Fans of Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series gathered at Waterstones stores across the UK on Monday evening for midnight launch parties celebrating the release of the sixth book, A Court of Splintered Harmony, which hit shelves on Tuesday, October 27.
The events featured quizzes, costume competitions and bookish crafts, with attendees encouraged to dress as their favourite characters from the series. At Waterstones' flagship Piccadilly store in London, festivities began at 10pm, including an ACOTAR-themed quiz, a costume competition, a sprayed-edge workshop, drinks and nibbles, and discussions about theories and predictions for the new book.
The ACOTAR phenomenon
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantasy romance series by American author Sarah J Maas, blending magical realms, fae courts, political intrigue and romantic tension. The story centres heavily on Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, and is set in the fictional world of Prythian, where powerful High Lords rule different courts and humans and fae have a complicated history.
Since the first book was published in 2015, ACOTAR has developed a devoted international fanbase and become one of the defining series of the romantasy genre. The original novel follows Feyre Archeron, a human huntress drawn into the dangerous world of the fae after killing a wolf in the woods. Her story develops into a romance with Rhysand, whose relationship with Feyre becomes central to the wider series.
The fifth instalment, A Court of Silver Flames, shifted focus to Feyre's older sister Nesta Archeron and the Illyrian warrior Cassian, exploring their complicated relationship alongside themes of trauma, healing and self-acceptance.
About Sarah J Maas
Sarah J Maas is currently reported to be the highest-selling fantasy and romantasy author in the world, with over 75 to 80 million copies sold globally. She is also known for her Throne of Glass and Crescent City series.
Maas began writing her debut fantasy novel, Throne of Glass, when she was 16. Born in New York City on March 5, 1986, she grew up on Manhattan's Upper West Side in a Jewish household. She graduated magna cum laude from Hamilton College in 2008, earning a degree in creative writing and a minor in religious studies.
What to expect from the new book
A Court of Splintered Harmony returns readers to the magical world of Prythian, though detailed plot information has been kept under wraps. Fan theories have centred on the possibility of the story following the Illyrian warrior Azriel alongside Elain Archeron, the third Archeron sister, although readers will have to wait for confirmation of the storyline.
The release is particularly exciting for readers who have spent years discussing theories online, debating favourite characters and predicting what Maas might have planned next. The following book in the series, A Court of Forgotten Melody, is scheduled for publication on January 12, 2027.
