30 Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
If you’re like me and you’ve devoured A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas, you’re probably left with that familiar book hangover, yearning for more enchanting worlds, complex characters, and intense romance.
ACOTAR is one of those series that grabs hold of your imagination and refuses to let go, with its blend of high fantasy, swoon-worthy romance, and intricate political intrigue.
But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
Here are some amazing books that capture the same kind of magic and will hopefully satisfy your craving for more.
Whether you’re looking for more fierce heroines, dangerous fae, or epic love stories, these books have got it all.
Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Alright, let’s start with the obvious choice—if you haven’t already read Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series, what are you waiting for?
It’s by the same author, so you know you’re in for a wild ride. The series follows Celaena Sardothien, an infamous assassin who’s dragged out of prison to compete in a deadly tournament to become the King’s Champion.
As she navigates court politics, uncovers dark secrets, and faces her past, Celaena’s story becomes more complex and compelling with each book.
The vibe is similar to ACOTAR in terms of strong female leads, slow-burn romances, and a richly built world that expands in scope as the series progresses.
Plus, there are fae, magic, and some serious plot twists that will keep you glued to the pages.
2. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
An Ember in the Ashes is another series that will sweep you off your feet with its gripping plot and unforgettable characters.
Set in a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, the story follows Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, as their lives become entwined in a fight against the Empire that controls them.
Like ACOTAR, this series is full of tension, high stakes, and a slow-burn romance that will make your heart ache.
The world-building is detailed and immersive, and the characters’ struggles with loyalty, love, and survival will keep you emotionally invested throughout the series.
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
If you’re obsessed with the fae and the intricacies of their dangerous world, then The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a must-read. The story follows Jude, a mortal girl who’s trying to navigate the treacherous world of the fae after being taken to live in their realm.
Jude is a fierce, cunning protagonist who refuses to be a pawn in the games of the fae. The book is full of court intrigue, power plays, and morally gray characters. And let’s not forget the intense, love-hate relationship between Jude and the dark, brooding faerie prince, Cardan.
If you loved the tension between Feyre and Rhysand, this will be right up your alley.
4. The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski
The Winner’s Curse is the first book in a trilogy that blends romance, politics, and war in a beautifully written story. It follows Kestrel, the daughter of a general, who buys a slave, Arin, at an auction, only to find herself drawn into a complex web of love, betrayal, and rebellion.
The romance here is exquisitely done, with plenty of tension and slow-building chemistry. The characters are smart and strategic, and the story is filled with twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you’re looking for a tale of star-crossed lovers and political intrigue, this one’s for you.
5. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Witches, forbidden love, and a bit of enemies-to-lovers tension—Serpent & Dove has it all. The story centers on Lou, a witch who’s forced into a marriage with Reid, a witch hunter, in a world where magic and the Church are at odds.
The dynamic between Lou and Reid is electric, with plenty of banter, tension, and eventual swoon-worthy romance.
The world is richly detailed, with a blend of magic and religious conflict that adds depth to the story. If you loved the romance and magical elements in ACOTAR, this series will likely hit the spot.
6. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
For something a little different but equally captivating, The Bone Season is a unique blend of dystopian fantasy and paranormal elements.
The story is set in a future where clairvoyants are hunted by a mysterious organization, and it follows Paige Mahoney, a dreamwalker who gets captured and taken to a hidden city.
The world-building in this series is intricate and imaginative, and the plot is full of twists and turns. There’s also a compelling romance that develops over the series, with a slow-burn quality that ACOTAR fans will appreciate. Plus, if you love a strong, complex heroine, Paige is one of the best.
7. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling is a fantasy novel that centers on Katsa, a young woman who is “graced” with the power to kill.
In a world where those with graces are used by kings for their own purposes, Katsa rebels against her role as an assassin and seeks to discover her own path.
The romance between Katsa and Po, another graced fighter, is tender and beautifully written, with an emphasis on mutual respect and partnership.
The world of Graceling is well-crafted, and the story is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and romance. If you’re drawn to strong heroines and well-developed fantasy worlds, this one’s a gem.
8. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash is a recent favorite that has been taking the book community by storm.
It follows Poppy, a young woman chosen by the gods to be the Maiden, kept isolated from the world until she’s drawn into a web of secrets and forbidden desires.
