Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Louisa
Are you looking for a captivating story that contains elements of romance, fantasy, and magic? Then it’s no wonder you’re looking for books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses, penned by Sarah J. Maas.
ACOTAR was a huge success when it first came out in 2015, bringing the famed Beauty and the Beast fairytale to the modern 21st-century audience.
But Maas was not the only writer to successfully create a magical world that fantasy fans can get lost in. Not to mention a love triangle that has you feeling conflicted over who you want as your book boyfriend.
If you’re a fan of ACOTAR and Maas’s work and you’re looking for more books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, then you’re going to enjoy these other books full of fantasy, love, confusion, and hope.
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Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
If you’re looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses but don’t have much time, don’t worry. Here are our top three favorites!
Our Favourites!
#1 Best Highly Acclaimed Novel
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- Winner of the Best Young Adult / Middle Grade Novel in the Dragon Book Awards 2016
- Winner of the Best Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction in the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2015
- The story of Kaz Brekker and his friends trying to pull off an impossible heist
#2 Best in Romance
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- Tells the story of a women who tries to marry the king so she can kill him and overthrow him, only to fall in love
- Goodreads Choice Awards semi-finalist for Young Adult Fantasy and Sci-Fi Category
- International bestselling author
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Summary
Before I go into the best books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, let’s quickly recap the story. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil the ending if you haven’t finished reading yet.
When huntress Feyre is confronted with a wolf in the woods, her life takes an unexpected turn as she is dragged to a treacherous magical land ruled by immortal faeries.
Here she faces a lethal beast, one who captures her and keeps her prisoner.
Although it seems that this beast is nothing but hostile, it soon becomes apparent that he has another side – Tamlin, her captor – that transforms from ice cold to burning passion as Feyre gradually adapts to living in this land.
Despite his threatening nature, she finds herself developing feelings for him and his world.
Unbeknownst to them, however, an ancient and wicked darkness lingers close by, threatening the safety of Tamlin’s kingdom and all its inhabitants.
In order to save him and his people from doom, Feyre must put all her emotions aside and fight the evil that lurks too closely.
ACOTAR adds depth to classic themes like courage, resilience and survival. In fact, the story is so good, it’s anticipated to be made into a TV series.
Related Reading: A Court of Thorns of Roses Quotes
Books Similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses
Now you know the basic premise of A Court of Thorns and Roses, you will have a good idea of what to expect from my top 21 recommendations below.
In no particular order, here are the best YA fantasy novels similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses.
1. Among The Beasts And Briars – Ashley Poston
The Kingdom of Aloriya was peaceful for hundreds of years. No famine, disease, or droughts were seen here.
Fortune and happiness thrived after the first king made a bargain with the Lady who reigned in the forest near the kingdom.
However, things changed overnight, and soon the woods grew dark, forbidden, and cursed.
Cerys knows all too well of this curse. It was here, in the woods, where her mother and friends were killed. But as a new Queen ascends the throne, Cerys has to return to the woods to seek help from the Lady in the woods.
The roads are dark and dangerous. She has to do anything she can to survive in the forest. Among the Beasts and Briars delves into complex topics such as loyalty, power dynamics, and redemption.
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2. Throne Of Glass – Sarah J. Maas
Of course, the most similar books like A Court of Thorns and Roses is going to be another assassin book series by Sarah J. Maas.
Explore the intense and mysterious world of assassins in Throne of Glass, which follows an eighteen-year-old Celaena who is a salt-miner come assassin working for the Crown Prince, Prince Dorian.
Enslaved in the mines for a crime she once committed, she has a chance to win her freedom by entering a competition to find a new royal assassin.
She has to face several challenges to defeat a group of thieves, killers, and mighty warriors in the competition. The victory will release her from prison and serve as the king’s champion.
But with her freedom, also comes a fight for survival. Encouragement from the Crown Prince and the protection of the Captain of the Guard, they try to help her in the war.
But the path is shrouded by the strongest evil force, and it’s there to kill. She has to root out the evil force before they destroy her world.
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3. Cruel Beauty – Rosamund Hodge
Nyx was betrothed to an evil ruler since birth. Her father had a foolish bargain with the Kingdom’s ruler, and since her childhood, she was trained to kill him.
Nyx resented her family because they never tried to save her. She wanted to escape from this trap.
On her seventeenth birthday, Nyx married the all-powerful and immortal King Ignifex. She planned to seduce him with her beauty and destroy his Kingdom to break this nine-hundred-year-old curse.
But Nyx found herself drawn to the King. He was not what her people taught her to be.
With time running out, Nyx has to decide whether to save the future of her Kingdom by eliminating the person she is not supposed to love, or the person she loves.
