28 Feb 2026 Entertainment 4 comments

The Best Fantasy Books Like ACOTAR

Top Fantasy Books to Read if You Like ACOTAR

There is a running joke in the Bookstagram corner of the internet that Sarah J. Maas’ ACOTAR books are a gateway to the fantasy book genre. You start out with these five highly-recommended fairy books and suddenly you have a reading list of 11 more SJM books alone, to say nothing of the many brilliant fantasy and romantasy series that ACOTAR fans tend to enjoy. So, if you find yourself in this post-ACOTAR world, looking for the best fantasy books and romantasy books to read next, this post is for you! Read on for the top fantasy books to read if you like ACOTAR:

The Best Fantasy Books Like ACOTAR

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Table of Contents:

The Best Fantasy Books: What Makes Fantasy and Romantasy Books Like ACOTAR So Addicting?

Fantasy and Romantasy Defined

First things first, let’s discuss the fantasy book genre and its related sub-genre of “romantasy.”

A general fantasy book genre definition reads as follows: fantasy is a literary genre with magical and supernatural elements set in an imaginary world. The magical and supernatural elements may include the paranormal, for instance, or mythological lore. The imaginary world setting could be entirely fantastical — such as ACOTAR’s setting. Or, the setting can based on our actual world, but with some tweaks in the reality and/or time (think Bridgerton’s Regency-inspired setting, which is based on fact, but includes imaginary aspects).

Romantasy, as a genre, is basically a fantasy book with romance. These tend to be hugely popular with fans of ACOTAR, which is a series with roughly equal parts fantasy and romance.

Fantasy and romantasy books are engaging for a variety of reasons. In my opinion, their main appeal comes from their escapism. Through world building and descriptive writing, fantasy authors introduce us to a world unlike our own, taking us out of our current reality for a time.

In these other worlds, the authors may make parallels to our own space and time, which is another reason these books resonate with so many readers. Readers can see themselves in the characters and their struggles, despite the otherworldliness. These books call upon a reader’s empathy, allowing them to explore topics and ideas through a different lens. When you add in romance to these already-enticing fantasy worlds, these books reach peak escapism.

Bookish Essentials for Readers

This post is a part of my What to Read series, where I share themed reading lists and book guides based on genre, time period, theme, or author.
You can peruse more of my What to Read reading guides here!

The 10 Best Fantasy Books & Series Like ACOTAR

The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Iconic SJM world-building, a fierce heroine, and the series that started it all.

When it comes to fantasy book recommendations after ACOTAR, you can’t go wrong with working your way through SJM’s works (she currently has three series published). The Throne of Glass series includes seven books (plus one book of short stories), so it is a bit of a time commitment.

However, as far as the best fantasy books and series go, this one has it all. There is robust world building, an iconic female protagonist, a variety of mythological elements woven throughout, and a gripping story arc about a corrupt kingdom and a tyrannical ruler.

Books Like ACOTAR - The Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas

For your convenience, here is the recommended reading order for the Throne of Glass series:

The full Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas is linked here.

The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: SJM’s modern fantasy with the same romantic intensity and an interconnected universe.

The Crescent City Series is, in its simplest terms, about a half-Fae-half-human heroine who seeks revenge for her best friend’s death. Really, though, the series is so much more than that. Set in a contemporary fantasy world, this series has all the markers of the Sarah J. Maas book universe with the inclusion of modern technology. 

I am hard pressed to pick a favorite between this series and Throne of Glass. They are both so good, both at the top of my personal list of the best fantasy books out there! Crescent City is definitely more of a romance fantasy series, though, if that’s what you’re looking for, and the setting in a contemporary world with modern tech makes it especially unique.

Books Like ACOTAR - The Crescent City Series by Sarah J Maas

Books in the Crescent City series*:

*For whatever reason, the books in this series are generally referred to as Crescent City # (IE: Crescent City 1, CC1) rather than their proper titles. Kind of a funny phenomenon on in the Bookstagram world.

The full Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas is linked here.

Want to know more about this series?
Check out my reader’s guide to the Crescent City series here!

The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Dragons, a war college setting, and the same “can’t put it down” pacing.

Often referred to as the Fourth Wing Series, Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series is among my fantasy book must reads. With a strong female protagonist, fearsome dragons, and a chillingly combative dystopian world setting, the books are all but impossible to put down.

The series follows Violet Sorrengail as she prepares to join the Scribes at the Basgiath War College. Violet’s mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, decides to place her youngest (and fragile) daughter with the demanding Riders Quadrant, where cadets learn to handle dragons of war. 

From here, Violet enters a dangerous world, both politically and physically, as she deals with viciously competitive peers and grudges held against her for the brutal of her mother during the Revolution. Violet quickly learns to trust no one as she navigates her new life, finding ways to advance in the Basgiath War College despite her physical weakness and lack of training.

Books Like ACOTAR - The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros

Books in the Empyrean Series:

The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros is linked here and is currently available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited subscription.

I have a round up of top themed merch from small creators based on the series here, too!

Want to know more about this series?
Check out my reader’s guide to Fourth Wing and the Empyrean series here!

The Crown of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Fae courts, slow burn romance, and political intrigue with a Hunger Games edge.

