What to Read After ACOTAR
This is 100% the question I get asked the most. I’m so glad that so many people discover the magic of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. It’s wild to think they mean so much to so many people—I reread them about once a year because they’re just a comfort series for me.
I wrote this post way back in 2020 and wow, my blog was not cute back then. So here’s an updated and more detailed list!
I find it to be a really accessible fantasy series and I think what people love the most about it are the flawed, human characteristics of these fantastical fae. I have not found anything that I connect with more, but if it has given you the fantasy itch, these choices should help scratch at it.
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
If you want to go on a wild ride in a urban fantasy, THIS is the next SJM series you need to read. I absolutely LOVE this series and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that her worlds…connect.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
A YA fantasy about a witch and witch hunter set in medieval France!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
In my opinion, you can skip Shadow & Bone. This is a fantasy heist with a fantastic group of friends.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Bridgit Kemmerer
Another Beauty and the Beast retelling but a totally different vibe than ACOTAR. I actually never finished this series but it has a loyal fanbase!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
This has been on my TBR for years and I’ve heard it’s excellent. And it’s currently available on Kindle Unlimited!
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
This series is Dystopian, not fantasy, but it has a cult following must like ACOTAR.
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
I finally bought this book on Independent Bookstore Day! It’s supposed to be INCREDIBLE and I can’t wait to read it this summer.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
I haven’t read this series, but it also has a very loyal fan base. It’s an enemies to lovers…like ENEMIES. But apparently the male love interest has a tail and I don’t know. I haven’t been able to get past it 😆 but it is about fae like ACOTAR!
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
SJM’s first completed series! Most people seem to be ACOTAR people of TOG people. I am an ACOTAR person. It’s 8 books with two novellas that upset the flow in my opinion, but it’s quite epic and less focused on Romance, like ACOTAR is.
A Song of Wraith and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
I love a fantasy duology. It’s not too long but still gives that sweeping epic feeling. This duology does just that and it’s really refreshing to read a non-eurocentric fantasy.
Legendborn by Tracey Deonn
I love this book. Like, LOVE it. It’s a King Arthur retelling set as an urban fantasy at the University of North Carolina and it is * chef’s kiss * brilliant. It is a smart fantasy with a great friend group and a little romance.