Which one should I read first: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) or Throne of Glass (ToG)?

Note: I would like to clarify that I am not promoting or affiliated with any specific websites or products. Any recommendations made are based solely on personal opinion and research.

The “A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series Order“, often abbreviated as ACOTAR, is a best-selling fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas.

With its lush, magical world and deeply engaging characters, it has won the hearts of many readers. But with so many books and novellas, figuring out the correct reading order can be a bit confusing.

This article will guide you through the right sequence to read the ACOTAR books and give a glimpse into the world Maas has so skillfully crafted.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series (ACOTAR)

ACOTAR is set in a world full of faeries, magic, and complex politics. It combines elements of high fantasy with heavy romance, making it a genre-defying read. The story kicks off in a harsh world where humans and faeries have a long-standing, uneasy peace. The series masterfully blends adventure, love, and action, making it an intense emotional rollercoaster for readers.

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 Knowing the Correct Reading Order is Important

Reading the ACOTAR series in the proper order enhances the experience, allowing you to follow character growth and understand the overarching plot. ACOTAR spans multiple books, with certain plotlines and relationships developing slowly. Reading them out of order could lead to spoilers and confusion, as each book builds on the previous ones.

There are two ways you can approach reading ACOTAR: in publication order or chronological order. Most fans recommend publication order because it aligns with how the story unfolds and how new characters are introduced.

What Series Should I Read first?

1. Recommended Reading Order for ACOTAR

A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)

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

You can Buy this book here – sarahjmaas.com

The series begins with A Court of Thorns and Roses, where we meet Feyre Archeron, a human living in a world dominated by faeries. After killing a faerie wolf, she is taken to the faerie realm as punishment. What follows is a blend of mystery, romance, and danger as Feyre learns more about this new world—and herself. The book loosely mirrors the “Beauty and the Beast” tale but with a darker, more dangerous twist.

A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF)

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

In the second book, A Court of Mist and Fury, the story takes a darker and more intricate turn. Feyre faces the consequences of her actions from the first book, and her relationship with Tamlin, the faerie lord, grows increasingly complicated. This book is where we meet Rhysand, who becomes a pivotal character in Feyre’s journey. It explores themes of healing, power, and self-identity.

A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR)

Author: Sarah J. Maas

First Published: May 2, 2017

Star Rating: 4.48

Rating Counts: 1,925,309 ratings

Reviews: 134,665 reviews

Goodreads Choice AwardWinner for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2017)

Source: goodreads.com

You can Buy this book here – sarahjmaas.com

ACOWAR continues the story, bringing it to a climactic conclusion. War brews between faerie courts, and Feyre must navigate the dangers to protect those she loves. Relationships and alliances are tested, and readers are taken on a thrilling, emotional ride. This is often considered the conclusion of the primary arc of Feyre’s story.

A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS)

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

Goodreads Choice AwardNominee for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction (2018)

Source: goodreads.com

You can Buy this book here – sarahjmaas.com

This novella, A Court of Frost and Starlight, serves as a bridge between the original trilogy and the new arc of the series. It’s a quieter, more introspective look at the characters as they heal from the war and prepare for what’s next. It’s not as action-packed, but it offers insight into where the story is heading.

A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF)

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

Goodreads Choice AwardWinner for Best Fantasy (2021)

Source: goodreads.com

You can Buy this book here – sarahjmaas.com

Unlike the previous books, A Court of Silver Flames shifts focus to Nesta, Feyre’s sister, and Cassian, a warrior from the Night Court. This book dives deep into Nesta’s personal struggles and her journey of self-discovery. It expands the ACOTAR world, focusing on different characters while still tying into the larger story.

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

2. Throne of Glass Series

After completing ACOTAR, many readers transition to the Throne of Glass series, which provides a different yet complementary fantasy experience.

