So, you've just finished binge-reading Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series, huh? Bet you're feeling that mix of satisfaction and withdrawal. But fear not! Here at Crewfiction, we got your back. Because let's face it, after the whirlwind of Feyre's adventures, you're probably itching for more. Well, you're in luck! We've hand-picked 18 books that'll keep that fantasy fix going strong. Let's keep the magic alive, shall we?
Firstly, make a quick stop to read our Summary of ACOTAR, in case you have not yet emerged into the maasverse.
Now, let’s start off our list with two of Maas’s other series.
Published: August 7, 2012
Pages: 428
Genres: High fantasy, Young Adult
Starting off with SJM’s first series, "Throne of Glass" follows assassin Celaena Sardothien as she competes for freedom in a deadly tournament held by the king. But as her competitors start dying mysteriously, Celaena's fight shifts from freedom to survival and uncovering a dark threat within the castle. Sarah J. Maas's bestselling novel introduces a thrilling world of intrigue and danger…. And some spicy romance.
Published: March 3, 2020
Pages: 804
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
In "A House of Earth and Blood, the first book of the "Crescent City" series, we meet Bryce Quinlan, living her life in Crescent City until tragedy hits hard. Fast-forward two years, and she's drawn into a murder investigation alongside the enigmatic Fallen Angel, Hunt Athalar. As they dig deeper, secrets unravel, threatening everything Bryce holds dear. A rollercoaster of fantasy, mystery, and romance as they race to stop the killer and face their own demons.
Did you know that SJM series are connected? Check our theories, but keep in mind that they are full of spoilers!
However, as much as we may love SJM, there are numerous series that have caught our eye. So let’s dive in.
Moving on, let's delve into a realm where timeless tales are reimagined with a modern flair. We're about to embark on a journey through books that put a fresh spin on the classic theme of "Beauty and the Beast." These enchanting stories take the age-old narrative and infuse it with elements of romance, fantasy, and adventure, creating an amazing fusion that promises to captivate readers of all ages.
Get ready to encounter cursed princes, fearless heroines, and spellbinding worlds that defy convention and ignite the imagination. From lush forests to crumbling castles, each setting is rich with detail and ripe for exploration.
Author: Meagan Spooner
Pages: 335
Year Published: 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy, Fairy tale retelling
In Meagan Spooner's "Hunted," Yeva, a skilled hunter, ventures into a mystical forest after her family's downfall. There, she encounters a cursed Beast who demands her aid. As secrets unravel and passions ignite, Yeva realizes the Beast's true nature is more entangled than she thought, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Pages: 367
Year Published: 2014
Genre: YA fantasy fairy tales
In "Cruel Beauty" by Rosamund Hodge, Nyx is thrust into a dangerous game of love and deception as she navigates her betrothal to Ignifex, a dark and enigmatic ruler. Trained as an assassin, Nyx is determined to break the curse on her kingdom, even if it means sacrificing herself.
Author: Grace Draven
Pages: 461
Year Published: 2013
Genre: Fairy Tale fantasy
"Entreat Me" by Grace Draven is a captivating tale of forbidden love and sacrifice. When Lady Veronica is forced into a marriage with a cursed lord, she braves the dangers of his enchanted castle to uncover the truth. But nothing stays hidden for long, and soon, she must choose between duty and desire, knowing that her decision could unleash devastating consequences.
Author: Naomi Novik
Pages: 442
Year Published: 2015
Genre: Coming of Age Fantasy
In "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik, Agnieszka is chosen by the powerful wizard, the Dragon, to serve him for a decade. As she discovers her own magic and faces dark forces threatening their land, a slow-burning romance blossoms between them. Now, she must confront her destiny to save her people.
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Pages: 508
Year Published: 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy, Fairy Tale Retelling
In "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" by Brigid Kemmerer, we're thrust into a world of magic and curses. Prince Rhen of Emberfall is trapped in a vicious cycle, cursed to repeat the same season over and over. Harper, a modern-day girl, is suddenly transported to Emberfall, where she discovers the prince's plight. As they navigate danger and deceit, they must break the curse before time runs out.
