The Fantasy Series That Readers Can't Stop Buying From Amazon
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If you've been on BookTok anywhere since 2019, you know that there's one fantasy series pretty much every avid reader across the globe has been talking about: "A Court of Thrones and Roses" (also referred to as ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas. In fact, it's so popular that, at the time of writing, the five-book series is taking up four of the Top 20 spots on Amazon's Most Read Fiction chart. In other words, you could say Maas is kind of like the Taylor Swift of literature.
The beloved books (titled "A Court of Thorns and Roses," "A Court of Mist and Fury," "A Court of Wings and Ruin," "A Court of Frost and Starlight," and "A Court of Silver Flames") are set in the fictional world of Prythian. That's where we find our protagonist, teenager Feyre Archeron, who is essentially held prisoner by her captor, Tamlin, before she learns that everything she thought she knew about the world isn't actually true. The subsequent books follow Archeron's journey of growing up in this odd world, including the trials and tribulations of becoming royalty amid a tragic war. If that hasn't already gripped you, take it from readers — similar to Rebecca Yarros' "Empyrean," social media has been inundated with praise and chatter about the hugely popular fiction series.
A Court of Thrones and Roses fans have praised its fantasy and romance elements
It seems the general consensus when it comes to all five books in Sarah J Maas' ACOTAR series is how impressively it immerses the reader in its fantasy world. Prythian is a totally foreign place, but through Maas' incredible descriptive language — and her ability to leave no stone unturned in creating this world — she makes it feel as though the reader is right there with Feyre Archeron. Many BookTok members have also applauded the romance element of the novels, making it ideal for those who love a little fantasy mixed with a bit of spice in their books. Some have even credited Maas with spearheading an entirely new subgenre called 'romantasy.'
"It had the best mix of action and romance. Kept me on edge the entire time and couldn't put it down. I went from one book right into the next, and now I'm patiently waiting for the next one," Instagram user @bookartlady shared in their review. "Best series I've read in a long time. This fantasy is so well written it completely takes hold of you."
And they're not the only one who thinks so. "I'm on the third book and I get the hype! The likable characters, the foreign concept, the book boyfriends all make you feel like you are living in their world with them!" another book fan, @readingwithnicole, wrote of the book in their own Instagram review. "It definitely is a bit slow however once you are hooked you are HOOKED!"
ACOTAR could be about to go mainstream outside of the book world
Another reason you may want to get familiar with the "A Court of Thrones and Roses" series? Because it could soon be going mainstream outside of the book world. A TV series based on the books has reportedly been in the works for a while now — so you may want to get ahead of the game. Per Variety, it was originally reported that Hulu had plans to put the story on the small screen a la "Game of Thrones," though TV Line claimed in February 2024 that series is not currently in the pile of the streaming service's upcoming shows.
But that doesn't necessarily mean nothing is happening. You may be aware that none other than Margot Robbie was spotted having a coffee date with Sarah J. Maas in February, which caused plenty of speculation the "Barbie" star (who has some impressive fantasy books on her own recommendation list, by the way) maybe, possibly could have something in the works with the author. Of course, Robbie may potentially be looking to star in a project inspired by one of Maas' book series — which also includes the "Thone of Glass" collection — or may even be looking to produce a TV series or movie collection via her LuckyChap Entertainment production company. Should that come to fruition, now's the best time to get yourself immersed in the Prythian world so you're ready to thoroughly enjoy any upcoming TV or movie projects.