If you’re looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses for the love story, then this is a good option to read next.
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4. A Curse So Dark And Lonely – Brigid Kemmerer
A Curse So Dark and Lonely is possibly the most similar book to A Court of Thorns and Roses since it is also a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
The story follows Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, who believes he could be saved if he found a girl to love him. But as Autumn approaches, so does a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction lurking within him.
Harper was going through a tough time. Her father was long gone, her mother was dying, and her brother never understood her true value because of cerebral palsy.
When Harper was trying to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, something pulled her into a magical world.
Now, Harper is in the unknown world. As she spends time with Rhen, she understands why she was bought here. There was a narrow window because the powerful dark forces were standing against Prince Rhen.
Now she has to use her power to save herself, Rehn, and the people of Emberfall by breaking the curse. This is a fairytale retelling with a modern twist, combining elements of mystery with moments of tension that move audiences forward.
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5. Hunted – Meagan Spooner
She grew up with the highest of aristocrats. Her father knows about a secret beast living far in the forest, for he is the only person who had a close encounter with the Beast.
Abruptly her father loses his fortune. He sends Yeva and her sister to the town located on the outskirts of the city, with no social pressure to marry a wealthy gentleman.
Everything is going well for the two sisters, but her father lost his mind over the loss of his fortune. Soon, he goes missing in the wood.
Yeva decides to hunt the Beast and get back her fortune. It is the only way she can bring back her world ruin or salvation. Who will survive in this fight, the Beauty or the Beast?
Hunted presents a different perspective on danger and risk in an ever-changing world.
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6. The Young Elites – Marie Lu
Adelina Amouteru is the survivor of the dangerous blood fever, which a decade ago, was a deadly disease facing the nation. The virus killed most of the infected people.
Children who survived it were left with peculiar markings on their bodies. The virus caused Adelina’s black hair to turn silver. She has a jagged scar on her left eye.
Her cruel father mauls her for ruining their family with her looks. People who survived are believed to possess powerful gifts and their identity is kept secret – they are called Young Elites.
Adelina meets Enzo and Teren. She believed Teren was her true enemy, but as each of them fight their own battles, they realize ultimately they are fighting for one thing.
The Young Elites is an enemies-to-lovers story that captures the excitement of action-packed missions while also exploring their ramifications of them.
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7. An Enchantment Of Ravens – Margaret Rogerson
Isobel creates stunning portraits for her dangerous clients called “The Fair Folk.” They have a craving for the human craft and a terrible thirst for Isobel’s paintings.
But when Isobel worked for her first royal customer – Rook, the prince of the autumn, she made a big mistake. She mistakenly painted mortal sorrow. A small mistake that may cost the prince his throne and risk his life.
During the trial, something attacked the kingdom from every corner. Now, Isobel and Rook are utterly dependent on each other for survival.
An alliance between both turns to trust and even love. They knew that their love was forbidden and could not be accepted by the ruthless laws of the kingdom.
The cost of survival is more frightening than death itself.
It’s a forbidden romance story full of courage, friendship, and love with unexpected outcomes.
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8. Glimmerglass – Jenna Black
After one too many of her mother’s drunken evenings, Dana Hathaway had finally had enough and decided to embark on a journey to Avalon, the land of Faerie and the place of her mysterious father.
Yet as soon as she steps foot in this enchanting world, Dana realizes that everything is far different than what she had imagined it would be.
She discovers that she is no ordinary child – she is a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who possesses magical powers which everyone desires to possess.
Now living amongst those who yearn for her special abilities and with danger lurking around every corner, Dana must learn how to maneuver her new life as she confronts hostile forces and struggles to form friendships that can be trusted whilst wondering if her world will ever become normal again.
Glimmerglass has richly detailed characters and settings that make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the adventure.
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9. A Deal with The Elf King – Elise Kova
Three thousand years ago, humans faced the battle with powerful races possessing wild magic. The conflict ended with a peace treaty.
The Elves took young women from town to make her Human Queen. A nineteen-year-old Luella was grateful that she could escape from the city.
That is until the Elf king arrives one day to take her.
Luella discovered that everything she thought about herself was a lie. She is taken to the land filled with wild magic. She was granted the position of the new queen of cold.
Once she took charge of the kingdom, she learned about the dying world. Now she is trapped between two worlds; her new home and the people on the other side.
Prepare to be taken away to a fantasy world of your wildest imagination with this book.
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10. Darkfever – Karen Marie Moning
MacKayla’s life was dramatically changed when her sister left a cryptic message on her phone before she was killed.
