A Court of Thorns and Roses (lovingly known as ACOTAR) is like stepping into a fairy tale reimagined—with a bite. Imagine a lush fantasy world where romantic tension crackles, complex characters grow before your eyes, and high-stakes drama keeps you glued to the page. Written by Sarah J. Maas, this series dives deep into the themes of love, sacrifice, and second chances, all while building an intricate world brimming with magic, danger, and jaw-dropping reveals.
What sets ACOTAR apart from your average fantasy romance? It’s the perfect storm of vivid prose, swoon-worthy romance, and relentless pacing. But don’t be mistaken—this series isn’t just about its epic love stories (of which there are many!). It’s packed with political intrigue, found family dynamics, and battles where emotions run just as high as the stakes. Whether you’re here for the romance, the action, or the twists that will leave you reeling, ACOTAR has something for you.
So let’s make sure that you get the right book at the right time by talking about the A Court of Thorns and Roses books in order.
Starting with the Right Book for First-Time Readers
New to the series? Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses. While it might be tempting to skip ahead to the later books everyone is raving about, jumping in mid-series will rob you of key moments that make the story so immersive. The first book sets the stage for Feyre’s journey, introducing the characters, world, and conflicts that make Prythian such a rich and addictive setting. Think of it as your ticket to the party—once you're in, you're not going to want to leave.Some readers might wonder about picking up A Court of Frost and Starlight as an introduction since it’s shorter (and honestly, the cover is so pretty). Resist the urge! That novella assumes you’re already invested and won't make sense unless you’ve read the core series. Trust us—start at the beginning and enjoy the ride.
A Court Of Thorns and Roses Series Order Explained
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
There’s always that age-old question with any series that has novellas and spin-offs—is it better to read in publication order or chronological order? For ACOTAR fans, this question typically revolves around where to place A Court of Frost and Starlight. While publication order follows the sequence in which the books were released, chronological order attempts to line up the events in the story’s timeline.Here’s how they differ for ACOTAR:
- Publication Order (Recommended):
- 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
- Chronological Order (if you're curious): You could technically slot A Court of Frost and Starlight right after A Court of Wings and Ruin. However, reading it later works better since it also sets up the events leading into A Court of Silver Flames.
Why Reading in Publication Order is Recommended
If you’re wondering what the big deal is with reading in publication order, we’ll spell it out for you—preserving suspense! Sarah J. Maas masterfully builds tension, relationships, and worldbuilding across the books in a way that pays off when read as intended. Jumping around disrupts the story’s natural flow and could spoil some of her exciting reveals (and there are many).For example, starting with A Court of Frost and Starlight or A Court of Silver Flames might give away key developments that carry emotional weight only if you’ve traveled that road with Feyre and the others. And trust us, Maas’s ability to wreck your emotions (in a good way) is best enjoyed with the full context. Stick to publication order, and you’ll thank yourself when the pieces click into place at just the right moment.
Remember—it’s not just about the events. It’s about the experience. And the ACOTAR series does not disappoint.
