The highly anticipated A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series by Sarah J. Maas is officially expanding, sending waves of excitement through the global “romantasy” community. After years of fervent fan speculation and intense BookTok discussions, Maas herself has confirmed definitive release dates for not one, but two brand-new installments. This groundbreaking announcement heralds a new chapter for the beloved series, promising to delve deeper into the magical realm of Prythian and its captivating characters. Fans can now mark their calendars for upcoming adventures and explore the burgeoning Maasverse, which is set to grow far beyond the printed page with exciting new ventures.
Breaking News: ACOTAR’s Return with Two Confirmed Books
The literary world collectively held its breath, and now, the news is finally here: Sarah J. Maas is delivering on her promise of more ACOTAR series content. During a much-anticipated appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast in March 2026, Maas put an end to countless fan theories by announcing firm release dates for ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7. This significant update follows a five-year hiatus since the last major release, A Court of Silver Flames, back in 2021, reigniting the passion of millions worldwide.
The author confirmed that ACOTAR 6 is scheduled to launch on October 27, 2026. Following swiftly, the seventh book, ACOTAR 7, will arrive just a few months later on January 12, 2027. This rapid, back-to-back publishing strategy is a rare move for a major fantasy franchise, signaling Maas’s intent to maintain strong momentum. While official titles and cover art remain under wraps, the confirmed dates have brought immense clarity and renewed anticipation to the dedicated fanbase.
The Expanding Scope of Prythian’s Saga
Maas revealed that the narrative, which initially began as a singular story, blossomed far beyond her initial expectations. While writing in Montana, she recognized the immense scope of the plot, which necessitated multiple installments to fully unfurl. She structured the upcoming arc into four distinct parts, with ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7 together covering three of these sections. Maas emphasized the sheer scale by noting that the first section alone reached approximately 400 pages, with the fourth part of the overall arc still actively in progress.
This ambitious expansion reflects the rich, intricate world-building and character development that define the ACOTAR series. Maas’s dedication to fleshing out her universe ensures that readers will receive comprehensive and deeply immersive experiences with each new release. The meticulous planning involved underscores why these Sarah J. Maas books resonate so deeply with readers.
Unpacking Fan Theories and Character Spotlights
With definitive release dates set, fan speculation has intensified, particularly regarding the next central protagonist. Given Maas’s established pattern of shifting point-of-view characters—moving from Feyre Archeron to Nesta Archeron—widespread theories suggest that Elain Archeron, the third Archeron sister, will take center stage. Her evolving storyline has been a steady undercurrent throughout previous installments, making her a prime candidate for the spotlight.
Who Will Lead the Next Arc?
Many fans believe ACOTAR 6 will primarily focus on Elain. Her personal journey and romantic entanglements are ripe for exploration. Debates are already rampant regarding potential romantic pairings, with discussions often centering on Azriel and Gwyn, or Elain’s potential rejection of her mating bond with Lucien. Maas has hinted at exploring Azriel more, and the “fated mates” trope, a cornerstone of her writing, is expected to play a significant role. Maas has expressed fascination with the concept of agency within this trope, pondering themes of free will versus destiny in love. Key characters like Nesta are also expected to feature prominently, continuing to deepen the political and emotional layers within Prythian.
The author’s writing speed has naturally shifted since becoming a parent. However, the completion of ACOTAR 6‘s first draft in July 2025, marked by an Instagram reel, offers genuine hope that the announced October 2026 and January 2027 dates will hold firm. While Maas is known for her meticulous revision process, which has historically led to occasional delays, the short 2.5-month gap between Book 6 and Book 7 suggests both manuscripts are likely well into their editing phases. The impending opening of pre-orders will serve as a strong indicator of publisher confidence in these timelines.
Beyond the Pages: The Maasverse as a Cultural Phenomenon
The ACOTAR series has transcended its literary origins to become a defining force in the modern “romantasy” genre. Celebrated for its unique blend of epic fantasy world-building with deeply emotionally driven romance arcs, the series has sold over 38 million copies globally. It consistently inspires a vibrant “renaissance” of immersive fan experiences, fostering a fiercely loyal international fan base.
BookTok’s Power and Immersive Fan Experiences
A significant driver of this surge in popularity is BookTok, the TikTok subculture dedicated to romance and fantasy novels. The #romantasy tag boasts hundreds of millions of views, propelling the genre into the mainstream and transforming niche titles into viral sensations. This enthusiastic fandom fuels new micro-economies centered around immersive events, where fans fully embody their favorite characters through dress-up, dance, and cosplay.