This book is packed with steamy romance, action, and a richly developed world. The dynamic between Poppy and Hawke, the brooding guard assigned to protect her, is intense and filled with tension.
If you’re a fan of the romantic and supernatural elements in ACOTAR, this book (and its sequels) will definitely appeal to you.
9. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a beautifully written, richly imaginative story that blends fantasy, romance, and a touch of darkness. The story follows Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague who is drawn into a war between angels and demons.
The writing in this book is lyrical and evocative, with a story that’s both epic and intimate.
The romance between Karou and Akiva, a seraph warrior, is intense and emotional, filled with longing and tragedy. If you’re looking for a book that will sweep you away with its world-building and emotional depth, this one’s a must-read.
10. Furyborn by Claire Legrand
Furyborn is the first book in the Empirium trilogy, a story that spans centuries and follows two fierce heroines—Rielle, a queen with immense power, and Eliana, a bounty hunter living a thousand years later.
Their stories are intertwined in a tale of prophecy, power, and destiny.
The world-building in Furyborn is expansive and detailed, with a plot that’s full of twists and turns. The characters are complex and compelling, and the dual timelines add an intriguing layer to the story.
If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with strong female leads and intricate plots, this series is definitely worth diving into.
11. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
The Shadows Between Us is often described as a “Slytherin romance,” and for good reason. The story follows Alessandra, a cunning and ambitious young woman who plans to woo, marry, and then kill the Shadow King to take his throne. But as she gets to know him, her plans start to get a bit… complicated.
This book is perfect if you loved the morally gray characters and the intricate power plays in ACOTAR.
The romance is full of tension and chemistry, and the plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end. If you’re in the mood for a dark and deliciously wicked read, this one’s for you.
12. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen is set in a world divided by blood—those with red blood are commoners, and those with silver blood have supernatural abilities and rule over the rest. The story follows Mare Barrow, a red-blooded girl who discovers she has a power of her own, one that could topple the balance of power.
If you loved the themes of rebellion, power, and hidden strengths in ACOTAR, you’ll be hooked by Red Queen.
The series has a great mix of action, political intrigue, and a complicated love triangle that will keep you on your toes. Plus, the world-building is detailed and immersive, making it easy to lose yourself in Mare’s story.
13. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Beauty and the Beast retellings seem to have a special place in many readers’ hearts, and A Curse So Dark and Lonely is one of the best.
The story centers on Harper, a girl with cerebral palsy who gets pulled into a cursed kingdom where Prince Rhen is doomed to repeat the same season until he finds someone to love him.
This book is perfect if you loved the fairy tale elements in ACOTAR, but with a fresh twist. The characters are well-developed, the romance is tender and real, and the stakes are high as Harper tries to break the curse and save the kingdom. If you’re a fan of retellings with strong heroines, this one’s a must-read.
14. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, The Wrath & The Dawn tells the story of Shahrzad, a young woman who volunteers to marry the murderous Caliph of Khorasan, Khalid, in order to avenge her best friend’s death. Every night, she tells him a story to delay her execution, all the while plotting to kill him—until she starts to uncover the truth about Khalid and his curse.
The romance in this book is beautifully written, with layers of intrigue and emotion that will keep you hooked. If you loved the blend of romance, mystery, and magic in ACOTAR, you’ll fall in love with this story. The lush setting and lyrical writing make it a truly enchanting read.
15. The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
The Queen of the Tearling follows Kelsea Raleigh Glynn, a young princess who must reclaim her deceased mother’s throne and save her kingdom from a powerful, tyrannical ruler. But as she grows into her role, Kelsea discovers that ruling a kingdom is more complicated and dangerous than she ever imagined.
This book is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of political intrigue, magic, and a strong, determined heroine. The world-building is intricate, and the story delves deep into the complexities of power and leadership. If you appreciated the character growth and moral dilemmas in ACOTAR, The Queen of the Tearling will resonate with you.
16. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy with a feminist twist, The Priory of the Orange Tree is an absolute must-read. This standalone novel is set in a world divided by fear of an ancient dragon, and it follows multiple characters, including Ead, a mage protecting a queen; Tané, a dragonrider; and Niclays, an exiled alchemist.
