Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

Uprooted

Author: Naomi Novik

Year: 2015

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel, HUGO Award Finalist

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Wow! This book is an epic adult fairy tale. It is complex and so unlike any traditional American fairy tale retelling. An enchanted wood, magic, and mythical creatures grab you and pull you in. This is not a typical damsel-in-distress tale so do not let it fool you.

Agnieszka lives next to a wood filled with dark powers. The village depends on the Dragon to protect them from these dark powers. In exchange, one woman from the village must go and serve him every ten years. To everyone’s surprise, he chooses Agnieszka.

Why Jackie loves it

I don’t want to say more about this book and ruin its magic. But, if you love fairy tale retellings or are looking for books like ACOTAR, this is a perfect pick. Novik has yet to write a book I did not devour. This is the first book of hers I read and with each book, she proves herself as a must-read author.

Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Like the Lunar Chronicles to Read Now!

Nocturne

Author: Alyssa Wees

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 17+

Plot

I absolutely adored this pick for best fantasy books of 2023 because it’s pure magic at its best. What starts as a historical fiction set in Chicago in the 1930s transforms into a beautiful fantasy about a ballerina, her violin, and the kingdom of death.

When Grace becomes the prima ballerina at The Near North Ballet Company, she is overjoyed that her dream has come true. In accepting this position, she has become a patron of Master LaRosa and must move into his mansion.

She is not sure what he wants from her. Soon, she discovers there is so much more within the mansion than she thought possible.

Why Jackie loves it

This Beauty and the Beast retelling is perfect for a list of books like ACOTAR. It is beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is lyrical and I savored every minute.

Find this book in: The Best Books of 2023 / Ultimate Beach Reads 2023/ Books Like The Night Circus / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books

Hunted

Author: Meagan Spooner

Year: 2017

Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

I read this as research for our Books to Read if You Love A Court of Thorns and Roses post. It’s another Beauty and the Beast retelling, except this Beauty is more like Katniss Everdeen. No ballgowns or talking tea-pots, just a female huntress out to avenge her father’s death and free the beast from his prison.

Why Kirsten loves it

Light on the romance, heavy on the hunting descriptions. Yet there was a charm in this young adult fantasy set in the wilds of Russia that I found as captivating as the magical firebird in the story.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling. Yeva is a strong character who takes matters into her own hands.

Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fairy Tale Retellings for Adults & YA

Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Year: 2014

Genre: Fantasy

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 17+

Plot

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with a twist, just like Cruel Beauty. In this story, Nyx knows she must marry the evil ruler of the land in the hopes she can kill him and free her fellow citizens.

But once she moves inside the walls of the enchanted castle, she is surprised by the feeling that her husband evokes in her heart. This story also makes references to Greek Mythology throughout.

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved how the fairy tale and mythology elements intertwined. If you are looking for books like a Court of Thorns and Roses, this is a perfect pick.

Find this book in: Books Like ACOTAR

Fae Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 of 12

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.

The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.

This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.

Why Kirsten loves it

There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.

Why Jackie likes it

I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College / Adult Fantasy Novels / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults

An Enchantment of Ravens

Author: Margaret Rogerson

Year: 2017

Genre:

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

A stand-alone YA fantasy romance book? These are few and far between, but this one is perfect for fans of ACOTAR.

This story of a human falling in love with a Fae prince has tons of elements for Sarah J. Maas fans to love. From Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn Fae courts, to enchantments and a forbidden love story, this is one of the fae books you will want to add to your TBR.

Why Kirsten loves it

I fell hard for Rook and Isobel. I think you all will fall for this fae romance book from our list of best YA fantasy books!

Find this book in: Best Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Adult and YA Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses

The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Folk of Air #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.

But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.

If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books

Filthy Rich Fae

Author: Geneva Lee

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Filthy Rich Fae #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The Fae courts are connected to some of the most bustling cities in the modern world, where the veil between the worlds are thin and Fae rule the human cities as well as their courts. Lachlan Gage is the rules New Orleans, but he isn’t just running a criminal empire – he’s the Fae prince ruling the underside of the city.

