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.
View on Amazon2. Fourth Wing
Dragon riders, enemies-to-lovers, war magic. The 2023 phenomenon. Two books out, series ongoing.
View on AmazonAfter 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.
View on Amazon4. Throne of Glass
Maas's first series — an assassin in a fantasy court. YA in tone, 8 books, complete.
View on AmazonThe 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.
View on Amazon6. The Wicked King
Direct sequel — higher stakes, better twists, devastating ending.
View on AmazonFantasy with Less Romance
7. Six of Crows
A heist novel with an ensemble of misfits. Romance is present but plot-driven.
View on Amazon8. Shadow and Bone
Bardugo's original trilogy set in Ravka. More romance than Six of Crows, equally excellent.
View on AmazonNew Releases Worth Reading
9. Onyx Storm
Third Empyrean book. Picks up immediately after Iron Flame. Read in series order.
View on Amazon10. A Court of Silver Flames
Nesta's story — the darkest and most adult ACOTAR book. Read the first three before this one.
View on Amazon