A Court of Thorns and Roses Series Order: The 5 Must-Read Books

Let’s be honest. Some books are just stories, and some books become a part of your soul. For me, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series is the latter.

I still remember the first time I read it—specifically, that brutal scene under the mountain. My hands started shaking so violently my phone flew out of them and cracked against the wall—and for a second, I didn’t even care. It’s a series that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

This isn’t just a story; it’s a gut-wrenching, spicy, and absolutely epic emotional gauntlet. If you’re about to dive in, you need to do it right. The A Court of Thorns and Roses series order matters. Trust me. This is the only guide you’ll need to experience the magic, the heartbreak, and the feral passion exactly as Sarah J. Maas intended.

The Ultimate Guide to the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” Series Order

Welcome to Prythian, darling. Before you step through the invisible wall into the land of the Fae, you need a map.

Reading this series in order (which, thankfully, is also the publication order) is essential to experience the emotional arcs, world-building, and plot developments as intended. Skipping around would undermine the carefully constructed story progression.

When considering the chronological vs publication order ACOTAR debate, the answer is simple: they are the same. This is the definitive Sarah J. Maas recommended reading order to ensure every reveal hits you with maximum impact.

Here’s a quick look at your journey. Don’t worry, I’ll break down each step below.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.16 (3.2M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 1 of 5

Romantic, Magical, and Steamy, this is where it all begins. We meet Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress drawn into the Fae lands after killing a wolf in the woods. This book is a lush, atmospheric retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but with far more bite.

You’ll be introduced to the dangerous world of Prythian and the High Lord of the Spring Court, Tamlin. The slow-burn tension builds throughout, and the world-building immerses you in a magical landscape. It sets the stage perfectly, establishing the rules of this world while weaving a romance that feels both classic and compelling.

A Court of Mist and Fury

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.64 (2.6M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 👀 Dual POV

Epic, Passionate, and Transformative—this is a massive fan favorite, and for good reason. Feyre, changed by her time in the first book, is struggling with trauma and new power. This book deepens the lore, expands the world to the breathtaking Night Court, and introduces a cast of characters central to the series.

The emotional depth explores darkness and healing with intensity. The romance evolves significantly, introducing new dynamics and connections that redefine everything from the first book. This book will captivate you for weeks.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 4.48 (1.8M) | 🌶️ 4/5 | 📚 Book 3 of 5

Intense, War-torn, and Climactic. This is the epic conclusion to Feyre’s initial trilogy. The stakes escalate as war finally erupts across Prythian. ACOWAR is a sprawling fantasy epic filled with battles, sacrifices, and moments of triumph.

Feyre has grown into a powerful High Fae, and watching her navigate politics and the realities of conflict showcases her character development. The spice level increases noticeably, and the emotional payoff delivers a breathless, action-packed finale.

Why You Should Read “A Court of Frost and Starlight” in Order

Okay, let’s talk about the novella. I see so many people asking about the A Court of Frost and Starlight reading order and if they can skip it. My answer is always a firm no.

It infuriates me when people call this a simple “calming breath” after the war. It’s the tense, aching silence after the screaming stops, where you see the real damage and the first fragile attempts to piece a life back together.

It’s a crucial bridge that connects the first trilogy to the newer books in the series, shifting perspectives and setting the stage for the character arcs to come. It’s not fluff; it’s the scar tissue holding the entire saga together.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

⚡ 🏆 Amazon Charts | ⭐ 4.23 (800k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 📚 Book 3.5 of 5

Cozy, Healing, and a much-needed Novella, ACOFAS is a gift. Set during the Winter Solstice, this story is a quiet, domestic look at how the characters are coping and healing after the war. It’s low on plot but incredibly high on character development and heartwarming moments.

You get to see the Inner Circle navigating their trauma, rebuilding their city, and finding joy in the small things, like a simple snowball fight. It’s a beautiful, intimate story that deepens your love for these characters while subtly planting the seeds for the explosive events of the next book. It truly is one of the best Cozy fantasy books to soothe your soul.

What Comes After “A Court of Silver Flames”?

So you’ve survived the war, healed with the Inner Circle, and now you’ve just finished the fiery intensity of A Court of Silver Flames. The first thing you’re probably thinking is: what now?!

The good news is that Sarah J. Maas has confirmed she’s writing more books in the ACOTAR world. The bad news is we don’t know exactly when the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book is coming or who it will be about.