Knowing it is the only hint she has to uncover the murderer, she is determined to find out the answers and travels to Ireland.
Here she faces even greater challenges, having to stay alive while mastering powers that could not have been anticipated.
A gift that links her with a secret magical world and puts her mission into perspective – finding the elusive Sinsar Dubh before anyone else can get their hands on it.
Touted as a powerful Dark Book, whoever holds it will gain complete control of both worlds. MacKayla must fight against all odds if she is ever to succeed in this mission of hers.
Thrilling plot twists and turns that can keep readers hooked throughout the entire story.
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11. Furyborn – Claire Legrand
Rielle Dardenne risks her life to save her friend ambushed by assassins. Her act exposes her as the prophesied queen, a queen of light and blood.
But Rielle has to prove herself by enduring seven elemental magic trials. Either she wins and becomes queen, or the trials kill her first.
One thousand years later, the Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. She possessed great power, which made her believe she was undefeatable – until her mother vanished abruptly.
Elliana joins a rebel captain to find her mother, but she discovers the empire’s heart is more terrible than imagined. Rielle and Eliana fight in the greatest cosmic war.
The connection between them is going to determine the future of their world.
A thrilling read best suited for those looking for an imaginative escape from reality.
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12. Huntress – Malinda Lo
Nature is showing an imbalance in the human world. The sun hasn’t shone for years, causing the crops to fall rapidly. Strange and hostile creatures are dominating the land. People are in the middle of a crisis.
The only way out of the situation is to find the city of the fae queen.
Two seventeen-year-old girls are picked for the long journey filled with dangerous treks. Both rely on each other for survival and even begin to fall in love.
Kaede and Taisin are the only hope for humanity. Taisin is a sage possessing magic, and Kaede is of the earth.
The adventure, romance, and action throughout the journey and the need for the huntress to save the world keep you captivated throughout.
An inner journey where we reflect upon our own real life through the lens of the paranormal, secrets, and surprises.
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13. The Iron King – Julie Kagawa
The Iron King by Julia Kagawa is a fast-paced fantasy novel with similar themes to A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Meghan’s life was always moving on a strange path since her father disappeared abruptly one night when she was just a six-year-old, average child who never fit in school or at home.
She witnessed a dark, strange creature stalking her from afar. Her best friend endeavored to protect her. She somehow knew that her life was going to change soon.
But she could not guess the truth that she is the daughter of the mythical Faery king.
She learned how far she could go to save their loved ones from the mysterious evil force.
An ideal read for those who want an action-packed escape from reality.
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14. Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi
Juliette discovers peculiar power in her touch. She hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
She accidentally touched someone who died. Because of this, she was sent to a Reestablishment Center because she was too dangerous to stay in the normal world.
No one knows what happened to Juliette or why her touch is fatal.
On the other hand, the world is dealing with a survival crisis. Diseases spread all across the globe, destroying the large population, food crises, birds don’t fly anymore, and clouds in the wrong colors.
The global emergency took the life of a large population. Survival is whispering war to get the necessary items for their well-being.
The government was left with no other option than to use Juliette’s power to prevent the war. Now, Juliette has to make a choice. Choose to be a weapon or be a warrior.
Its unexpected twists and turns will keep readers engrossed throughout the story.
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15. Curse of The Wolf King – Tessonja Odette
Gemma Bellefleur wants to leave her past behind and forget the day she was humiliated and her heart broken.
But when she was trying to overcome her pain, Gemma was captured by a trickster fae king who threatened to hold her with him for ransom. The news spreads in the town, and Gemma becomes a sensation again.
A plague cursed the human-hating King Elliot. He was willing to do anything to save himself from this curse.
Gemma can use the situation for her freedom and make a deal with the King. All she has to do is to protect the King from death. Can Gemma sacrifice her life to save the King?
Its captivating characters, settings, and storylines are sure to transport readers into another world.
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16. Shadow and Bone – Leigh Bardugo
Ravka was a great nation replenished with an abundance of food and wealth. But things changed, and enemies surrounded the nation.
Now the country’s destiny rests on the shoulder of one lonely refugee. Shadow holds over the territory and the mysterious darkness brings forth crawling monsters that feast on human flesh.
Alina Starkov is an average person who has never done anything remarkable. But when things changed in the country, Alina is exposed to a dormant power that helped her to save her best friend’s life.
A mystical power could save a dying country and free the people from these dark monsters.
With darkness looming in the kingdom, the world depends on her untamed power.
An unpredictable and enthralling journey awaits readers of this fantasy book.
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17. The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a breathtaking modern fairytale from another world. Jude (and her twin Taryn) are both human, but their older sister, half-fae Vivi, is not.
