What to read after A Court Of Thorns And Roses series by S.J. Maas - Fantasy Recommendations to cure your ACOTAR hangover!
As someone who was once an avid reader as a teenager, devouring books like Harry Potter, Twilight, Eragon and The Hunger Games, I found myself in a long reading slump that lasted nearly a decade. Who would have thought I’d be falling in love with fantasy again in my life last year when I picked up the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas. This series has not only brought me back into the magical world of books but also re-introduced me to the enchanting realm of faeries and romantasy genre. And I’m not alone; BookTok has seen a massive surge in love for ACOTAR, proving that this series has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. So if you have been wondering what to read after SJM ACOTAR series, tag along !
In this article,
01. A brief overview of ACOTAR
02. What to read after ACOTAR
A Court Of Thorns And Roses summary
The ACOTAR series follows the journey of Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who finds herself entangled in the politics and magic of the faerie world after killing a faerie wolf. She is taken to the Spring Court by Tamlin, a High Lord, and discovers a world filled with intrigue, faerie, danger, and romance. The character’s develoment of Rhysand, high lord of the Night Court, from a mysterious antagonist to a beloved hero has captivated fans and made him a crowd’s favorite among the readers. The enemies-to-lovers trope adds to the series’ allure, along with the richly imagined fantasy universe and gut-wrenching plot-twists that Sarah J. Maas has created.
Genre: Young Adult, Adult, Fantasy, Romance
What to Read After ACOTAR
If, like me, you find yourself yearning for more faerie magic, romance, and fantastical adventures after finishing ACOTAR, here are some recommendations that will keep you hooked and cure your ACOTAR hangover. Scroll down and prepare to add these books to your TBR.
Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
If you loved ACOTAR, diving into Maas’ other popular series, Throne of Glass, is a natural next step. It is actually SJ Maas’ first fantasy series and a lot of readers have read TG before ACOTAR even came out. So if you’re new to the Maas’ world, I’d highly suggest you reading this next.
The Throne of Glass series follows Celaena Sardothien, an eighteen-year-old who is offered a chance at freedom from her life prison sentence. Celaena is sent to the glass castle of Endovier to compete in a competition to become the king’s champion. The winner will be granted their freedom, but the trials are deadly, and the competition is more dangerous than Celaena could have ever imagined. During the competition, Celaena forms alliances with some unexpected allies, including the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall, and the Prince Dorian Havilliard. Amidst the trials, she uncovers dark secrets and ancient magic that threaten not only her life but the entire kingdom.
The series is a thrilling blend of high fantasy, romance, and adventure, filled with incredibly rich world-building, complex characters delevopment, heart pounding action and jaw-dropping twists. This is one of my favorite series of all times: there are faes, love triangles, ennemy to lovers slow burn, mates, barely any spice, the classic ‘Who did this to you’ from the ennemy.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas
Another masterpiece by Maas and her most recent series, Crescent City combines urban fantasy with intricate world-building and compelling characters. It is a fusion of Maas’s signature prose with urban and modern fantasy and it might just be her best writing yet in my opinion.
The Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas is a thrilling urban fantasy saga set in a modern, magical city teeming with fantastical creatures from angeles, faes, demons and everything in between. The story follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae, half-human party girl whose life is shattered when a demon brutally murders her closest friends. Determined to seek justice, Bryce teams up with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels, who is tasked with helping her solve the case. The first 100 pages of Crescent City are definitely a bit overwhelming as it is heavily packed in description and world building but I beg you to stick to it, it is worth it!
The Crescent City series combines elements of mystery, romance, and epic fantasy, creating a narrative that explores themes of grief, resilience, and the search for truth.
