If you’re wondering how many books will be in the ACOTAR series, you’re not alone. Sarah J. Maas’s fantasy saga has grown beyond its original trilogy into a longer, still-developing series, so readers often want a clear count and the best place to start.
The short answer: the ACOTAR series is planned as a multi-book series, but the exact final number has not always been fixed publicly in a way that can be treated as permanent. As of the most widely recognized published lineup, there are already several main novels, with more books expected, so the safest reading guide is to follow the publication order and watch for official updates.
How many books will be in the ACOTAR series?
ACOTAR is not just a trilogy anymore. The series began with three core novels, then expanded with additional books and companion material. Because Sarah J. Maas has indicated that the story world will continue, readers should think of ACOTAR as an ongoing series rather than a completed set with a universally final announced total.
What that means in practical terms
- At minimum: the original three-book arc is complete.
- Beyond that: the series has expanded with additional installments and related stories.
- For readers: the best approach is to read the books in published order and treat any “final count” as subject to change until the publisher or author confirms it.
What books are in the ACOTAR series so far?
The series is commonly associated with the following core titles and related works, though readers sometimes separate “main novels” from companion material. If you want the most straightforward reading path, start with the main story books first and then move to side material.
Main reading order
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- A Court of Mist and Fury
- A Court of Wings and Ruin
- A Court of Frost and Starlight — a shorter bridge-style installment
- A Court of Silver Flames
Depending on how a bookstore, library, or fan guide classifies the series, you may also see future or additional ACOTAR titles discussed separately. That is why the answer to “how many books will be in the ACOTAR series” can feel less fixed than it does for a finished quintet or trilogy.
Is ACOTAR finished?
No, not in the sense most readers mean by “finished.” The central story introduced in the first books has moved through major turning points, but the wider series remains open-ended. That means there is a difference between a completed early arc and a fully concluded franchise.
Why the answer keeps changing
Fantasy series often grow after a breakout success. When a world, cast, and readership become large enough, publishers and authors may continue the story with sequels, spin-offs, or companion novels, which is why count-based questions can become fluid over time.
A quick spoiler-free guide to what ACOTAR is about
At its core, ACOTAR blends romantic fantasy, court politics, faerie lore, and emotional transformation. The series follows a heroine drawn into a dangerous fae world, where survival, loyalty, love, and power all become deeply entangled.
Key elements readers usually notice
- Romantic fantasy structure: the emotional arc matters as much as the external conflict.
- Political tension: courts, alliances, and shifting loyalties shape the plot.
- Character growth: the series is strongly driven by personal change and trauma recovery.
- World-building: magical systems, fae courts, and ancient history deepen the setting.
Why readers care so much about the book count
People asking how many books will be in the ACOTAR series are usually trying to solve one of three problems: whether they should start now, whether they have enough time to catch up, or whether the series will end soon enough to avoid a long wait. In a popular fantasy series, those are all reasonable concerns.
How the count affects new readers
- If you prefer finished series: ACOTAR may feel incomplete because it is still expanding.
- If you like ongoing fandoms: this can be a plus, since there is more to look forward to.
- If you want a clear endpoint: check official publisher announcements before assuming a final number.
Best reading order for new ACOTAR readers
For most readers, publication order is the simplest and safest route. It preserves the intended reveals, character development, and tonal shifts as the series expands.
Recommended order
- Read A Court of Thorns and Roses first.
- Continue with A Court of Mist and Fury.
- Move on to A Court of Wings and Ruin.
- Read A Court of Frost and Starlight if you want the bridge installment.
- Finish with A Court of Silver Flames.
If you are sensitive to spoilers, avoid jumping ahead. Later ACOTAR books assume familiarity with earlier relationship dynamics, political developments, and emotional arcs.
What kind of series is ACOTAR?
ACOTAR is often shelved as young adult or new adult fantasy, though readers and booksellers may classify it differently depending on edition, market, and content. Its appeal comes from the mix of fairy-tale atmosphere, high-stakes romance, and escalating magical conflict.
Common themes in the series
- Healing after trauma
- Power and responsibility
- Identity and self-reinvention
- Love as both refuge and risk
- Found family and loyalty
How ACOTAR compares to other Sarah J. Maas books
If you know Sarah J. Maas from other series, ACOTAR is often considered one of her most romance-forward and emotionally intense worlds. Readers who enjoy one Maas series may be curious whether the books connect, but ACOTAR is best approached as its own story world rather than as a required entry point into everything she has written.
For readers deciding where to begin
If you want a fantasy series with strong romantic tension and a large fandom, ACOTAR is a natural starting point. If you want to understand how it fits into the author’s broader bibliography, it can help to compare it with her other series before deciding what to read next.
For a broader look at the author’s output, see how many books Sarah J. Maas has written. If you’re curious about shared worldbuilding and overlap, you may also want whether Sarah J. Maas books are connected.
Final answer: how many books will be in the ACOTAR series?
The most accurate short answer is that ACOTAR is an ongoing series, not a neatly closed trilogy. There are already multiple books in the series, and more have been expected or discussed, so the final total may continue to evolve. If you’re starting now, the best guide is publication order and official announcements.