Kait Mae

I remember reading the original trilogy from the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and then getting into a reading slump. So, a couple of years later, when I discovered BookTok, I realized I wasn’t alone in that. And I noticed a trend of the same books being recommended for people who loved ACOTAR. So, let’s take a trip down the ACOTAR rabbit hole.

Before I get into these books, I want to put a disclaimer because I haven’t read all of these books. This is just a round-up of the books, usually romantasy, I’ve seen fans of ACOTAR end up loving.

‘Serpent and Dove’ by Shelby Mahurin

I’ll be honest, I tried to read this, and it just wasn’t for me. But I know of several people who loved it as much as they loved ACOTAR, so it’s first on the list. The Serpent & Dove trilogy is full of magic, romance, and betrayal – and some love.

This romantasy sees Lou and Reid forced into a reluctant alliance to stay alive despite being sworn enemies. It doesn’t get easier when they also start falling for each other while war is on the horizon.

‘From Blood and Ash’ by Jennifer L. Armentrout

A common occurrence I saw on BookTok among ACOTAR lovers was almost immediately picking up From Blood and Ash. This romantasy series has mixed reviews, but I still hear people raving about it to this day. And it’s still not finished, so be warned.

After being betrayed and lied to her whole life, Poppy goes on a self-discovery journey with Hawke. Throughout the series, she has to decide who she is, where her loyalties lie, and if she’s willing to make all the sacrifices needed for her kingdom’s future.

‘What Lies Beyond the Veil’ by Harper L. Woods

This adult romantasy is on a few ACOTAR lovers’ TBRs across BookTok, but it’s not as well known as the others on this list. It’s closer to Crescent City world-wise, but it has the same vibes as ACOTAR.

Estrella is a protective woman who will do anything for her family – even as the Veil shatters and Fae cross over into her world and take control. Caelum, a Fae-marked man, saves her from the Fae, and they grow closer as they fight their way to freedom. It’s a path paved with half-truths and betrayal from every side.

Read More: How I Would Adapt ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’

‘The Serpent and the Wings of Night’ by Carissa Broadbent

Instead of the fae, we’ve got a vampire romantasy with just as many twists and turns as all of Sarah J. Maas’s series. This series gives ACOTAR meets The Hunger Games. Also, make sure to read the novella, Six Scorched Roses, and spin-off novel, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror.

Oraya was adopted by the vampire king, and she’s worked hard to stay alive and make a place for herself. But to be seen more than human prey to the vampires around her, she enters a tournament held by the goddess of death.

‘Kingdom of the Wicked’ by Kerri Maniscalco

If you liked ACOTAR for the romance – specifically Rhysand and Feyre’s relationship – then you’ll probably love Kingdom of the Wicked. The trilogy (plus the adult spinoff that’s currently coming out) follows the journey of a witch with the Princes of Hell.

After Emilia’s twin is killed, she accidentally summons a Prince of Hell. Through the three books, she meets the other Princes, explores Hell, and comes into her power in ways nobody she knows expected.

‘Seasons of the Storm’ by Elle Cosimano

This book is perfect for ACOTAR fans who don’t want to invest in another long series or multiverse. Seasons of the Storm is the first of only two books – so don’t worry about being invested or waiting on sequels since they’re both out now.

Jack, the embodiment of Winter, meets Fleur, a girl who can control the seasons. Despite their powers trying to force them apart, they’re drawn together to break Jack’s curse. It’s a beautiful story that will leave you wanting more Jack Frost-inspired stories.

Read More: How I Would Adapt ‘Throne of Glass’

‘The Cruel Prince’ by Holly Black

Admittedly, I was hesitant to start this because I’d heard mixed reviews from ACOTAR and Throne of Glass lovers. But I genuinely enjoyed the series – and the only reason I haven’t read the spinoff books yet is because I’m on a book-buying ban until I finish most of my physical TBR.

The Folk of the Air trilogy follows Jude as she navigates life in the Faerie Court, chasing her own ambitions and desires. While doing that, betrayal is around every corner – especially when it comes to her complicated relationship with Cardan, the youngest prince of the High King.

‘Zodiac Academy’ series by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

I haven’t picked up this series yet because I’m intimidated by it. But I’ll get to it when I finish most of my current physical TBR – hopefully soon. But I can admit I’m very tempted to drop the money and TBR and pick these up every few months.

At a school where the houses are categorized by zodiac signs, Aerith and her brother infiltrate the academy with revenge at the top of their to-do list. Aerith finds herself stuck between Taurus twins as her alliances shift and betrayals are uncovered on her hunt for the truth.