But if fairy tale retellings aren’t your thing, we’ve still got you covered. Just read on to the next section!
We all love our fantasy romance with Fae princes, don’t we? So let’s explore some Fae-filled romance books that are bound to sweep you off your feet and transport you to realms of enchantment and desire.
Because let's admit it, there's something undeniably alluring about the world of Faeries, with their ancient magic, mesmerizing beauty, and captivating allure. And what's better than getting lost in the tangled webs of romance, intrigue, and adventure that often accompany tales of Fae royalty?
Author: Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
Pages: 436
Year Published: 2019
Genre: Paranormal Romance, College Fantasy
In "Zodiac Academy" by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti, Serenity finds herself thrust into a world where the twelve zodiac signs wield extraordinary powers. As she navigates the halls of the mysterious academy, she uncovers dangerous secrets and faces deadly challenges. With betrayal and romance complicating her journey, Serenity must harness her newfound abilities to survive in a world where nothing is as it seems.
Author: Holly Black
Pages: 385
Year Published: 2018
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Faerie fantasy, Dark Fantasy
In "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black, Jude, a mortal girl, is thrown into the perilous world of Faerie after her parents' murder. In the Fae court, she faces danger and deceit at every turn. Determined to prove herself, Jude navigates treacherous politics and personal desires. With betrayals and tensions escalating, she must rely on her intelligence and bravery to navigate a world where value is determined by power.
Author: Lisette Marshall
Pages: 436
Year Published: 2022
Genre: Epic Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy
The first book of the "Fae Isles" series, "A Court of Blood and Bindings" by Lisette Marshall, passion ignites amidst the turmoil of political intrigue. Lyra, a formidable warrior, finds herself drawn to a mysterious stranger in the chaos of rival factions and endless threats. As their forbidden romance blossoms, they must navigate treacherous alliances and dark secrets, risking everything for love in a world teetering on the brink of war.
Author: Lexi Ryan
Pages: 448
Year Published: 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
In "These Hollow Vows" by Lexi Ryan, Brie's hatred for the Fae is challenged when her sister is sold to the Unseelie king. To save her, Brie agrees to steal magical relics from the Seelie court. Posing as a bride for Prince Ronan, she finds herself torn between her mission and her growing feelings for him and the enigmatic Finn. Now, she must navigate a perilous path where trust is scarce, and her heart hangs in the balance.
If you’re still not satisfied, though, and looking for more series to cure your ACOTAR hangover, we have more. Of course, we do. And we all love strong female characters. So here are some book series with the most empowering female warriors.
Because let's face it, after immersing ourselves in the fierce and fearless world of Feyre Archeron, it's hard to settle for anything less than another kick-ass leading lady. These series not only feature captivating fantasy worlds but also protagonists who redefine strength, resilience, and courage. So buckle up, because these heroines are about to take you on wild adventures filled with magic, danger, and, of course, plenty of heart-pounding romance. Get ready to be swept off your feet once again as we dive into the realms of these empowering female warriors. Enjoy!
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Pages: 663
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Fiction, Dragon Romance
In "The Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros, Violet is recruited into an elite group of soldiers in a dystopian society divided by genetic modifications. As she trains, she discovers unsettling truths about the government's agenda and her own abilities. With the fate of her world at stake, Violet must uncover the truth and fight for freedom. With the sequel of this book breaking the Amazon charts, and the endless convos on BookTok, we highly suggest rushing to this one!
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages: 387
Year Published: 2009
Genre: YA Dystopian Fantasy
If somehow you have skipped this gem,"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is set in a dystopian world where Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister's place in a deadly battle royale. Alongside Peeta Mellark, she fights for survival in a televised fight to the death. As the Games progress, Katniss becomes a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive Capitol. It's a gripping story of survival, sacrifice, and defiance in the face of tyranny.
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Pages: 398
Year Published: 2015
Genre: Young Adult Mystery
In "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard, Mare Barrow, a Red-blooded commoner, discovers she possesses electrifying powers typically reserved for the elite Silver-blooded ruling class. Forced to navigate the dangerous politics of the royal court, Mare must confront betrayal, rebellion, and her own identity in a society on the brink of revolution.
