaking revelations, it expands the world of Priythan and sets the stage for major conflicts.
A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
The stakes are raised in this epic conclusion to the original trilogy. Alliances are tested, battles rage and Feyre must fight to protect both her newfound family and her home. The book ties together many plot threads whilst leaving room for future stories.
A Court of Frost and Starlight (2019)
This novella serves as a bridge between the original trilogy and the next phase of the series. Set during a Winter Solstice celebration, it provides a quieter, more introspective look at the characters as they recover from the events of the war.
A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
Shifting the focus to Feyre’s sister, Nesta Archeron, and her own journey of self-discovery, this instalment dives into themes of trauma, healing and redemption. With a new romantic focus, it introduces fresh dynamics and explores the Night Court’s inner workings.
Is There A Chronological Reading Order?
While some fans may wonder about reading the books chronologically, we recommend sticking to the publication order. The narrative builds naturally this way, allowing readers to experience plot twists and character development as intended.
A Court of Frost and Starlight is a good example. While it is technically a standalone novella, it bridges the gap between the original trilogy and A Court of Silver Flames, offering some vital context for Nesta’s story. Skipping over it might leave readers confused about certain character dynamics and events.
Upcoming Books And Spin-Offs
Sarah J. Maas has strongly hinted at further expansion to the ACOTAR universe, with spin-offs focusing on other characters from the series. While no official release dates have been confirmed yet, these new instalments may explore the lives of secondary characters or delve deeper into unexplored parts of Prythian.
By following this order, both new and returning readers can fully immerse themselves in the sweeping drama, romance and magic that makes A Court of Thorns and Roses so unforgettable.
Should You Read Throne Of Glass Or Crescent City First?
If you’ve found yourself falling for Sarah J. Maas’ lush world-building and gripping characters in A Court of Thorns and Roses, you might be wondering if her other series, Throne of Glass or Crescent City, should be next on your reading list. While neither series directly ties to ACOTAR, both are set within their own richly crafted worlds and offer plenty of crossover appeal for fans of Maas’ storytelling style.
Throne of Glass, Maas’ debut series, is a sprawling epic about an assassin’s journey through kingdoms filled with magic, intrigue and destiny. It shares ACOTAR’s themes of court politics and strong, evolving characters, making it a fantastic pick for fans of epic fantasy adventures.
Crescent City ventures into the urban fantasy genre, combining Maas’ signature romance and emotional stakes with a contemporary modern setting brimming with angels, demons and hidden secrets. It is the perfect series for readers looking for a fresh take on Maas’ narrative style.
Though the series is separate, there’s been plenty of talk within the fanbase over the subtle connections between Maas’ universes, adding an extra layer of excitement for dedicated readers. If you loved ACOTAR’s blend of romance and action, both Throne of Glass and Crescent City are great choices for your TBR pile!
FAQs
Can I start with A Court of Silver Flames?
We don’t recommend starting with A Court of Silver Flames as it is deeply connected to the events and characters established in earlier books. This instalment focuses on Nesta Archeron and builds on her journey, which is introduced in the original trilogy. To fully understand her story and relationships, it’s best to read the series in order of publication.
Is A Court of Frost and Starlight Essential?
While A Court of Frost and Starlight is a novella and not as plot-heavy as the main books, it serves as an important bridge between the original trilogy and A Court of Silver Flames. It provides insight into the characters’ lives after the events in A Court of Wings and Ruin and establishes Nesta’s journey. If you’re invested in the characters, it’s definitely worth a read.
Is this series suitable for younger readers?
The ACOTAR series is generally considered New Adult, not Young Adult, due to mature themes, explicit romantic content and darker storylines. There are a few spicy scenes which means it’s best suited for readers aged 18 and up. Parents or younger readers should be aware of these elements before diving in.
Do I need to read Maas’ other books to enjoy ACOTAR?
Nope, A Court of Thorns and Roses stands on its own, and you do not need to read Maas’ other series (Throne of Glass or Crescent City) to understand or enjoy it. However, fans of ACOTAR will likely enjoy Maas’ other series because of their similar blend of fantasy, romance, and dynamic characters.
Wrap Up
Reading A Court of Thorns and Roses in order is key to fully experiencing the magic, romance and intrigue of Sarah J. Maas’ iconic series. Each book builds upon the last, weaving an unforgettable story of love, redemption and adventure that will leave you hungry for more. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or revisiting the world of Prythian, following our recommended order ensures you don’t miss a single moment of character development or plot twists.
So why wait? With its intricate world-building, complex characters and heart-pounding romance, ACOTAR has something to offer every fantasy enthusiast!
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
