A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series Order (Updated 2025)

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas has become a global phenomenon in the world of fantasy literature.

With its intricate world-building, fascinating characters, and captivating romance, it has earned a loyal fanbase. However, with numerous books and novellas, the question of the correct reading order is a common one.

This article will provide a step-by-step guide to the ACOTAR series order, share insights about the world Maas has created, and help you decide on the best way to dive into this captivating story.

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A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series (ACOTAR)

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series transports readers to the magical world of Prythian, a land ruled by powerful faeries and surrounded by both political intrigue and danger.

The protagonist, Feyre Archeron, is a human who is thrust into the faerie realm after killing a faerie wolf. Her journey through a world of faerie courts, complex relationships, and thrilling adventures is central to the series.

ACOTAR is more than just a fantasy saga—it’s a blend of romance, action, high stakes, and character development, which keeps readers hooked through each book.

Author Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is no stranger to creating compelling fantasy worlds. She is also known for her Throne of Glass series and Crescent City. Her writing style focuses on character development and intricate world-building, and ACOTAR is no exception. Maas has a gift for crafting characters that evolve throughout the series, both emotionally and in their relationships with others.

Why is the correct reading order so important?

Reading the ACOTAR series in the right sequence allows readers to follow Feyre’s character development and understand the evolving relationships and plot twists. Each book builds upon the last, with character growth and world-building that progress from one story to the next. Reading them out of order could spoil key moments, disrupt the flow, and prevent readers from experiencing the emotional depth of the series.

While there are two main ways to read—publication order and chronological order—most readers recommend following the publication order, as this allows for the unfolding of key plotlines and character arcs in the way the author originally intended.

Recommended ACOTAR Reading Order

A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1)

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series Order

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 5, 2015

Star Rating: 4.18

Rating Counts: 3,046,499 ratings

Reviews: 240,150 reviews

Goodreads Choice AwardNominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2015)

Source: goodreads.com

The series begins with A Court of Thorns and Roses, where Feyre is taken to the faerie realm after killing a faerie wolf. The book blends elements of Beauty and the Beast with darker twists, introducing readers to a complex world of faerie politics and magic.

A Court of Mist and Fury (Book 2)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 3, 2016

Star Rating: 4.65

Rating Counts: 3,313,177 ratings

Reviews: 196,957 reviews

Goodreads Choice AwardWinner for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2016)

Source: goodreads.com

You can Buy this book here – sarahjmaas.com

The sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury, delves deeper into Feyre’s emotional journey as she recovers from the aftermath of the first book. Relationships evolve, and the introduction of Rhysand changes the course of Feyre’s life.

A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book 3)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 2, 2017

Star Rating: 4.48

Rating Counts: 1,925,309 ratings

Reviews: 134,665 reviews

A Court of Wings and Ruin intensifies the action, focusing on the brewing war between the faerie courts. Feyre must make difficult decisions that shape the future of Prythian.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book 4 – Novella)

A novella bridging the original trilogy to the next.

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 1, 2018

Star Rating: 3.75

Rating Counts: 1,482,371 ratings

Reviews: 103,624 reviews

This novella bridges the gap between the main trilogy and the next arc, providing readers with a reflection on past events and a glimpse into the future for the characters.

A Court of Silver Flames (Book 5)

Focuses on Nesta’s story, set after the events of the main trilogy.

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: February 16, 2021

Star Rating: 4.47

Rating Counts: 1,411,749 ratings

Reviews: 124,108 reviews

Shifting the focus to Nesta, Feyre’s sister, A Court of Silver Flames explores her struggles and personal growth, alongside Cassian from the Night Court. This book broadens the series’ scope and focuses on healing and self-discovery.

This order follows the natural progression of the storyline and character development, allowing you to experience the plot without confusion or spoilers.

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Other Books by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass Series

After enjoying ACOTAR, readers may want to dive into Maas’s other well-known series, Throne of Glass, which offers a different, yet equally captivating, fantasy experience. The Throne of Glass series follows Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin, on her journey of vengeance, self-discovery, and power.