The world-building in this book is incredibly detailed, with rich history, politics, and a complex magic system. The story is vast, spanning continents and involving a diverse cast of characters, but it also has deeply personal moments and relationships. If you loved the epic scope and strong female characters in ACOTAR, The Priory of the Orange Tree will sweep you off your feet.
17. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Shadow and Bone is the first book in the Grisha Trilogy, set in a world inspired by Tsarist Russia, where magic and monsters reign.
The story follows Alina Starkov, an orphan who discovers she has a rare power that could be the key to saving her war-torn country. She’s whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a Grisha, where she must navigate a world of dark magic and dangerous politics.
The romance, magic, and richly developed world in Shadow and Bone will remind you of ACOTAR. Plus, the Darkling is one of those complex, magnetic characters who will leave you torn between love and fear.
If you enjoy fantasy with a mix of light and dark elements, this series is a fantastic choice.
18. The Falconer by Elizabeth May
The Falconer is set in an alternate 19th-century Scotland, where Lady Aileana Kameron, a debutante by day and a ruthless fae hunter by night, seeks revenge for her mother’s murder.
Aileana is trained by a mysterious fae, Kiaran, and as she delves deeper into the world of the fae, she uncovers secrets that could change everything.
This book is action-packed, with plenty of fae lore, steampunk elements, and a slow-burn romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you loved the fierce heroines and fae intrigue in ACOTAR, The Falconer will definitely appeal to you.
19. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Iron King is the first book in The Iron Fey series, which follows Meghan Chase, a girl who discovers she’s the daughter of a faerie king and is thrust into a world of mythical creatures and dangerous magic.
Meghan must navigate the treacherous world of the fae and uncover the truth about her identity, all while dealing with an intense love triangle.
If you loved the fae mythology and romantic tension in ACOTAR, this series will be right up your alley. The world-building is rich and imaginative, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked.
Plus, Meghan’s journey of self-discovery and courage is both relatable and inspiring.
20. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
Cruel Beauty is a dark and twisted retelling of Beauty and the Beast, set in a world where demons and magic reign.
Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom, Ignifex, since birth, and she’s been trained to kill him. But when she finally meets him, she finds herself drawn to him in ways she never expected.
The story is darkly romantic, with a blend of mythology, magic, and mystery that will keep you enthralled. If you loved the complex relationships and morally ambiguous characters in ACOTAR, Cruel Beauty is a perfect pick.
The writing is lush and atmospheric, making it a truly immersive read.
21. The Witchlands series by Susan Dennard
Starting with Truthwitch, this series is set in a world where magic is real and everyone has a special kind of witchery.
The story primarily follows two best friends, Safiya, a Truthwitch who can tell truth from lies, and Iseult, a Threadwitch who can see the bonds between people. They get caught up in political intrigue, war, and their own destinies as they fight to survive.
If you enjoyed the strong female friendships, political intrigue, and magic in ACOTAR, the Witchlands series offers all of that with a fast-paced plot and a richly developed world.
The dynamic between the characters and the detailed magic system will keep you hooked from the first page.
22. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Kingdom of the Wicked is a dark fantasy filled with mystery, demons, and a brewing romance that’s both tantalizing and dangerous.
The story follows Emilia, a witch who embarks on a mission to find her twin sister’s murderer, and in the process, she inadvertently summons Wrath, one of the Wicked—demonic princes who represent the seven deadly sins.
This book is perfect for those who loved the dark and seductive elements of ACOTAR.
The slow-burn romance, the morally ambiguous characters, and the Gothic atmosphere create a story that’s both enchanting and chilling. If you like your fantasy with a side of mystery and a sprinkle of danger, this is a great choice.
23. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Shatter Me is set in a dystopian world where the government has collapsed, and the environment has been ravaged.
The story follows Juliette, a girl with a deadly touch—anyone she touches dies. Locked away because of her power, she becomes a pawn in a war, while also grappling with her growing feelings for two very different men.
If you enjoyed the themes of power, control, and forbidden romance in ACOTAR, Shatter Me will resonate with you.
The writing is poetic and emotional, drawing you deep into Juliette’s psyche as she struggles with her own nature and the world around her.
The series evolves into a blend of action, romance, and a deep exploration of power and identity.
