Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses

Looking for books like ACOTAR? If you've finished Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series and are desperately searching for your next romantasy read, you're in the right place. As someone who fell head over heels for Feyre and Rhysand's story, I understand the challenge of finding books that capture that same magical blend of fantasy, steamy romance, and rich world-building that makes ACOTAR so special. In this post, I'll share five books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses that will sweep you into new enchanting worlds filled with magic, complex characters, and heart-racing romance. Whether you're craving more enemies-to-lovers plotlines, or strong heroines discovering their powers, these recommendations will help fill the void now that you're done with ACOTAR. Grab your favorite reading beverage, get cozy, and let's explore some amazing books similar to ACOTAR that deserve a spot on your TBR list. Just a heads-up, this post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)

Books Similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Book Cover

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Laini Taylor

If you loved ACOTAR, you'll be enchanted by Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke & Bone. This beautifully written fantasy follows Karou, a mysterious art student who runs errands collecting teeth for her chimera family. Like Feyre's journey into the fae realms, Karou's world expands dramatically when she discovers her true identity and becomes entangled with Akiva, a seraphim warrior. The forbidden romance between these two characters from warring species echoes the complexity and passion of Feyre and Rhysand's relationship, while the rich mythology and stunning Prague setting create the same kind of immersive, magical atmosphere that made ACOTAR so captivating.

How it's similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Subgenre

Fantasy
Romance

Tone

Dark/Serious
Emotional/Heartwarming
Suspenseful/Thrilling
Whimsical/Fantastical

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Big City
Mysterious Location
Nature

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Carissa Broadbent

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent captures the same addictive blend of romance and political intrigue that ACOTAR fans adore. Following Oraya, a human raised in a vampire court, this story features the same fish-out-of-water element that made Feyre's introduction to the fae world so compelling. The slow-burn romance with Raihn, a dangerous vampire warrior, mirrors the enemies-to-lovers dynamic that ACOTAR readers can't get enough of. Plus, the tournament setting, court politics, and themes of power and identity will remind you of Feyre's journey to find her strength in the Night Court.

How it's similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Subgenre

Fantasy
Romance

Tone

Dark/Serious
Emotional/Heartwarming
Suspenseful/Thrilling
Whimsical/Fantastical

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Mysterious Location
Nature

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

Words of Radiance

Brandon Sanderson

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson might seem like an unexpected recommendation for ACOTAR fans, but hear me out. While it's less romance-focused, this epic fantasy captures the same sense of a powerful heroine coming into her own that made Feyre's story so compelling. Shallan's journey from sheltered scholar to powerful Radiant parallels Feyre's transformation from mortal huntress to High Fae. The complex magic system, political intrigue, and themes of sacrifice and loyalty create the same kind of rich, layered world-building that made ACOTAR's fae courts so fascinating. Plus, Shallan's complicated relationship with Adolin offers a sweet romantic subplot that will appeal to ACOTAR readers.

How it's similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Subgenre

Fantasy
Romance

Tone

Dark/Serious
Emotional/Heartwarming
Suspenseful/Thrilling
Whimsical/Fantastical

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Big City
Mysterious Location
Nature

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

Fourth Wing

Rebecca Yarros

If you're missing the intensity and romance of ACOTAR, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros will sweep you off your feet. This fantasy romance follows Violet as she trains to become a dragon rider at a brutal war college, facing both physical challenges and political machinations that will remind you of Feyre's trials Under the Mountain. The enemies-to-lovers romance between Violet and the fierce, brooding Xaden captures the same electric chemistry and emotional depth that made Feyre and Rhysand's relationship so unforgettable. The combination of high-stakes action, steamy romance, and complex character relationships makes this a perfect next read for ACOTAR fans.

How it's similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Subgenre

Fantasy
Romance

Tone

Dark/Serious
Emotional/Heartwarming
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Mysterious Location
Nature

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning
Book Cover

From Blood and Ash

Jennifer L. Armentrout

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is perhaps the closest spiritual successor to ACOTAR you'll find, sharing so many of the elements that made Maas's series a sensation. Following Poppy, a Maiden who's been sheltered her entire life, this story mirrors Feyre's journey of self-discovery and liberation from restrictive traditions. Like ACOTAR, it features a fierce heroine who questions everything she's been taught when she meets a mysterious and alluring guard named Hawke. The slow-burn romance, rich mythology, and shocking plot twists capture that same addictive quality that kept you turning pages in ACOTAR. Plus, the steamy scenes, supernatural elements, and themes of destiny and forbidden love will feel wonderfully familiar to fans of the Night Court, while offering its own unique and compelling world to get lost in.

How it's similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses

Subgenre

Fantasy
Romance

Tone

Dark/Serious
Emotional/Heartwarming
Suspenseful/Thrilling

Narrative

Character-Driven
Dialogue-Heavy
Lyrical/Descriptive
Multi-Perspective
Plot-Driven

Character Tropes

The Anti-Hero
The Hero
The Lover
The Mentor
The Outsider
The Rebel

Plot Tropes

Enemies to Lovers
Love
Sacrifice
Survival
The Hero's Journey
The Journey

Setting Tropes

Mysterious Location
Nature

Conflict Tropes

Betrayal and Revenge
Death or Threat of Death
Dysfunctional Families
Good vs. Evil
Identity Crisis
Man vs. Self

Theme Tropes

Coming of Age
Friendship
Grief and Loss
Search for Meaning