Fae courts, urban fantasy & badass heroines: All about Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is a wildly popular name for fans of romantic fantasy (romantasy), captivating readers with her richly woven worlds and layered characters. But even if you recognize the name, it’s tough to keep up with her entire body of work. There’s just so much of it!

A start in the DC comic world

Born in New York City in 1986, Maas (or SJM, as fans call her) began writing at a young age, quickly developing a taste for fantasy and adventure stories. Her first published work “Catwoman: Soulstealer” was part of a DC Icons Series that also included stories from fellow fantasy authors Marie Lu and Leigh Bardugo—both of whom have gone on to have incredible success of their own.

A young adult story that was quickly adapted into a graphic novel, “Catwoman” was Maas’ jumpstart into a career that has yet to slow down. Get it, girl.

Her bestselling novel “Throne of Glass” came a little later, originating as a story she posted online when she was just 16. Main heroine Celaena Sardothien became a fan favorite, launching SJM’s status as a bestselling author.

The first series that made SJM a fantasy superstar

A saga that has won the hearts of readers all over the world, ToG (as it’s fondly known by fans) all begins with the first book, "Throne of Glass," where we meet Celaena. She’s an 18-year-old assassin who has been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes.

Don’t worry, this whole section is spoiler-free!

Celaena’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly competition to become the King’s Champion. Never mind the fact that she despises said king...anything is better than the mines she was lucky to survive.

Throughout the competition, Celaena must outwit enemies, navigate court politics, and confront ancient evil forces that threaten the kingdom. Originally inspired by Cinderella, Maas was careful to include elements of classic fairytales while creating something super unique.

As the series progresses, it becomes clear that "Throne of Glass" is just the beginning of a much larger, much richer story. In "Crown of Midnight," Celaena continues her dangerous path while wrestling with some pretty dark secrets, and in "Heir of Fire," she ventures across the seas to uncover more about her mysterious past and untapped power.

Each installment of the series reveals new layers to the complex world Maas has created, with kingdoms at war, magical creatures, and hidden agendas driving the plot forward.

When to read “The Assassin’s Blade,” the prequel novella collection, is a hotly debated topic among fans. While it technically takes place before the events of “Throne of Glass,” one could argue it has more emotional impact if it’s read after “Heir of Fire.” (It’s me. I argue that this is the correct way to do it.)

SJM herself recommends reading the books in publication order:

• Throne of Glass

• Crown of Midnight

• Assassin’s Blade

• Heir of Fire

• Queen of Shadows

• Empire of Storms

• Tower of Dawn

• Kingdom of Ash

No matter the reading order you go with, it’s tough not to fall in love with these characters. Celaena starts out as a morally ambiguous figure who has endured tremendous hardship, but over the course of the series, she evolves into a deeply layered heroine who is not only a skilled fighter but also a leader with her own vulnerabilities.

Other central characters, such as Prince Dorian Havilliard and Captain Chaol Westfall, also undergo profound transformations, adding depth to the narrative.

In later books, "Queen of Shadows," "Empire of Storms,” and “Tower of Dawn,” Maas expands the focus beyond Celaena to include even more characters and storylines. A major identity shift takes center stage as Celaena finds greater purpose and fights like hell for her happy ending. The series culminates in the epic conclusion, "Kingdom of Ash," where all the storylines converge in a dramatic and oh-so-satisfying finale.

Complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and stunning worldbuilding? Yes, please. Sarah J. Maas expertly balances action and romance in the “Throne of Glass” series, but she doesn’t stop there.

Then there’s the series that went crazy viral

SJM is also extremely well-known for “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (aka ACOTAR), a series that blends fantasy with heart-stopping amounts of romance and fae lore. Think high-stakes drama and swoon-worthy characters.

This is the one everyone in the world seemed to be binging while we were all stuck inside in 2020. (At least I did.) Following the success of “Throne of Glass,” SJM pivoted from Cinderella to more of a Beauty and the Beast retelling for ACOTAR, and my oh my, she knew what she was doing. This series became a bestseller so freaking fast.

Again, no spoilers to follow, don’t worry!

