Romantasy is increasingly popular these days, and while this blend of genres predates Sarah J. Maas, the author is partially responsible for it blowing up the way it has. Ten years after the first book’s release, Maas’ A Court of Thorns & Roses series remains one of the most popular on BookTok. It’s one that readers consider the standard and often compare new releases to. ACOTAR isn’t the only one of Maas’ fantasy series to gain mainstream attention either. Both Throne of Glass and Crescent City are loved in fantasy and romantasy spaces.
There are many reasons Maas’ stories receive the recognition they do, starting with the fact that they’re great books for anyone new to the fantasy genre. Their world-building, storylines, and characters are detailed enough that they aren’t totally overshadowed by romance. However, they’re not so complex that newcomers will be intimidated. They also feature tropes readers love, from fated mates to enemies-to-lovers. And they aren’t afraid to get spicy. It’s hard to find books that recapture the strengths of Maas’ series, but these fantasy novels are perfect for fans of the author.
10
Daughter Of No Worlds (2020)
By Carissa Broadbent
Fans of Maas’ work would be wise to check out either of Carissa Broadbent’s romantasy series, but Daughter of No Worlds is an especially great book to start with. The War of Lost Hearts trilogy is being republished traditionally by Bramble, so readers may have trouble tracking down this book until the second half of 2025. However, it’s still available on Kindle. And it’s worth a read for those who love the strong heroines in Maas’ books, particularly Aelin from Throne of Glass.
Daughter of No Worlds will be re-released on October 14, 2025.
Daughter of No Worlds follows Tisaanah, a former slave who grew up far from home, as she attempts to infiltrate an organization called the Orders and save a friend. This results in her becoming an apprentice to Maxantarius Farlione, a magic wielder she soon grows attached to. The two find themselves in danger as bigger threats emerge, with Daughter of No Worlds delivering a fast-paced and twisty narrative full of romance and action that fans of Maas’ series will enjoy. While not exactly like Throne of Glass, the themes and tropes in this one will scratch that itch.
9
A Broken Blade (2021)
By Melissa Blair
Another great Throne of Glass replacement is A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair, which is the first installment in the author’s four-book Halfling Saga. A Broken Blade features a badass heroine who opens the novel as the king’s assassin, a setup that will no doubt catch the attention of Throne of Glass fans. When a mission thrusts Keera into the world of the Fae, she’s forced to look deeper at the kingdom she works for and the people it’s hurting — her people. This plot is a great reason to try Blair’s 2021 novel, but that’s not all that will appeal to Maas fans.
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The Halfling Saga also benefits from compelling world-building, great supporting characters, fast pacing, and great twists. These are all strengths of Maas’ works, giving readers further incentive to pick up A Broken Blade. And Blair’s story has better LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation than many of Maas’ books, another point in its favor.
8
Fourth Wing (2023)
By Rebecca Yarros
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who hasn’t heard of Fourth Wing. However, for Maas fans still on the fence about picking up The Empyrean Series, this is your sign to do so. Although Fourth Wing doesn’t feature the most prominent tropes or archetypes present in Maas’ stories, it has a similar feel to it. This is because Rebecca Yarros’ world is immersive and easily accessible, explaining why the 2023 novel has risen to such fame. It’s the same reason ACOTAR remains such a hit: it attaches readers to the world and characters and doesn’t let up.
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Fourth Wing also has a kickass heroine in Violet Sorrengail, even if her circumstances are far different from any that Maas’ leads face. Violet is forced to survive her first year at Basgiath War College in the hopes of becoming a dragon rider — a challenge made harder by the fact that Violet has been training her entire life to be a Scribe instead. The trials Violet undergoes may feel somewhat reminiscent of ACOTAR and Throne of Glass, but it’s really the heart of Fourth Wing that makes it comparable to both.
7
A Curse So Dark And Lonely (2019)
By Brigid Kemmerer
The first A Court of Thorns & Roses book has elements of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and there’s no denying that Maas draws heavily from fairy tales to craft her story. Brigid Kemmerer’s A Curse So Dark and Lonely is also a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and it boasts similar themes and characters to those covered in Maas’ books. That makes it an ideal choice for fans of the author, who will enjoy following Harper as she’s transported to a magical world and forced to contend with a cursed prince.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely‘s curse storyline feels reminiscent of Tamlin’s predicament in ACOTAR.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely‘s curse storyline feels reminiscent of Tamlin’s predicament in ACOTAR, and Prince Rhen certainly has the broody and temperamental personality of Maas’ love interests. The bond between Rhen and his guard, Commander Grey, also feels similar to that of Dorian and Chaol in Throne of Glass or Tamlin and Lucien in ACOTAR. Needless to say, Maas fans will eat up A Curse So Dark and Lonely — and probably the next two books in Kemmerer’s Cursebreakers series as well.
6
Faebound (2024)
By Saara El-Arifi
There is no shortage of romantasy books about Fae, and Saara El-Arifi’s Faebound is one of the best to come out recently. The first book in the author’s Faebound series, the novel follows sisters Yeeran and Lettle as they depart from the Elven lands they call home after Yeeran is exiled. They soon discover that the Fae aren’t gone, as they’d been led to believe. They wind up taken captive by the Fae, leading to a narrative full of politics and romance.
