How Many Sarah J. Maas Books: A Journey Through Fantasy and Fandom

Sarah J. Maas has become a household name in the world of fantasy literature, captivating readers with her intricate worlds, complex characters, and emotionally charged narratives. But just how many books has she written? And what makes her work so compelling? This article delves into the prolific career of Sarah J. Maas, exploring her major series, standalone works, and the impact she has had on the fantasy genre.
The Throne of Glass Series
Sarah J. Maas’s journey to literary fame began with the Throne of Glass series, which started as a story she wrote on FictionPress when she was just sixteen years old. The series, which spans eight books, follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue, magic, and romance. The books in the series are:
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
The Throne of Glass series is often praised for its strong female protagonist, intricate world-building, and the way it balances action, romance, and political drama. It has garnered a massive fanbase and is often credited with revitalizing interest in young adult fantasy.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series
Following the success of Throne of Glass, Maas embarked on another epic fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). This series, which is more adult-oriented than her previous work, is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. The series currently consists of five books:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
The ACOTAR series has been particularly praised for its romantic elements, complex characters, and the way it delves into darker, more mature themes. The relationship between Feyre Archeron and Rhysand has become iconic in the fantasy romance genre, and the series has inspired countless fan theories, fan art, and even a dedicated fandom.
Crescent City Series
In 2020, Sarah J. Maas ventured into urban fantasy with her Crescent City series. The first book, House of Earth and Blood, introduces readers to a world where humans, angels, and other supernatural beings coexist in a modern, technologically advanced society. The series is planned to be a trilogy, with the second book, House of Sky and Breath, released in 2022. The third book is highly anticipated and expected to continue the story of Bryce Quinlan and her allies as they navigate a world filled with danger, magic, and political intrigue.
The Crescent City series marks a departure from Maas’s previous works in terms of setting and tone, but it retains her signature style of strong character development, intricate plotting, and emotional depth. The series has been well-received by both critics and fans, further cementing Maas’s reputation as a versatile and talented author.
Standalone Works and Short Stories
In addition to her major series, Sarah J. Maas has also written several standalone works and short stories. These include:
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014): A collection of prequel novellas to the Throne of Glass series, providing backstory for Celaena Sardothien and other key characters.
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018): A novella set in the ACOTAR universe, bridging the gap between A Court of Wings and Ruin and A Court of Silver Flames.
These works offer fans deeper insights into the worlds and characters Maas has created, and they often serve as a way to keep readers engaged between major releases.
The Impact of Sarah J. Maas on Fantasy Literature
Sarah J. Maas’s influence on the fantasy genre cannot be overstated. Her ability to create immersive worlds, compelling characters, and emotionally resonant stories has earned her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. She has been credited with bringing a new level of depth and complexity to young adult and adult fantasy, and her work has inspired a new generation of readers and writers.
Maas’s books often explore themes of empowerment, resilience, and the complexities of love and relationships. Her female protagonists are strong, multifaceted, and relatable, and her male characters are equally well-developed, often challenging traditional gender roles in fantasy literature.
Moreover, Maas’s success has paved the way for other female authors in the fantasy genre, proving that stories centered on women can be both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Her work has also contributed to the growing popularity of fantasy romance, a subgenre that blends the epic scope of fantasy with the emotional intensity of romance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many books has Sarah J. Maas written? A: As of 2023, Sarah J. Maas has written 15 books, including the Throne of Glass series, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, and the Crescent City series, as well as several novellas and short stories.
Q: What is Sarah J. Maas’s most popular series? A: While both the Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses series are immensely popular, the ACOTAR series has gained a particularly large and dedicated fanbase, especially among readers of fantasy romance.
Q: Are Sarah J. Maas’s books appropriate for young readers? A: The Throne of Glass series is generally considered young adult, while the A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City series are more adult-oriented, with darker themes and more mature content. Parents and readers should be aware of the content before diving in.
Q: Will there be more books in the Crescent City series? A: Yes, the Crescent City series is planned to be a trilogy, with the third book expected to be released in the near future.
Q: What makes Sarah J. Maas’s writing style unique? A: Sarah J. Maas is known for her intricate world-building, complex characters, and emotionally charged storytelling. Her ability to blend action, romance, and political intrigue has set her apart in the fantasy genre.