Sarah J. Maas’ enchanting and enthralling A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers around the globe. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and breathtaking romance, it’s no wonder that fans are left yearning for more once they’ve turned the last page. If you’re among those readers seeking to recapture the magic of ACOTAR, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a literary journey, exploring a carefully curated list of books that share the most compelling elements of the ACOTAR series. From epic fantasy worlds and captivating romances to strong female protagonists and magical creatures, these novels are sure to whisk you away to new realms and adventures.
So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s discover your next literary escape!
Books with Epic Fantasy Worlds
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
If you loved the intricate world-building and heart-stopping adventure of ACOTAR, you’ll definitely want to dive into Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. Centered around the story of Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin fighting for her freedom, the series takes readers on a whirlwind journey filled with action, betrayal, and romance.
Much like ACOTAR, the Throne of Glass series features a strong and fiercely independent female protagonist, who grows and develops throughout the story. The rich and immersive world-building will keep you turning pages, and the romantic entanglements are just as captivating.
The Cruel Prince series by Holly Black
Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince series transports readers to the treacherous and dazzling world of Faerie. The story follows Jude, a mortal girl raised in the Faerie courts, as she navigates political intrigue, betrayal, and dangerous alliances in her quest for power.
Fans of ACOTAR will appreciate the dark and mesmerizing faerie world, the complex character dynamics, and the twisting plotlines that keep you guessing until the very end. The Cruel Prince series is the perfect follow-up for readers seeking a new faerie realm to explore.
Books with Compelling Romances
Serpent & Dove series by Shelby Mahurin
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin is an enthralling tale of forbidden love between a witch and a witch hunter. Lou, a rebellious witch, and Reid, a devoted member of the church’s witch-hunting militia, find themselves unexpectedly bound together in holy matrimony. As they navigate the perilous waters of their new life together, they must learn to trust one another while concealing their darkest secrets.
This series is perfect for fans of ACOTAR’s enemies-to-lovers romance and character development. The emotional depth of the relationships, coupled with the tension of their conflicting allegiances, will keep readers enthralled throughout the series.
Graceling Realm series by Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore’s Graceling Realm series is a captivating fantasy world where certain individuals possess unique magical abilities, known as Graces. The series follows the stories of various strong female protagonists as they come to terms with their powers and navigate complex romantic relationships.
Much like ACOTAR, the Graceling Realm series combines a lush and imaginative world with a focus on character-driven romance. The characters’ magical abilities make for thrilling and engaging storytelling, and the romantic plotlines are beautifully woven into the overarching narrative. Fans of ACOTAR’s intense, passionate romances will surely appreciate the intricate relationships in the Graceling Realm series.
Books with Strong Female Protagonists
The Poppy War series by R.F. Kuang
R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War series introduces us to Rin, a war orphan who defies expectations and gains entry to the prestigious Sinegard Military Academy. Set in a world inspired by Chinese history and mythology, Rin’s journey leads her to discover her own unique abilities and to confront a devastating conflict that threatens her world.
This gritty, dark, and thought-provoking series features a powerful and complex female protagonist whose resilience, determination, and personal growth echo that of Feyre in ACOTAR. Readers who appreciate stories of self-discovery and overcoming adversity will be drawn to Rin’s journey.
The Daevabad Trilogy by S.A. Chakraborty
S.A. Chakraborty’s The Daevabad Trilogy transports readers to the magical city of Daevabad, where djinn, magic, and political intrigue collide. Nahri, a talented con artist and healer, accidentally summons a mysterious djinn warrior and is thrust into the heart of a dangerous and captivating new world.
Nahri is a dynamic and resourceful female protagonist, reminiscent of ACOTAR’s Feyre. As she navigates the intricacies of Daevabad’s politics and culture, her growth and the challenges she faces will resonate with readers who appreciate strong, evolving characters. The trilogy’s lush world-building, rich mythology, and complex relationships make it an ideal choice for ACOTAR fans.
Books with Magical Creatures and Mythology
The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden
Katherine Arden’s The Winternight Trilogy immerses readers in a world inspired by Russian folklore and mythology. The series follows Vasilisa, a young woman with the rare ability to see and communicate with the mythical creatures that inhabit her world. As she struggles to protect her people and the magical beings around her, Vasilisa must also come to terms with her own destiny.
