Books Like ACOTAR: 10 Fantasy Novels You Won’t Want to Miss
Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is a captivating fantasy series that blends elements of romance, action, and magic with intricate world-building and powerful characters. Set in the realm of the Fae, ACOTAR follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal girl who is drawn into the dangerous and mysterious world of the Fae after killing a faerie wolf. As she navigates the politics of the Fae courts and deals with growing romantic feelings, she discovers dark secrets and uncovers her true destiny.
If you’re looking for more novels that capture the same combination of magic, romance, and intense action found in ACOTAR, you’re in the right place. Here are 10 books that will sweep you away into worlds of fantasy, intrigue, and romance.
1. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Why It’s Similar:
If you loved ACOTAR, you’re going to love Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series. Like Feyre, the protagonist Celaena Sardothien is a strong-willed young woman who has to navigate political intrigue, dark secrets, and complex romantic relationships in a fantastical world.
Plot Overview:
Celaena Sardothien is an assassin who has been imprisoned in a brutal labor camp. She is given the chance to win her freedom by competing to be the king’s personal assassin. As she fights for her freedom, she uncovers secrets about her kingdom that could change everything.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
Both series feature strong female protagonists, political maneuvering, and forbidden romance. The character development and the growing emotional tension between the leads will remind fans of Feyre’s journey with Tamlin and Rhysand.
2. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Why It’s Similar:
Serpent & Dove has a similar balance of magic, romance, and dark fantasy, like ACOTAR. It features a fierce heroine, a complicated romance, and a world filled with magical beings and dangerous stakes.
Plot Overview:
In a world where witches are hunted by the Church, Louise, a witch, is forced into hiding. After an unfortunate series of events, she is bound to Reid, a witch hunter, in an unwanted marriage. What follows is a story of forbidden love, magic, and betrayal.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The relationship between Lou and Reid is full of tension and growth, similar to the chemistry between Feyre and Tamlin/Rhysand. With witches, hunters, and a passionate romance, it’s a perfect match for fans of ACOTAR.
3. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Why It’s Similar:
The Cruel Prince is set in the world of the Fae, just like ACOTAR, and deals with themes of power, betrayal, and romance. The protagonist, Jude, is a mortal girl living in the land of the Fae, trying to prove her worth and navigate a dangerous political environment.
Plot Overview:
Jude, a mortal girl, has always wanted to be part of the Fae world, but being mortal in a land full of immortal Fae makes her a target. She enters a dangerous game of power, deception, and manipulation, especially when it comes to Prince Cardan, who seems determined to make her life miserable.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
If you enjoyed the political intrigue and power dynamics in ACOTAR, The Cruel Prince offers a similar experience with its dark world of the Fae, intense rivalries, and a romance full of tension and complexity.
4. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Why It’s Similar:
The Bear and the Nightingale is a beautifully written fantasy set in a Russian-inspired world. Like ACOTAR, it features strong mythical elements, a heroine with unique powers, and a journey filled with dark magic and danger.
Plot Overview:
Vasilisa Petrovna lives in a remote village in northern Russia, where her family has been protecting the land’s spirits for generations. As dark forces begin to threaten her world, Vasilisa must embrace her magical abilities to save her people.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The Bear and the Nightingale is rich in atmosphere, folklore, and magic. The heroine’s journey and her connection to the mystical world will appeal to fans of Feyre’s own discovery of her power.
5. Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan
Why It’s Similar:
Both Wicked Saints and ACOTAR feature dark fantasy worlds with intense romance, strong-willed heroines, and political struggles. The stakes are high, and the world-building is immersive, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on their toes.
Plot Overview:
In a war-torn world, Nadya, a priestess with the ability to speak to the gods, is forced into a deadly mission to save her country from an oppressive empire. Along the way, she crosses paths with a prince, a soldier, and an enigmatic monk, each with their own secrets.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
With dark magic, a fierce heroine, and a forbidden romance, Wicked Saints provides the same thrilling and complex storylines that ACOTAR fans crave. The romance and tension are similar to what fans of Feyre and Rhysand will enjoy.
6. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Why It’s Similar:
If you’re looking for a Beauty and the Beast-inspired story, this is a must-read. Like Feyre’s journey in ACOTAR, the protagonist in A Curse So Dark and Lonely is thrust into a dangerous and magical world and must navigate a complex relationship with a prince cursed to live in a perpetual winter.
Plot Overview:
Harper is transported to a magical kingdom where she meets Prince Rhen, who is cursed to repeat the same season until he can break the curse. As Harper gets entangled in the plot to save the kingdom, she grows closer to Rhen, but the danger is ever-present.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The fairy tale elements, complex romance, and magical world-building will appeal to fans of ACOTAR, and the dynamic between Harper and Rhen echoes the relationship between Feyre and Tamlin.
7. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
Why It’s Similar:
Kingdom of the Wicked features dark magic, forbidden romance, and a heroine determined to get revenge, much like ACOTAR. The atmosphere is rich and captivating, pulling readers into a world filled with danger and intrigue.
Plot Overview:
Emilia, a witch, is determined to seek revenge for her twin sister’s murder. When she crosses paths with Wrath, one of the seven deadly sins, the two form an uneasy alliance. Together, they uncover dark secrets that threaten to destroy everything.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The themes of vengeance, forbidden romance, and complex magical systems in Kingdom of the Wicked will appeal to fans of ACOTAR. The slow-burn romance and high stakes are sure to keep readers hooked.
8. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Why It’s Similar:
The Bone Season is a paranormal fantasy series that blends a dystopian setting with supernatural elements. Like ACOTAR, it features a young woman discovering her powers while navigating a world filled with danger and intrigue.
Plot Overview:
Paige Mahoney is a dreamwalker, a rare type of clairvoyant, living in a future where clairvoyants are hunted by the government. When Paige is captured and taken to a secret location, she discovers a world of mysterious creatures and powers beyond her imagination.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The mix of supernatural powers, political intrigue, and romance will appeal to fans of ACOTAR. Paige’s journey of self-discovery and the complex relationships she forms echo Feyre’s own path in ACOTAR.
9. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Why It’s Similar:
From Blood and Ash offers a similar blend of romance, action, and supernatural elements as ACOTAR. The main character, Poppy, is a strong, independent heroine caught in a forbidden romance and a world filled with intrigue and danger.
Plot Overview:
Poppy is a maiden, chosen to serve a higher power and kept isolated from the world. When she meets Hawke, a warrior assigned to protect her, they begin to uncover dark secrets and powerful forces at play that could change everything.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The romance, action-packed plot, and high stakes will draw readers in, much like ACOTAR. The tension between Poppy and Hawke and the dangerous world they inhabit make it a perfect pick for fans of Maas’s work.
10. The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo
Why It’s Similar:
Shadow and Bone offers a dark and rich fantasy world with magical elements, romance, and complex characters. Like ACOTAR, it features a heroine who must come to terms with her powers while navigating a world at war.
Plot Overview:
Alina Starkov, a young orphan, discovers she has extraordinary powers that could help her country defeat the Shadow Fold, a dark barrier full of monsters. She is thrust into a world of politics, war, and forbidden love as she trains to use her powers.
Why Fans of ACOTAR Will Love It:
The magical system, the romance, and the battle between light and dark in Shadow and Bone will resonate with fans of ACOTAR. The complex relationships and fast-paced action keep readers hooked until the very end.
Conclusion
If you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, these 10 books offer similar elements of fantasy, romance, and magic. With strong heroines, dark secrets, and epic love stories, they’ll transport you to magical worlds full of intrigue, danger, and unforgettable characters. Happy reading!
