Reading order
ACOTAR Reading Order
Read ACOTAR in publication order. The series is built around emotional reveals, relationship shifts, court politics, and later-book setup, so first-time readers should not skip the novella even though it is shorter.
Last checked: August 19, 2026.
Quick answer
Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses, then read A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames. Treat upcoming ACOTAR 6 and 7 as future continuation, not alternate starting points.
Main reading order
Best path by reader type
| Reader type | Best path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time ACOTAR reader | Publication order | The relationship and court reveals depend on earlier books. |
| Returning before new books | Refresh ACOTAR 1-5, then check the news page | Upcoming books continue the Prythian story, so older setup matters. |
| SJM universe reader | Use the Sarah J. Maas hub | ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City have separate but increasingly relevant paths. |
| Spoiler catch-up reader | Use recaps after finishing | Fabled Romance recaps are full-spoiler memory refreshers. |
Recaps and explainers
Current ACOTAR recaps include A Court of Thorns and Roses and A Court of Mist and Fury. Add later recaps beside the titles as they go live.
Series notes
- A Court of Frost and Starlight is short, but it bridges the original Feyre/Rhys arc and the later Nesta-focused direction.
- Bloomsbury currently lists ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7 as forthcoming, with release dates in October 2026 and January 2027.
- Do not start with A Court of Silver Flames unless you already know the earlier relationships, courts, and war fallout.
- Use Books After ACOTAR when you finish the currently published books.
Reader FAQ
What is the correct ACOTAR reading order?
Read ACOTAR in publication order: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, then A Court of Silver Flames.
Can I skip A Court of Frost and Starlight?
You can understand the broad plot without it, but it is useful bridge material before A Court of Silver Flames and the later direction of the series.
Where do the new ACOTAR books go?
Read them after the five currently published ACOTAR books. They are continuation books, not alternate entry points.
Should I read Crescent City before the new ACOTAR books?
If you care about wider Maasverse context, use the Sarah J. Maas hub before release. ACOTAR-only readers can still keep ACOTAR in publication order.
What to read next
Next use ACOTAR Series Hub, Where to Start With Sarah J. Maas, or Books After ACOTAR.