Series hub
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses is one of the biggest gateway series in romantasy: fae courts, emotional stakes, romance-forward pacing, and enough worldbuilding to make readers want a full map before they keep going.
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Why readers come here
Most readers land on ACOTAR because they want a series that feels immersive but still emotionally direct. The romance is a major engine, the fae-court world is easy to discuss, and the later books create the kind of character loyalty that keeps people asking what to read next.
Books in the series
| Order | Book |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Court of Thorns and Roses recap |
| 2 | A Court of Mist and Fury recap |
| 3 | A Court of Wings and Ruin |
| 4 | A Court of Frost and Starlight novella |
| 5 | A Court of Silver Flames |
| 6 | A Court of Splintered Harmony coming Oct. 27, 2026 |
| 7 | A Court of Forgotten Melody coming Jan. 12, 2027 |
For a cleaner version of this list, use the dedicated ACOTAR reading order. Bloomsbury now lists A Court of Splintered Harmony for October 27, 2026 and A Court of Forgotten Melody for January 12, 2027.
What to read next
Audiobook format
| Edition | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard audiobook | Single narrator | Readers who want the closest book-like listen and do not want effects or cast voices. |
| GraphicAudio / Audible dramatized adaptation | Full cast / dramatized | Rereads, court scenes, battles, and listeners who want a more cinematic ACOTAR experience. |
On Audible, the GraphicAudio version is usually listed separately from the standard audiobook and often uses the label “Dramatized Adaptation.”
Where to buy or listen
Check current editions for A Court of Thorns and Roses. Series availability can vary by format, country, and retailer.
Some links may be affiliate links. Always check the retailer page for the exact edition, price, narrator, and availability before buying.
Reader FAQ
Where should I start with ACOTAR?
Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses. Even if many readers talk most passionately about later books, the first book sets up Feyre, Prythian, the curse structure, and the emotional context the rest of the series depends on.
What is the ACOTAR reading order?
Read 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.
Is ACOTAR romance-first or fantasy-first?
It sits in the romance-forward romantasy lane. The fantasy world matters, but most readers come for the relationships, emotional arcs, court politics, and character loyalty.
What should I read after ACOTAR?
Try Books After ACOTAR for a broader path, or move to Crowns of Nyaxia for darker trials, Villains and Virtues for slower-burn banter, and The Empyrean for faster action.
Is ACOTAR complete?
No. The published reading path currently has five books, and Bloomsbury has dated the next two: A Court of Splintered Harmony on October 27, 2026 and A Court of Forgotten Melody on January 12, 2027.