Love Sarah J. Maas? These 8 Books Like ‘ACOTAR’ Are Your Next Obsession
These magical, romance-filled reads are perfect for fans of the best-selling series
Key Takeaways
- These 8 romantasy novels offer the magic, romance and adventure that ‘ACOTAR’ fans love.
- From dragon riders and vampires to fae realms, each book delivers unforgettable fantasy worlds.
- If you're searching for your next romantasy obsession, these reader-loved picks are great.
One of the most talked-about romantasy series right now is A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas. The story follows a young woman named Feyre who’s swept into the magical world of Prythian, where chaos, romance, spice and adventure collide in the most addictive way. If you’ve read the books and are anything like us, you’ve been chasing that reading high ever since you turned the final page. Here are the eight best books like ACOTAR to add to your TBR list.
Books like ‘ACOTAR’
From dragon colleges to lords of the Underworld, here are the best books like ACOTAR.
‘From Blood and Ash’ by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout delivers a stunning, action-packed tale in this romantasy favorite. The story follows Poppy, a member of the royal court who has been chosen from birth to be ‘The Maiden’—a role that puts the kingdom’s entire future on her shoulders. But it’s a responsibility she’s not sure she wants. As she prepares for her Ascension, a golden-eyed guard named Hawke enters her life, and suddenly destiny becomes tangled with duty and desire. What follows is a battle of love, fate and trusting oneself.
What readers are saying: “After reading all of Sarah J. Maas’ novels, I’ve been trying to find all the fantasy series I can to fill that void. From Blood and Ash came highly recommended and I am SO glad I picked it up. I absolutely enjoyed this book, and can’t wait to read the rest of the series!”
‘Fourth Wing’ by Rebecca Yarros
Unforgettable characters, spicy romances and epic adventures abound in this #1 New York Times bestselling novel. Violet was supposed to live a quiet life, but the commanding general—who also happens to be her mother—has ordered her to become a dragon rider instead. Now Violet must fight her way to the top of the deadly Basgiath War College and hope her enemy, Xaden Riorson, the ruthless wingleader, doesn’t kill her in the process. This novel is perfect for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope and page-turning plot twists.
What readers are saying: “This is some of the best writing I’ve read in a long time. The details building the story, the environment, the depths of the characters, our heroine and her resolve are just some of why this makes it such a great book. I am so excited that this is a series and not just a one-off. Can’t wait for the next.”
‘The Serpent & the Wings of Night’ by Carissa Broadbent
High-stakes action, complex worlds, vampires—this bestselling romantasy novel has it all. The plot follows Oraya, the human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, after she’s forced to enter the deadly legendary tournament Kejari. While there, she forms an alliance with a mysterious rival named Raihn, and soon sparks begin to fly. This unputdownable novel is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and Twilight.
What readers are saying: “The Serpent & the Wings of Night is an enthralling blend of dark fantasy, romance and action, with a richly built world and emotionally compelling characters. The story delivers on high-stakes tension, brutal competition, and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers hooked. While it leans into some familiar tropes, its execution is excellent, making it a must-read for fans of gothic fantasy and enemies-to-lovers dynamics.”
‘King of Battle and Blood’ by Scarlett St. Clair
Filled with spice, danger and thrills, this romantasy novel by Scarlett St. Clair has it all. To end her country’s years-long war, Isolde de Lara is forced to marry her enemy, the vampire king Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev—whom she hopes to kill. But when her assassination attempt goes wrong, Adrian threatens to turn Isolde into the thing she hates the most: a vampire. Now Isolde must lie, scheme and fight to survive—even as her undeniable attraction to Adrian begins to complicate everything.
What readers are saying: “I want to start this by saying how much I fell in love with Isolde and Adrian from the get go, their chemistry was outstanding. Scarlett has done it again and sucked me into a world I did not want to get out of. She has really out done herself this time, I applaud her and her writing abilities.”
‘Rhapsodic’ by Laura Thalassa
If the bat boys were your favorite part of ACOTAR, you won’t want to miss this novel. Siren Callyso Lillis is haunted by her black beaded bracelet—filled with magical IOUs for favors she once received. Enter the Bargainer, the only one who can help her settle her debts. But in the Otherworld, Fae warriors are mysteriously disappearing, and the Bargainer knows Callyso holds the key to saving them.
What readers are saying: “I couldn’t hit five stars fast enough, or hard enough, for this book! Absolutely one of the best, probably top five, dark fantasy romance novels that I’ve read in my entire life. And that is saying something because I’ve been reading dark fantasy romance for over 25 years. I wholeheartedly recommend that readers give this story a try. I’m rolling right into the second book after finishing the first today!”
‘Quicksilver’ by Callie Hart
This BookTok favorite follows Saeris Fane, a thief who is caught stealing something that accidentally opens a gateway between realms. Soon, she’s whisked away to a land of ice and snow ruled by the Fae. One of them—Kingfisher—is the one Saeris is accidentally bonded to. Can they protect each other’s lives and hearts? Only time will tell.
What readers are saying: “If you’re looking for a story that will grip you from start to finish and leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment, Quicksilver is it. Callie Hart has delivered a masterpiece, and I, for one, cannot wait to see where she takes us in book two.”
‘Kingdom of the Wicked’ by Kerri Maniscalco
Set on the magical streets of 19th-century Sicily, this novel by Kerri Maniscalco is a can’t-miss. Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe—witches who live quietly among humans. One night, Vittoria misses dinner, and when Emilia discovers her beloved twin’s body, she vows to find her sister’s killer and seek vengeance. Then she meets Wrath, one of the “Wicked”—a prince of Hell she’s always been warned about. Can Wrath help Emilia with her deadly plan, or is he not to be trusted? A spicy tale perfect for ACOTAR fans.
What readers are saying: “Hot demon princes, tattoo magic, underworlds, witches in Italy and a high stakes murder mystery…Need I say more? Overall, this was an amazing book and one of my all-time favorites of the year. Definitely check this one out!”
‘Phantasma’ by Kaylie Smith
In this chilling tale, Ophelia inherits her mother’s powerful death magic—and a crushing debt—after her brutal murder. Desperate to save her family, Ophelia’s sister enters Phantasma, a deadly competition where the winner receives one wish. To rescue her, Ophelia must survive nine floors of lethal challenges inside a cursed manor. When the charming yet arrogant Blackwell offers his help, she’s torn. She can’t refuse his protection, but she must guard her heart—because in Phantasma, falling in love may be deadlier than the game itself.
What readers are saying: “Phantasma completely consumed me from the first chapter. The atmosphere is dark, seductive and haunting in the best possible way, blending gothic fantasy with psychological tension so seamlessly that I couldn’t put it down. Every scene felt cinematic and the world-building had that rare quality where it feels both beautiful and dangerous at the same time.”
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