Kind of a mix of Hunger Games/ACOTAR/Fourth Wing, this series ticks all the boxes in terms of the best fantasy books to read next. There is danger, magic, slow burn romance…what more could one ask for? The first book in the series — The Serpent and the Wings of Night  — did a great job laying the groundwork for the series and setting the characters and plot up. The second book — The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King —  takes everything we learned in book one and turns it on its head — in a good way!

The political intrigue and world building lore that went into this book — and the series in general — is pretty impressive. It is action packed romantasy and currently available on Kindle Unlimited!

Books Like ACOTAR - The Crown of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent

Books in the Crowns of Nyaxia Series:

The full Crowns of Nyaxia Series by Carissa Broadbent is linked here and is currently available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

Still in the ACOTAR state of mind?
Check out my reader’s guide to the series for some fun facts about the books, along with cool themed merch from Etsy and more!

The All Souls Series by Deborah Harkness

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Supernatural romance with deep historical lore and a forbidden love story.

This is a great example of a fantasy book series set in a version of our world. In this series, there are vampires, witches, and all kinds of magical creatures living alongside humans.

The All Souls books are incredibly well researched and reads like a magical history book in the best way possible. Following protagonist Diana Bishop as she develops her dormant magic skills alongside a 1500+ year-old vampire love interest, the reader is taken on a wild ride through history and lore. 

Originally, from what I can tell, this series was supposed to be a trilogy, so books 1 through 3 really go together and books 4 and 5 feel more like spin-offs.

Books Like ACOTAR - The All Souls Series by Deborah Harkness

Books in the All Souls Series:

The full All Souls Series by Deborah Harkness is linked here.

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The Letters of enchantment Duology by Rebecca Ross

Books Like ACOTAR: 10 Best Fantasy & Romantasy Reads - The Letters of Enchantment Duology by Rebecca Ross

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Enemies to lovers with dark academia vibes and warring gods.

Rebecca Ross is the queen of the duology format (a two-book series). Letters of Enchantment is a fantasy duology about rival journalists who find themselves connected by a magical typewriter.

The books are set in an alternate reality, with a world that looks a lot like our own in the post-WWII era, though this reality is plagued by warring gods. This is a great enemies to lovers option for fans of romantasy and the dark academia vibe!

Books in the Letters of Enchantment Duology:

The Letters of Enchantment Duology by Rebecca Ross is available here and is currently available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Dark forbidden magic, a crumbling kingdom, and a slow burn worth the wait.

A dark fantasy duology, The Shepherd King books follow a young woman living in a crumbling world where magic is outlawed for all but the upper echelons, who abuse its power. She is infected with forbidden magic, forced to live alongside a dark entity that is draining her of her vitality, while she works to save her kingdom from the controlling power. The story is unique and compelling, and it is clear why so many Bookstagram readers consider them among the best fantasy books out there.

All in all, the books in this dark fantasy series are a great read and are currently available on Kindle Unlimited (more details here).

10 Best Fantasy Books Like ACOTAR for Romantasy Book Lovers - The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig

Books in The Shepherd King Duology:

The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig is available here and is currently available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A Parker

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Dragons, fae rebellion, and witty banter with a slow burn (but super intense) romance.

If you have read and enjoyed Throne of Glass, along with ACOTAR, then I highly recommend When the Moon Hatched. This new fantasy novel was quickly deemed one of the best fantasy books of the year on bookstagram. It follows a mysterious female protagonist who is part of a rebellion against the ruling fae. She is captured by her enemies and her mysterious past begins to unravel. This book is a slow burn romance, full of witty banter, a dash of spice, and robust world building*. If you like fantasy books with dragons, this is a great option for you.

*The book opens with a long section of definitions and character descriptions. While the details are appreciated, they are overwhelming, so I recommend just starting at chapter one and going back to the glossary later on if you so choose.

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker is available here and is currently available to read for free with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription.

Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: An exiled princess, stolen dragons, and enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance.

The first in a new series, Fear the Flames is one of the best romantasy books I’ve read recently. If you’re looking for spicy fantasy books with dragons, look no further — this is perfect for you.

Fear the Flames follows an exiled princess who establishes a secret kingdom to oppose her tyrannical father. As a child, she was separated from her dragons and must now fight to get them back by allying with the dangerous commander of a neighboring kingdom. Witty banter, romance, and high fantasy ensue.

Fear the Flames

Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling is available here.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Why ACOTAR fans will love it: Paranormal romance with the same addictive, bingeable energy as early ACOTAR.

Last but not least, I wanted to highlight Bride by Ali Hazelwood, even if it isn’t a typical fantasy novel. A paranormal romance between a vampire and a werewolf, Bride feels a lot like Twilight for grown ups.

Existing in a world that looks a lot like ours, this book’s female protagonist — a vampire — finds herself thrust into werewolf territory as part of a peacekeeping alliance. Bride is a quick, engrossing read — and the second book in the series came out in 2025!

Bride by Ali Hazelwood is available here.

What do you think of this fantasy reading list?
What are some of the best fantasy books you’ve read?
Leave a comment and I’ll add them to my TBR!

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*Some of the novels featured here were gifted to me as part of various book review programs in which Cats & Coffee participates. Gifting was not contingent on reviewing, and I only share books I genuinely enjoyed and fully recommend. All thoughts and opinions are my honest own. 


 *This post was originally published in February 2025. It was most recently updated on April 7, 2026.

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