All of BookTok will not rest until this question is answered — when will the next ACOTAR book come out? And, more importantly, which character is it going to follow?!
While Sarah J. Maas may not have given us those answers yet, that hasn’t stopped fans from coming up with some pretty convincing theories. From potential new main characters to shocking twists, the ACOTAR universe is ripe for speculation. So, let’s get into it!
ICYMI, A Court of Thorns and Roses, known as ACOTAR, is a romantic fantasy book series that follows a human named Feyre as she’s thrust into a world of fae and magic. The series currently has 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) and A Court of Silver Flames (2021). The last book followed Feyre’s sister, Nesta, leaving fans eager to know who will take center stage next.
With guesses spanning from Feyre’s other sister, Elain, to Rhysand’s shadowy right-hand man, Azriel, and so much Mor (see what we did there?), here are personal favorite theories about ACOTAR 6:
1. The Next Book Will Follow Azriel
Many fans believe that Azriel, Rhysand’s spymaster, is long overdue for his own book. His mysterious nature, unrequited love for Elain, and history with the Shadowsingers make him a compelling choice. On top of that, this could be a fun change for the author, whose only written in the female perspective so far. So, could ACOTAR 6 finally be Azriel’s time to shine? We hope so!
2. Gwyn Is Actually Azriel’s Mate, Not Elain
What if Azriel’s true mate isn’t Elain, but Gwyn, the brave Valkyrie priestess? While Elain and Lucien are technically mates, I think Azriel deserves someone who truly sees him and loves him without the baggage of mate-ship. Enter Gwyn.
In A Court of Silver Flames, Azriel and Gwyn share a subtle but powerful connection. After Azriel saves her from Hybern, there’s a clear draw between them. It could be their powers—Gwyn’s lightsinger abilities and Azriel’s shadow magic—complementing each other perfectly.
But beyond powers, Azriel has a knack for making people feel safe, something Gwyn desperately needs after her trauma. Gwyn’s strength in becoming a Valkyrie shows her resilience, and maybe she can help Azriel heal too. They both understand pain, and together, they could heal and grow.
3. Elain and Tamlin Are Mates
Speaking of Elain, what if her destined mate is actually Tamlin? While it’s revealed that her mate is technically Lucien (and she’s got a thing for Azriel), some fans believe Lucien was actually covering for his friend, the High Lord of the Spring Court.
The theory stems from Tamlin’s intense and unusual reaction when Elain emerges from the Cauldron in A Court of Mist and Fury. Some readers speculate that Lucien recognized this reaction and, to protect Tamlin, claimed Elain as his mate instead.
Beyond that, Feyre’s childhood dresser paintings have long been interpreted as foreshadowing the Archeron sisters’ mates. Elain’s cabinet featured flowers, which aligns perfectly with her love for gardening and the Spring Court’s nature-driven essence. And let’s not forget when Cassian pointed out how out of place Elain looked in Night Court attire—perhaps because she belongs somewhere else entirely?
4. Mor Betrayal
Morrigan has always been a fan-favorite character, but some believe there’s more to her story. From her confusing past relationship with Eris, and her still-confusing power of “truth,” whatever that means. Could ACOTAR 6 reveal a shocking betrayal or a hidden agenda? If so, what would it mean for the Inner Circle?
5. The Archeron Sisters Have Blood From The Fae Who Caught The Bone Carver
This wild theory suggests that the Archeron sisters might have a deeper connection to the world of fae than we ever knew. The Bone Carver’s cryptic comments in previous books have led some fans to believe there’s more to their lineage.
Sarah has yet to confirm which ACOTAR character the book will follow, as she’s known to switch up her protagonists. However, when her publishers at Bloomsbury announced House of Flame and Shadow(the third Crescent City book) in 2023, they also revealed she signed a four-book deal—on top of three others already under contract. That means we have *seven* new Sarah J. Maas books coming in the next few years.
And the next book after House of Flame and Shadow? At least we know it’s set in the ACOTAR universe!
“I’m very, very excited about that one,” Sarah told TODAY in January 2024. “I know much more about what’s happening in this one. And then the next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty-gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them.”
So, while we don’t have an official release date or main character confirmation (yet), we do know one thing: the next ACOTAR book is coming, and we can’t wait.
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