A Court of Thorns and Roses Reading Order: Complete ACOTAR Guide
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is the series that defined the romantasy genre. Set in a world of dangerous fae, brutal courts, and all-consuming love, ACOTAR has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and inspired a generation of fantasy romance readers. Here is every book in order.
Updated April 16, 2026
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The ACOTAR Reading Order
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) — Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, is dragged into the immortal faerie lands after killing a wolf in the woods. The book that started it all. 2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016) — Widely considered the best book in the series. The Court of Nightmares, Velaris, and Rhysand — this is the book that made ACOTAR a phenomenon. 3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017) — The war against Hybern reaches its climax. The conclusion to Feyre and Rhysand's arc. 4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) — A bridge novella set in the aftermath of the war. Shorter than the main books; focuses on rebuilding and the Inner Circle. 5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021) — Nesta Archeron and Cassian's story. A full-length novel and fan favorite for its fierce heroine and enemies-to-lovers arc. 6. A Court of Starlight and Shadows (TBA) — The next book in the series, rumored to focus on Elain Archeron.
Do I Need to Read in Order?
Yes — start with A Court of Thorns and Roses and read in publication order. ACOMAF (Book 2) contains major revelations that recontextualize everything in Book 1, and the emotional payoff depends on reading them in sequence. A Court of Frost and Starlight can be read as a standalone companion after Book 3, but works best in order. A Court of Silver Flames follows Nesta's story and requires knowing events from Books 1–3.
Is ACOTAR Part of a Larger Universe?
Sarah J. Maas's books are not officially in a shared universe like Sanderson's Cosmere, but they share an author DNA and a similar romantic fantasy tone. Her Throne of Glass series and Crescent City series exist in separate worlds. Many fans read all three series. If you've finished ACOTAR, Throne of Glass is the natural next step — it's darker, longer, and equally addictive.
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ACOTAR vs. Throne of Glass: Which to Read First?
If you're new to Sarah J. Maas, start with ACOTAR. It's more accessible, shorter, and the fae romance is the quintessential Maas experience. Throne of Glass is better overall but requires more patience through the first two books. Crescent City is best saved for last — it rewards readers who are already familiar with Maas's style and contains crossover elements that spoil late Throne of Glass events.
How Long Are the ACOTAR Books?
Book 1 (ACOTAR) is 419 pages — the shortest and fastest read. Book 2 (ACOMAF) is 626 pages and where most readers fall completely in love with the series. Book 3 (ACOWAR) is 699 pages. Frost and Starlight is 240 pages. Silver Flames is 757 pages — the longest in the series. Total series length is roughly 2,700 pages for the five published books.
What to Read After ACOTAR
After ACOTAR, try: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (her earlier series — longer and darker), Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (dragon riders and enemies-to-lovers), From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout (similar heat level and pacing), The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (morally complex fae love interest), and A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout (prequel to Blood and Ash). All share the "dangerous magical world, morally grey romance" feel ACOTAR does best.
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