Complete ACOTAR Series Order
A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1)
The book that started it all. Feyre Archeron’s life changes forever when she kills a wolf in the woods and finds herself swept away to a magical court ruled by the High Fae. What begins as a tale of survival evolves into a story of forbidden romance, otherworldly danger, and Feyre’s fight to save the lands of Prythian from a looming evil. This first book serves as a darkly enchanting introduction to the ACOTAR universe—a world you'll wish you could visit, but maybe with fewer death traps.A Court of Mist and Fury (Book 2)
Brace yourself—this is the book that makes readers fall hard for the series. Feyre grapples with the devastating aftermath of the events in book one while navigating a new court, new alliances, and (yes) new love. The stakes are higher, the world expands, and the character development? Chef’s kiss. This one is a fan favorite for a reason.A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book 3)
The climactic third installment pulls no punches. War looms over Prythian, alliances are tested, and secrets come to light that will change everything. Feyre and her crew fight not just for survival but for the future of their world. Expect battles that will leave you breathless and twists that will have you yelling into the void.A Court of Frost and Starlight (Novella)
A short but heartwarming tale, this novella bridges the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Silver Flames. It offers a closer look at the aftermath of the war and a slice-of-life perspective on the characters we’ve grown to love. Sure, it’s lighter on action, but it’s packed with feels—and sets the stage for what’s to come.A Court of Silver Flames (Book 4)
This is a story of healing, fire, and redemption. While Feyre takes a backseat, the spotlight moves to Nesta Archeron and her personal demons. The book explores themes of trauma, resilience, and finding strength in unexpected places. Plus, it introduces some of the steamiest moments in the series, so consider yourself warned (or excited).Why the Tandem Read Isn’t Needed for ACOTAR
Unlike the Throne of Glass series, which requires a complicated tandem read at one point, the ACOTAR series flows seamlessly in its publication order. You don’t have to juggle multiple timelines or overlapping storylines here—just read, enjoy, and thank Sarah J. Maas for sparing you the coordination challenge.EXPLORE
Themes and Connections in the ACOTAR Universe
Power, Love, and Redemption
At its core, ACOTAR is about the transformational power of love—whether romantic, platonic, or familial. The series also dives deeply into redemption, with characters overcoming past mistakes to become their best selves. Maas thrives at creating arcs where characters face their flaws and emerge stronger for it.Found Family and Resilience in Adversity
There’s nothing more heartwarming than the found family trope, and ACOTAR delivers it with style. Feyre’s ragtag group of allies evolves into a tight-knit family, offering support, humor, and plenty of bickering along the way. Add in their resilience in the face of seemingly impossible challenges, and you’ve got a recipe for endless inspiration.Tips for New Readers of the ACOTAR Series
Beginner’s Guide to Feyre and Prythian
Think of Feyre Archeron as the ultimate underdog—she starts from nothing and rises to become a game-changer in her world. The universe she inhabits, Prythian, is divided into magical courts, each with its own vibe (and dangers). Starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses is essential to understanding Feyre’s growth and the intricacies of Prythian’s politics and lore.How to Handle Sarah J. Maas’s Plot Twists
Preparing for the Emotional Rollercoaster
Sarah J. Maas is not afraid to break your heart—and then stomp on the pieces. While ACOTAR is full of fluffy romance and humor, it also balances that with high stakes and shocking twists that leave you gasping. Keep tissues (and maybe chocolate) nearby; you’re going to need them.Why Avoiding Spoilers is Key
This series is famous for its twists, and much of the magic comes from being surprised. Avoid spoilers like your reading life depends on it! Trust us, the payoff is worth it when you discover Maas’s curveballs on your own.Looking For a Different SJM Series?
Final Thoughts on ACOTAR Reading Order
Why Reading in the Right Order Matters
ACOTAR is a series that builds upon itself, with each book layering in new revelations, emotional depth, and nuanced storytelling. Sticking to the correct order ensures you experience the full impact of Sarah J. Maas’s meticulous plotting. Jumping around might make things confusing—or worse, spoil major moments.Enhancing Your Experience with a Proper Sequence
The recommended publication order doesn’t just guide you through the story. It immerses you in the rich world of Prythian as Maas intended, ensuring every character arc and plot twist hits with its full weight.Shop the ACOTAR Series
Complete Book Collection for Fantasy Romance Fans
Looking to add ACOTAR to your collection? You’re in luck—we’ve got the entire set ready for you to devour. Whether it’s your first time reading or you’re revisiting the world of Prythian, owning the series is a must for any fantasy romance lover.Essentials to Expand Your A Court of Thorns and Roses Collection
Already own the books? Check out our companion merch to deepen your connection to Feyre’s world. Expand your shelves, because ACOTAR is more than a series—it’s an obsession.Your adventure in the ACOTAR universe awaits—happy reading!
