Trust me, as someone who devoured all 16 books in just three months as if I were on a mission.
You’ve probably discovered this list through a friend, colleague, or perhaps a TikTok enthusiastically discussing a book titled ACOTAR. Welcome! My name is Jenna Rosenstein, and while I serve as the beauty director at Bazaar, I also indulge in my passion for reading all things romantasy, particularly the enchanting realm crafted by Sarah J. Maas. I’m thrilled to guide you through these narratives (spoiler-free!), which have not only provided me with joy and healing but also connected me to a community that feels like family.
Maas’s 16 chart-topping novels across three series—Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City—are a worldwide sensation, having sold over 70 million copies since the launch of the first ToG book in 2012. Set against backdrops of dark magic, Fae, and destined companions, each series features strong female protagonists on quests to rescue their worlds. However, if you look closely, you might spot Taylor Swift–style Easter eggs indicating these realms may be more interconnected than they seem.
You don’t need to be a seasoned fantasy reader to become enamored with these books and characters. So, are you prepared to dive into the Maasiverse? Below is my suggested reading sequence along with contextual insights for each book and series, ensuring you’re ready to completely escape reality and immerse yourself in Erilea, Prythian, and Midgard.
1
A Court of Thorns and Roses
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Although Throne of Glass was the first to be published, I believe A Court of Thorns and Roses is the ideal starting point for most readers. When I finally grabbed a copy of A Court of Thorns and Roses at my neighborhood bookstore, it had been years since I had last delved into a fantasy novel. It took me a few chapters to adjust to the world-building, but by the end of the first book, I was completely hooked. A Court of Thorns and Roses is welcoming even to those who are new to fantasy. The narrative from heroine Feyre Archeron is straightforward, and the plot is filled with intrigue, romance, and excitement.
I suggest approaching ACOTAR with the understanding that it will require at least two books to appreciate fully. In my view, the initial book in the series should be read alongside the second to feel the complete emotional resonance. Only then will you determine if you wish to dive deeper into the rabbit hole and explore Maas’s additional 14 books.
2
A Court of Mist and Fury
