Sarah J Maas has confirmed she has finished the first draft of ACOTAR 6, the next instalment in her hugely popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The author posted on Instagram on 12th July 2025, showing a notebook labelled ACOTAR 1-6 and popping champagne, with the caption 'First drafts DONE'. For fans eager to prepare for the new book, here are five essential reads from Maas's interconnected fantasy worlds.
First, the ACOTAR series itself. Beginning with A Court of Thorns and Roses, it follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal taken to the fae lands after killing a wolf. She becomes entangled with High Fae lord Tamlin and uncovers a deadly curse. The series blends magic, romance and political intrigue across multiple books.
Second, the Crescent City series should be read before ACOTAR 6. There is a crossover between the two worlds in House of Flame and Shadow, the third Crescent City book. The series follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae party girl, after the murder of her friends. Maas has confirmed a fourth Crescent City book is coming, though she was originally under contract for only three.
Third, the Throne of Glass series follows assassin Celaena Sardothien as she competes to become the king's champion. The prequel collection The Assassin's Blade can be read either before the main series or after Heir of Fire, depending on preference.
Fourth, while there is no strict reading order, general consensus suggests reading Crescent City last due to the crossover. For a more accessible starting point, many recommend beginning with ACOTAR.
Finally, fans can also look forward to the upcoming ACOTAR 6, which Maas is actively working on. No release date has been announced yet, but the completion of the first draft marks significant progress.