Genre: Adult, Urban/Modern Fantasy, Romance
Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber
The Caraval series by Stephanie Garber is a captivating fantasy trilogy about two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella Dragna, who escape their oppressive father to attend Caraval. Caraval is a magical, immersive performance where the audience participates in the show. When Tella is kidnapped as part of the game, Scarlett must navigate Caraval’s enchanting and perilous world to rescue her sister. As the series unfolds, the plot focuses on Tella’s own adventures and the enigmatic master of Caraval, Legend. The story is filled with breathtaking twists, enchanting settings, and a captivating romance, making it a mesmerizing tale of sisterhood, bravery, and the power of magic.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance,
- Once Upon a Broken Heart Series by Stephanie Garber
A spin-off from the Caraval series, this new adventure follows Evangeline Fox as she deals with heartbreak and discovers new magic and mysteries. The Once Upon a Broken Heart series by Stephanie Garber follows the enchanting journey of Evangeline Fox, who makes a dangerous deal with the mysterious Prince of Hearts to mend her broken heart. In exchange for her soul, Evangeline embarks on a quest through a magical and perilous world to fulfill three impossible tasks and win back her true love. The Once Upon a Broken Heart series blends fantasy, romance, and adventure into a mesmerizing tale of resilience, magic, and the quest for redemption.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
5 . From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout introduces readers to Poppy, a Maiden chosen to fulfill a sacred duty in a world where humans live under constant threat from ancient enemies. The Maidens are revered for their purity and protected at all costs, but Poppy secretly yearns for a life beyond her confined existence.
Everything changes when Poppy meets Hawke, a mysterious and forbidden guard with secrets of his own. If you loved Rhysand in ACOTAR, you will absolutely love Hawke here. Caught between duty and desire, Poppy must navigate a dangerous path where betrayal and danger lurk at every turn. With its captivating plot, strong heroine, and intense romance, this series has quickly become a favorite in the romantasy genre.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
- One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
Dive into a dark and twisted fantasy world where Elspeth Spindle must navigate a treacherous path filled with magic and danger. These books offer a gripping and immersive experience. In One Dark Window, the story follows Elspeth, who survived a mysterious illness in her childhood which left her with magical abilities. She embarks on a journey to uncover her true destiny. In Two Twisted Crowns, the saga continues as Elspeth faces even greater challenges in her quest for justice and survival. The stakes are higher as she navigates alliances, betrayals, and the complexities of ruling realms filled with treachery and ambition. Together, One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns weave a tale of magic, adventure, and the journey of self-discovery in a vividly imagined fantasy world. Rachel Gillig’s storytelling captivates readers with its rich characters, intricate plot twists, and the enduring theme of courage amidst adversity.
Genre: Young adult, Fantasy, Romance
- Powerless Series by Lauren Roberts
The Powerless series by Lauren Roberts is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance set in a world where supernatural abilities reign supreme. Kai is the prince of a kingdom where people without supernatural powers are hunted and killed while Paedyn is a young woman without powers who hides her secret by pretending to be psychic. Only the extraordinary belongs in the kingdom of Ilya – the Elite. The ones without power – the Ordinaries are banned by the King, making Paedyn Gray a felon by fate and a thief by necessity. Surviving in the slums as an Ordinary is no simple task, and Paedyn tries to blend in with the Elites as best she can in order to stay alive and out of trouble. Until one day, when she saves the Prince. Her reward is to be thrown into the Purging Trials. The Powerless series offers readers a thrilling narrative filled with twists, romance, and a unique exploration of what it means to be different in a world obsessed with power. The plot is similar to The Hunger Games and the Red Queen series.
Genre: Young adult, Fantasy, Romance
- The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black
The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black (The Cruel Prince being book #1) is a captivating trilogy set in the world of Elfhame, where faeries rule and humans are merely pawns in their games. The story centers around Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who, along with her twin sister Taryn, is taken to live in Elfhame after their parents are murdered by a faerie general. As Jude grows up in the faerie court, she faces constant challenges and dangers due to her mortality, all while seeking both acceptance and revenge. Fans of ennemies to lovers tropes will love the tumultuous relationship between Jude and Prince Cardan, their dynamic evolving from animosity to something deeper and more complex, blurring the lines between love and hate. As in ACOTAR, the story also covers some complicated sisters relationship.
Genre: Young adult, Dark Fantasy, Romance
- Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
This dystopian series features a girl with a lethal touch and a story filled with romance, intrigue, and supernatural abilities.
The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi follows the story of Juliette Ferrars, a young girl with a deadly touch locked away in isolation by The Reestablishment, a totalitarian regime. Juliette’s touch can kill, making her both dangerous and valuable to those in power. As the series unfolds, Juliette is unexpectedly freed from her confinement and discovers that she is not alone in her abilities. She joins a resistance movement against The Reestablishment, where she grapples with her own powers, complicated relationships, and the moral complexities of rebellion. The Shatter Me series explores themes of power, identity, and the consequences of living in a dystopian society ruled by fear and control.