‘These Hollow Vows’ by Lexi Ryan

I will admit I went in expecting to DNF this book because of a few mixed reviews. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading and trying to figure out every mystery and upcoming betrayal. And I didn’t see the last twist at the end of the first book coming.

Brie wants nothing to do with the Fae, but she is forced to go undercover to save her sister from the Unseelie Court. While there, she catches the eye of princes from both courts – including one she befriended in the human realms. And if you’re like me, you’ll be Team Brie the entire time – though the boys are nice to read about, too.

‘The Iron Fey Chronicles’ by Julie Kagawa

This 2010 YA faery staple series is one that captured my heart early on. I have yet to finish the series because I had to wait so long for sequels, but I will be re-reading the entire series and spinoff series one day.

Meghan Chase has always been a bit different, but she never expected to be the daughter of the Seelie King. But when her brother is kidnapped by the Iron King, she, her friend Puck, and the Unseelie Prince Ash head across the Fey world to save him – all to stop a war that could destroy the human and faery realms.

Read More: How I Would Adapt ‘Crescent City’

‘The Bridge Kingdom’ by Danielle L. Jensen

I have yet to pick this series up, but I will once the last book is published (currently set for 2025, according to Goodreads). That said, everything I’ve heard about this series has been promising, and I already know I’ll love it.

The Bridge Kingdom starts by following Princess Lara of Maridrina sent as a bride to fulfill a treaty, but also to spy on its rulers to protect her home. Love for her new husband and loyalty to her former home are tearing Lara in two different directions – which will she choose?

‘A Fate of Wrath and Flame’ by K.A. Tucker

The last book in this 4-book series is set to come out later this year (September to be exact), so you won’t be waiting nearly as long for the finale like we are with ACOTAR. K.A. Tucker’s A Fate of Wrath & Flame is another Fae romantasy series that will have you swooning over the love interests.

Romeria, a thief living in New York, is transported into an elven princess’s body in another world. She has to figure out how to survive in this new identity while enemies are around every corner.

‘Court of Blood and Bindings’ by Lisette Marshall

Another four-book series (plus a prequel), Lisette Marshall’s Fae Isles series is sure to capture your heart through the world-building and characters.

The main series follows Emelin as she’s taken by the empire’s deadliest Fae to the Crimson Court. There, she enters a deal to work with him for the possibility of saving humans from the Fae rulers.

‘Of Mist and Shadow’ by Jenna Wolfhart

There’s something about ACOTAR lovers and four book series because we’ve got yet another. Of Mist and Shadow is the start to a dark romantasy that combines elements of ACOTAR, The Cruel Prince, and Throne of Glass.

When King Oberon catches Tessa stealing from him, he takes her away to become his human bride. She doesn’t plan on following the plan and ends up in the Mist King’s lands instead. His offer to free humans with one King’s death hangs over her balance – will she take it?

‘The High Mountain Court’ by A.K. Mulford

There are five books in the main series, but there are 3 novellas that will add to the world-building and characters that made ACOTAR fans love this series. And, if you’re looking for more than just fae in your fantasy worlds, here is the series for you.

The High Mountain King combines fae courts with witches and witch hunters. Remi is the last red witch and is on the run to stay alive. Witch hunters want to kill her and the Fae need her magic – is there any question which side she allies with?

Read More: Tired of England-Inspired Fantasy Worlds? Try These Fantasies Instead

‘Daughter of No Worlds’ by Carissa Broadbent

Now, I’ve heard mixed reviews of this series, but I’m looking forward to reading it one day. The series is called The War of Lost Hearts, and it has 3 main books and a prequel novella. It’s also written by the author of The Serpents and the Wings and Night.

A lot of people have said the series has a lot of comparisons between itself and Throne of Glass. It follows a former slave ripped from her home learning to survive and fighting for justice, a warrior who doesn’t believe in justice, and magic that brings them together. 

‘An Heir Comes to Rise’ by C.C. Peñaranda

The last series on this list is An Heir Comes to Rise. It’s not completely finished yet, but the author said a sixth book is in the works after her current works in progress. I haven’t read this series yet, but after all the reviews I’ve seen, it’s a highly anticipated series for me.

An Heir Comes to Rise follows Faythe in a world ruled by the Fae. The first book sees her catch the attention of Nik, a royal guard. She has to harness magical abilities to fight a battle that can’t be fought with her usual weapons – swords.