Ranking ACOTAR

Okay, fellow ACOTAR fans, let's talk rankings! This was genuinely tough because each book in Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series holds a special place, but if I had to pick my ultimate best to worst, here's how they stack up for me. I know everyone has their favorites, and that's the beauty of this incredible world! 1. A Court of Wings and Ruin (5/5: Absolute Perfection!!!!) This book, for me, was everything. "A Court of Wings and Ruin" felt like the culmination of everything Maas had been building towards, and it absolutely delivered. The stakes were incredibly high, the character development for Feyre, Rhysand, and the Inner Circle reached new depths, and the action sequences were breathtaking. I loved seeing all the different courts come together, the intricate battle strategies, and the emotional payoffs were immense. It had heart, sacrifice, and truly felt like a grand epic fantasy conclusion (at the time!). Every single page was a journey, and I found myself completely immersed, cheering, and crying along with the characters. It solidified why this series became one of my all-time favorites. 2. A Court of Mist and Fury (4/5: Really good but too much romance for me) Ah, "A Court of Mist and Fury" – the one that changed everything for so many, including myself! This book is often hailed as the best, and I completely understand why. The world-building expands dramatically, we meet the beloved Inner Circle, and Feyre's journey of healing and finding her true self is incredibly powerful. The romance is undeniable and beautifully written, though I personally felt it occasionally overshadowed some of the other fantastic plot elements and character arcs that were developing. Despite my personal preference for slightly less all-consuming romance, the revelations, the character growth, and the unfolding mystery kept me utterly hooked. It's a foundational book for the series' success, introducing so much of what we now cherish. 3. A Court of Thorns and Roses (3/5: Loved but a bit too cheesy/romantic, slow start) Starting our journey with "A Court of Thorns and Roses" felt like stepping into a dark, enchanting fairytale. This book does a fantastic job of introducing us to the Fae world, Tamlin's court, and Feyre's initial struggles. While I loved the fairytale vibes and the initial mystery, looking back, I agree that the pacing felt a bit slow in the beginning compared to the later books. The romance here also had moments that felt a little cliché or "cheesy" to me, especially knowing where the series goes. However, it's still a crucial and enjoyable read that sets the stage for everything epic that follows. Without it, we wouldn't have the incredible world and characters we've come to adore. 4. A Court of Silver Flames (2/5: 90% about an extreme slow burn romance..way too dragged out) "A Court of Silver Flames" was a very different experience, focusing on Nesta's journey. While I appreciate the attempt to delve into her trauma and healing, I found myself agreeing with the sentiment that it felt heavily focused on an "extreme slow burn romance" that sometimes felt "way too dragged out." Nesta's character arc is important, and seeing her find her strength was compelling, but the pacing felt uneven. There were moments of brilliance, especially with the Valkyries and Emerie and Gwyn, but the overall plot felt a bit stretched, especially in relation to the main series' overarching narrative. It’s a book that divides fans, and for me, it just didn't hit the mark as strongly as the others. 5. A Court of Frost and Starlight (1/5: Interesting because it features many different points of view, not much happens) Rounding out my list is "A Court of Frost and Starlight." This novella often feels like a festive interlude, and while it's "interesting because it features many different points of view," I felt that "not much happens" in terms of significant plot progression. It’s a nice check-in with the characters after the intensity of ACOWAR, showing glimpses of their daily lives and healing, but it doesn't really advance the story in a meaningful way. For those looking for action or major developments, it can feel a bit lackluster. It's a sweet, cozy read for fans who just want more time with their favorite characters, but it's definitely the least impactful in the series for me. So there you have it – my personal ranking of the ACOTAR series! What are your thoughts? Do you agree or totally disagree? Let me know your top picks in the comments!