If there’s one romantasy series that has definitively shaped BookTok into what it is today, it's Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR series. The series now consists of five books in Dutch, and Sarah J. Maas has announced new books—volume 6 will be released on October 27, 2026, and volume 7 will follow on January 12, 2027. DPG Media
Whether you’re just starting or have been a fan for years: this is the complete reading order, all Dutch titles listed, and everything you need to know about the upcoming releases.
What is ACOTAR?
A Court of Thorns and Roses is Sarah J. Maas's retelling of Beauty and the Beast, in which nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre accidentally kills a Fae and is brought to Tamlin's magical court as punishment. The focus is on the tension between the human and Fae worlds, the different courts with their own politics and power, and Feyre's transformation from mortal to High Fae. The romantic plotlines are distinctly present and form the heart of the series. Boekbeschrijvingen.nl
ACOTAR stands for A Court of Thorns and Roses, but in the Netherlands, the series is known as Hof van Doorns en Rozen. The books are published in the Netherlands by Blossom Books.
The complete ACOTAR reading order
Volume 1: Hof van Doorns en Rozen — 2015 (NL: 2016)
The mandatory starting point. Feyre, a nineteen-year-old huntress, 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.
Volume 2: Hof van Mist en Razernij — 2016
The most discussed part of the entire series, and for many readers, the best. The world opens up, new courts come into view, and the series takes a direction no one expected. This is the volume that has generated the most BookTok reaction videos, and for good reason.
Spice level: noticeably higher than Volume 1.
Read this immediately after Volume 1.
Volume 3: Hof van Vleugels en Ruïne — 2017
The third and concluding main part of Feyre's story. The stakes reach their peak, all loose ends are brought together, and the great confrontation follows. One of the thickest volumes in the series, but also one of the most satisfying.
Novella: Hof van IJs en Sterren — 2018
A shorter interlude set after Volume 3, transitioning 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: Hof van Zilver en Vlam — 2020 (spin-off)
The first spin-off in the ACOTAR world, with Feyre's sister Elain as the new perspective. This volume is set in the same world but follows a different character. You need the first three volumes to understand the emotional context.
Volume 5: Hof van Zilveren Vlammen — 2021
The series consists of three main volumes centered around Feyre, followed by a novella and a spin-off focusing on her sister Nesta in Hof van Zilveren Vlammen. This fifth volume is the spiciest of all existing ACOTAR books and an absolute community favorite. Nesta's story concludes here. Boekbeschrijvingen.nl
Spice level: the highest in the series so far.
Volume 6: Hof van Doorns en Rozen #6 — October 27, 2026
Hof van Doorns en Rozen #6 is the first of two announced new volumes in the Hof van Doorns en Rozen series. Publication is scheduled for October 27, 2026. This is the volume the community has been waiting for for five years. Theories about Elain, Azriel, and Lucien have been flying around BookTok for months. Maas has confirmed that the story became too big for one book, which explains why there will be two new volumes instead of one. Boekenwereld
Only start here after reading the first five volumes.
Volume 7: Hof van Doorns en Rozen #7 — January 12, 2027
Hof van Doorns en Rozen #7 follows Volume 6. According to product information from Atlantis Boeken, publication is scheduled for January 12, 2027. This will be the conclusion of the new arc, and presumably one of the biggest BookTok moments of 2027. Boekenwereld
The ACOTAR reading order at a glance
| Order | Dutch title | English | 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 | Hof van Doorns en Rozen #6 | Not yet known | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Volume 7 | Hof van Doorns en Rozen #7 | Not yet known | Jan 12, 2027 |
Do I need to read ACOTAR in order?
Yes, the chronological publication order is essential. Start with A Court of Thorns and Roses. Then read the rest as outlined in the step-by-step plan. DPG Media
This is not a series where you can start at an arbitrary volume. The world-building, relationships, and emotional development of the characters build upon each book. If you start at Volume 2 or later, you'll miss the context that makes the later books so impactful.
What's different about Volumes 6 and 7?
With Volume 6, the series returns to the core of the ACOTAR world, but with different characters in the lead. The community expects Elain and Azriel to finally get their own story, after years of hints in previous volumes. Maas has confirmed that the story became too big for one book, which explains why there are two new volumes instead of one.
Do you read in English or Dutch?
Many readers find the Blossom Books translation fluid and captivating. Some prefer the original English for the wordplay. DPG Media
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, while the Dutch translation sometimes appears a few months later.
How to prepare for Volume 6?
With Volume 6 due on October 27, you still have just enough time to read (or re-read) the series. A practical plan:
- July and August: Read Volumes 1, 2, and 3
- September: Novella and Volume 4
- October: Finish Part 5 by October 27th
- October 27th: Open Part 6
Track your reading progress with our daily planner and mark your favorite scenes with a fantasy bookmark so you can easily find them again.
What are you reading while you wait?
Finished already and waiting for Part 6? These are the most recommended alternatives within the romantasy community:
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: dragons, enemies to lovers, and high stakes in a military academy
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: dark fae courts and morally grey characters
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: similar forbidden romance with extensive worldbuilding
Or surprise yourself with a Blind Date Book (Fantasy) and discover your next fantasy obsession without knowing what you're getting beforehand.
Complete your ACOTAR re-read marathon
An ACOTAR re-read marathon for Part 6 calls for the right setup:
- A fantasy bookmark for each part you read
- An atmospheric glass can for tea or coffee during long reading sessions
- Fantasy die-cut stickers to decorate your reading journal
- A daily planner to keep track of your reading schedule until October 27th
Or join our Book Mail Club for a monthly dose of bookish surprises while you count down to Part 6.
Frequently Asked Questions about ACOTAR Reading Order
How many books are in the ACOTAR series?
There are currently five books plus a novella published. Part 6 will be released on October 27, 2026, and Part 7 on January 12, 2027. So, in total, there will be seven 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 development, world-building, and character relationships are essential to understanding and appreciating the later parts.
When does ACOTAR 6 come out?
Part 6 in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series will be released on October 27, 2026. Part 7 will follow on January 12, 2027.
Is ACOTAR suitable for romantasy beginners?
Yes. The first part, A Court of Thorns and Roses, is one of the most recommended entry points to the romantasy genre. It's accessible, romantic in tone, and gradually builds up to the more intense later parts.
How spicy is ACOTAR?
Part 1 is relatively light in terms of spice. From Part 2 (A Court of Mist and Fury), 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 into Dutch by Blossom Books. The Dutch titles all begin with Hof van (Court of). Whether Parts 6 and 7 will also be released in Dutch has not yet been confirmed.
Where can I buy an ACOTAR-related gift in the Netherlands?
At DopaminePrintsVibe, you'll find fantasy bookmarks, fantasy die-cut stickers, and a Blind Date Book (Fantasy) — all delivered quickly from the Netherlands.
Ready for Prythian?
Whether you're starting A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time or re-reading the series before Part 6 on October 27th: this is the perfect time to dive into the world of Prythian. Start with Part 1, read in order, and make sure you're ready in time for the most anticipated release of the autumn.
Save your place in each part with a fantasy bookmark, keep track of your schedule in our daily planner, and treat yourself to a Blind Date Book (Fantasy) as an interim reading surprise.
Happy reading! 🌹📚