In the first book, we meet Feyre Archeron, a 19-year-old human struggling to keep her impoverished family alive. One day, while hunting in the woods, she kills a wolf, not realizing it’s a faerie in disguise. This brings her face-to-face with Tamlin, a powerful fae lord who takes her to the magical realm of Prythian as punishment for his friend’s death.

In the fae world, Feyre uncovers dark secrets about the fae and finds herself falling for Tamlin, even as she faces life-threatening challenges. But just when you think the story is headed in one direction, Maas expertly twists the plot in "A Court of Mist and Fury," where Feyre’s world and loyalties are turned upside down. And that’s all you’ll get out of me.

As the series progresses with "A Court of Wings and Ruin," war threatens the fragile peace between the human and fae worlds. Feyre, alongside her fae Inner Circle (IYKYK), must confront her past and fight for her people as her new home teeters on the brink of destruction.

With "A Court of Frost and Starlight" and "A Court of Silver Flames," Maas continues to explore the lives of the characters beyond the original trilogy, with a special focus on Nesta Archeron’s journey of redemption in the latter book.

Think of the “Frost and Starlight” novella as more of a cozy, cute Christmas special, then be prepared for a narrator shift in “Silver Flames.”

With its vivid worldbuilding, complex characters, and steamy romance, this series is a must-read. It’s an epic tale of love and the power of resilience, wrapped in beautifully crafted fae lore.

Already read and loved ACOTAR and want more? Let us fix your reading hangover.

A more modern take on a fantasy world

Another of her major works that fits within an adjacent fantastical world to “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” the “Crescent City” series combines urban fantasy with SJM’s signature blend of action and detailed storytelling.

A modern fantasy epic combining magic, mystery, and romance in a much more current setting than either of her other fantasy series, “Crescent City” came onto the scene as a fresh departure from her previous works while retaining the emotional depth she’s known for.

The series begins with "House of Earth and Blood," introducing readers to Bryce Quinlan, a half-human, half-fae suddenly thrust into a dark and dangerous world after the mysterious deaths of her best friends.

Set in the vibrant, magical city of Lunathion, also known as Crescent City, the series follows Bryce as her seemingly carefree life is shattered. Still dealing with the trauma of their deaths, Bryce is drawn into an investigation to find the killer, teaming up with the brooding and powerful fallen angel (yes, I said fallen angel), Hunt Athalar.

As they dig deeper into the mystery, Bryce and Hunt uncover shocking truths about corruption in their city, ancient powers, and hidden dangers that could destroy everything they know.

But this is so much more than a murder mystery. It’s a story about grief, resilience, and finding inner strength. Throughout the series, party girl Bryce grows into a determined and formidable heroine. Her partnership with Hunt evolves from reluctant allies to something deeper, with Maas crafting a slow-burn romance filled with tension and tenderness.

In the second book, "House of Sky and Breath," Bryce and Hunt delve further into the politics and power struggles of Crescent City. The themes of rebellion, loyalty, and sacrifice deepen as Bryce discovers more about her own powers and the looming threat against her city.

“House of Flame and Shadow” is the third and most recent addition to the series, and I refuse to attempt a summary of this book beyond the following: Bryce is thrust into a totally new world, encountering some...uh...interesting personalities.

What sets the Crescent City series apart is its seamless combination of modern urban life with ancient magic. You’ll find cell phones and nightclubs side by side with fae, angels, and shapeshifters. Filled with Maas’ trademark mix of action and romance, the “Crescent City” series has quickly become a fan favorite, promising even more explosive revelations and epic moments in future installments.

What’s next for SJM?

With millions of books sold worldwide and a devoted fanbase, Maas has firmly established herself as a powerhouse in the world of modern fantasy fiction. Whether you're drawn to her strong female leads or her imaginative worldbuilding, there's no denying Sarah J. Maas’ lasting impact on the genre, but what else can readers expect?

Officially, Maas has revealed that both a sixth ACOTAR book and a fourth Crescent City book are currently in the works, though no release dates have been revealed yet. (I know. I’m sad about it, too.)

We have approximately 11,000 pages of hers to reread while we wait for any new releases. That Goodreads challenge isn’t going to happen by itself, and I’ve got a date with Rhys, Rowan, and Ruhn. Don’t know who they are? I guess you’ll have to get reading.

On the hunt for even more romantasy to scratch that magical itch? Take a look at Dipsea’s collection of audiobooks.