Fantasy balls, in particular, have evolved from niche gatherings into major events. Companies frequently sell out ACOTAR-themed balls within hours, with tickets ranging from $60 to several hundred dollars. These events transport attendees to Velaris, home of Prythian’s Night Court, offering choreographed dances, photo opportunities, and exclusive VIP sessions with cast members portraying beloved characters. This global trend, evident in Toronto’s Starfall Bals and Austin’s Fae Ball, underscores a post-pandemic hunger for real-world connections and “sanctioned escapism.”
The Rise of Official Maasverse Merchandise
In a monumental move, Sarah J. Maas is expanding her literary universe beyond books through an exclusive worldwide licensing deal with IMG Licensing. This agreement will transform Maas’s popular series—including ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City—into official merchandise and fan experiences. The licensing program covers a vast array of categories: apparel, beauty products, home décor, wine and spirits, toys and games, collectibles, cosplay, and immersive fan events.
This move marks a significant shift, as there has historically been no official merchandise available, leading fans to create a robust “bootleg” market on platforms like Etsy. However, this official deal has raised concerns among fans and unofficial creators. Online discussions indicate that stricter copyright enforcement has already begun affecting small businesses and event organizers, signaling a new era for fan engagement and potentially impacting the thriving unofficial market.
The Future of the Maasverse: More Books, More Worlds
The announcement of ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7 is just part of Sarah J. Maas’s extensive publishing roadmap. Her publisher, Bloomsbury, announced a new four-book deal in 2023, adding to three existing contracts, bringing her total commitment to seven new books. Maas describes her next four books as being in a “taxiing position,” with their order largely planned.
Beyond Prythian: Crescent City, Throne of Glass, and More
While the next book after Crescent City 3 (House of Flame and Shadow) will be the upcoming ACOTAR installment, Maas has confirmed that a fourth Crescent City book is definitely happening. This future installment, though “further down” her publishing schedule, already has central characters and major plot points outlined. Furthermore, ACOTAR Book 8 is confirmed to be in development, ensuring the series extends past 2027.
Maas has also hinted at an emotional, “brewing” book after the next ACOTAR novel, keeping details under wraps regarding its world or characters. The potential for expanding the Throne of Glass series, which officially concluded in 2018, also remains. With shocking crossovers already occurring between Crescent City and ACOTAR, Maas acknowledges that “the gates between worlds could open again,” hinting at the thrilling possibility of Throne of Glass characters eventually crossing over.
Audiobook Updates for Fans
In other exciting news, Elizabeth Evans, the cherished narrator for the ACOTAR series, is currently re-recording all the ACOTAR audiobooks. These newly recorded versions are slated for release in the spring of 2025, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the original A Court of Thorns and Roses novel. This update offers long-time fans and new readers alike an enhanced auditory experience of their beloved stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the confirmed release dates for the new ACOTAR books?
Sarah J. Maas has officially confirmed that ACOTAR 6 is scheduled for release on October 27, 2026. Following this, ACOTAR 7 will be published shortly after on January 12, 2027. This rapid, back-to-back release schedule is unusual for a major fantasy series, signaling an exciting and accelerated expansion of the beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses narrative.
Which character is most likely to be the protagonist of the next ACOTAR book?
Based on fan theories and Sarah J. Maas’s previous narrative patterns, Elain Archeron is widely speculated to be the next central protagonist. Maas often shifts point-of-view characters to deepen the world, and Elain’s storyline has been steadily developing. Readers anticipate explorations of her personal journey, potential romantic pairings (such as with Azriel or a reevaluation of her bond with Lucien), and her role within Prythian.
How will the new official ACOTAR merchandise deal impact fans and creators?
Sarah J. Maas’s new exclusive worldwide licensing deal with IMG Licensing will bring official merchandise for the ACOTAR series across various categories, including apparel, home décor, and fan events. While this offers new ways for fans to celebrate, it is expected to lead to stricter enforcement against unofficial “bootleg” merchandise and fan-organized events on platforms like Etsy, potentially impacting independent creators who have thrived in this space.
Embarking on the Next Chapter of the Maasverse
The announcement of two new ACOTAR series books marks a monumental moment for Sarah J. Maas and her legion of fans. With definitive release dates, exciting plot theories, and a burgeoning universe of official merchandise and immersive experiences, the world of Prythian is set to captivate more than ever before. As ACOTAR 6 and ACOTAR 7 approach, along with re-recorded audiobooks and wider Maasverse expansions, readers can look forward to a thrilling future filled with magic, romance, and unparalleled storytelling. Prepare to dive back into the intricate tapestry of the A Court of Thorns and Roses universe and witness its remarkable evolution.