Genre: Young Adult (YA), dystopian fiction, science fiction and romance
Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy is a thrilling fantasy saga set in a world where magical abilities determine social status and power. Inspired by the myth of King Midas, this series follows Auren, a girl with a golden touch, in a story filled with magic, power, and romance. This series is a Twist on the Classic Tale where the king Midas rather than being the one possessing the golden touch is the one capitalizing the power of Auren. Despite her jovial facade, Auren is metaphorically caged, trapped in a golden prison built by King Midas. The other books of the series will introduce new characters, plot twists, manipulation and growth.
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
A dark fantasy romance series about a twin who discovers she’s Fae and must navigate a dangerous school to claim her birthright. The Zodiac Academy series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti follows Aries Knight as she navigates a prestigious school for Zodiacs, where students wield elemental powers tied to their astrological signs. Amidst dark secrets and ancient prophecies, Aries discovers hidden abilities and uncovers mysteries about her family’s past. The series blends magic, romance, and suspense, offering a captivating journey of friendship, identity, and the challenges of fulfilling destiny in a world filled with intrigue and danger. Be ready to have your heart absolutely shattered by this 9 books series !
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, paranormal romance
The War of Lost Hearts Series by Carissa Broadbent
Tisaanah was stolen from her village as a child and sold into slavery. Her whole life goal is buy back her freedom from her master. One day, she escapes and her goal is then to become strong enough and go back to save all the ones she left behind during her escape. The story follows Tisaanah and Max rising up against harmful leaders and fighting for justice in a brutal plot. The story will make you feel grief, heartbreak, betrayal, anger, and is very traumatic. It is definitely not a book for everyone as it is very violent but the world building, character development and slow burn romance is definitely worth the read.
Genre: Dark, Adult, Fantasy.
A Crowns of Nyaxa by Carissa Broadbent Series
The Serpent and the Wings of Night” from Carissa Broadbent is similar to “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” and the ‘Hunger Games’ but with vampires. Oraya was adopted as a human child by the Nightborn vampire king and now has to fight to survive in a world that is deadly for humans. Desperate for her father’s approval and acceptance in a society of vampires, Oraya decides to participate in the Kejari, a once-in-a-generation tournament where the champion is granted a wish from the goddess of death, Nyaxia. Her wish is to become a Nightborn herself after winning the Kejari. While she was planning on staying away from vampires during the competition, she decides to team up with Raihn, a vampire from a rival house. This series is perfect for the lovers of steamy romance, vampires and political adventures.
A gripping series that explores themes of power, destiny, and romance in a richly crafted fantasy world.
Genre: Young adults, Fantasy, Romance
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Violet is forced to enter a brutal and elite war college for dragons riders, designed to kill the weakest. Despite her initial reluctance and lack of preparation, Violet must prove herself worthy of bonding with a dragon and survive in the competition. 2023 winner for best “romantasy,” , Fourth Wing has been all over #booktok . Some readers hated it because the plot is too predictable but I do think it’s an easy and enjoyable read with a great ennemy to lovers plot. I was hooked from the beginning and loved the characters dynamics as much as the fast-paced plot filled of actions, suspense, and twists. This novel offers a unique blend of fantasy and romance in a magical realm full of dragons and riders.
Genre: Young Adults, Fantasy, Romance
- Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
Enter a world where blood color determines fate. The “Red Queen” series by Victoria Aveyard follows Mare Barrow, a young girl living in a world divided by blood: those with common Red blood and the elite with Silver blood who possess superhuman abilities. Mare, a Red, discovers she has a powerful ability of her own, which thrusts her into the dangerous world of the Silvers. Pretending to be a long-lost Silver princess, she becomes involved in a rebellion against the oppressive regime. Throughout the series, Mare grapples with loyalty, love, and betrayal as she fights for freedom, justice and equality. Victoria Aveyard creates a captivating and dystopian world in the “Red Queen” series, blending elements of fantasy and political intrigue. The series excels in its fast-paced plot and surprising twists, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Genre: Young Adults, Fantasy, Romance
These books will keep you immersed in fantasy worlds and provide the romantic and magical elements that made ACOTAR so irresistible. Happy reading!
