Whether you're looking to tick off your reading goals, dive into trending tropes, or simply escape into a world of fae, magic, and romance, ACOTAR delivers on all fronts.
What Is A Court of Thorns and Roses?
A Court of Thorns and Roses, affectionately known as ACOTAR by its devoted fanbase, is a five-book romantasy series by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. The series follows Feyre Archeron, a young huntress whose life changes forever when she kills what she believes to be a wolf in the forest. What begins as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling quickly evolves into an epic tale of love, war, and self-discovery set across a richly imagined world of immortal fae and deadly magic.
The series has sold over 70 million copies worldwide and consistently dominates bestseller lists. It's the book that launched a thousand reading journeys and single-handedly introduced many readers to the romantasy genre.
ACOTAR Books in Order
The good news is that reading order couldn't be simpler; just follow publication order. Here's your complete guide to the series: A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces us to Feyre and the magical land of Prythian. A Court of Mist and Fury is widely considered the best book in the series and where the real magic happens. A Court of Wings and Ruin delivers an epic conclusion to Feyre's main arc. A Court of Frost and Starlight serves as a cosy novella bridging the main trilogy and the next phase. Finally, A Court of Silver Flames shifts focus to a new protagonist and delivers the spiciest content in the series.
Is ACOTAR Romantasy or Epic Fantasy?
The answer is both, and that's part of its genius. ACOTAR perfectly blends romance with fantasy elements, making it the quintessential romantasy series. The first book leans heavily into fairy tale retelling territory with its Beauty and the Beast influences. By the second book, the series expands into sweeping epic fantasy with political intrigue, multiple courts, and world-ending stakes; all whilst maintaining the swoon-worthy romance at its heart.
If you're new to fantasy but love romance, ACOTAR serves as the perfect gateway. The world-building is accessible and introduced gradually, so you won't feel overwhelmed by complex magic systems or extensive lore dumps.
Popular Tropes in ACOTAR
Part of what makes this series so addictive is Sarah J. Maas's masterful use of beloved tropes. Readers will find: enemies to lovers tension that crackles off the page, forced proximity situations that make your heart race, the ever-popular fated mates concept that romantasy readers adore, morally grey characters with depth and complexity, a beautifully developed found family dynamic, and slow burn romance that rewards your patience. The series also features strong female character growth, immortal fae love interests, and a touch of possessive hero energy that BookTok can't get enough of.
ACOTAR Spice Level: How Steamy Is It?
Let's address the question everyone wants answered: how spicy is ACOTAR? The series as a whole sits at around 3-4 out of 5 on the spice scale, though this varies significantly between books.
The first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, keeps things relatively mild with one notable scene and plenty of romantic tension. A Court of Mist and Fury turns up the heat with a masterclass in sexual tension and more explicit content. A Court of Wings and Ruin maintains the romance whilst focusing more on plot. A Court of Frost and Starlight contains one particularly memorable scene despite being a shorter novella. A Court of Silver Flames is by far the spiciest entry in the series and firmly earns its adult rating.
It's worth noting that ACOTAR is marketed as New Adult/Adult fiction, not Young Adult. The series is recommended for readers aged 18 and over due to mature content including violence, trauma themes, and explicit romantic scenes.
Why Should ACOTAR Be on Your Reading List?
Beyond the romance and fantasy elements, there are several compelling reasons to pick up this series. The character development is exceptional; watching Feyre's transformation from struggling survivor to powerful heroine is genuinely satisfying. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with characters you'll love, hate, and occasionally want to throw books at.
Maas excels at creating immersive worlds. Prythian, with its seven courts; Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Dawn, Day, and Night; offers distinct settings and cultures to explore. The magic system is engaging without being overly complicated, and the political intrigue adds depth to the fantasy elements.
The series also handles themes of trauma, healing, and mental health with surprising nuance. Characters struggle with PTSD, depression, and recovery in ways that feel authentic and respectful. It's fantasy escapism, yes, but with emotional resonance that stays with you.
Who Is ACOTAR Perfect For?
This series is ideal for readers who enjoy romance with their fantasy, fans of fairy tale retellings, anyone looking for a binge-worthy series perfect for reading challenges, BookTok enthusiasts wanting to understand the hype, readers seeking strong female protagonists, and those who appreciate found family dynamics in their fiction.
If you've enjoyed Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash, or any of Sarah J. Maas's other series like Throne of Glass or Crescent City, ACOTAR will be right up your street.
Final Verdict
A Court of Thorns and Roses has earned its place as the reigning queen of romantasy for good reason. It's accessible enough for fantasy newcomers whilst offering enough depth to satisfy genre veterans. The romance is swoon-worthy, the world is immersive, and the characters will take up permanent residence in your head.
A word of advice from countless readers before you: don't judge the series solely by the first book. Whilst A Court of Thorns and Roses is enjoyable, the series truly hits its stride with A Court of Mist and Fury. Give it at least two books before making your final judgement.
Whether you're working through your 2025 reading goals, exploring the romantasy genre for the first time, or simply looking for your next obsession, ACOTAR deserves a spot on your TBR pile. Just don't say we didn't warn you when you're up at 3am because you absolutely must know what happens next.
Similar Books to Read After ACOTAR
Once you've devoured the series, you might want to explore: Sarah J. Maas's other series (Throne of Glass and Crescent City), Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros for dragon rider romantasy, From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout for similar spice levels, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent for vampire romantasy, and A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova for a satisfying standalone.
Books Featured in This Article
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism - The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy - Stylist Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building ... a page-turning delight - Guardian Escapism in its purest form - Independent ****** Feyre is a huntress, but when she kills what she thinks is a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor, Tamlin, is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal Fae. And there's more to the Fae than the legends suggest. As Feyre adapts to her new home, her feelings for Tamlin begin to change. Icy hostility turns to fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But shadows are creeping in, and Tamlin has a dark secret that he cannot share. Fate brought Feyre to Tamlin for a reason, but saving him from the darkness that threatens his world will lead her down a path that she can never return from. Enter the world of Sarah J. Maas and discover the sweeping romantic fantasy that everyone's talking about for yourself. ****** 5* reader reviews 'This is the first fantasy book I've ever read . . . I'm hooked. I'm addicted' 'I'm a standard romance girl but this swept me off my feet' 'Her writing is exquisite; her characters complex . . . and worlds all-consuming' 'This book has ignited my spark for reading again'
A Court of Mist and Fury
by Sarah J. Maas
The seductive and stunning #1 bestselling sequel to Sarah J. Maas's spellbinding A Court of Thorns and Roses.Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people. As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.Bestselling author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.
A Court of Frost and Starlight
by Sarah J. Maas
A tender addition to the #1 bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Silver Flames.Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.
A Court of Wings and Ruin
by Sarah J. Maas
The epic third novel in the #1 bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series by global phenomenon Sarah J. Maas.Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the #1 bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the fate of Feyre's world is at stake as armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy it.
A Court of Silver Flames
by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas's sexy, richly imagined series continues with the journey of Feyre's fiery sister, Nesta. Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other. Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.