So you have finished A Court of Thorns and Roses, closed the book, and felt that strange mix of joy and emptiness. You loved every page, but now what? The good news is that Sarah J. Maas opened the door to a whole genre packed with fae courts, slow-burn romance, and morally grey love interests who really should not be as charming as they are.
Whether you are after another sweeping fantasy world, a heroine with bite, or a romance that keeps you up well past midnight, this list has something for you. Here are nine books that scratch the same itch as ACOTAR, with a little something for every kind of reader.
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you want dragons, danger, and plenty of tension, start here. Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, who is forced into a brutal war college where the dragons are deadly and the cadets are not much friendlier. It became an instant number one New York Times bestseller and stayed on the list for 18 weeks, so you will be in good company.
The romance between Violet and Xaden has that enemies-to-lovers spark fans of Feyre and Rhysand know so well. It is fast, fierce, and very hard to put down. Tip: clear your weekend before you start, because you will not want to stop at chapter one.
2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This one won the Goodreads Choice Award for Readers’ Favourite Romance in 2020, and it is easy to see why. Poppy has been chosen from birth for a sacred duty, which mostly means she is not allowed to do anything fun. Then she meets a guard called Hawke, and things get complicated in the best way.
Expect forbidden romance, plot twists you will not see coming, and a heroine who slowly learns to fight for herself. If you loved watching Feyre grow stronger across the series, Poppy’s journey will hit the spot.
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Holly Black is the queen of dark and twisty faerie tales, and The Cruel Prince proves it. Jude is a human girl raised in the treacherous world of Faerie, where she is despised for being mortal. Rather than shrink away, she decides to claw her way to power instead.
The rivalry between Jude and the spiteful Prince Cardan crackles on every page. It is sharp, clever, and a little bit wicked. If you like your romance with a side of scheming and political intrigue, this is the one for you.
4. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
If you have not yet read the rest of Maas’s work, why stop at one series? Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, an assassin who is plucked from a salt mine to compete to become the king’s champion. She is deadly, witty, and refuses to be underestimated.
The series grows bigger and more emotional with every book, much like ACOTAR did. You already know you love this author’s style, so this is a safe and very satisfying bet.
5. Crave by Tracy Wolff
Fancy a change from fae? Crave swaps fairies for vampires and other things that go bump in the night. Grace moves to a remote boarding school in Alaska after a family tragedy, only to discover her new classmates are far from ordinary. Then there is Jaxon, brooding and dangerous and completely off limits.
It has that addictive boarding-school setting and a romance full of tension. If you enjoy a moody hero with secrets, you will fly through this one.
6. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
For readers who loved the found-family vibes of the Night Court, Six of Crows is a must. It follows a ragtag crew of thieves, spies, and sharpshooters as they attempt an impossible heist. Each character is flawed, funny, and impossible not to root for.
The romance is more of a slow simmer than a full boil, but the banter and loyalty between the group make up for it. Think clever plotting, witty dialogue, and a cast you will desperately want to protect.
7. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Lara has trained her whole life to be a weapon, sent to marry a king so she can betray him from the inside. The trouble is, the king is not the villain she expected, and her loyalties start to wobble.
This is a brilliant pick if you love a spy romance with plenty of push and pull. The tension between duty and desire is exactly the kind of thing ACOTAR fans adore. It is a slow burn that pays off beautifully.
8. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Often described as a blend of ACOTAR and Cinderella, These Hollow Vows follows Brie, who hates the fae after they took her parents. When her sister is taken too, Brie must enter their glittering, dangerous world to save her, and finds herself caught between two very tempting princes.
If you enjoy a bit of a love triangle, plenty of faerie bargains, and a heroine in over her head, this will keep you happily glued to the sofa.
9. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
For readers who like their fantasy a touch more grown-up, this one mixes witches, vampires, and a sweeping romance that spans centuries. Diana is a historian who would rather ignore her magical heritage, until she stumbles upon an enchanted manuscript and a very compelling vampire named Matthew.
It is richer and slower paced than ACOTAR, but the central romance has the same intensity. Perfect for cosy nights in when you want something to truly sink into. If you enjoy reading into the small hours, you might like some of our other late-night reading picks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I read first if I have only just finished ACOTAR?
Fourth Wing or From Blood and Ash are the easiest places to start. Both have that same blend of action and romance, and they are written in a style that feels very familiar to ACOTAR fans. You will settle in quickly.
Are these books suitable for younger readers?
It depends on the book. Titles like Six of Crows and The Cruel Prince lean more towards young adult, while From Blood and Ash and Fourth Wing have plenty of steamy, adult content. Always check a few reviews if you are buying for a teenager.
What actually is the “romantasy” genre?
Romantasy is simply a mash-up of romance and fantasy. The story gives equal weight to the love story and the magical world around it. ACOTAR is one of the books that helped make the genre wildly popular, so if you loved it, you are already a romantasy fan.
Do I need to read these as full series?
Most of these books are the first in a series, and the stories really open up as they go. You can absolutely read book one on its own, but be warned, you will probably want to carry straight on.
Where can I find more book recommendations?
We share plenty of reviews and reading lists over on our site. Have a browse through our reviews section or pop over to the about page to learn more about what we do.
Finding your next favourite book after ACOTAR does not have to feel like losing an old friend. Any one of these nine titles will pull you straight back into a world of magic, romance, and characters you will not want to leave. Pick one, settle in, and enjoy that wonderful feeling of falling for a new story all over again. Happy reading, and try to get some sleep eventually.