Cate Holloway doesn’t know that when she comes to make a bargain – her services in exchange for her brother’s freedom from Gage’s grasp. But as she learns the truth – and falls for Gage – her world is turned on it’s axis.

Why Kirsten loves it

I devoured this book. The world-building was amazing, but I can tell there is more lore to be unraveled in further stories. I’m just so upset this one ended on a cliffhanger. I need to know what happens next! #gifted by Entangled

Find this book in: Fae Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like ACOTAR

Books like ACOTAR: Epic Series with Female Warriors like Feyre

Fourth Wing

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Year: 2023

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!

Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.

Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.

This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.

Trigger Warnings

Graphic sexual content, death

Why Jackie loves it

I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.

Why Kirsten loves it

I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.

Adaptation Information

It’s early days yet, but the rights to turn this book series into a TV series were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
For More Books Like This: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2012

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Throne of Glass Book 1 of 7

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

This epic book series from Sarah J. Maas was started when Sarah was still a teenager! It’s all about Celaena, an imprisoned assassin who is offered freedom by acting as the champion for Prince Dorian.

As she prepares to earn her freedom in the competition, she begins training sessions with the captain of the guard. As she tries to acclimate to court life, the prince is drawn to her, and a love triangle forms. This series is perfect for YA fantasy lovers. It has everything you want from world-building to plot and great characters.

Why Kirsten loves it

The YA fantasy series gets better and better with each book! It is total must-read if you are looking for books like ACOTAR and a must-read if you love fae books. I am still amazed that Maas wrote this at such a young age

Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing /Adult and YA Fae Books

Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Year: 2015

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Red Queen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 15+

Plot

In this world, those with red blood are common and those with silver blood are elite with superhuman abilities. In the war against Silvers and Reds, Mare Barrow is special. She’s a red blood with the abilities of a Silver. But how can that be? To cover the anomaly, she is brought into the King’s home where it’s announced that she will be marrying one of the princes, Maven, who she begins to grow close to. But she’s also attracted to Cal, the heir to the throne. As their attraction grows, so do the problems in the realm, and Mare’s knowledge of just how dangerous the world can be.

Why Kirsten loves it

I have been on some weird YA fantasy/sci-fi kick recently – which is funny because I had to be forced to read the Hunger Games. Now I can’t seem to stop! I’m sure I’ll switch gears this summer, but I love this young adult fantasy novel. The ending was a total shock! I couldn’t put it down.

Find this book in: Books like The Hunger Games / YA Romance fantasy books / Books like ACOTAR / YA Dystopian Novels / Books Like The Selection / Books with Red in the Title / Best YA Romance Books

Fall of Ruin and Wrath

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Awakening Book 1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Where do I even begin with this book? This book was the perfect fantasy romance book. Calista has a talent for understanding people and knowing their intentions. She lives with the Baron of Archwood as a courtesan, a favored one because of her gift. When Calista’s intuition tells her to save someone, she realizes she has had previous contact with this prince.

Now, she is the prince’s companion and feels inextricably drawn to him. The kingdom is in trouble, her safety is in danger, and she must choose between her intuition and her heart. This is a dark romance unlike any other I have read. It is also quite spicy!

The world-building is perfect and intertwined throughout this fast-paced, must-read book. I cannot wait to read the rest of this fantasy series #gifted

Trigger Warnings

Torture

Why Jackie loves it

I love Armentrout’s world-building. This is a dark romance that is spicy with a deep storyline that has only just begun. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. The characters are imperfect and complex, yet they are likable and somehow relatable.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

Shadow and Bone

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Year: 2012

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Shadow and Bone #1, Part of the Grishaverse

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Alina Starkov is an orphan who has never excelled in anything. When her regiment is sent into the fold and her best friend is in danger of being killed, she unleashes a power, unlike anything anyone has seen. It may be the answer to the wars that have ravaged her nation.

Why Jackie loves it

I was so excited when I learned that Netflix was making this young adult fantasy book series into an adaptation. I think it will be amazing on screen and I am so curious to see if they keep to the book or change things, which is so often the case.

