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ACOTAR Fans Eagerly Await New Book Release
· Confirmed
In Short: Sarah J Maas's latest ACOTAR book release has fans eagerly waiting, with some taking time off work to read it.
Sarah J Maas's latest installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, titled 'A Court of Splintered Harmony,' was released on Tuesday, October 27. The book marks the start of The Valkyrie Cycle, a subsection of the wider ACOTAR story, and follows a five-year wait for fans.
At Topping and Company Booksellers in York, ACOTAR fans have been making their way to the science-fiction section since the store opened at 09:00. Bookseller Alice Boyce noted that fans have been pre-ordering the book and asking for copies to be set aside for them.
ACOTAR fans are known for their enthusiasm, with some even taking time off work to read the new release. Alice Boyce herself, an ACOTAR fan, said the books are her 'gateway back into reading' and allow her to truly disconnect. Similarly, Abigail Wright, a 22-year-old fan, hopes to finish the book on release day, which coincides with her day off.
Elizabeth Vaziri, commissioning editor at Voyager and Magpie at Harper Collins, highlighted the appeal of the 'romantasy' genre, which combines fantasy and romance, providing a safe space for readers to navigate relationships and sexuality.
The release of 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' has also sparked a surge in book-related events. According to Eventbrite’s latest data, book clubs and events are the red-hot ticket of 2026, with the number of events up 196% year over year and attendance up 237%. Searches for ACOTAR-related events on Eventbrite are up 228%, as fans look for ways to gather with fellow enthusiasts.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot at midnight release parties, such as the one hosted by Target. Nearly 85% of the ACOTAR collection available at Target is exclusive, with most items priced under $20, including drinkware, jewelry, and apparel.
The excitement around the new release is palpable, with fans not just reading but also engaging in themed trivia nights and other events. Page Dudley, spokesperson for Eventbrite, noted that reading is becoming an increasingly social experience, with fans eager to discuss theories and meet fellow enthusiasts.
As the new book hits shelves, fans are ready to put their real lives on hold to fully immerse themselves in the fantastical world of ACOTAR.
What's confirmed
- Read more: I’ve read all 16 Sarah J Maas books and I have a theory about the new ACOTAR covers Launched yesterday, 27 October, A Court of Splintered Harmony marks the start of The Valkyrie Cycle, which Maas has revealed is a subsection of the wider ACOTAR story.
- Read more: 11 best fantasy books for otherworldly escapism Read more: Fourth Wing’s Xaden has been revealed – here’s everything to know about the tv series If you’re starting from square one, an ACOTAR box set – albeit more expensive than buying the books invidiually – is the ultimate bookshelf upgrade.
- Spoilers ahead as fans of the Maasverse gear up for the author’s 17th novel The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers.
- Spoilers ahead as fans of the Maasverse gear up for the author’s 17th novel Sarah J Maas’s A Court of Splintered Harmony has barely hit shelves, yet some ACOTAR (shorthand for the first book of the series, A Court of Thorns and Roses ) superfans have already devoured the long-awaited sixth instalment, following a five-year wait.
What's still developing
- "I've just got the whole week off in case it's traumatising."
- For Bray, the appeal goes beyond magic, romance and fantastical kingdoms.
- "I'll be done [with reading] by tomorrow," she said.
- And with the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony, Bray is prepared to put real life on hold, having booked an entire week off work to give herself time to recover from whatever awaits her between the covers.
- (You might not want to dress up in costume, but you’d be thrilled to craft a fae crown or indulge in a themed drink.) “The literary category continues branching out in a dozen directions, with new formats for every kind of reader, from silent book clubs at breweries and distilleries to themed trivia nights and midnight release parties,” Dudley says.
- Odds are, you might be meeting up with fellow romantasy fans for midnight events tonight or all-day parties tomorrow (perhaps dressed up in your most fae-worthy attire).
- Guests can shop exclusive series-inspired merchandise leading up to the release, starting October 11.
- Fans can discover BrüMate Starfall and Cursebreaker drinkware, Alex and Ani jewelry, and series-inspired teas, games, fragrances, and apparel.
- The design is meant to represent the Summer Court, one of the seven territories that make up the ACOTAR world.
- "It just gives them a sense of power and [makes them] see you can start from nothing, like Feyre does, and just make your way up… you don't need a man to do all these things for you, you have the power to do anything you want to do."