How to Read the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' Series in Order
If you have spent any time on "BookTok" or in fantasy book circles recently, you have undoubtedly heard of Sarah J. Maas. Her hit series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (often abbreviated as ACOTAR), has taken the world by storm, blending high fantasy, political intrigue, and steaming hot romance.
However, with multiple massive novels and a novella bridging the gaps, diving into the world of Prythian can be intimidating for new readers.
In this guide, we will break down the correct reading order for the ACOTAR series so you don't miss a single plot twist. Plus, we'll show you how to keep the immersion going even after you finish the books using CastReader.
Why Read ACOTAR?
The series follows Feyre Archeron, a human huntress who kills a wolf in the woods to feed her starving family. The wolf, however, was a faerie, and she is dragged into the magical (and dangerous) lands of the fae as punishment.
What starts as a "Beauty and the Beast" retelling quickly evolves into an epic saga about war, trauma, mental health, and finding one's chosen family.
The Correct Reading Order
While some series can be read out of order, ACOTAR is strictly chronological. Reading them out of sequence will spoil major character arcs and relationship developments.
Here is the definitive order to read the books:
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
This is where it all begins. We meet Feyre, Tamlin (the High Lord of the Spring Court), and Lucien. The first half sets the stage, but the second half—"Under the Mountain"—changes everything.
- Vibe: Fairytale retelling, atmospheric, tension.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
Widely considered the best book in the series (and perhaps the genre). Feyre deals with the aftermath of the first book and explores the Night Court. We are introduced to Rhysand's Inner Circle: Cassian, Azriel, Mor, and Amren.
- Vibe: Healing, epic romance, political maneuvering.
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
The conclusion to the original trilogy arc. War is coming to Prythian, and Feyre must navigate a dangerous game of deceit to save both the human and faerie worlds.
- Vibe: Action-packed, high stakes, battle strategy.
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
Do not skip this! Although it is a shorter novella, it acts as a crucial bridge between the original trilogy and the spin-off novels. It sets up the emotional conflicts for the next book.
- Vibe: Winter solstice, character study, "slice of life."
5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
The focus shifts from Feyre to her sister, Nesta Archeron, and the warrior Cassian. It is a darker, grittier story about recovery and redemption.
- Vibe: Intense, spicy, emotional recovery.
Finished the Books? Keep the Story Going with CastReader
Once you finish A Court of Silver Flames, you might feel the "book hangover"—that empty feeling when a great story ends. But the ACOTAR universe is massive, with thousands of fan-written stories available online (on sites like AO3 or Wattpad) that explore "what if" scenarios.
This is where CastReader changes the game.
Audiobooks for the official series can be expensive, costing credits or subscriptions. And fanfiction never has an official audiobook... until now.
What is CastReader?
CastReader is a free AI voice generator that turns any text into speech. It allows you to create your own listening experience for content that doesn't have an official audio version.
Why Use CastReader for Your Reading List?
- Listen to Fanfiction: Copy your favorite Cassian or Rhysand fanfic, paste it into CastReader, and listen to it like a podcast while you drive or clean.
- Custom Voices: Don't like the official narrator? CastReader offers ultra-realistic AI voices. You can find a deep, soothing voice for the Bat Boys or a fierce tone for the female leads.
- Speed Read: Want to consume content faster? Crank the speed up to 2x without losing clarity.
- 100% Free: Unlike Audible which limits you to one book a month, CastReader offers unlimited generations.
How to Turn Text into Audio
Step 1: Go to the CastReader Editor. No login is required.
Step 2: Copy text from an ebook, PDF, or web novel chapter.
Step 3: Paste it into the text box.
Step 4: Select a voice that matches the mood of the scene.
Step 5: Click Generate and enjoy your custom audiobook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACOTAR series finished?
No, Sarah J. Maas has confirmed there are more books coming in the series, likely focusing on other characters like Elain or Azriel.
Can I listen to the books on CastReader?
CastReader is a tool for personal use. If you own the digital text (like a DRM-free EPUB or PDF) or are reading web content, you can use CastReader to read it aloud to you.
Does CastReader sound robotic?
Not at all. We use state-of-the-art AI to produce voices that have breath, pause, and intonation, sounding remarkably human.
Conclusion
Whether you are Team Tamlin (rare!) or Team Rhysand, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a journey worth taking. Follow the reading order above to get the full experience.
And remember, when the pages run out, the story doesn't have to end. Use CastReader to bring your fanfiction, articles, and other readings to life.
