If you are just getting into Sarah J. Maas books, there is a very good chance someone has already told you to read ACOTAR. The problem is that once you search for the series, you will quickly see different book names, novellas, spin off discussions, character arcs, and future ACOTAR books. That can make the reading order feel more confusing than it actually is.
The good news is simple: the best way to read the ACOTAR books is in publication order. This is also the easiest order for new readers because the story, relationships, world building, and character development all unfold naturally from one book to the next.
Below, you will find the complete ACOTAR reading order, a quick explanation of each book, where the novella fits, whether you should read the series before other Sarah J. Maas books, and affiliate link sections you can use to add your Amazon links.
ACOTAR Books in Order: Master Reading Order Table
| Reading Order | Book Title | Type | Published | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book 1 | A Court of Thorns and Roses | Main Novel | 2015 | Starting Feyre Archeron’s story |
| Book 2 | A Court of Mist and Fury | Main Novel | 2016 | Major character growth and romance development |
| Book 3 | A Court of Wings and Ruin | Main Novel | 2017 | The main war arc and Feyre’s story climax |
| Book 4 | A Court of Frost and Starlight | Novella | 2018 | A bridge between the original trilogy and the next arc |
| Book 5 | A Court of Silver Flames | Main Novel | 2021 | Nesta Archeron’s story |
| Book 6 | Untitled ACOTAR 6 | Upcoming Novel | Expected 2026 | The next major ACOTAR story arc |
| Book 7 | Untitled ACOTAR 7 | Upcoming Novel | Expected 2027 | Continuation of the next ACOTAR story arc |
What Is the Best Order to Read ACOTAR?
The best ACOTAR reading order is the publication order:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
- Untitled ACOTAR 6
- Untitled ACOTAR 7
This order works best because ACOTAR is not just a fantasy romance series. It is also a character driven story where emotional reveals, political conflicts, magical history, and relationship changes matter a lot. Reading the books out of order will spoil major moments and make several character decisions feel confusing.
If you are a first time reader, do not skip directly to the most popular books. Start with book one, even if you have heard that the series becomes stronger in book two. The first book sets up Feyre, Prythian, the courts, the curse, the human world, and the emotional foundation that makes the later books hit harder.
Should You Read ACOTAR in Publication Order or Chronological Order?
For ACOTAR, publication order and chronological order are basically the same for the main reading experience. You do not need to jump around between books, and you do not need a complicated timeline to understand the story.
The only book that sometimes confuses new readers is A Court of Frost and Starlight. It is shorter than the other books and works more like a bridge novella. Some readers are tempted to skip it, but it still matters because it gives you emotional closure after book three and prepares you for A Court of Silver Flames.
So, if you want the cleanest reading experience, read every book in the order listed above.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book in the ACOTAR series and the place where every new reader should begin. The story follows Feyre Archeron, a young human huntress who is taken into the faerie lands of Prythian after killing a wolf in the woods.
At first, Feyre sees Prythian as dangerous, strange, and full of enemies. But as she spends more time there, she begins to understand that the faerie world is much more complicated than the stories humans tell about it. This book introduces the Spring Court, the curse hanging over the fae lands, and the romantic fantasy tone that defines the early part of the series.
The first book has a slower setup compared to the later entries, but it is still important. It gives readers Feyre’s original worldview, her family situation, her survival instincts, and the first layer of Prythian’s magic and politics.
Why You Should Read It First
You should read A Court of Thorns and Roses first because it introduces the emotional and magical foundation of the entire series. Many major relationships and conflicts in later books only make sense if you understand where Feyre starts.
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2. A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Mist and Fury is the second book in the ACOTAR series and one of the most loved books among Sarah J. Maas readers. This is where the series expands in a big way. The world becomes deeper, the emotional stakes become heavier, and the character development becomes much more powerful.
Without giving away major spoilers, this book deals with healing, trauma, freedom, identity, loyalty, and the complicated cost of survival. It also introduces more of the Night Court and gives readers a much closer look at characters who become central to the rest of the series.
For many readers, A Court of Mist and Fury is the book that turns ACOTAR from an enjoyable fantasy romance into a favorite series. It is emotional, dramatic, romantic, and packed with moments that readers continue to discuss long after finishing the book.
Why This Book Is Important
This book changes the direction of the series. It develops Feyre beyond the events of book one and opens up a bigger view of Prythian, its courts, and its coming conflicts. If you only read the first book and stop, you have not really experienced what ACOTAR becomes.
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3. A Court of Wings and Ruin
A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third book in the ACOTAR series and the conclusion of the main original trilogy. This book brings many of the conflicts from the first two books into a much larger war focused story.
By this point, the series is no longer only about Feyre discovering the fae world. It becomes a story about alliances, power, sacrifice, court politics, war, and the future of Prythian. The characters are forced to make difficult decisions, and the emotional consequences are much bigger than before.
This book is especially important because it gives a sense of completion to the first major ACOTAR arc. Readers who started with Feyre in book one get to see how far she has come, both personally and politically.
