If there's one romantasy series that definitively shaped BookTok into what it is today, it's Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR series. With five existing volumes, a novella, and three new books on the horizon, this is the series every romantasy fan knows – or should know.
This is the complete reading order: all parts listed, what each book entails, and where to begin.
Want to know everything about ACOTAR 6? Read our comprehensive article: ACOTAR 6: everything you need to know – including theories, the Call Her Daddy announcement, and the latest news on volumes 7 and 8.
What is ACOTAR?
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a romantasy series by Sarah J. Maas. It is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, in which the nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre accidentally kills a Fae and is subsequently taken to the magical realm of Prythian.
The focus is on the tension between the human and Fae worlds, the politics between the different courts, and Feyre's transformation from mortal to High Fae. The romantic plotlines are distinctly present and form the heart of the series.
The books are published in the Netherlands by Blossom Books.
The complete ACOTAR reading order
Volume 1: A Court of Thorns and Roses — 2016
The mandatory starting point. Feyre accidentally kills a wolf in the forest — a wolf who turns out to be a Fae. As punishment, she is taken to the magical realm of Prythian, to the Spring Court of the Fae Tamlin. What begins as captivity slowly grows into something she never expected.
This first volume is more accessible and romantic in tone than the later ones, and is the perfect entry point for readers new to romantasy.
Always start here. Never with a later volume.
Spice level: 🌶️
Volume 2: A Court of Mist and Fury — 2016
The most discussed part of the entire series and for many readers, the best. The world opens up, new courts appear, and the series takes a direction no one expected. This is the volume that generated the most BookTok reaction videos — and for good reason.
Read this immediately after volume 1.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Volume 3: A Court of Wings and Ruin — 2017
The third and concluding main part of Feyre's story. The stakes reach their peak, all loose ends are tied together, and the great confrontation follows. One of the thickest volumes in the series but also one of the most satisfying.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Novella: A Court of Frost and Starlight — 2018
A shorter interlude that takes place after volume 3 and transitions to the spin-off volumes. Not strictly mandatory but a nice moment of calm after the intensity of volume 3 and a good bridge to Nesta's story.
Read after volume 3, before volume 4.
Volume 4: A Court of Silver Flames (Part 1) — 2020
The first spin-off in the ACOTAR world. This volume takes place in the same world but follows a different character. You need the first three volumes to understand the emotional context.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Volume 5: A Court of Silver Flames — 2021
The spiciest of all existing ACOTAR books and an absolute community favorite. Nesta's story concludes here in a satisfying way that fans of the series won't want to miss.
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Volume 6: ACOTAR 6 — October 27, 2026
The long-awaited sixth volume. After five years of waiting, the series returns to the core of the ACOTAR world with new main characters.
Read all about ACOTAR 6 in our comprehensive news article → ACOTAR 6: everything you need to know
Volume 7: ACOTAR 7 — January 12, 2027
Volume 7 follows quickly after Volume 6 and contains parts two and three of the big new story Maas has written.
Volume 8: ACOTAR 8 — to be confirmed
Sarah J. Maas confirmed that there will also be a fourth part of the new story. A release date has not yet been announced.
The reading order at a glance
| Order | Dutch title | English title | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume 1 | Hof van Doorns en Rozen | A Court of Thorns and Roses | 2016 |
| Volume 2 | Hof van Mist en Razernij | A Court of Mist and Fury | 2016 |
| Volume 3 | Hof van Vleugels en Ruïne | A Court of Wings and Ruin | 2017 |
| Novella | Hof van Ijs en Sterren | A Court of Frost and Starlight | 2018 |
| Volume 4 | Hof van Zilver en Vlam | A Court of Silver Flames (part 1) | 2020 |
| Volume 5 | Hof van Zilveren Vlammen | A Court of Silver Flames | 2021 |
| Volume 6 | ACOTAR 6 | Not yet known | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Volume 7 | ACOTAR 7 | Not yet known | Jan 12, 2027 |
| Volume 8 | ACOTAR 8 | Not yet known | To be confirmed |
Should I read ACOTAR in order?
Yes, absolutely. This is not a series where you can start at any random part. The world-building, relationships, and emotional development of the characters build upon each book. If you start at volume 2 or later, you will miss the context that makes the later books so impactful.
Always start with A Court of Thorns and Roses (volume 1).
Do you read English or Dutch?
Both options work excellently. The Dutch translation by Blossom Books is of good quality and pleasant to read. Those who choose the English version have the advantage that new releases are immediately available — the Dutch translation sometimes appears several months later.
What to read after ACOTAR?
Already finished and waiting for Volume 6? These are the most recommended alternatives:
Fourth Wing — Rebecca Yarros
Dragons, enemies to lovers, and high stakes in a military academy. Also read our Fourth Wing reading order guide.
The Cruel Prince — Holly Black
Dark fae courts and morally grey characters — the perfect spooky season read while you wait for ACOTAR 6.
Blood and Ash — Jennifer L. Armentrout
Similar forbidden romance with extensive world-building and a spicy edge. Also read our Blood and Ash reading order guide.
Or be surprised with a Blind Date Book (Fantasy) and discover your next romantasy obsession without knowing what you'll get beforehand.
Complete your ACOTAR reading marathon
🌙 The perfect ACOTAR reading kit:
✔ Fantasy bookmark — for every epic Prythian moment
✔ Spicy bookmark — for the warmer ACOTAR moments
✔ Reading Log Book Tracker (€1.99) — keep track of which volumes you've read
✔ Book Review Notepad (€7.99) — record your theories and reactions per volume
✔ Fantasy die-cut stickers — decorate your reading journal or Kindle
✔ Romantasy Book Club Tote Bag — carry your ACOTAR love with you
✔ Glass Can — for the tea that accompanies long Prythian evenings
✔ Blind Date Book (Fantasy) — for a fantasy surprise between volumes
🚚 We ship worldwide
We ship all our bookish accessories to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and all other EU countries. We also ship to the United Kingdom, America, and more countries worldwide.
→ View the full shop
Happy reading — and mark October 27th in your calendar! 🌹📚
Frequently asked questions about the ACOTAR reading order
How many books are in the ACOTAR series?
There are currently five books plus a novella. Part 6 will be released on October 27, 2026, Part 7 on January 12, 2027, and Part 8 will follow thereafter. In total, there will be eight books plus the novella.
Do I have to read ACOTAR in order?
Yes, absolutely. Always start with A Court of Thorns and Roses (Part 1). The emotional build-up and world development are essential to understand and appreciate the later parts.
When is ACOTAR 6 coming out?
Part 6 will be released on October 27, 2026. Part 7 will follow on January 12, 2027. Read all about ACOTAR 6 in our detailed news article.
Is ACOTAR suitable for romantasy beginners?
Yes. The first part is one of the most recommended entry points for romantasy. It is accessible, romantically toned, and slowly builds up to the more intense later parts.
How spicy is ACOTAR?
Part 1 is relatively light. From Part 2 onwards, the heat noticeably increases. Part 5 (A Court of Silver Flames) is the most explicit of the entire series.
Are the ACOTAR books available in Dutch?
Yes, all five published parts have been translated by Blossom Books. Whether Parts 6, 7, and 8 will also be released in Dutch has not yet been confirmed.
What do I read after ACOTAR?
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, or Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout are the most recommended next steps. Or let yourself be surprised with a Blind Date Book (Fantasy).
Where can I buy ACOTAR-related accessories in the Netherlands?
At DopaminePrintsVibe you will find fantasy bookmarks, fantasy stickers and Blind Date Books (Fantasy) — shipped from the Netherlands to all of Europe and worldwide.