The Definitive ACOTAR Books In Order: A Complete Guide To Sarah J. Maas's Series (2025 Update)

Are you ready to dive into the seductive, dangerous, and utterly addictive world of Prythian? The A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas has captured the hearts of millions of readers, but figuring out the correct reading order can be a little confusing, especially with novellas and a major shift in perspective.

This is the most current and definitive guide to the ACOTAR books in order, updated for December 2025. Whether you are a new reader wondering where to start or a veteran fan desperate for the latest news on ACOTAR 6, we have the complete chronological list, essential plot summaries, and the newest information on the next book's expected release date.

The Complete ACOTAR Books In Order (Chronological)

For the best reading experience, the chronological order is the most widely recommended path. It allows you to follow the main character’s journey and the political conflicts of the High Fae seamlessly. This order includes the main novels and the essential novella, A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS), which serves as a bridge between the two major arcs of the series.

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• Book 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
• Book 2: A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF)
• Book 3: A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR)
• Book 3.5: A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS)
• Book 4 (or 5): A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF)
• Book 5 (or 6): Untitled ACOTAR Book 6 (Expected Late 2025/2026)

Book 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)

Publication Date: May 5, 2015

This is where the journey begins. A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces us to Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who kills a wolf in the woods—a wolf who turns out to be a High Fae. In exchange for the life she took, she is dragged across the wall and into the magical, dangerous land of Prythian, forced to live with the mysterious High Lord Tamlin in the Spring Court. The novel is a dark, romantic retelling of Beauty and the Beast, setting the stage for the epic conflict that follows.

Book 2: A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF)

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

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Widely considered the strongest book in the series, A Court of Mist and Fury sees Feyre adjusting to her new immortal life after the traumatic events under the mountain. Haunted by her past and trapped in a toxic relationship, she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic High Lord Rhysand, who forces her to uphold a bargain. This book is a pivotal moment, introducing the vibrant Night Court and its Inner Circle: Cassian, Azriel, Morrigan (Mor), and Amren. The scope of the world expands dramatically, shifting the series from a simple romance into a complex political fantasy.

Book 3: A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR)

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

The war against the King of Hybern has arrived. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, Feyre must return to the Spring Court, determined to gather intelligence and dismantle the enemy’s forces from the inside. This installment is the most action-packed and politically charged, focusing on alliances, betrayals, and the ultimate battle for the future of Prythian and the mortal realm. It brings the first major trilogy arc to a powerful, climactic close.

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The Bridge and the New Arc: Novella and Perspective Shift

After the massive scale of ACOWAR, the series takes a slight pivot. The next two books serve to wrap up the immediate aftermath of the war and shift the narrative focus to new main characters, expanding the topical authority of the ACOTAR universe.

Book 3.5: A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS)

Publication Date: May 1, 2018

This novella is a crucial bridge between the first trilogy and the subsequent novels. Set weeks after the devastating war, A Court of Frost and Starlight is a quieter, more character-driven story. It follows Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle as they navigate the fragile peace, rebuild the Night Court, and prepare for the annual Winter Solstice. While lighter in tone, it establishes the emotional groundwork for the next major story arc and introduces the rising tensions for characters like Nesta Archeron and Cassian.

Book 4 (or 5): A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF)

Publication Date: February 16, 2021

A Court of Silver Flames marks a significant change in the series, shifting the perspective entirely to Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s eldest sister, and the Illyrian warrior Cassian. This novel is classified as New Adult due to its mature themes and explicit content, focusing on Nesta's journey of healing, self-discovery, and confronting her trauma following the war. Set largely in the Illyrian War-Camp and the mysterious House of Wind, it delves deep into the power of the magical Trove objects and the growing threat from the continent, establishing the next major conflict for the series.

The Future of Prythian: What We Know About ACOTAR 6

The biggest question for the fandom is always: "When is the next book coming out?" The series is confirmed to continue with at least three more full-length novels after A Court of Silver Flames, and the anticipation for the sixth installment is at an all-time high.

Untitled ACOTAR Book 6 Release Date and Focus

As of late 2025, there is no official publication date for the next novel. However, author Sarah J. Maas provided a major update on July 11, 2025, announcing that she had completed the first draft of the untitled sixth book.

• Expected Release: The typical editing and production timeline for a book of this size suggests an expected release date in late 2025, early 2026, or even 2027.
• Main Character Focus: While not officially confirmed by the author, the narrative focus is widely speculated to center on Elain Archeron, Feyre’s middle sister, and her complex relationships with Azriel and Lucien.
• Narrative Arc: The story is expected to continue the threads left dangling in ACOSF, dealing with the political unrest, the growing power of the Trove, and the ongoing tensions between the various High Fae Courts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the ACOTAR Series

The world of Prythian is vast, leading to several common questions from readers looking to get the most out of their experience.

Is A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS) Necessary to Read?

While A Court of Frost and Starlight is a novella and not a full-length novel, it is highly recommended. It’s a crucial bridge between the end of the war and the beginning of Nesta’s arc in A Court of Silver Flames. It provides necessary character development and sets the emotional tone for the next book, making the transition much smoother.

What is the Best Order to Read Sarah J. Maas’s Books?

Sarah J. Maas has three major interconnected fantasy series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), Throne of Glass (TOG), and Crescent City (CC). While each series can be read independently, the books are now confirmed to be part of a larger multiverse. For the best experience, it is generally recommended to complete each series before moving to the next, starting with ACOTAR or Throne of Glass. However, recent events in the Crescent City series suggest that reading A Court of Silver Flames before House of Sky and Breath might enhance the reading experience due to the crossover elements.

Is ACOTAR a Young Adult (YA) or New Adult (NA) Series?

The series initially began as a Young Adult (YA) series with the first three books (ACOTAR, ACOMAF, ACOWAR). However, with the release of A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF), the series officially transitioned into the New Adult (NA) category due to its mature themes, explicit content, and focus on older protagonists (Nesta and Cassian). The subsequent books, including the upcoming ACOTAR 6, are expected to remain in the New Adult category.