This leads to endless, delicious speculation online. Will it be Elain’s story? Azriel’s? The possibilities are endless, and the fandom is buzzing with theories, especially wanting the ACOTAR and Crescent City crossover explained.

A Court of Silver Flames

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.47 (900k) | 🌶️ 5/5 | 👀 1st Person POV

Empowering, Spicy, and Fierce. Don’t say I didn’t warn you: this book is hot. ACOSF shifts focus to Feyre’s sister, Nesta, and the Illyrian general, Cassian. Nesta is prickly, angry, and drowning in trauma and self-loathing.

This book is a raw, painful, and ultimately beautiful story about her journey to self-forgiveness and empowerment. It’s the most character-driven book in the series, and it’s also by far the spiciest. We’re talking a full 5/5 on the spice scale. As one reader put it, you can’t stop until “Silver Flames’ gym scenes heal the pain.”

It’s an intense, adult fantasy that deals with heavy themes and doesn’t pull any punches. If you love Intense adult fantasy books with strong female leads, this is your holy grail.

The Tropes That Define “A Court of Thorns and Roses”

What makes this series so ridiculously addictive? The tropes. SJM doesn’t just use beloved romance and fantasy tropes; she mainlines them, crafting something so potent and emotionally devastating it feels like a drug. These are the foundations of the ACOTAR experience.

“ACOTAR hooked me with the slow-burn spice but book 2’s plot twist wrecked me—can’t stop until Silver Flames’ gym scenes heal the pain.”

• Enemies-to-Lovers: This is the gold standard. The tension, the sharp-edged banter, the slow burn from outright hostility to grudging respect to feral devotion… it is executed to perfection. The emotional payoff when they finally break is worth every second of the wait.
• Fae Mates: The concept of a destined, soul-deep connection—the mating bond—is central to the series. It’s not just about romance; it’s a primal, unbreakable tie that raises the stakes of every single interaction. It’s the ultimate “fated lovers” fantasy, and it is everything.
• Court Intrigue: Prythian is not one happy Fae kingdom. It’s divided into seven courts, each with its own High Lord, culture, and political agenda. The scheming, the betrayals, the fragile alliances, and the constant power plays add a layer of high-stakes drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Is “A Court of Thorns and Roses” Right for You?

Look, and it hurts me to say this, because I genuinely believe this series can change you… but it’s not for everyone. These books are classified as “New Adult” or “Adult” for a reason. They explore dark, mature themes and contain explicit content. It’s important to go in with your eyes open so you can have the best—and safest—reading experience.

The spice level starts at a simmer and escalates to a full-blown inferno by the final book. If you’re wondering, is a court of thorns and roses spicy? The answer is a definitive yes, especially as the series progresses. Beyond the steam, the books also deal with significant trauma.

Here is a quick, non-spoilery guide to help you decide.

FAQ

In what order should I read “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series?

You must read them in publication order, no exceptions: A Court of Thorns and Roses, then A Court of Mist and Fury, then A Court of Wings and Ruin, then the crucial novella A Court of Frost and Starlight, and finally A Court of Silver Flames. This is the path. Deviate, and you shatter the experience.

Is there a 6th book in “A Court of Thorns and Roses”?

Yes! Sarah J. Maas has confirmed she is contracted for more books set in the ACOTAR world. However, the release date, title, and main characters for the next installment have not yet been announced, so the fandom is eagerly waiting.

Why is “A Court of Thorns and Roses” being banned?

The series often faces challenges and bans, particularly in school libraries, due to its explicit sexual content and mature themes, including violence and trauma. Some groups consider this content inappropriate for the young adult demographic it’s sometimes shelved with.

What should I read after finishing the ACOTAR series?

Once you recover from the book hangover, many fans look for books to read after A Court of Silver Flames. I highly recommend diving into Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series for epic fantasy or Crescent City for a modern urban fantasy twist with similar spice.

Your Epic Journey Awaits

Diving into the A Court of Thorns and Roses series is not a casual reading choice—it’s a hostile takeover of your entire emotional landscape. You will laugh, you will rage, you will sob, and you will swoon.

This series is a true tearjerker, an epic fantasy, and a spicy romance all rolled into one perfect, addictive package. Following this A Court of Thorns and Roses series order ensures you feel every gut punch and every soaring moment of joy exactly as it was meant to be felt. Now go. Your adventure in Prythian awaits.