Yarros
Fourth Wing
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The Empyrean
Rebecca Yarros - 3 books
Dragon riders, forbidden romance, deadly stakes. The other breakout romantasy series of the 2020s.
Series - Books in order
A Court of Thorns and Roses books in order
by Sarah J. Maas - 5 books - 2015-2021 - Updated June 2026
Feyre Archeron is a mortal huntress dragged into the immortal lands of the Fae after killing a wolf in the woods. What starts as a Beauty and the Beast retelling quickly spirals into something far bigger, spanning courts, wars, and one of the most talked-about romantic arcs in modern fantasy. The series shifts perspective in later books, which divides readers but keeps things fresh.
Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
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1
Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
✦
1
The short answer
Read in publication order, starting with A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015). publication.
5 books - read in publication order
Show orderPublication order
Contains affiliate links| # | Book | Published | Rating | Where to read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Court of Thorns and Roses A Court of Thorns and RosesStart | 2015 | 4.2 | Kindle $10.99Paperback $12.99Audible $14.99Bookshop $13.99 |
| 2 | A Court of Mist and Fury A Court of Mist and Fury | 2016 | 4.6 | Kindle $10.99Paperback $12.99Audible $14.99Bookshop $13.99 |
| 3 | A Court of Wings and Ruin A Court of Wings and Ruin | 2017 | 4.4 | Kindle $10.99Paperback $12.99Audible $14.99Bookshop $13.99 |
| 4 | A Court of Frost and Starlight A Court of Frost and Starlight A bridge novella set between the original trilogy and Silver Flames. | 2018 | 3.8 | Kindle $9.99Paperback $11.99Audible $11.99Bookshop $12.99 |
| 5 | A Court of Silver Flames A Court of Silver Flames Shifts focus to Nesta Archeron. | 2021 | 4.3 | Kindle $13.99Paperback $14.99Audible $14.99Bookshop $16.99 |
Our recommended reading order
publication
Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses
✦
Best book to start with
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Book #1, and still the best on-ramp. It sets up everything that makes this series work.
Catch up on the whole series
Box sets in print, or listen on Audible.
Similar series
If you love A Court of Thorns and Roses, try these next.
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✦
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Maas
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✦
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Armentrout
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✦
From Blood and Ash
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Frequently asked questions
It was originally marketed as YA, but starting with A Court of Mist and Fury the content is firmly adult. Explicit sexual content, graphic violence, and mature themes run through the later books. Most bookstores now shelve it in adult fantasy.
You can, but it sets up character dynamics that matter in Silver Flames. It is short and low-stakes compared to the main novels, more of a holiday novella, but it bridges the gap between the two arcs.
Sarah J. Maas has confirmed she plans to write more books in this world, likely focusing on other members of the Inner Circle. No release dates have been announced as of 2025.
Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026