How to Read the ACOTAR Books in Order
If you’re wondering how to read the ACOTAR books in order, this guide has everything you need to get started! The A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas has become a favourite among fantasy romance readers, and it’s so easy to see why!
With unforgettable characters, swoony romance, and a richly built fae world, it’s no surprise that this bestselling fantasy romance series has become a must-read for fans of magical worlds and epic love stories.
I still remember the exact moment my cousin told me to read the first book, and I devoured it. From the very first page, I was hooked, and I’ve felt that way with every book since. And I’ve patiently (or maybe not) waited for each new book release.
Whether you’re new to the series or trying to figure out the right ACOTAR reading order, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—covering the books in order, what the series is about, and everything in between.
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ACOTAR Books in Order
If you want to read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, here are the books in the correct reading order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
- Unknown (2026)
- Unknown (2027)
Sarah J. Maas has confirmed the release of the next two books in the ACOTAR series on a recent Call Her Daddy podcast episode. She also confirmed at least one more book at a later date!
ACOTAR Books with Descriptions
If you want to know what the ACOTAR books are about, I’ve included brief summaries of each book below. These descriptions mention a few general plot points to help explain the story, but I’ve avoided major spoilers so you can still enjoy all the twists for yourself. If you’d prefer to go in completely blind, feel free to skip this section!
A reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, the first book follows Feyre, a human huntress who kills a wolf in the woods and is taken to the magical land of Prythian as punishment. While there, she uncovers a dangerous world of fae, magic, and political tension—and a mysterious High Lord whose court hides secrets that could change everything.
After surviving a deadly trial, Feyre grapples with the trauma of her experiences. As she builds new alliances and uncovers the truth about her powers, she must determine where her loyalties and her heart truly lie.
War looms over Prythian as Feyre returns to the Spring Court with a dangerous mission. With the fate of the fae world at stake, alliances must be forged and enemies confronted in this epic conclusion to the original trilogy.
A Court of Frost and Starlight
Set after the war, this shorter novella follows Feyre and her friends as they begin rebuilding their lives and celebrating the Winter Solstice while reflecting on everything they’ve endured.
This installment shifts focus to Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister, as she struggles with grief, guilt, and anger. When she begins training with Cassian, sparks fly, and she must confront both her past and the power she has long tried to ignore.
What is the ACOTAR Series About?
The ACOTAR series is a fantasy romance set in the magical world of Prythian, where humans and powerful fae coexist in a tense relationship. The first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast.
The story follows Feyre, a human huntress whose life changes forever when she is pulled into the fae world. As she navigates dangerous politics, ancient magic, and upcoming wars between rival courts, Feyre uncovers hidden powers—and finds herself caught in a sweeping love story that changes the fate of Prythian.
Blending romance, adventure, and detailed world-building, the ACOTAR series has become one of the most popular fantasy romance series of the past decade.
How Many ACOTAR Books Are There?
There are currently five books in the ACOTAR series, including one novella that connects the main storylines. The series began with A Court of Thorns and Roses in 2015 and most recently continued with A Court of Silver Flames in 2021. Author Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that additional books are planned, meaning the story of Prythian is far from over.
The first three books are generally considered a trilogy that follows Feyre’s main journey and culminates in A Court of Wings and Ruin.
The novella A Court of Frost and Starlight serves as a bridge between the original trilogy and the next phase of the series. Beginning with A Court of Silver Flames, the story shifts focus to Feyre’s sister, Nesta and expands the world of Prythian through new character perspectives.
Do You Need to Read the ACOTAR Books in Order?
Yes! The ACOTAR books should be read in order.
While some later books shift perspective to other characters, the series follows an overarching storyline with significant character development, relationships, and political conflicts that progress with each book. Reading the series out of order could spoil major twists and emotional moments.
What is the First ACOTAR Book?
The first book in the series is A Court of Thorns and Roses.
It introduces readers to Feyre, a human huntress who kills a wolf in the woods and is taken to the magical land of Prythian, where powerful fae courts rule over enchanted lands, as punishment. The book blends elements of classic fairy-tale retellings with romance, adventure, and dark fantasy.
It is followed by A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames.
Is ACOTAR Finished?
No, the ACOTAR series is not finished yet!
On a recent Call Her Daddy podcast episode, Sarah J. Maas confirmed that at least three more books are set to be released. While the titles have not been announced, the next book is scheduled for release on October 27th, 2026, and the following one on January 12th, 2027. The third confirmed book has no release date yet.
Are ACOTAR and Throne of Glass Connected?
The ACOTAR series and the Throne of Glass series are written by the same author, but they are separate fantasy series with different characters and worlds.
That said, some clever fans have noticed small Easter eggs and references suggesting the possibility of a larger multiverse connecting Sarah J. Maas’s books. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
Is ACOTAR Spicy?
Yes! The ACOTAR series is definitely spicy, with romantic and explicit scenes.
The first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, features lighter romance elements, but the series grows steamier in later books. By the time readers reach A Court of Silver Flames, the romance and spice levels are much higher.
Because of this, the series is considered an adult fantasy romance rather than a young adult series.
What Age Rating is ACOTAR?
Although the first book was marketed to young readers, the ACOTAR series is best suited for adults.
Later books include mature themes, violence, and explicit romantic scenes, which is why they are recommended for an older audience.
What to Read After ACOTAR?
If you loved the ACOTAR series and are looking for more fantasy romance books, you might also enjoy:
- Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas—an epic urban fantasy series packed with magic, romance and mystery
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas—a sweeping fantasy series filled with adventure, political intrigue and unforgettable characters
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros—a dragon-riding fantasy featuring high-stakes danger, intense training and swoony romance
These books are perfect for readers who love strong heroines, magical worlds, and romantasy.
Will ACOTAR Be a TV Show?
A TV adaptation of A Court of Thorns and Roses was previously in development with Hulu. Sarah J. Maas confirmed on the Call Her Daddy podcast episode that the rights expired and are now back with her. She expressed a desire to create a series but wants to wait until she has more creative time to focus on it and ensure the casting is appropriate.
While it may not happen soon, it sounds like a series will eventually make its way to the screen. For now, we can wait patiently—or at least try to!
Should You Read ACOTAR?
If you love fantasy romance, magical worlds, and character-driven stories filled with high stakes and unforgettable relationships, the ACOTAR series is definitely worth reading.
If you don’t want to commit to a series this long, you can always start with the first three books. The main storyline in those three books wraps up in A Court of Wings and Ruin, giving you a taste of the series without committing to the next set of books.
There’s a reason this bestselling series has captured the hearts of millions of readers (including mine), and it remains one of the most talked-about fantasy romance series to this day. It’s definitely worth a try!
More Blog Posts You Might Like
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas Book Review
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas Book Review
- House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas Book Review
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