To define the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series as a phenomenon would be to undersell its popularity.
Taking over social media by storm, the series by writer Sarah J. Maas is a multiple New York Times Best Seller winner and has earned plenty of accolades and awards—not to mention widespread acclaim by its fans.
Sometimes considered a Young Adult saga, it is best defined as a New Adult series. This genre shares many similarities with young adult books yet appeals to an older audience by including mature characters and adult content.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantasy romance story that follows the footsteps of Feyre, a human protagonist who is taken to the faerie realms and becomes involved with their dynamics, politics, conflicts, and relationships. The books have a complex lore and an arc structure, yet the focus remains on romance, including multiple sexually explicit scenes.
If fairytale romances with dark twists, worldbuilding, and a lot of spice sound appealing, don’t hesitate to read the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series in order—here is everything you need to know.
- The Main Trilogy
- The Novella
- The Spin-Off Novels
- Book # 4: A Court of Silver Flames
- Should You Read The A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series?
The Main Trilogy
When reading the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series in order, the main entries to consider are the original trilogy.
These first three books follow the tale of Feyre Archeron and her arrival in the faerie lands after committing a crime. The subsequent books are part of the series yet follow different protagonists.
Book # 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses
It is not entirely by choice that Feyre became an exceptional huntress. After all, her survival and that of her family depend entirely on her ability to bring food to the table.
But desperation leads to mistakes, and her choice to kill a wolf to steal its prey proves to be her undoing. A terrifying creature witnesses her crime and demands retribution—a life for a life.
Instead of being slain, she is taken to a treacherous legendary land ruled by the Fae. The beast that captured her reveals himself as no beast but a fae—Tamlin, a handsome yet terrifying creature.
As Feyre becomes intertwined with faeries, their world, and Tamlin, she notices things are wrong in the Faerie lands—and her curiosity might lead to a solution or her own demise.
Although not strictly a retelling, A Court of Thorns and Roses is inspired by Beauty and the Beast and The Ballad of Tam Lin, creating a story that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Book # 2: A Court of Mist and Fury
Three months after the traumatic events at Under the Mountain, Tamlin and Feyre return to the Spring Court, but they are not the same. Feyre herself is a woman forever changed—in more ways than one.
Haunted by nightmares and feeling hollow after her terrible deeds, Feyre must come to terms with the duality of her new life—the half that will marry Tamlin and live with him in the Spring Court and the half that will uphold her bargain with Rhysand in his domains at the Night Court.
However, her challenges do not only dwell within her heart. Another threat is brewing, and she will be the key to stopping it—but only if she can heal her torn mind and move ahead without fear to reclaim her future and what she wishes to do with her new life.
Following the tradition established in the first book, A Court of Mist and Fury also references folk stories, fairytales, and mythology. In this case, the novel subtly retells the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, particularly Hades and Persephone’s myth.
Book # 3: A Court of Wings and Ruin
The final entry in the original trilogy from the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series, A Court of Wings and Ruin, wraps up the story of Feyre Archeron, her future, and her dynamics with both Tamlin and Rhysand.
The story begins right where the previous book left off—with Feyre returning to the Spring Court again. But she is not the same; the circumstances have changed, and nothing can return to what it was.
In her old chambers and rooms, she has to balance her actions carefully, measure her words, and wear the most perfect of masks—a slip can prove to be her demise and that of everyone she holds dear. Feyre is both a spy and an agent, so it is time for her to hone her skills and power, using her political cunning and magical talents to fulfill her mission to perfection.
But who can she trust?
A Court of Wings and Ruin concludes the main plotline and leaves retellings to the side. Sharp-eyed readers may notice a few fairytale references, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
The Novella
Book # 3.5: A Court of Frost and Starlight
Although not precisely a stand-alone book or core part of the main series, A Court of Frost and Starlight is a supplementary novella that connects the main trilogy and the spin-off novels.
It directly addresses the war’s aftermath in the previous book. As Feyre and her loved ones recall what they earned and what they lost, she ponders the future, the relationships budding around her, and whether or not the scars they have will ever heal.
A treat for fans of the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series, this novella is best considered an epilogue to A Court of Wings and Ruin and a prequel to A Court of Silver Flames.
The Spin-Off Novels
On a 2022 episode of the Fated Mates podcast, Sarah J. Maas confirmed that the following entries within the A Court of Thorns and Roses book series after the main trilogy will focus on different romantic couples.
Thus far, only one has been released, but more are to come that have yet to be revealed.
Book # 4: A Court of Silver Flames
The war is finally over, and Feyre has found her place in the world of the Fae. However, although her story has been told, she is not the only Archeron sister with a tale worth sharing.
Nesta Acheron might be one of Feyre’s sisters, but it was clear they could not be any different. She is temperamental, quick to anger, sharp as her words, and incredibly proud. But most of all, she has changed—she cannot move past being turned into a High Fae against her will and the trauma it brought her.
But as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality and the horrors of the war she witnessed, she finds herself irreversibly fired up by the warrior Cassian—in more ways than one.
Their anger and bickering burn into passionate flames, which they must deal with as they ensure the fragile peace in the realms remains as it is when facing a dangerous threat.
Should You Read The A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series?
If you dream of fantasy books with a little more romance and spicy scenes, then A Court of Thorns and Roses is what you have been looking for.
Although not without its detractors, the series has gained a massive following, which speaks to its allure. It is pretty similar to the “Fair Folk” it portrays in its pages—whimsical yet not afraid of the dark.
Nora Roberts’ books, Rebecca Yarros’ books, or the After Book Series by Anna Todd might be up your alley if you prefer contemporary romance. If you’d rather see other creative reinterpretations of myths, then the Percy Jackson book series and the Harry Potter series are a must-read. For fans of darker themes, exploring dark fantasy and dark romance books could be an intriguing choice.
