✦ Fantasy Romance📚 14 Novels (as of 2024)🌍 Three Interconnected Universes⭐ #1 NYT Bestseller
About Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is an American fantasy author whose work has come to define the "romantasy" genre — a category she largely created through sheer popularity. She began writing what would become Throne of Glass as a teenager, posting it on FictionPress before landing a major publishing deal. Her books are known for their lush, immersive world-building, morally complex protagonists, and romantic tension that builds relentlessly across series. Her writing evolved from young adult fiction to unambiguously adult content as her career progressed, a shift most readers consider a strengthening of her voice. The ACOTAR series in particular ignited a wave of romantasy that reshaped the fantasy bestseller landscape. All three of her series — ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City — have spent extensive time at the top of the New York Times bestseller lists, and her books have developed some of the most dedicated fandoms in contemporary fiction.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)
5 books + more planned — Adult fantasy romance set in a world of immortal faeries
Where to Start
ACOTAR is adult from book one. If you are new to Maas, this series is the most accessible starting point for readers who prefer to begin with her most polished, fully-realized world. The first book is Beauty and the Beast–adjacent; the series expands enormously in scope from book two onwards.
6 main novels + 1 novella collection — Begins YA, grows into adult epic fantasy
Reading Order
Reading Order NoteThe Assassin's Blade is a prequel novella collection. Most readers recommend starting with Throne of Glass (Book 1) and reading The Assassin's Blade after Book 2, Crown of Midnight — it hits harder with that context.
Tower of Dawn vs. Empire of Storms — Reading Order Debate
These two books take place concurrently. Some readers alternate chapters between the two (a challenging but rewarding approach). Others prefer to read Tower of Dawn entirely before Empire of Storms to avoid spoilers. Both approaches are valid — pick whichever suits your reading style.
3 books (series ongoing) — Urban fantasy set in a modern world of fae, angels, and shifters
Reading Order
Important: Read ACOTAR First
Crescent City shares significant character crossovers and plot threads with the ACOTAR universe — particularly from House of Sky and Breath onwards. For the best experience, read the complete ACOTAR series before starting Crescent City. Spoilers from both series are involved.
Most readers start with either ACOTAR or Throne of Glass. Throne of Glass is the older series and starts firmly in YA territory before growing into something more adult; it rewards readers who enjoy watching a series evolve. ACOTAR is adult from the first book and has tighter world-building in its early volumes — many readers find it the smoother entry point. Crescent City should generally be saved until after ACOTAR due to crossover content.
Do the Sarah J. Maas series connect?
Yes — significantly. The ACOTAR and Crescent City series share characters and major plot threads by House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City Book 2), and the connections become even more central in House of Flame and Shadow. Throne of Glass is largely self-contained but exists in the same broader creative universe. Reading ACOTAR before Crescent City is strongly recommended.
Is Sarah J. Maas appropriate for teens?
Throne of Glass begins as young adult fiction, but the series becomes progressively more adult in content — including explicit romantic and sexual content — from around book four onwards. The ACOTAR series is adult from book one, with explicit content from A Court of Mist and Fury onwards. These books are generally recommended for readers 18 and older, particularly from book two of any series onwards. Parental discretion is advised for younger teens.
What is Sarah J. Maas's best book?
A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR Book 2) is overwhelmingly cited by readers as Maas's finest work. It is commonly listed among the best fantasy romance novels ever written. The combination of its world-building expansion, romantic arc, and character development represents the peak of what Maas does best.
How many books has Sarah J. Maas written?
As of 2024, Sarah J. Maas has published 14 novels across three series, plus a prequel novella collection for Throne of Glass. More books are planned in all three universes, including additional ACOTAR installments.