Is ACOTAR worth the hype? It depends
30.10.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
The sixth instalment of Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series was released a few days ago. Are you wondering whether you should finally give the books a go? Here’s my honest take on them.
If you’re into fantasy and active on social media, you’ll probably have heard of A Court of Thorns and Roses. My own feed is currently jam-packed with hype about the books. And people who haven’t given them a go yet are rightly asking themselves if they’re worth the effort. Let’s face it, we’re talking about 3,000 pages’ worth of story – with still more to come. I, for one, have dedicated about ten full days of my life to reading it. Which, if you ask me, is a pretty huge commitment. Especially when you consider that ACOTAR author Sarah J. Maas has also penned two other series set in the same multiverse. That’s 17 books in total. So, has my commitment paid off? For me, as a fantasy lover and avid reader: yes. That said, I’d only recommend you read the ACOTAR series if you meet these three conditions.
Fiction books
New
EUR30,–
A Court of Splintered Harmony (Deluxe-Ausgabe mit Farbschnitt)
German, Hardcover, Sarah J. Meuse
A Court of Thorns and Roses
German, Hardcover, Sarah J. Meuse
EUR20,60
A Court of Mist and Fury
English, Paperback, Sarah J. Meuse
EUR24,58
A Court of Wings and Ruin
English, Paperback, Sarah J. Meuse
EUR20,21
A Court of Frost and Starlight
English, Paperback, Sarah J. Meuse
A Court of Silver Flames
English, Paperback, Sarah J. Meuse
New
EUR30,–
A Court of Splintered Harmony (Deluxe-Ausgabe mit Farbschnitt)
German, Hardcover, Sarah J. Meuse
1. You’re willing to fight your way through the first book
The first book isn’t a great starting point. It’s essentially a poorly written Beauty and the Beast – with fairy wings. The narrative structure leaves a lot to be desired, while the protagonist is predictable and totally lacking in depth. Okay, that makes it sound worse than it is. I did manage to finish the book and move on to the next ones, after all. But it was tough. I only stuck it out because a friend promised me the series would get better with the second book. Fortunately, that turned out to be true. The second book makes up for the first, and the third is even better than the second. While the fourth is yet another letdown, it’s forgivable once you read the fifth book. The newly released sixth book ties up many loose ends, but finishes right in the middle of everything. When the next instalment comes out in January, I’ll definitely be reading it. I’m practically obligated to at this point. I’ve already poured too much time into the series to give up on it now.
2. Your cringe-o-meter isn’t set too low
Although the story is gripping on the whole, there are moments when I feel slightly embarrassed on the characters’ behalf. Sometimes, it’s the cheesy situations. Sometimes, it’s the thoughtless, overly moralistic things that the characters say. However, it’s often the ultra-detailed, ever-present eroticism. Which brings me to the last thing you’ll need to do to enjoy the series.
3. You’re reading it in English
Why are sex scenes in German so uncomfortable to read? I certainly find phrases like «Verdammt, Liebling» (bloody hell, darling), «Zelt in der Hose» (a pitched tent in his trousers) or, even worse, «warme Spalte» (warm slit) stirring. Just not in a positive way. In fact, the stirring sensation is more likely to be my breakfast fighting its way back up to greet me. I cannot stand it.
Although the English-language versions of the books contain just as much rumpy-pumpy, I’m at least used to vulgar English words from songs, films and other books. It feels more natural. The fact that English is the author’s native language probably plays a part in that too.
Too cringeworthy for you? Here are some alternatives
If you tick all of these boxes, I don’t think anything will stand in the way of you enjoying A Court of Thorns and Roses. I promise you’re in for countless enjoyable hours of suspense, plot twists and more than one book boyfriend.
However, if twists and turns tire you out, you have a strikingly low cringe tolerance but you’re ready to commit to a long read, then I’d highly recommend Sarah J. Maas’ other series Throne of Glass (TOG). It’s just as suspenseful, has strong female protagonists and the love scenes aren’t as raunchy. You’ll find the Sarah J. Maas’ books in multiple languages here.
Have you read ACOTAR? Would you recommend it? I’d love to read your opinions on it in the comments.
Header image: Aline Piazza
Aline Piazza
Senior Editor
Aline.Piazza@digitecgalaxus.chI love books.
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