starting acotar!!

Okay, so I finally did it! I picked up 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' by Sarah J. Maas, and I'm officially starting ACOTAR!! You know that feeling when everyone's raving about a book, and you're both super excited and a little bit nervous to see if it lives up to the hype? That's exactly where I am right now. The iconic red and gold cover with those intricate creature and rose designs has been staring at me from my TBR pile, and I figured it was time to dive in. As a new reader myself, I know a lot of you out there might be wondering the same things I was before jumping into this world. Two big questions always seem to pop up: 'how many A Court of Thorns and Roses books are there?' and 'what are the potential triggers I should be aware of?' Let's tackle the "how many books" question first, because trust me, it can get a little confusing with all the amazing content Sarah J. Maas has created! The main ACOTAR series currently consists of five full-length novels and one novella. Here’s the general reading order: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR): This is where it all begins! A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF): Often cited as a favorite, and for good reason! A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR): The epic conclusion to the first arc. A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS): A holiday-themed novella bridging ACOWAR and ACOSF. It’s shorter and more character-focused. A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF): Shifts focus to a different main character and explores new storylines. There are also plans for more books in this universe, so it’s an ongoing journey! Knowing this upfront helps set expectations and ensures you don't accidentally miss anything important. Now, onto the second crucial point for many readers: 'triggers'. Like many popular fantasy series, ACOTAR delves into mature themes and can be quite intense. While I'm just starting out, I've done some research to prepare myself, and I always recommend fellow readers do the same, especially if you have specific sensitivities. Generally, themes that appear in the series can include: Violence and Gore: Battles, injuries, torture, and death are present. Sexual Content: The series contains explicit scenes that become more prominent as the books progress. Trauma and Abuse: Characters deal with past and ongoing trauma, emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. Loss and Grief: Characters experience significant loss. Mental Health Themes: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are explored through characters' experiences. Substance Use: Some instances of alcohol consumption. It’s definitely a series for mature audiences, and awareness of these potential triggers can help you decide if it’s the right read for you or prepare you for what’s ahead. For me, knowing this helps me appreciate the depth of the story and characters even more, as long as I’m in the right headspace. I'm so excited to see where Feyre's journey takes me, and I'm really hoping this series lives up to all the incredible hype! If you're also just starting ACOTAR or thinking about it, I hope this little guide helps you feel more prepared and excited to dive into this captivating world.