If like me you’ve been hovering on the edge of Bookstagram wondering whether to dive into that fantasy romance series everyone is obsessing over — this is your sign. I had been putting off the series for far too long and regret not diving in sooner.
This is your ultimate, spoiler-free guide to reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, including the correct reading order, characters and courts, creatures of Prythian, how the books connect to other Sarah J. Maas series, and what’s next.
Whether you’re a first-time reader like I was or are planning a re-read, here’s everything you need to know before entering Prythian.
What Is ACOTAR?
ACOTAR stands for A Court of Thorns and Roses, the bestselling fantasy romance series by Sarah J. Maas.
The series blends:
- High fantasy
- Romance
- Political intrigue
- Found family
- Strong character development
- Epic world-building
It’s often described as Beauty and the Beast meets fae politics meets slow-burn romance — but that barely scratches the surface.
About the Author: Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most successful fantasy authors of the modern era. She is also the author of two other series Thrones of Glass and Crescent City.
Her books are known for:
- Expansive fantasy worlds
- Morally complex characters
- Slow-burn romance arcs
- Powerful female leads
- Interconnected universes
ACOTAR is often considered her most accessible entry point — especially for readers that are new to fantasy romance.
The Correct Reading Order for ACOTAR
If you’re wondering how to read ACOTAR in order, here’s the official publication order (which is also the correct reading order):
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
Tip: Do not skip A Court of Frost and Starlight. While shorter, it bridges major character developments and sets up the fifth book.
The World of Prythian: Courts & Politics (Spoiler-Free)
ACOTAR takes place in Prythian, a magical land divided into powerful fae courts. Each court has its own culture, magic, and ruling High Lord.
The seven main courts include:
Spring Court – Beauty, renewal, growth
Night Court – Mystery, power, hidden strength
Summer Court – Water, warmth, trade
Autumn Court – Fire, sharp politics
Winter Court – Ice, endurance
Day Court – Knowledge, light
Dawn Court – Healing, innovation
The politics between courts play a massive role in the overarching plot — especially as the series evolves beyond its fairy-tale beginnings.
Main Characters (Without Spoilers)
While the cast expands significantly, the series centers around:
- A fiercely determined human-turned-fae heroine
- A powerful High Lord with complex motivations
- A tight-knit inner circle built on loyalty and found family
- Strong female friendships
- Characters dealing with trauma, healing, and identity
One of ACOTAR’s biggest strengths is character growth. The emotional arcs are just as important as the battles. Check out this list of ACOTAR's characters.
Creatures of Prythian
Prythian is filled with magical and often dangerous beings. Without spoiling plot points, you’ll encounter:
- High Fae
- Lesser faeries
- Shape-shifters
- Ancient magical entities
- Monsters rooted in folklore
- Mysterious beings who trade information
Many creatures are inspired by Celtic and European mythology, but Maas gives them her own dramatic twist.
Breakdown of Each ACOTAR Book (No Spoilers)
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
A human huntress is pulled into the fae lands after killing a wolf in the woods. What begins as captivity slowly unfolds into something far more dangerous — and romantic.
Vibe: Fairy tale retelling, tension, slow burn.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury
The story expands dramatically. Politics deepen. Power shifts. Emotional healing becomes central.
Vibe: Character growth, found family, iconic romance arc.
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
War looms. Alliances are tested. Courts collide.
Vibe: Epic fantasy, strategy, high stakes.
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight
A shorter, transitional novella set after major events. Focuses on rebuilding, healing, and relationships.
Vibe: Cozy winter interlude with emotional depth.
5. A Court of Silver Flames
Shifts perspective to a different central character. Explores trauma, self-worth, sisterhood, and resilience.
Vibe: Intense character study, empowerment, slow-burn romance.
How ACOTAR Connects to Throne of Glass & Crescent City
Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that her series exist within a shared multiverse.
The key series involved:
- Throne of Glass
- Crescent City
- ACOTAR
While each series can be read independently, subtle connections — and eventually more direct ones — begin to appear.
Recommended reading order if you want the full Maas universe experience is:
ACOTAR (all five books)
Throne of Glass
Crescent City
The connections become more significant in later Crescent City books.
Is ACOTAR Spicy?
One of the most searched ACOTAR questions online is: Is ACOTAR spicy?
The series starts relatively mild in book one and becomes more explicit in later installments — particularly books two and five. It is adult fantasy romance, not YA.
What’s Next for the ACOTAR Series?
As of now:
- More books are planned.
- Future installments are expected to follow different characters.
- The multiverse storyline is still expanding.
Sarah J. Maas has confirmed additional ACOTAR novels are in development, though release dates have not yet been officially announced.
Given how A Court of Silver Flames shifted perspective, readers can expect deeper exploration of side characters and potentially more crossover elements.
Why ACOTAR Became a Bookstagram Phenomenon
ACOTAR’s rise in popularity exploded thanks to:
- Emotional character arcs
- Intense romantic tension
- Dramatic plot twists
- Found family dynamics
- Re-readable comfort moments
- Fantasy escapism
It’s one of the defining fantasy romance series of the 2010s and 2020s.
Final Thoughts: Should You Read ACOTAR?
In short Yes
If you love:
- Fantasy romance
- Strong female leads
- Political intrigue
- Character-driven storytelling
- Magical courts and morally grey characters
Then ACOTAR is absolutely worth the hype.
Whether you're starting your first read or planning a re-read with annotated tabs and colour-coded flags, Prythian is a world readers return to again and again.
