As a passionate devotee of Sarah J. Maas's “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR), going on a quest to find books similar to this fantasy favorite is a tall task. The romance, intrigue, and mythical elements in ACOTAR have captured the hearts of romantasy readers everywhere.
Through scouring other lists, checking Reddit, and searching GoodReads and BookTok, I've curated a list of books that echo the magical essence of Feyre's journey and the vibrant pulse of the Prythian courts.
Without further ado, pick out a book from this selection of ACOTAR-like books!
Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
1. "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas's “Throne of Glass” begins with the thrilling adventures of Celaena Sardothien, a formidable assassin striving to achieve her freedom within a treacherous kingdom. This series, reminiscent of the twists and emotional depth found in ACOTAR, unfolds with expansive world-building and intricate character developments. Readers will encounter a narrative rich in political intrigue and breathtaking settings, paralleling the romantic and adventurous essence pivotal to ACOTAR fans.
2. "Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood" by Sarah J. Maas
“Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood” continues to showcase Sarah J. Maas’s ability to blend captivating narratives with enchanting writing styles. This novel introduces readers to Bryce Quinlan, who, in the aftermath of her friend's mysterious murder, plunges into a quest for vengeance in a city alive with hidden dangers and celestial quandaries. The blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements forms a compelling saga that resonates deeply with the emotional and adventurous beats of the ACOTAR series.
3. "Serpent & Dove" by Shelby Mahurin
Shelby Mahurin’s “Serpent & Dove” is an enthralling narrative that binds themes of love, sacrifice, and betrayal, much like the beloved ACOTAR series. The plot centers on Lou, a resourceful witch, and Reid, a devout witch hunter, whose lives become entwined through a forced marriage. This arrangement marks the beginning of a complex relationship fraught with tension and passion, set against a backdrop of escalating witchcraft and relentless pursuits. This novel explores the dynamics of love and deception, promising a tumultuous yet endlessly exciting journey for its protagonists.
4. "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
Holly Black’s “The Cruel Prince intertwines the dark with the enchanting through the tale of Jude, a human entangled in the perilous politics of the High Court of Faerie. Surrounded by royal faeries who loathe humankind, Jude's journey of survival and schemes involves cunning plots and sharp twists that will resonate with fans of ACOTAR. The novel's richly crafted world, filled with betrayal and strategic alliances, sets the stage for relationships that evolve in intensity and intrigue, making it an exceptional recommendation for those mesmerized by atmospheric storytelling.
5. "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo
“Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo immerses readers into the Grishaverse, where Alina Starkov discovers her extraordinary power that might free her country from a war-shrouded darkness. This series opener blends magical lore with military strategy, enveloping readers in a world where mystical forces are pitted against human cunning. The expansive world-building and the stark contrasts between light and dark are crafted to appeal to ACOTAR fans, offering a blend of epic narrative scope and complex character dynamics that are both vast and intimately portrayed.
6. "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" by Laini Taylor
Laini Taylor's “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” explores a mesmerizing story of forbidden love that spans worlds and wars, linking Karou, a blue-haired art student who lives between mundane and magical realms, and Akiva, a war-weary seraphim soldier. The novel is celebrated for its lyrical prose and rich imaginative mythology that beautifully parallels the mystical and gothic tones of the ACOTAR series. Readers will find themselves delving into an intricately detailed universe where every emotion and twist is painted with poetic precision, echoing the haunting allure and character entanglements familiar to fans of Maas’s work.
7. "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir's “An Ember in the Ashes” presents an exhilarating tale set in a brutal martial empire where defiance means death. The story follows Laia and Elias as they navigate their entwined destinies of rebellion and survival against a backdrop of oppressive rule and ancient traditions. This novel intricately explores moral complexities and the high stakes of fighting for family and freedom, gripping readers with its intense narrative and richly developed world. Fans of ACOTAR will find the layered narratives and relentless pace a thrilling match to Maas’s tale of resilience and courage.
8. "The Queen of the Tearling" by Erika Johansen
Erika Johansen's “The Queen of the Tearling” introduces readers to Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, who is thrust from obscurity into a heritage of immense responsibility—to reclaim her deceased mother’s throne from corrupt forces. As Kelsea navigates the dangerous labyrinth of court intrigue, dark magic, and sinister plots, she grows from a sheltered girl into a formidable queen. This transformative journey, rich with elements of mystery and magic, mirrors the character evolution of Feyre Archeron in ACOTAR, making it a great read for fans of powerful heroines and political games and machinations.
9. "Hush, Hush" by Becca Fitzpatrick
In “Hush, Hush,” Becca Fitzpatrick crafts a dark and seductive world where fallen angels and forbidden love collide. The novel follows Nora Grey, an average high school student whose life takes a tumultuous turn with the arrival of the enigmatic Patch Cipriano, whose angelic origins harbor a dangerous past. The romantic entanglements and ethereal mysteries at the heart of this story will deeply resonate with ACOTAR fans, offering a perfect blend of suspense, romance, and supernatural stakes.
10. "Rhapsodic" by Laura Thalassa
Laura Thalassa's “Rhapsodic” explores the lives of the Siren, Callie, and the Bargainer, Des, who reunite under complex circumstances involving a pact sealed years earlier in desperation. The narrative unfolds with intense emotional layers and magical contracts, echoing the intricate bargains and relationships found in ACOTAR. Thalassa portrays a multifaceted tale of love, secrets, and consequences, woven with themes of redemption and power that will captivate readers looking for depth and darkness akin to Maas's series.
These carefully curated books are similar to ACOTAR in the sense that they will delight you with complex characters, intricate plots, and fantastical worlds. If you choose to read them, you will remember the initial joy and thrill you felt when first reading ACOTAR. Each book offers a sanctuary, a portal to realms as vivid and compelling as Prythian, catering to the insatiable appetite of readers drawn to epic tales of struggle, romance, and self-discovery.