Why You Should Not Skip It
A Court of Wings and Ruin is essential because it closes the main conflict from the first three books. If you skip it, you will miss key relationship moments, political developments, and major consequences that shape the later books.
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4. A Court of Frost and Starlight
A Court of Frost and Starlight is the fourth book in reading order, but it is a novella rather than a full length main novel. Because of that, some readers wonder if they can skip it.
The better answer is: read it, but understand what kind of book it is. This is not as action heavy as the previous book. Instead, it is quieter, more reflective, and focused on the characters dealing with life after war. It gives readers a slower look at healing, relationships, personal struggles, and the emotional state of the Inner Circle.
Most importantly, this novella works as a bridge between Feyre’s main arc and the next part of the series. It helps prepare the reader for A Court of Silver Flames, especially when it comes to Nesta’s emotional state and future role.
Can You Skip A Court of Frost and Starlight?
Technically, you can understand the basic plot of A Court of Silver Flames without reading A Court of Frost and Starlight. But if you want the complete ACOTAR reading experience, you should not skip it. It gives important emotional context and makes the transition into Nesta’s story feel smoother.
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5. A Court of Silver Flames
A Court of Silver Flames is the fifth book in the ACOTAR reading order and shifts the main focus from Feyre to Nesta Archeron. This book has a different emotional tone because it explores Nesta’s anger, grief, trauma, guilt, isolation, and healing journey in much greater detail.
Readers who loved Feyre’s perspective may need a little time to adjust because this book feels more personal and internal in many places. Nesta is not an easy character, and that is part of what makes her story interesting. She is sharp, wounded, defensive, and deeply complicated.
The book also gives more attention to Cassian, the Valkyrie training storyline, friendship, self worth, and the emotional work required to rebuild a life after loss and pain. It is also known for having more mature romantic content than the earlier books.
Why This Book Matters
A Court of Silver Flames matters because it expands ACOTAR beyond Feyre’s original arc. It shows that the series is not only about one heroine, one romance, or one conflict. It opens the door for future books focused on other characters and unresolved storylines.
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6. Untitled ACOTAR 6
The sixth ACOTAR book is expected to continue the series after A Court of Silver Flames. As of now, readers are still waiting for the official title and full plot details. Since the book is not released yet, new readers should simply read the five published books first and then move to book six once it becomes available.
This upcoming book is especially exciting because several characters still have unresolved emotional, romantic, and political storylines. Fans have many theories, but until the official title and synopsis are available, it is best to avoid treating rumors as confirmed information.
7. Untitled ACOTAR 7
The seventh ACOTAR book is also listed as an upcoming continuation of the series. Like ACOTAR 6, the official title and complete plot details have not been fully revealed yet.
For now, readers should treat this as a future entry in the series and keep the reading order simple. Read books one through five first, then read ACOTAR 6 when it releases, and then move to ACOTAR 7 after that.
Do You Need to Read A Court of Frost and Starlight?
Yes, it is best to read A Court of Frost and Starlight if you want the full ACOTAR experience. It may not feel as intense as the main novels, but it is still part of the emotional timeline of the series.
Think of it as a pause between two major phases. The first three books focus heavily on Feyre’s journey and the larger conflict around Prythian. The novella gives readers a moment to breathe after that and also plants seeds for A Court of Silver Flames.
If you are only reading for the major action scenes, you may find it slower. But if you care about the characters, relationships, and emotional aftermath of war, it is worth reading.
Is ACOTAR Finished?
No, ACOTAR is not finished yet. The series currently has five released books, including the novella, with more books planned. That means new readers can enjoy a strong existing story arc while still having future books to look forward to.
The first three novels form the original main arc. A Court of Frost and Starlight works as a bridge. A Court of Silver Flames begins a newer phase by shifting focus to Nesta. Future ACOTAR books are expected to continue expanding the world and character stories.
Should You Read ACOTAR Before Throne of Glass or Crescent City?
You can start with ACOTAR without reading Throne of Glass or Crescent City first. Sarah J. Maas has three major fantasy series, but new readers do not have to begin with one specific universe to understand ACOTAR.
That said, many readers choose ACOTAR first because it is romantic, emotional, easier to get into, and very popular among fantasy romance fans. Throne of Glass is more of an epic fantasy journey, while Crescent City has an urban fantasy feel with a larger modern world.
If your main interest is fantasy romance, start with ACOTAR. If you want a longer fantasy adventure with assassins, kingdoms, and a bigger epic structure, try Throne of Glass. If you want modern fantasy with mystery, magic, and crossover style discussions, try Crescent City.
ACOTAR Reading Order for Beginners
If you are completely new and just want the simplest answer, follow this beginner friendly ACOTAR reading order:
- Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses.
- Continue with A Court of Mist and Fury.
- Read A Court of Wings and Ruin to finish the original main arc.
- Read A Court of Frost and Starlight as a bridge novella.
- Read A Court of Silver Flames for Nesta’s story.
- Read future ACOTAR books in release order when they become available.
This order gives you the cleanest path through the series without spoilers or confusion.