ACOTAR fans will be enchanted by the rich and atmospheric world-building in The Winternight Trilogy. The intricate web of folklore, magical creatures, and human relationships weaves a captivating story that is both fantastical and deeply emotional.
Strange the Dreamer series by Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor’s Strange the Dreamer series introduces readers to Lazlo Strange, an orphan and librarian who has always been captivated by stories of the lost city of Weep. When a golden opportunity presents itself, Lazlo embarks on a quest to discover the city’s secrets, unearthing a world of magic, gods, and dreams.
The Strange the Dreamer series is an ideal choice for ACOTAR fans who delight in exploring new worlds and encountering magical creatures. Taylor’s lush prose and vivid imagination bring the world of Weep to life, and the intricate plotlines, rich mythology, and compelling characters make for an unforgettable reading experience.
Books with Intricate Plotlines and Moral Ambiguity
Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology takes readers on a thrilling heist adventure in the gritty, fantastical world of the Grishaverse. A group of six outcasts, each with their own unique skill set and troubled past, are brought together to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate the treacherous underworld of Ketterdam, they must confront their own demons and learn to trust each other.
The complex characters, high-stakes storyline, and moral complexities in the Six of Crows duology will resonate with ACOTAR fans who appreciate layered narratives and characters facing difficult choices. Bardugo’s intricate world-building and character development create an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.
An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir
Set in a brutal, Roman-inspired world, Sabaa Tahir’s An Ember in the Ashes series follows the intertwining stories of Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier seeking freedom from the oppressive regime he serves. As they navigate the harsh realities of their world, they must confront their own moral dilemmas and challenge the systems that govern their lives.
ACOTAR fans will appreciate the intense character struggles and moral ambiguity that permeate the An Ember in the Ashes series. Tahir’s vivid world-building and relentless pacing create a gripping story that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. The series’ exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom make it a compelling choice for fans of ACOTAR’s complex and nuanced narratives.
Bonus Recommendations: 10 More Books to Explore
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
A magical and atmospheric tale of two young magicians in a mysterious circus, perfect for those who appreciate beautiful prose and enchanting world-building.
2. The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
This enchanting novel, full of symbolism and intricate storylines, is perfect for fans of immersive, detailed world-building and complex narratives.
3. Furyborn by Claire Legrand
A riveting tale of two powerful women in different ages, bound by prophecy. If you enjoyed the dual narratives and strong female characters in ACOTAR, this is a fantastic choice.
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
An epic standalone fantasy novel featuring dragons, female knights, and complex politics, perfect for those who enjoy substantial world-building and slow-burning romances.
5. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
A dark fantasy romance between two morally ambiguous characters. If you appreciated the darker aspects and the slow-burning romance in ACOTAR, this is a must-read.
6. A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
Inspired by West African folklore, this story of a grieving crown princess and a desperate refugee is perfect for readers who enjoy strong character development and rich cultural infusion.
7. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This is a gripping story about a maiden chosen for a sacred duty and her struggle between duty and desire. Perfect for those who enjoyed the romantic tension and supernatural elements of ACOTAR.
8. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
This epic fantasy series featuring a unique magic system, complex plot, and strong characters, is a must-read for those who enjoy intricate world-building and plot-driven stories.
9. Caraval Series by Stephanie Garber
A whimsical series revolving around a magical game and a sister’s love. This series is perfect for those who love mysterious settings, enigmatic characters, and stories that blur the line between illusion and reality.
10. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
This atmospheric novel pairs witchcraft with Italian culture and features a strong, independent female protagonist. A must-read for ACOTAR fans who enjoy stories about witches and forbidden romance.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve explored a selection of must-read books that share compelling elements with Sarah J. Maas’ beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses series. From epic fantasy worlds and captivating romances to strong female protagonists and morally complex plotlines, these novels are sure to satisfy your craving for more thrilling adventures and immersive storytelling.
As you embark on your literary journey beyond the Court of Thorns and Roses, we hope that these recommendations offer you new worlds to explore, characters to fall in love with, and stories that stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
And don’t forget – we’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section below!