Summary: In this article, I've compiled 20 of the best books similar to ACOTAR that capture the same magic, passion, and intensity. Here are my top 3 picks:
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
TOP 20: Best Books Like ACOTAR
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
- Red Queen Series by Victoria Aveyard
- The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
- An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
- The High Mountain Court by A.K. Mulford
- The Bone Season Series by Samantha Shannon
- The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
- The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
- The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air Series) by Holly Black
- The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa
- The Selection Series by Kiera Cass
- The Folk of the Air Series by Holly Black
1. From Blood and Ash
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- About: Poppy, a Maiden chosen from birth, lives a life of solitude and duty until a dashing guard named Hawke enters her life, challenging her beliefs and igniting forbidden desires.
- Style of Writing: Engaging first-person narrative with a blend of modern dialogue and rich world-building.
- Length: Approximately 170,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its intense romance and unexpected plot twists.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: Combines elements of fantasy, romance, and mystery, keeping readers captivated throughout.
2. The Bridge Kingdom
- Author: Danielle L. Jensen
- About: Lara, a trained warrior princess, is sent to marry King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom with a mission to infiltrate and betray him, but she finds herself torn between duty and desire.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with vivid descriptions and strategic plot development.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its tension-filled romance and moral dilemmas.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with complex character motivations.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of trust, loyalty, and love in a politically charged fantasy setting.
3. Serpent & Dove
- Author: Shelby Mahurin
- About: Lou, a witch hiding from her coven, and Reid, a witch hunter sworn to the Church, are forced into an unexpected marriage, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with secrets and magic.
- Style of Writing: Alternating first-person perspectives with witty dialogue and immersive world-building.
- Length: Approximately 125,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Delivers a compelling mix of humor, romance, and suspense that lingers after reading.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging and accessible with layered themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a fresh take on the enemies-to-lovers trope within a richly imagined fantasy world.
4. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Celaena Sardothien, a notorious assassin, is offered a chance at freedom by competing to become the king's champion, leading her into a world of magic, intrigue, and destiny.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with detailed world-building and character development.
- Length: The series spans seven books, totaling approximately 1,000,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012–2018
- Emotional Impact: Provides an epic journey with emotional highs and lows, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to advanced; complex plotlines and extensive cast of characters.
- Why Read It: Delivers a captivating blend of action, romance, and fantasy in a meticulously crafted world.
5. Red Queen
- Author: Victoria Aveyard
- About: In a world divided by blood—those with common Red blood and the elite with Silver blood possessing supernatural abilities—Mare Barrow discovers she has a unique power that could upend the balance.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with fast-paced storytelling and political intrigue.
- Length: The series comprises four main books, totaling approximately 500,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015–2018
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its themes of betrayal, loyalty, and rebellion.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with intricate political dynamics.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of power, identity, and revolution in a dystopian fantasy setting.
6. The Wrath & the Dawn
- Author: Renée Ahdieh
- About: A reimagining of One Thousand and One Nights, where Shahrzad volunteers to marry the murderous king Khalid to avenge her best friend, weaving captivating stories each night to survive.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical prose with rich cultural descriptions and a focus on storytelling.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Evokes deep emotions through its romantic and suspenseful narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic language with cultural nuances.
- Why Read It: Offers a beautifully written tale of love, revenge, and redemption.
7. An Ember in the Ashes
- Author: Sabaa Tahir
- About: Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, find their destinies intertwined as they navigate a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome.
- Style of Writing: Alternating first-person perspectives with vivid world-building and intense action sequences.
- Length: The series consists of four books, totaling approximately 800,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015–2020
- Emotional Impact: Delivers a powerful narrative exploring themes of freedom, sacrifice, and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose with complex themes.
- Why Read It: Provides a gripping story of resistance and hope in a richly imagined world.
8. The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: An epic standalone novel featuring dragons, a divided world, and a band of women determined to protect it.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with expansive world-building and multiple perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 280,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its intricate plot and character development.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; dense prose with complex world-building.
- Why Read It: Offers a feminist reimagining of dragon lore with a richly detailed universe.
9. Graceling
- Author: Kristin Cashore
- About: In a world where some people are born with a Grace—a special talent—Katsa struggles with her own abilities and the burdens they bring.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with a focus on character introspection and adventure.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its themes of self-discovery and empowerment.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with thoughtful themes.
- Why Read It: Explores personal identity and freedom within a compelling fantasy setting.
10. Daughter of Smoke and Bone
- Author: Laini Taylor
- About: Art student Karou's life is caught between two worlds: the human world and a world of beasts and angels.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and poetic prose with imaginative world-building.
- Length: The series comprises three books, totaling approximately 390,000 words.
- Year Written: 2011–2014
- Emotional Impact: Delivers a haunting and romantic narrative that lingers with readers.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich language with intricate plotlines.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique and beautifully crafted tale of love, war, and identity.
11. The Shadows Between Us
- Author: Tricia Levenseller
- About: Alessandra plans to woo, marry, and then kill the Shadow King to take his kingdom for herself, but her plans become complicated as she gets to know him.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with a focus on character scheming and court intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its bold protagonist and unexpected romantic developments.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; straightforward prose with intricate plotting.