ACOTAR Books by Main Character Focus
| Book | Main Focus | What It Adds to the Series |
|---|---|---|
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | Feyre Archeron | Introduces Feyre, Prythian, and the Spring Court |
| A Court of Mist and Fury | Feyre Archeron | Expands the world and develops key relationships |
| A Court of Wings and Ruin | Feyre Archeron | Brings the original major conflict to a climax |
| A Court of Frost and Starlight | Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle | Acts as an emotional bridge after the war |
| A Court of Silver Flames | Nesta Archeron | Begins a new character focused arc |
ACOTAR Books in Publication Order
Here is the publication order for the released ACOTAR books:
| Publication Order | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Court of Thorns and Roses | 2015 |
| 2 | A Court of Mist and Fury | 2016 |
| 3 | A Court of Wings and Ruin | 2017 |
| 4 | A Court of Frost and Starlight | 2018 |
| 5 | A Court of Silver Flames | 2021 |
ACOTAR Books in Chronological Order
The chronological order is the same as the publication order for a normal first time read:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
You do not need to rearrange the books. The story is designed to unfold in this order.
Who Should Read the ACOTAR Series?
ACOTAR is a good choice for readers who enjoy fantasy romance, emotional character arcs, magical courts, fae politics, slow burn relationships, dramatic reveals, and found family dynamics.
The series starts with a fairy tale inspired fantasy setup, but it grows into something bigger. Later books include more court politics, war, trauma recovery, mature romance, and complex character relationships.
This series is especially popular with readers who like fantasy worlds that are easy to get invested in emotionally. If you want a book series with romance, danger, magic, friendship, heartbreak, and dramatic tension, ACOTAR is a strong place to start.
Is ACOTAR Spicy?
Yes, ACOTAR becomes more mature as the series continues. The first book has romance, tension, and some mature themes, but later books include stronger romantic and sexual content. A Court of Silver Flames is generally considered the most mature book in the series.
Because of that, ACOTAR is often described as New Adult fantasy romance rather than a simple young adult fantasy series. Readers who are sensitive to mature romantic content, trauma themes, violence, or emotional intensity may want to check content warnings before starting.
Should Teens Read ACOTAR?
ACOTAR is very popular among teen and adult readers, but it includes mature romance, violence, trauma, and intense emotional themes. Parents and younger readers should know that the series becomes more mature after the first book.
If you are choosing this series for a younger reader, it is worth checking the content of each book first. The later books, especially A Court of Silver Flames, are more adult in tone and content.
What Comes After ACOTAR?
After finishing the released ACOTAR books, you have a few good options:
- Read Throne of Glass if you want a longer epic fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas.
- Read Crescent City if you want urban fantasy, mystery, magic, and a more modern setting.
- Wait for the next ACOTAR books if you want to continue directly in Prythian.
- Try other romantasy books if you want similar fantasy romance vibes.
Many readers eventually read all three Sarah J. Maas series, but ACOTAR is often the easiest entry point because it is emotional, romantic, and fast to become invested in.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACOTAR Reading Order
What is the correct order to read ACOTAR?
The correct ACOTAR reading order is A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames. Future ACOTAR books should be read after these in release order.
Is A Court of Frost and Starlight book 4?
Yes. A Court of Frost and Starlight is book 4 in the ACOTAR reading order. It is a novella, but it still belongs between A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Silver Flames.
Can I skip A Court of Frost and Starlight?
You can technically skip it and still understand the broad plot of A Court of Silver Flames, but it is better not to. The novella gives helpful emotional context and works as a bridge between the original trilogy and Nesta’s story.
Is A Court of Silver Flames about Feyre?
A Court of Silver Flames is not mainly about Feyre. It focuses more on Nesta Archeron and Cassian. Feyre and other familiar characters still appear, but Nesta is the emotional center of this book.
How many ACOTAR books are there?
There are currently five released ACOTAR books, including one novella. More ACOTAR books are planned, so the series is not finished yet.
Should I read ACOTAR before Crescent City?
You can read ACOTAR before Crescent City, and many readers do. ACOTAR is often a good starting point for Sarah J. Maas because it is easier to enter if you enjoy fantasy romance.
Should I read ACOTAR before Throne of Glass?
You do not have to read ACOTAR before Throne of Glass. Both series can be started separately. Choose ACOTAR if you want fantasy romance first. Choose Throne of Glass if you want a longer epic fantasy adventure.
Is ACOTAR a romance or fantasy series?
ACOTAR is both fantasy and romance. It includes fae courts, magic, curses, war, politics, and world building, but romance and emotional relationships are also a major part of the series.
Final Thoughts on the ACOTAR Reading Order
The ACOTAR reading order is simple once you know where to start. Read the books in publication order, do not skip the novella if you want the full experience, and save the upcoming books for after A Court of Silver Flames.
For beginners, the best order is:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight
- A Court of Silver Flames
This order gives you the full emotional journey from Feyre’s first step into Prythian to the expanded world and character arcs that continue in the later books. If you are starting ACOTAR for the first time, begin with book one and let the story unfold the way it was meant to be read.
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