Are you a fan of Sarah J. Maas’ captivating series “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and hungry for more epic stories filled with fae, romance, and high-stakes adventure? Look no further! In this list, we have compiled ten enthralling books like A Court of Thorns and Roses in terms of their romantic relationship dynamics, immersive worldbuilding, and captivating male and female lead characters. Whether you’re seeking forbidden romances, intricate political intrigue, or magical realms, these books are sure to satisfy your cravings for thrilling high fantasy new adult novels.
Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses:
Famine by Laura Thalassa
This world has been ravaged by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, bringing chaos and destruction. Ana, the protagonist, is a survivor in this post-apocalyptic landscape. When she encounters Famine, one of the Horsemen, a forbidden attraction ignites between them. Ana must navigate her own desires while grappling with the moral implications of her growing connection to the embodiment of famine and hunger. As they embark on a dangerous journey, Ana finds herself torn between survival and a love that challenges the boundaries of her existence.
“Famine” resonates with “A Court of Thorns and Roses” because Famine reminded me a lot of Rhysand. They have very similar personalities and personas, and their romantic dynamic with the female characters is also alike. And notably, Famine is by far the most beloved one out of the entire series because of how well the romance is and how good Famine is as a male lead. Highly recommend you check it out!
The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa
“The Iron Fey Series” introduces us to Meghan Chase, a seemingly ordinary teenager whose life takes a drastic turn when she discovers the existence of the fae realm known as the Nevernever. As Meghan ventures deeper into this magical world, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous power struggle between the Iron Fey and the Summer and Winter Courts. Along the way, she becomes torn between two fae princes: Ash, a brooding and mysterious Winter prince, and Puck, a mischievous and loyal friend.
This series shares similarities with “A Court of Thorns and Roses” in terms of its enchanting worldbuilding and the exploration of a mortal protagonist’s journey into a hidden fae realm. Meghan’s experiences parallel Feyre’s in their discovery of their own abilities and the conflicts they face in the face of fae politics. Additionally, the complex love triangle between Meghan, Ash, and Puck echoes the romantic dynamics present in “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” where the protagonist finds herself torn between two compelling love interests. Also has enemies to lovers and slow-burn for those who are interested.
The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan
Violet is a seventeen-year-old human girl who finds herself thrust into the world of faeries after an encounter with a dark fae. As she navigates this dangerous realm, she becomes the guardian of a young fae prince, Nate, and together they must uncover a plot that threatens both the human and fae worlds.
This book is similar to “A Court of Thorns and Roses” due to its exploration of the human protagonist’s immersion in a hidden fae world and her role as a guardian. Violet’s journey and the bond she forms with Nate parallel Feyre’s experiences in her newfound role within the fae realm. The book also touches on themes of loyalty, friendship, and the struggle against formidable enemies, all of which resonate with the core elements of Sarah J. Maas’s series.
The Queen of All That Dies by Laura Thalassa
In a dystopian future, Serenity is a soldier for the Queen of Fates, a tyrannical ruler. When she discovers the Queen’s true intentions, Serenity becomes a rebel, fighting against oppression and injustice. Along the way, she finds an unexpected ally in Montes, the ruler of the New Order, and their forbidden connection threatens to upend everything.
“The Queen of All That Dies” shares thematic elements with “A Court of Thorns and Roses” in terms of rebellion against tyrannical power. Serenity’s journey from a loyal soldier to a rebel mirrors Feyre’s transformation and her defiance against the oppressive rule of Amarantha. Additionally, the complex relationship between Serenity and Montes, filled with tension and unexpected alliances, echoes the romantic dynamics found in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series.
The Winter King by C.L. Wilson
“The Winter King” introduces us to Wynter Atrialan, the Winter King of the Northland and Khamsin Coruscate, a fiery young woman seeking revenge, who enters his realm and becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of politics, power, and desire. As their paths intertwine, Wynter and Khamsin must confront their pasts, navigate treacherous alliances, and discover a love that transcends their differences.
Just like “A Court of Thorns and Roses”, it has an exploration of a complex relationship between a powerful fae king and a strong-willed heroine. Wynter’s icy demeanour and Khamsin’s fiery determination echo the dynamic between Rhysand and Feyre. Both stories delve into the themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the transformative power of love in the midst of a vividly crafted high fantasy world. And has forced-proximity trope where they are forced to go on a “quest” together.
The Dark King by C.J. Abedi
Lily is a young woman with a hidden past who finds herself drawn into the dangerous world of the fae. She discovers that she is the key to ending a long-standing curse that has plagued the fae realm. As she navigates this treacherous realm and forms alliances with the powerful fae, Lily must confront her own destiny and unravel the secrets of her heritage.
This book is similar to “A Court of Thorns and Roses” in its portrayal of a mortal protagonist entering a magical realm and unravelling her own hidden powers. Lily’s journey of self-discovery and the challenges she faces mirror Feyre’s path as she uncovers her own strength and purpose within the fae world. Additionally, the book explores themes of fate, destiny, and the power of love in the face of adversity.
Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau
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“Kingdom of Exiles” introduces us to Leena, a beast charmer who captures dangerous and mythical creatures for a living. When she encounters a cursed creature known as a Shade, her life takes a perilous turn. As Leena embarks on a quest to break the curse and clear her name, she becomes entangled with a powerful fae named Noc and discovers a world of secrets and forbidden desires.
The book, like “A Court of Thorns and Roses”, also includes a strong-willed heroine entangled in a forbidden romance with a fae character. Leena’s profession as a beast charmer and her journey to uncover hidden truths parallel Feyre’s exploration of her own abilities and her involvement in the fae realm’s politics. The book combines elements of adventure, romance, and intricate worldbuilding to captivate readers.
A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova
“A Deal with the Elf King” follows Luella, a young woman desperate to save her family from poverty. In a world where humans are at the mercy of powerful fae, she strikes a dangerous bargain with the Elf King, Eldas. As Luella navigates the intricate politics and dangerous allure of the fae court, she finds herself drawn to Eldas, discovering a connection that transcends their initial arrangement.
In my (humble) opinion one of the books most similar to “A Court of Thorns and Roses” in this list. But it’s more similar to the first book since the male lead is more similar to Tamlin because both female leads were “kidnapped” and “forced” to be with them because of a curse (beauty and the beast vibe). Like Acotar, it has intriguing relationships between a mortal protagonist and a fae king. Luella’s journey reflects Feyre’s as they both navigate the complexities of the fae realm and find themselves caught in the web of forbidden desires. The book also delves into themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the power dynamics between humans and fae.
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
“Wicked Lovely” introduces us to Aislinn, a young girl who possesses the Sight, enabling her to see the fae world hidden within the mortal realm. She must navigate the dangerous intrigue and desires of the fae, including Keenan, the Summer King, and Seth, a mortal boy who becomes entangled in the fae world’s secrets.
Similar to “A Court of Thorns and Roses”, this book has an exploration of a mortal girl’s involvement in the hidden fae realm and the tangled web of relationships she encounters. Aislinn’s ability to see the fae and the complications of her connection to Keenan and Seth parallel Feyre’s journey and the choices she faces between different fae characters. The book delves into themes of identity, selection, and the balance between mortal and fae realms.
These 10 books, each with their unique stories and captivating characters, share thematic and narrative elements that resonate with fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses. From forbidden romances to immersive worldbuilding, they offer readers the opportunity to delve into fantastical realms filled with fae, high lords and ladies, and intricate relationship dynamics. Dive into these enchanting tales and let your imagination soar! If this post seems interesting to you I also highly recommend you to check out my Characters Like Rhysand From A Court of Thorns of Roses post!