If you’ve just finished A Court of Thorns and Roses and are looking for your next fantasy escape, you’re not alone. Sarah J. Maas’s bestselling series has everything YA fantasy readers love—dangerous magic, brooding love interests, powerful heroines, and just the right mix of romance and suspense. While the later books veer into New Adult territory, plenty of YA readers are hooked by the world of fae courts, hidden powers, and epic emotional stakes.
To help you find your next read, we’ve gathered ten Young Adult fantasy series that hit similar notes. Whether you're craving enemies-to-lovers tension, lush world-building, or stories about finding strength in impossible situations, these books have it covered. From deadly fae courts to dark magical bargains, you'll find strong female leads, captivating love stories, and page-turning plots that keep you reading late into the night.
So, if you’re missing the world of Prythian and are searching for something with a similar feel—but firmly within the YA category—these series are perfect next reads.
Georgina Atwell
Toppsta
2025-05-02
2025-03-01
Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
Throne of Glass Series
If you haven’t already read Throne of Glass, you’re in for a treat. It’s Sarah J. Maas’s earlier series, and while it starts as an assassin competition, it quickly evolves into a sprawling fantasy with fae, witches, dark magic, and a fiercely loyal heroine. Aelin’s journey from prisoner to queen is full of slow-burn romance, twists, and an ever-expanding cast of morally complex characters. If you loved the court intrigue, action, and powerful female lead in A Court of Thorns and Roses, this series delivers that and more—with even higher stakes as the series progresses.
Start with The Cruel Prince and dive into a dangerous fae world where power, deception, and beauty collide. Jude is a mortal raised in the faerie court, determined to outwit the creatures who look down on her. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between her and Cardan is full of sharp banter and unpredictable twists. Holly Black’s world is dark, lush, and full of political intrigue, much like ACOTAR’s courts. With its morally grey characters, high-stakes tension, and addictive romance, this series is one of the best YA fantasy reads for ACOTAR fans.
If you loved the fae politics and forbidden romance of ACOTAR, These Hollow Vows brings it with drama and heart. Bree is drawn into the fae realm to save her sister, only to get caught between two fae princes. The series has everything: secrets, betrayal, romance, and magic. It's fast-paced with plenty of twists and a love triangle that’ll keep you guessing. With a strong heroine trying to stay true to herself in a dangerous world, this is a solid YA follow-up for fans who loved the tension and court dynamics in ACOTAR.
Set in a French-inspired fantasy world where witches are hunted, Serpent & Dove pairs a sharp-tongued witch with a stoic witch hunter in a forced marriage. Sparks fly in this slow-burn romance, and the story blends humor, heart, and action. Like ACOTAR, it features a headstrong heroine, a morally grey love interest, and a richly imagined magical world. The enemies-to-lovers storyline feels familiar but fresh, and the romantic tension is spot-on for fans looking for more fantasy laced with complicated feelings and magical danger.
An Enchantment of Ravens: An instant New York Times bestseller
This standalone YA fantasy offers a shorter but beautifully written fae romance. Isobel is a mortal artist whose painting of a fae prince accidentally reveals too much—and sets off a journey through the perilous fae world. If you're drawn to ACOTAR’s blend of fae magic, forbidden love, and richly described settings, this book delivers in a compact, lyrical package. The romance is sweet and sincere, the world is enchantingly dangerous, and the story wraps up satisfyingly. Ideal if you want something atmospheric and romantic without committing to a whole series.
Inspired by One Thousand and One Nights, this duology follows Shahrzad as she volunteers to marry a murderous king to avenge her best friend—only to discover he may not be the villain she thought. Like A Court of Thorns and Roses, it blends a strong heroine with a mysterious love interest and a world full of secrets and danger. The lush writing, simmering romance, and court intrigue make this an irresistible YA pick for fans of dark fairytales and slow-burning tension that builds into something unforgettable.
To Kill a Kingdom: TikTok made me buy it! The dark and romantic YA fantasy for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J Maas
This standalone retelling of The Little Mermaid is sharp, savage, and full of enemies-to-lovers chemistry. Lira is a deadly siren who collects princes’ hearts. Elian is a pirate prince who hunts sirens. When their paths cross, both are forced to question everything they’ve been taught. If you loved ACOTAR’s dark fairy tale roots, its fierce leads, and the tension between duty and desire, To Kill a Kingdom delivers it all in one tightly paced, action-packed story. It’s romantic, dangerous, and filled with bite.
If you were drawn to the magical calling and hidden power dynamics in ACOTAR, The Queen’s Rising offers a richly imagined world of politics, secret identities, and chosen destinies. Brienna doesn’t quite fit into her world, but when war brews, she’s pulled into a plot to restore a lost queen to her throne. The story moves at a thoughtful pace, with layered characters, subtle romance, and a beautiful prose style. It’s ideal for readers looking for something a little quieter but still full of high stakes and emotional depth.
While not strictly a high fantasy, The Inheritance Games hits many of the same beats that ACOTAR fans love—secrets, strategy, and simmering romantic tension. When Avery is unexpectedly named the heiress of a billionaire’s fortune, she’s thrown into a high-stakes game with the man’s four mysterious grandsons, each with secrets of their own. The love triangle is twisty, the puzzles are compelling, and the story keeps you guessing. If you liked the intrigue, shifting alliances, and emotional pull of ACOTAR but want a change of setting, this fast-paced YA thriller with romantic drama is a perfect pick.
This spin-off from The Remnant Chronicles can be read on its own and follows Kazi, a skilled thief turned soldier, and Jase, the new leader of a criminal dynasty. They’re forced to work together, even as loyalties clash and feelings get complicated. There’s action, romance, and the kind of slow-building connection that ACOTAR fans will love. The fantasy world is immersive, the characters are layered, and the emotional tension keeps you turning pages. If you liked the mix of personal growth and high-stakes romance in ACOTAR, you’ll want this on your list.
