Complete Beginners: Start Here
These are the easiest entry points — accessible, complete (or close to it), and enormously popular for good reason.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
The entry point for most romantasy readers. Huntress taken to faerie court, dangerous romance, complete 5-book series.
Check price →2. Fourth Wing
Dragon riders, enemies-to-lovers, war magic. The 2023 phenomenon. Two books out, series ongoing.
Check price →After ACOTAR: Where to Go
3. Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood
Maas's adult urban fantasy series set in a world of half-fae, angels, and demons. More explicit than ACOTAR.
Check price →4. Throne of Glass
Maas's first series — an assassin in a fantasy court. YA in tone, 8 books, complete.
Check price →The Cruel Prince Route
5. The Cruel Prince
A mortal girl in the faerie court determines to win power no matter the cost. Darker and more political than ACOTAR.
Check price →6. The Wicked King
Direct sequel — higher stakes, better twists, devastating ending.
Check price →Fantasy with Less Romance
7. Six of Crows
A heist novel with an ensemble of misfits. Romance is present but plot-driven.
Check price →8. Shadow and Bone
Bardugo's original trilogy set in Ravka. More romance than Six of Crows, equally excellent.
Check price →New Releases Worth Reading
9. Onyx Storm
Third Empyrean book. Picks up immediately after Iron Flame. Read in series order.
Check price →10. A Court of Silver Flames
Nesta's story — the darkest and most adult ACOTAR book. Read the first three before this one.
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