Find this book in: Books Like Shadow and Bone / Leigh Bardugo Books in Order/ Netflix Adaptations / Fun Books for Teens / Popular Fantasy Book Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best Books by Jewish Authors / Books Like a Court of Thorns and Roses

Fantasy Romance Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses

When the Moon Hatched

Author: Sarah A. Parker

Year: 2024

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Moonfall Series, 1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Raeve is an assassin for the rebellion. She shows no mercy and leaves no witnesses until one night when she lets a mysterious stranger live. When The Guild of Nobles’ prisons Raeve, she expects death but instead finds herself carried away by Kaan Vaegor’s dragon.

Kaan is a King mourning the loss of the love of his life when he finds Raeve in the prison cell. She cannot help but feel the connection between them but cannot understand why.

This is the first book in the Moonfall Series and I cannot wait to see what happens.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Content, Graphic Violence

Why Jackie loves it

I was immediately sucked into this world of Fae and dragons. The storytelling is fantastic, and the characters are unique and surprising. I loved how strong Raeve is and yet, her character is also vulnerable. I cannot wait for the next book. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2024.

Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing/ Dragon Books for Adults / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Giftable Books

House of Earth and Blood

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Strange things are happening in Lunathion and together, Bryce and Hunt are trying to uncover the source of murders happening around Crescent City. If only because then they will be permitted to get away from one another.

But Bryce’s hunt for answers is deeper, she knows that what’s going on now is connected to her best friend, Danika’s murder two years prior. This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.⁣

Why Kirsten loves it

My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. I fell in love with Bryce and Hunt’s romance, the epic world of the Crescent City series, and the many breadcrumbs and clues SJM scattered throughout this story.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.

Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Fallen

Author: Lauren Kate

Year: 2009

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Fallen #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Luce has been sent to Sword and Cross boarding school, a place for other troubled kids like her. The minute she gets to the school, Daniel catches her eye but he will not give her the time of day. But there is more to Daniel and Luce will discover his secrets no matter what the cost.

This Fae series is addicting. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. If you are looking for romance books about second chances (or third or fourth), you will love this book. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, then you will love this series of books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Why Kirsten loves it

I picked up the first book in this YA fantasy series and quickly fell in love with the first book and the story of Daniel and Luce’s love.

Why Jackie loves it

This Fae series is addicting. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you are into Rhysand, Azriel, Cassian, and the other winged warriors of the Night Court, this is the book for you!

Find this book in: Fae Books / Best Fantasy Books for Teens / Urban Fantasy / Books Set in High School / High School Romance Books / Books like ACOTAR

One Dark Window

Author: Rachel Gillig

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: The Shepherd Kind book 1 of 2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Elspeth has the voice of a monster in her head whom she calls Nightmare. He has been there for almost as long as she can remember.

After a meeting with a highwayman, who is actually the king’s nephew and the Captain of the Destiers, Elspeth joins him on a quest to save the kingdom from the surrounding mist. Nobody has ever come out of the mist alive. The two must work together and learn to trust each other while collecting 12 Providence Cards. Only when the cards are reunited can the curse be broken.

But Elpeth has another secret, the Nightmare is slowly getting stronger each time she uses his magic and she is having a harder time maintaining control over her mind. She knows that the next time she calls upon Nightmare’s magic to protect her, it might be the last thing she does.

Why Jackie loves it

This is an adult romance fantasy book unlike anything else I have read. Parts of the story read like a fairy tale and the concept of the Providence Cards is so unique and complex as each card gives its user a different magical ability. I immediately picked up the second book in the duology and wished it was a much longer series.

Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

A Dawn of Onyx

Author: Kate Golden

Year: 2022

Genre: Sacred Stones #1

More info:

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range:

Plot

Arwen Valondale has always had the ability to heal with the touch of her hands. When she is captured by the King of Onyx’s soldiers while trying to save her brother, she is brought back to the vicious king’s kingdom as a prisoner. Soon she finds herself training with a healer and unable to escape due to the vicious beasts in the surrounding forest.

Why Jackie loves it

While technically published in December 2022, this YA fantasy novel is currently being re-released and I am so glad that it is. This is a breakout TikTok YA fantasy romance book that is the first in the series.

Find this book in: Books like ACOTAR/ The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Dragon Books for Adults