If you’ve dipped your toes into BookTok, there’s one title that always shows up at the top of everyone’s recommendation list: A Court of Thorns and Roses. It’s the series that turns casual readers into fanfic-scrolling, fan art-saving fantasy obsessives, and for good reason.
Written by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) has become a rite of passage for new fantasy readers. With its blend of fae courts, forbidden love, and found family, consider this your official invitation to dive in. This is where many readers fall in love with fantasy for the first time and never look back.
Photo: Shopee
Here’s what to expect from the ACOTAR series (no spoilers, promise).
A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
Photo: Shopee
Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, finds herself taken to the Spring Court after an impulsive act in the woods. There, she meets Tamlin, a powerful and guarded High Fae, and is forced to live in a world of magic, danger, and beings she can’t fully trust.
Loosely inspired by Beauty and the Beast, A Court of Thorns and Roses takes a darker turn as Feyre begins to realize that the fae are nothing like the monsters described in human tales. This book sets the tone for a sweeping fantasy filled with secrets, slow-burn romance, and power plays you won’t see coming. BUY IT HERE!
A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Photo: Shopee
The fan favorite, and for good reason. This is the book where everything shifts—emotionally, politically, and magically. Feyre is no longer the same girl from the Spring Court, and this sequel explores what it means to reclaim your power after trauma. You may have seen this all over BookTok, but here, you’ll finally enter the Night Court, meet the Inner Circle, and take a much deeper dive into who Feyre is becoming.
Without spoiling anything, A Court of Mist and Fury is where the series finds its heart. The world expands, the stakes rise, and the emotional weight hits harder than ever. If the first book hooked you, this one will stay with you long after you turn the last page. BUY IT HERE!
A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
Photo: Shopee
After the emotional build-up and world-building of the first two books, A Court of Wings and Ruin throws you right into the thick of fae politics, fractured alliances, and the looming threat of war. Feyre is stronger, sharper, and more strategic than ever, and her decisions carry real weight.
Expect court intrigue, reunions that hit hard, and scenes where trust and loyalty are tested across the board. This book is packed with the emotional payoff that fans have been waiting for. BUY IT HERE!
A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
Photo: Shopee
A shorter, more introspective read, A Court of Frost and Starlight offers a rest after the intensity of A Court of Wings and Ruin. It’s a chance to slow down, reconnect with the Inner Circle, and sit with the emotional weight of everything that’s come before.
Set during the Winter Solstice, it feels like a breath between arcs, filled with small moments, heartfelt reflections, and glimpses of what healing might look like. You get deeper insight into Feyre, Rhys, and even supporting characters like Cassian and Mor. While it’s a shorter read, it sets the stage for what’s next. Think of it as the calm before another storm. BUY IT HERE!
A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
Photo: Shopee
This spinoff takes a bold turn by shifting the spotlight to Nesta Archeron, arguably one of the most complicated and polarizing characters in the series. Her story is raw, centered on rage, resilience, and the rocky road toward self-acceptance.
Cassian also plays a significant role here, offering both challenge and support, while new friendships and rivalries bring fresh energy to the world. There’s less court politics and more internal battles, but the stakes feel just as high. A Court of Silver Flames is slower in pace but rich in character work and serves as a powerful continuation for longtime fans. BUY IT HERE!
Whether you’re already deep in your BookTok era or simply looking for a series that will take over your life in the best way possible, ACOTAR ticks all the boxes. Fae realms? Check. Morally gray characters? Definitely. Chapters you’ll reread at midnight? Absolutely.
If you’re Team Spring Court or Team Night Court, let us know in the comments. Either way, it’s time to add this fantasy must-read to your shelf.
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