What to read if you’ve read… A Court of Thorns and Roses
So you’ve read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The quintessential romantasy box set, Sarah J Maas’s pentalogy follows Feyre Archeron through her journey into the faerie realm, Prythian. This series reignited my passion for reading and will always hold a special place in my heart.
As S.J. Maas teases us with ACOTAR book 6’s release, many readers are finishing the series for the first time. Whether you’re team Cassian and Nesta, Feyre and Rhys, a Lucien fan or (controversially) a Tamlin fan… ACOTAR can induce a major book hangover. These next few recomendations will give you the same romantasy vibes and epic tales of loss and loss, with characters you’ll love (almost) as much as Rhysand and the Bat Boys.
Throne of Glass Series
Let’s get the obvious recommendations out of the way – the rest of S.J Maas’s catalogue. As much as I love ACOTAR, my favourite SJ Maas series (possibly favourite ever fantasy series) is her 8-book strong Throne of Glass saga. This series is an epic tale of young assassin Celeana Sardothien’s quest for survival under the rule of the oppressive King of Adarlan. The spice level is not quite as high as ACOTAR (A Court of Mist and Fury, chapter 53, we’re looking at you…) but that doesn’t mean it’s not absolutely packed with gut-wrenching love stories. Throne of Glass is a masterpiece – that being said, don’t go into it if you can’t commit to a long haul.
Crescent City Trilogy
House of Earth and Blood is the first installment in the modern fantasy trilogy that is Crescent City. Set in a contemporary city with modern technology like mobile phones and elevators, the protagonist Bryce Quinlan would never be seen dead in the tunic and trousers combo that Feyre and Celaena favour. Party girl Bryce finds herself at the centre of the murder investigation that took her best friend from her, all while trying (and failing) to evade the guard of fallen angel Hunt Athalar. Some readers find the modern fantasy fusion off-putting, but if you’re hungry for a dark, dangerous and romantic story that takes you into the underworld and back out again, Crescent City is for you!
Shadow and Bone Trilogy/Grishaverse
Now that the SJM inventory is dealt with, my next recommendation for you is the Shadow and Bone trilogy. Part of the Grishaverse series by Leigh Bardugo, the first three novels tell Alina Starkov’s story, a failed cartographer whisked away to be trained as a Grisha when she reveals a light-wielding power. Shadow and Bone has an intriguing anti-villain, the Darkling, and lots of love triangulation. What more could you want? The rest of the series!
After completing the Shadow and Bone trilogy, move onto Six of Crows, a duology set in the grimy city of Ketterdam concerned with teenage crime lord Kaz Brekker, and stealthy Inej Ghafa. Six of Crows is my favourite series in the Grishaverse, and Kaz and Inej’s story is enough to leave you desperate for another Bardugo fix. Which is convenient when you realise there is one more series left – another duology, The King of Scars.
King of Scars is charming King Nikolai Lantsov’s spin-off series, and thank goodness Leigh Bardugo took pity on us, because his character is just too good to be left unexplored! Nikolai grapples with his dark powers attempting to break free, all while trying to save his beloved country, Ravka.
The Grishaverse will be one of your most memorable reading experiences, Bardugo’s characterisation and relationship building will leave you unable to put any of the books down. The individual series within the universe make it more approachable than the likes of Throne of Glass, breaking down complex world-building into manageable trio/duo sized chunks. The rest of Leigh Bardugo’s catalogue is also fabulous and worth a look!
The Empyrean Series
With the third installment Onyx Storm being the most anticipated book release of 2025, and the fastest selling book in 20 years(!), Rebecca Yarros’ tale of searing romance, smart-mouthed dragons, and bloodthirsty war games needs little introduction. All I can say about this one is that it is worth the hype if you’re a romantasy fiend. I haven’t read Onyx Storm yet, but Fourth Wing and Iron Flame had me HOOKED from the beginning – even if Iron Flame has too much of the miscommunication trope for my liking. I can’t wait to see more of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson, not to mention Tairn and Sgaeyl’s fiery dispositions.
The Book of Azrael
If you’re looking for a classic enemies to lovers trope with a grumpy male main character and a feisty female main character that keeps him in check, you’re onto a winner with The Book of Azrael. Dianna sold her life to demon-lord Kaden in order to save her sister a thousand years ago. Samkiel locked himself away in shame, rejected his crown after the implosion of his world in the Gods War. Can they set aside their differences and prevent Kaden from destroying everything they live for?
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