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• The Assassin’s Blade – A collection of prequel novellas that can be read after the second book.
• Heir of Fire
• Queen of Shadows
• Empire of Storms
• Tower of Dawn – Can be read simultaneously with Empire of Storms for an enriched narrative experience.
• Kingdom of Ash

3. Crescent City Series

Finally, Crescent City is often recommended as a concluding series due to its complexity and connections to both previous series.

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

Publication Order vs. Thematic Order

While many fans advocate for reading in publication order, some suggest a thematic approach where ACOTAR is read first due to its romantic elements, followed by Throne of Glass for its expansive world-building

How did I feel about A Court of Thorns and Roses?

I really enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses for a few reasons. First, the characters drew me in, especially Feyre. Her growth from being vulnerable and struggling to becoming a strong, empowered character really resonated with me. I also loved the tension in her relationships, particularly the slow-burn romance, which felt intense and emotionally charged.

The world-building was another aspect that captivated me. The courts of Prythian, with their unique magic and politics, made the setting feel alive and immersive. I found myself lost in the details of each court, especially the Night Court.

Finally, the plot twists and high-stakes conflicts kept me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated how the story didn’t shy away from darker themes of trauma, healing, and redemption. Watching the characters fight through their struggles gave the story an emotional depth that really stuck with me.

What did I dislike the most about A Court of Thorns and Roses?

What I disliked most about A Court of Thorns and Roses was probably the slow pacing in the beginning. It felt like the first half dragged a bit, with too much time spent setting up the world and not enough action. I found myself wanting things to pick up sooner.

Another thing that bothered me was how overly descriptive some parts were. Feyre’s constant inner monologues and the detailed world-building, while interesting at times, felt repetitive and slowed the flow of the story.

I also struggled with some of Feyre’s decisions early on. She made some rash choices that didn’t always feel logical, which made it harder for me to connect with her character initially.

Lastly, the romantic shift between the first and second books was a bit jarring for me. I had gotten invested in the original dynamic, and the sudden change felt abrupt, without as much gradual development as I would have liked.

Why ACOTAR Stands Out Among Fantasy Series

ACOTAR is unique because it blends fantasy with a deep exploration of relationships and personal growth. Unlike many fantasy series that focus solely on action and world-building, Maas emphasizes the emotional journeys of her characters, making them feel real and relatable.

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

Trends and Statistics for ACOTAR Series 

Overview of the ACOTAR Series

The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, written by Sarah J. Maas, has become a significant phenomenon in contemporary fantasy literature. The series has sold over 13 million copies since its debut in May 2015, captivating readers with its blend of high fantasy and romance. It consists of five novels, with a sixth installment confirmed to be in development

Adaptation for Television Statistics

In March 2021, Hulu announced plans to adapt the ACOTAR series into a live-action television show, with Sarah J. Maas serving as co-showrunner alongside Ronald D. Moore, known for his work on Outlander.

Initial excitement surrounded the project, but updates have been inconsistent. In September 2023, speculation arose about the show’s viability when Maas deleted her original announcement about the adaptation from her social media.

Despite these concerns, Moore confirmed in November 2023 that the show was still in development, although progress appeared stalled due to uncertainties regarding casting and production timelines. 

However, by July 2024, reports indicated that Moore had exited the project, further complicating its future. As of now, while Hulu has not officially canceled the adaptation, it is not actively progressing either.

Social Media Impact

The ACOTAR series has gained immense popularity on platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #ACOTAR boasts over 1.3 million videos, showcasing fan engagement and devotion to the story. This online presence has contributed significantly to the series’ visibility and potential appeal for adaptations.

To Sum It Up

The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a thrilling, emotionally charged journey through a world filled with magic, danger, and love. Reading the books in publication order is the best way to experience the full impact of the story. With more books on the horizon and possible adaptations, the ACOTAR world shows no signs of slowing down.

FAQs

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Can ACOTAR be read as a standalone?
   • No, the books are interconnected, and reading them in order is crucial to understanding the full plot.
5. Is ACOTAR suitable for younger readers?
   • ACOTAR is geared towards mature readers due to its darker themes and mature content.

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