24. The Midnight Lie by Marie Rutkoski
In The Midnight Lie, we return to the world first introduced in The Winner’s Curse, but this time, we follow Nirrim, a girl who lives in a society where her people are oppressed and forbidden from dreaming of a better life.
When she meets Sid, a traveler with a mysterious past, Nirrim starts to question everything she’s been taught.
This book has a slow-burn romance, lush writing, and a world that is as dangerous as it is enchanting.
If you loved the themes of questioning authority and the exploration of forbidden love in ACOTAR, The Midnight Lie will draw you in with its depth and beauty.
25. Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
Spin the Dawn is a YA fantasy inspired by Chinese mythology, often described as Mulan meets Project Runway.
It follows Maia Tamarin, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to compete for the position of imperial tailor, only to find herself on a quest to sew three magical dresses—made from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars.
This book is for you if you loved the fairy tale elements and the journey of self-discovery in ACOTAR. The romance is tender and magical, the quest is epic, and the world-building is richly woven with myth and legend.
It’s a story that will make you believe in magic and the power of dreams.
26. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
In Sorcery of Thorns, Elisabeth has grown up in a library that houses grimoires—magical books that can transform into terrifying monsters.
When one of the most dangerous grimoires is released, Elisabeth is implicated in the crime and must team up with her sworn enemy, a sorcerer named Nathaniel, to stop the chaos.
This book is perfect for fans of libraries, magic, and a touch of enemies-to-lovers romance. The story is atmospheric, with lush descriptions and a unique magic system.
If you enjoyed the magical elements and the slow-burn romance in ACOTAR, Sorcery of Thorns will be a delightful read.
27. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
Wicked Saints is the first book in the Something Dark and Holy trilogy, set in a world of blood magic, religious wars, and gods who walk among mortals.
The story follows Nadya, a girl who can speak to the gods, and her unlikely alliance with a blood mage and a prince as they try to stop a war.
This book is for those who love dark fantasy with a morally complex plot and characters who constantly struggle with the line between good and evil.
If you enjoyed the intensity, the high stakes, and the intricate world-building of ACOTAR, Wicked Saints will captivate you.
28. Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Sky in the Deep is a Viking-inspired fantasy that follows Eelyn, a fierce warrior from the Aska clan, who is shocked to see her brother—who she thought was dead—fighting with the enemy.
As she uncovers the truth, she’s forced to ally with the enemy to survive.
This book is perfect for those who loved the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in ACOTAR.
The romance is subtle but strong, and the story is filled with action, emotion, and a rich exploration of family and honor. If you enjoy stories with strong heroines and epic battles, this one’s for you.
29. Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan
Queen of Shadows is the first book in The Shadow World series, an urban fantasy with a blend of vampires, romance, and political intrigue.
The story follows Miranda Grey, a musician with the power to influence emotions, who becomes entangled with the vampire king of the South after a brutal attack.
If you liked the blend of urban settings and supernatural elements in ACOTAR, you’ll enjoy Queen of Shadows. The romance is intense, and the world is dark and seductive, with plenty of action and drama. It’s a great pick for fans of paranormal romance with strong, complex characters.
30. The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh
The Beautiful is set in 19th-century New Orleans, where Celine, a young dressmaker fleeing her past, finds herself drawn into the dark, glamorous world of the city’s elite, where vampires roam the streets.
As she gets closer to the mysterious leader of the underworld, she finds herself in danger from both the living and the dead.
This book is perfect if you loved the historical setting, the dark romance, and the supernatural intrigue in ACOTAR. The atmosphere is richly described, with a blend of romance, mystery, and danger that will keep you hooked. If you’re in the mood for a lush, Gothic fantasy with a hint of horror, The Beautiful is a great choice.
And there you have it—some amazing books that should absolutely be on your TBR if you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Each of these books brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a richly built fantasy world, a swoon-worthy romance, or a kick-ass heroine you can’t help but root for.
I know that feeling when you finish a series like ACOTAR and you’re just desperate for more. Trust me, any of these books will give you that same rush of excitement, and maybe, just maybe, help you fill the Feyre-and-Rhysand-sized hole in your heart.
So grab a cozy blanket, maybe a cup of tea (or a glass of wine, no judgment here!), and dive into one of these fantastic reads.
I guarantee they’ll sweep you off your feet just like A Court of Thorns and Roses did.
Happy reading!