Throne of Glass
Crown of Midnight
The Assassin’s Blade (prequel novellas)
Heir of Fire
Queen of Shadows
Empire of Storms
Tower of Dawn (can be read with Empire of Storms)
Kingdom of Ash

Crescent City Series

The Crescent City series is Maas’s latest project, set in a complex, urban fantasy world with ties to her other series. The first two books in the series include:

House of Earth and Blood
House of Sky and Breath
House of Flame and Shadow (upcoming)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

While publication order is generally recommended, some fans argue that reading ACOTAR first, followed by the Throne of Glass series, allows for a more thematic experience, particularly for those who are more interested in romantic elements before delving into expansive world-building. Both orders work, but following the publication order will ensure a seamless progression through the character arcs and overall story development.

Why ACOTAR Stands Out in Fantasy

What makes the ACOTAR series stand out in the fantasy genre?

Character Development: Maas’s ability to create multi-dimensional characters who evolve over time makes readers invest emotionally in their journeys.
World-Building: The land of Prythian is rich with detail, featuring unique faerie courts and a history of conflict that shapes its political landscape.
Romance and Action: ACOTAR doesn’t shy away from exploring complex relationships while keeping the action thrilling and unpredictable.
Emotional Themes: The books tackle deep issues such as trauma, healing, and redemption, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

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The book Series is Available Nationwide in different Languages

Language	Translation	Available Countries	Purchase Links
Mandarin Chinese	《荆棘之宫系列》 (Jīngjì zhī gōng xìliè)	China, Taiwan, Singapore	OverDrive
Spanish	“Una Corte de Rosas y Espinas”	Spain, Mexico, most Latin American countries	Amazon
Hindi	“कांटों और गुलाबों की अदालत श्रृंखला” (Kāntoṁ aur gulāboṁ kī adālat śṛṅkhalā)	India, Nepal	Barnes & Noble
Arabic	“محكمة من الأشواك والورود” (Maḥkamat min al-ashwāk wa al-wurūd)	Middle Eastern countries	Goodreads
French	“Une Cour de Roses et d’Épines”	France, Canada, Belgium, Switzerland	Amazon
Bengali	“গোলাপ এবং কাঁটার আদালত সিরিজ” (Gōlāpa ēbaṁ kānṭār ādalata sirija)	Bangladesh, India	Barnes & Noble
Portuguese	“Uma Corte de Rosas e Espinhos”	Portugal, Brazil	Amazon
Romanian	“Regatul spinilor si al trandafirilor”	Romania	Goodreads
German	“Das Reich der sieben Höfe”	Germany, Austria, Switzerland	Amazon
Polish	“Dwór cierni i róż”	Poland	Goodreads

Book Series Availability

Trends and Statistics for ACOTAR Series

Since its debut in 2015, the ACOTAR series has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the most popular fantasy series today.

Hulu even announced a live-action adaptation in 2021, though the project has faced setbacks, including uncertainty about casting and production timelines.

Despite this, the ACOTAR fanbase remains active, with over 1.3 million videos on TikTok under the hashtag #ACOTAR, showing the series’ cultural impact.

FAQs about (ACOTAR) Book Series Order

What is the correct order to read “A Court of Thorns and Roses”?

The recommended reading order is: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames.

Are there more books planned for the ACOTAR series?

Yes, Sarah J. Maas has hinted at future books and spin-offs set in the ACOTAR universe.

Should I read the spin-off books?

If you enjoy the ACOTAR world, the spin-offs offer a deeper look at beloved characters and further enrich the story.

Can ACOTAR be read as a standalone?

No, the books are interconnected, and reading them in order is crucial to understanding the full plot.

Is ACOTAR suitable for younger readers?

ACOTAR is geared towards mature readers due to its darker themes and mature content.

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Final Thoughts and Actionable Steps

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series offers a captivating experience full of magic, romance, and unforgettable characters. Reading the books in publication order ensures you experience Feyre’s growth and the evolving plot at its best.

Ready to start the journey? Grab your copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses and immerse yourself in the world of Prythian today. Whether you’re new to the series or revisiting the books, the world Sarah J. Maas has built is sure to enchant you.