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Yeeran and Leetle being forced to live among the Fae is a lot like ACOTAR‘s initial premise, and the sapphic relationship at the center of the book falls into the enemies-to-lovers trope that so many Maas fans love. The politics will also appeal to fans of Throne of Glass and Crescent City. And given that Faebound also features bonds between Fae and magical creatures, this book is also great for Fourth Wing fans. It truly has something for everyone.
5
Trial Of The Sun Queen (2022)
By Nisha J. Tuli
Readers who love stubborn and sassy heroines — something Maas’ books specialize in — will find another in Nisha J. Tuli’s Trial of the Sun Queen. The first book in the Artefacts of Ouranos Series, Trial of the Sun Queen thrusts its heroine into a dangerous competition against nine other women. Winning would see Lor marrying the Sun King, which would bring her closer to finally getting revenge on the Aurora King. With a tournament full of deadly trials and a lead pretending to be something she’s not, Trial of the Sun Queen has a bit in common with Throne of Glass.
Its revenge narrative also puts it in similar territory, while its fast pacing, enemies-to-lovers relationship, and easy-to-understand world-building give it similarities to all of Maas’ works. Readers looking for a new romantasy series to dive into should keep Trial of the Sun Queen on their radar, especially in the wait for ACOTAR book six.
4
The Cruel Prince (2018)
By Holly Black
Readers looking for another fantasy book with a fun take on faerie lore should look no further than Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince. The 2019 novel is the first installment in The Folk of the Air, and it boasts many strengths that Maas fans will appreciate. For one, its enemies-to-lovers relationship leans far more into the “enemies” element than most of Maas’ books do. It also captures the deceit and cruelty of faeries more than Maas’ series, making it perfect for those who’d like a slightly different take on this archetype.
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That said, there are aspects of The Cruel Prince that are reminiscent of Maas’ books. The novel follows a stubborn, tough, and cheeky human heroine named Jude. She finds herself carted off to the High Court of Faerie alongside her twin sister after their parents are killed. Jude is driven by a need to prove herself, and this sees her facing challenges to win a spot at Court and becoming wrapped up in high-stakes political plots. Such things will be a draw for Throne of Glass fans, and Jude’s complicated familial bonds make this great for ACOTAR fans.
3
Lore Of The Wilds (2023)
By Analeigh Sbrana
Another book often suggested for ACOTAR fans is Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana, and with its Fae focus, overarching themes, and romance elements, it’s easy to understand why. While Lore of the Wilds reads a bit less mature than Maas’ books — especially the later, spicier ones — it’s still a great pick for readers looking for similar storytelling. The book follows its heroine, Lore, as she finally gets the chance to venture outside her imprisoned village. The catch is that she has to make an agreement with a Fae lord, travel with two Fae, and organize a magical library.
The dynamic of a human being forced to survive a world full of Fae makes Lore of the Wilds feel reminiscent of ACOTAR, while its love story and heroine will work for fans of all Maas’ works. Lore of the Wilds also prioritizes its fantasy story rather than sidelining it for the romance. While Maas’ books get more wrapped up in romance as they continue, this balance is seen in her work as well. Those hoping for more of it should check out Sbrana’s novel.
2
City Of Gods And Monsters (2022)
By Kayla Edwards
Of all Maas’ fantasy series, Crescent City is often the hardest to find a proper replacement for, as its urban fantasy setting and murder mystery story in book one set it apart from Maas’ other books. Fortunately, there’s one urban romantasy book that’s perfect for fans of Maas’ most recent story: City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards. The first novel in Edwards’ independently published House of Devils series, City of Gods and Monsters sees its human lead trying to get by in a world full of all kinds of supernatural beings.
Maas fans shouldn’t sleep on this one, and Edwards’ series just gets better from there.
When her friend is taken by bounty hunters called Darkslayers, she’s forced to work with the dangerous Darien Cassel. Plot-wise, it’s easy to see why Edwards’ 2022 novel might appeal to Crescent City fans. It’s also spicy and features some of readers’ favorite romantasy tropes, including enemies-to-lovers. Maas fans shouldn’t sleep on this one, and Edwards’ series just gets better from there.
1
A Court This Cruel And Lovely (2023)
By Stacia Stark
Stacia Stark’s A Court This Cruel and Lovely sounds like ACOTAR in name, but that’s not why the 2023 novel is ideal for readers looking for more of Maas’ magic. Book one in the Kingdom of Lies series, A Court This Cruel and Lovely makes for a binge-worthy romantasy experience, giving it something in common with Maas’ books. And the story is perfect for fans of the fated mates trope Maas is so known for. It has plenty of tension and spice, too.
A Court This Cruel and Lovely follows Prisca, a heroine whose magic is forbidden, as she embarks on a journey with a mercenary who once left her to die. Prisca’s circumstances and personality make her a great lead to follow the likes of Aelin and Feyre, Lorian is a love interest worthy of Maas’ best male main characters, and the world of Stark’s story is as ruthless as some of Maas’ settings. Needless to say, those looking for books like those written by Sarah J. Maas should check this one out.