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Pages: 411
Year Published: 2012
Genre: YA Fantasy
Beloved by many and recently turned into a Netflix series, "Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo is a must. When orphan Alina Starkov discovers she possesses a dormant power that could save her war-torn country, she trains with the elite Grisha, she grapples with dark forces, dangerous enemies, and the haunting secrets of her past. Between the dark and mysterious Darkling and her childhood love, Alina’s heart must make a decision before it’s made for her.
And if you’re done with the trilogy and thirst for more, there’s always the "Six of Crows" spinoff.
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Pages: 622
Year Published: 2020
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampire Romance
Last but not least for this section, "From Blood and Ash" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, an absolute must-read. Our heroine, Poppy, revered as the Maiden, yearns for freedom from her suffocating destiny. When she meets the enigmatic guard, Hawke, her world is thrust into chaos. As danger lurks and betrayal looms, Poppy must confront her true identity and the darkness threatening to consume her. With Armentrout’s amazing world-building, you will not be disappointed!
And if your book hangover is not yet cured, worry not, since our hand-picked recommendations are not done yet! Whether you're drawn to urban fantasy, faerie realms, or futuristic retellings, the Young Adult genre has something enchanting in store for every reader craving the same magic found within the pages of ACOTAR.
Author: Stephanie Garber
Pages: 417
Year Published: 2021
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Dark YA Fantasy
In "Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber, Evangeline makes a risky deal with the Prince of Hearts to regain lost love. But as she delves into his realm, she discovers dangerous secrets and faces a deadly game of hearts. With betrayals and desires intertwining, Evangeline must confront her own heart's desires and the cost of true love.
Author: Rebecca Ross
Pages: 356
Year Published: 2023
Genre: Teen and YA Fantasy Romance
In "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross, mortals and gods collide and ancient prophecies shape destinies in an enemies-to-lovers book you will love. Iris, desperate to reach her missing brother, she engages in an unexpected correspondence with Roman Kitt, her rival at the Oath Gazette. As their anonymous letters deepen their connection, Iris and Roman find themselves entangled in the front lines of battle, and with each other.
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Pages: 385
Year Published: 2020
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
In "Kingdom of the Wicked" by Kerri Maniscalco, Emilia, a young witch, seeks justice for her twin sister's murder in 19th-century Sicily. She forms a dangerous pact with Wrath, a demon prince, to uncover the truth behind the killing. As forbidden feelings emerge between them, Emilia navigates a treacherous world of magic and mystery, risking everything to discover the truth before it's too late.
Author: Lynette Noni
Pages: 421
Year Published: 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy, YA Survival
In "The Prison Healer" by Lynette Noni, we're plunged into a world of darkness and danger. Kiva Meridan, a skilled healer, is trapped in the depths of the notorious Zalindov prison, where survival is a daily battle. When she's chosen to become the prison healer, tasked with saving the lives of the inmates, Kiva uncovers sinister secrets lurking within the prison walls. With her own life on the line and the fate of her fellows, Kiva must navigate alliances and deadly challenges to uncover the truth and secure her Freedom.
As we reach the end of our literary journey through these eighteen breathtaking series starters, we know that the ACOTAR hangover can list a while—we speak from experience. However, much like the enchanted realms of Prythian, each of these fantasy novels has offered us an escape from reality, inviting us to explore new worlds, empathize with complex characters, and experience emotions that transcend the pages, so don’t stay in mourning for too long, as there are so many worlds to explore!
And with that, we have concluded our list of the best books to read after ACOTAR. If you want more about our favorite series, make sure to check our post on ACOTAR characters. We all love to read about heroes, fighting against oppression, discovering their destiny, and the power of love and sacrifice. We love to see them grow through resilience, redemption, and the classic battle between good and evil. Because that’s what fantasy literature is, isn’t it?
But if you love the same things as we do, make sure to register for our Newsletter, and take a look at our Crewfiction Blog for more book suggestions, more Romance Genres and favourite podcasts, starting off Historical Fiction Podcasts!