When their mother discovered that she was pregnant with Vivi, she fled to the human world. However, their small family could not remain hidden for long.
Many fey despises humans. Especially the High King’s youngest and most evil son, Prince Cardan.
As Jude becomes more involved in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her capacity. But, as betrayal threatens, Jude is forced to put her life in jeopardy to save her sisters and Faerie itself.
Jude and Taryn immerse themselves in this wondrous and terrifying world, finding their place among the creative, beasts and beauties, miseries, and fears.
It offers a fresh take on classic themes such as courage, friendship, and love.
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Related Reading: Books like The Cruel Prince
18. The Shadows Between Us – Tricia Levenseller
The Shadows Between Us is a fae romance novel with a dark twist. It follows Alessandra, who is fed up with being neglected.
Kallias is the freshly proclaimed Shadow King, and he is Alessandra’s way out of the perpetual shadow cast by her sister, as well as her path to power.
Alessandra arrives at Court with only one goal in mind: to draw the king’s attention, marry him, and then murder him. But, she cannot let him be slain until they marry.
As assassination attempts are made, she finds herself attempting to keep the king alive to make her his queen, all while trying not to fall in love.
Eventually, they both grow more devoted, and considerate and their romance makes them both stronger.
A thrilling read best suited for those looking for an imaginative escape from reality while learning more about themselves along the way.
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19. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen is a New York Times bestselling novel by author Victoria Aveyard. It tells of how society is divided and ruled by two classes; the silver against the red.
Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old girl, underestimates her destiny until fate intervenes and she is to enter the service of the Silvers.
This Red girl locates her true potential of a dangerous power that threatens to destroy the equilibrium. The Silvers fear Mare’s power and hide her true identity from the outside world.
They declare her a long-lost Silver princess who is now engaged to a Silver prince. Subsequently, Mare decides to help the Red Guard from a militant resistance group, to bring down Silver’s injustice.
In the world of complications, she is stuck between two kings, fighting against two sides and a battle awaits. Which side will she take?
Its vivid settings will let readers explore a whole new world full of secrets and surprises.
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Related Reading: Books Similar to Red Queen
20. The Selection – Kiera Cass
Set in a far-off future, people are divided by numbers into different classes.
At the top stands class one – comprising rulers, kings, and queens that control the land. At the opposite end lies class eight, filled with servants and cooks who work tirelessly in the palace kitchens just to make ends meet.
For the thirty-five lucky girls of The Selection, this is a chance to break free from their lowly status and immerse themselves in a world of fine gowns and gleaming jewels. But for America Singer, this is a nightmare.
For she can no longer pursue her secret love with Aspen or stay in her own home – instead she must live within the palace walls among constant threats of attack and marry the crown prince himself.
But when America meets Maxon, he changes everything as she starts to rethink her idea of what she truly wants from life.
It weaves together an intricate plot with unexpected twists and turns.
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Related Reading: Books Like The Selection
21. Serpent And Dove – Shelby Mahurin
Louise le Blanc had been running away from her coven for two years. By the time she reached Cesarine, she’d abandoned any form of magic and resorted to stealing out of necessity.
She was a witch, like her best friend, but her mother wanted to use her magical abilities as a weapon in the war between witches and the Church.
Little did they realize that they were being pursued.
Reid Diggory, a Chasseur who had pledged his loyalty to the Church, soon became embroiled in an evil plan involving an unlikely match – holy matrimony.
This conflict would bring forth far worse than fire; it would test Lou’s feelings against who she really is.
This story takes readers on a journey of the complications of love and honor and gives you the chance to reflect on morals and beliefs in your own life.
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22. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
If you like ACOTAR because of the action and adventure themes is Six of Crows.
Tucked away in a corner of the world is Ketterdam, an international trading city where one can get their hands on absolutely anything – something criminal genius Kaz Brekker knows only too well.
His latest opportunity proves to be an incredibly risky heist with the potential to make him rich beyond his wildest dreams – but it also carries a great danger that neither he nor his crew are aware of.
Kaz puts together an unlikely team that includes a convict, a sharp-shooter who can’t turn down a wager, a runaway, and a Heartrender who uses her magic to survive on the margins.
Together, for better or for worse, they may be the world’s only hope against disaster – yet their biggest challenge might just be keeping them alive as long as possible!
If you’re looking for more books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, then Six of Crows should be up your alley.
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Final Word on Books Similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses
So there you have it, those are my favorite books similar to A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Whether you’re looking for something with that mystical, fairy element, a fairytale retelling, or a dystopian coming-of-age story, you’ll be sure to find something to fill the void from this list.
Did I miss any gems from my list? Let me know in the comments!
