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Including newest ACOTAR entry A Court of Splintered Harmony, here are the best (and worst) Sarah J. Maas books according to readers.
With her massively popular fantasy books, Sarah J. Maas has inspired a huge fanbase of readers since releasing her debut novel in 2012.
The bestselling author is responsible for the Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Crescent City series, which have sold more than 70 million English copies worldwide, and have been translated to thirty-eight languages.
One of the most popular writers of romantasy fiction, Maas has published 18 books so far, including the highly-anticipated sixth ACOTAR book A Court of Splintered Harmony, which was released on October 27 2026.
It has been five years since there was a new entry in the Booktok-favourite series, and already fans are leaving reviews with all of their thoughts. The new book is the beginning of a new arc in the series, and will be followed by book seven, A Court of Forgotten Melody, on January 12 2027.
Until then, here are all 18 Sarah J. Maas books ranked from best to worst, according to fans on Goodreads.
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1. Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass, Book 7)
Sarah J. Maas’ best book according to readers is the conclusion to her Throne of Glass series, Kingdom of Ash. Released in 2018, this novel has 1.2 million ratings and an average of 4.71 stars. Here’s the official synopsis for the book: “Aelin Galathynius has vowed to save her people ― but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. The knowledge that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, but her resolve is unraveling with each passing day… With Aelin captured, friends and allies are scattered to different fates. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever. As destinies weave together at last, all must fight if Erilea is to have any hope of salvation.” | Bloomsbury Publishing
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2. A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR, Book 2)
Maas’ second best book is then A Court of Mist and Fury, which was released in 2016. The second entry to the author’s massively popular ACOTAR series, this book is a fan favourite as well as highly-regarded. It has more than 3.5 million ratings on Goodreads, with 4.63 stars out of five. Flipping everything that came before it on its head, here’s the synopsis: “Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court – but at a steep cost. Though she now possesses the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people. Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, the mesmerising High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates his dark web of political games and tantalising promises, a greater evil looms – and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can step into her growing power, heal her fractured soul and have the courage to shape her own future – and the future of a world cloven in two…” | Bloomsbury Publishing
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3. Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, Book 5)
Empire of Storms is then Sarah J. Maas’ third best novel, with an average rating of 4.63 stars on Goodreads from more than 1.4 million reader ratings. One of two books released by the author in 2016, this is the fifth instalment of her Throne of Glass series. Here’s what the book is about: “The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves increasingly at odds with those who don't. With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, dark forces stand poised to claim her world. The only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may take more from Aelin than she has to give, a quest that forces her to choose what - and who -she's willing to sacrifice for the sake of peace.” | Bloomsbury Publishing
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4. Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass, Book 4)
Queen of Shadows is book four in Maas’ Throne of Glass series and, fittingly, it is also her fourth best novel according to fans. Released in 2015, it has an extremely close score of 4.62 stars across more than 1.6 million ratings. “Celaena Sardothien has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight. She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return. Everyone Aelin loves has been taken from her. Everything she holds dear is in danger. But she has the heart of a queen - and that heart beats for vengeance.” | Bloomsbury Publishing