- Why Read It: Offers a darkly romantic tale with a cunning female lead and unexpected twists.
12. The Star-Touched Queen
- Author: Roshani Chokshi
- About: Maya, cursed with a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, becomes queen of a mysterious kingdom and embarks on a journey to uncover ancient secrets.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and poetic prose with rich cultural mythology.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2016
- Emotional Impact: Captivates with its enchanting narrative and evocative imagery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; poetic language with mythological references.
- Why Read It: Delivers a beautifully woven tale inspired by Indian mythology, filled with romance and adventure.
13. The High Mountain Court
- Author: A.K. Mulford
- About: Remy, a red witch in hiding, joins forces with a fae prince to retrieve a magical artifact, leading to a journey of danger and self-discovery.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with immersive world-building and character-driven storytelling.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2021
- Emotional Impact: Engages with its blend of action, romance, and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; detailed descriptions with a focus on character relationships.
- Why Read It: Combines elements of magic, political intrigue, and romance in a richly imagined world.
14. The Bone Season
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: In a future dystopian society, clairvoyant Paige Mahoney is captured and discovers a hidden world where her abilities are both coveted and feared.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with complex world-building and a blend of dystopian and fantasy elements.
- Length: The series is ongoing, with each book averaging around 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013–present
- Emotional Impact: Provokes thought with its exploration of freedom and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; intricate plot and terminology.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique blend of dystopian and supernatural elements with a strong, complex heroine.
15. The Queen of the Tearling
- Author: Erika Johansen
- About: Princess Kelsea Raleigh Glynn embarks on a quest to reclaim her deceased mother's throne and save her kingdom from decay and corruption.
- Style of Writing: Third-person narrative with detailed political intrigue and character development.
- Length: Approximately 140,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Inspires with its tale of courage and leadership.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; rich prose with complex political scenarios.
- Why Read It: Explores themes of power, responsibility, and sacrifice in a compelling fantasy setting.
16. The Kiss of Deception
- Author: Mary E. Pearson
- About: Princess Lia flees an arranged marriage and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, pursued by both her jilted fiancé and an assassin sent to kill her.
- Style of Writing: Alternating first-person perspectives with a focus on character growth and mystery.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Engages with its suspenseful plot and romantic tension.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible language with intertwining narratives.
- Why Read It: Offers a captivating story of identity, love, and destiny with unexpected twists.
17. The Cruel Prince
- Author: Holly Black
- About: Jude was seven when her parents were murdered, and she and her sisters were taken to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude desires nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. However, many fey despise humans, especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and most wicked son of the High King. To secure a place at the Court, she must defy him—and face the consequences.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with vivid descriptions and intricate plotting.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Captivates readers with its complex characters and morally ambiguous scenarios.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible prose with layered themes.
- Why Read It: Delivers a gripping tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and the struggle for power in a richly imagined faerie world.
18. The Iron Fey Series
- Author: Julie Kagawa
- About: Meghan Chase has always felt out of place, but when her brother is kidnapped, she discovers a hidden world of faeries and learns of her own extraordinary heritage.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with immersive world-building and adventurous plotlines.
- Length: The original series consists of four books, totaling approximately 450,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010–2011
- Emotional Impact: Engages readers with its blend of adventure, romance, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a captivating journey through a vividly depicted faerie realm, blending classic mythology with modern twists.
19. The Selection Series
- Author: Kiera Cass
- About: In a dystopian future, thirty-five girls are selected to compete for the prince's heart, but for America Singer, being selected is a nightmare as it means turning her back on her secret love and entering a world of rivalry.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with a focus on romance and societal dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 80,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Engages with its romantic tension and exploration of class differences.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; straightforward prose with a focus on character relationships.
- Why Read It: Provides a romantic and dystopian twist on the classic “Cinderella” story, exploring themes of choice and identity.
20. The Folk of the Air Series
- Author: Holly Black
- About: Following the events of “The Cruel Prince,” Jude navigates the treacherous politics of the Faerie Court, grappling with power, betrayal, and her complex relationship with Prince Cardan.
- Style of Writing: First-person narrative with intricate plotting and rich character development.
- Length: The series comprises three main books, totaling approximately 350,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018–2019
- Emotional Impact: Captivates with its intense emotional dynamics and unexpected twists.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; engaging prose with complex themes.
- Why Read It: Delivers a compelling continuation of Jude's story, filled with political intrigue, romance, and personal growth in a vividly imagined faerie world.
Conclusion
If you’re craving more books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, I think From Blood and Ash, The Bridge Kingdom, and Serpent & Dove are the best picks. Each has a gripping mix of strong heroines, slow-burn romance, and richly built fantasy worlds full of intrigue and danger. Personally, I love how these stories keep you on the edge of your seat, balancing action, magic, and swoon-worthy romance. Whether you're into forbidden love, political drama, or high-stakes adventure, I’m sure these books will pull you in and keep you hooked. Happy reading!
