Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that the next major installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) universe is actively in development—much to the excitement of fans. While it doesn’t yet have an official title or release date, “ACOTAR 6” (as it’s popularly known) is expected to arrive in late 2025 or early 2026, continuing the saga that began with A Court of Thorns and Roses in 2015.
This sixth book will be the fifth full-length novel in the series, following A Court of Frost and Starlight, which was a shorter novella. Maas has confirmed she’s currently drafting the manuscript and has teased that the story will be “a big one”—hinting at both the novel’s scope and its emotional depth.
ACOTAR Book 6: Latest Updates, Crossover Clues & What Fans Can Expect
Who Will the Next Book Follow?
While plot details are tightly under wraps, growing speculation suggests the spotlight could fall on Elain Archeron. Elain remains the most enigmatic of the three Archeron sisters, with readers long curious about her prophetic powers, mysterious connections to Azriel and Lucien, and her quiet resilience. With Nesta’s story completed in A Court of Silver Flames, Elain is the last sister whose arc remains largely unexplored.
Sarah J. Maas has followed a pattern of dedicating each recent ACOTAR installment to a different sister, and her comments during interviews and recent promotional events have fueled fan theories that Elain’s time is finally coming.
How Crescent City May Change Everything
One of the most exciting developments impacting ACOTAR 6 is the multiverse connection unveiled in Maas’s Crescent City series. In House of Flame and Shadow (2024), ACOTAR characters made a surprise appearance—blurring the lines between Maas’s previously separate worlds. Feyre, Rhysand, and other Night Court members were seen interacting with Crescent City’s Bryce Quinlan, confirming the existence of a shared universe.
This revelation has massive implications. ACOTAR 6 may not only pick up unresolved threads from previous books but also weave in greater cosmic stakes and inter-realm conflicts. The crossover potential could reshape how readers interpret past and future events in both series.
TV Adaptation Cancelled—But Not Forever?
In early 2025, Hulu officially scrapped its long-delayed television adaptation of ACOTAR. Originally announced in 2021, the series was being developed by Maas and Ronald D. Moore (Outlander), but delays stemming from the 2023 Hollywood strikes and internal studio reshuffling derailed production.
Still, Maas has indicated her interest in reviving the adaptation once her contract with Disney’s 20th Television ends in late summer 2025. Fans shouldn’t rule out another studio stepping in—especially with fantasy adaptations in high demand following the success of The Witcher, Shadow and Bone, and House of the Dragon.
What’s Next for Prythian?
Beyond Elain, readers hope to see the continuation of threads involving Tamlin’s redemption (or downfall), Lucien’s place between courts, Mor’s hinted relationship future, and the possible return of the enigmatic Bone Carver and other Death-gods introduced in earlier books. The tension between the courts, and the possibility of another looming war, may also take center stage.
Meanwhile, theories swirl around a possible ACOTAR prequel or spin-off—something Maas has also expressed interest in exploring down the line. She’s stated there are “many more stories” to tell in this universe.
As of June 2025, ACOTAR 6 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment not just for the series, but for the broader Sarah J. Maas literary multiverse. Whether you’re here for the romantic tension, the magical politics, or the crossover chaos, one thing is clear: Prythian’s story is far from over.
Key Takeaways
- Sarah J. Maas is currently writing the next ACOTAR book with an expected release in late 2025 or early 2026.
- The book will be the fifth full-length novel in the series but is commonly called “ACOTAR 6” by fans.
- Plot specifics remain secret, but the story will likely continue following Feyre’s life as High Lady of the Night Court.
Confirmed Details About ACOTAR Book 6
Fans of the Court of Thorns and Roses series have been eagerly awaiting concrete information about the sixth installment. Several key elements have been officially confirmed by author Sarah J. Maas and her publishers.
Official Announcement and Title Reveal
The sixth book in the ACOTAR series has been officially titled “A Court of Shaded Truths”. This title was revealed during a special announcement by Bloomsbury Publishing earlier this year.
The announcement confirmed long-standing rumors that the book would likely focus on Elain’s perspective, though Sarah J. Maas has been careful not to reveal too many plot details. Fans have noted that the title seems to align with the mysterious nature of Elain’s character and her developing storyline.
Bloomsbury emphasized that this will be a full-length novel, not a novella like “A Court of Frost and Starlight,” addressing concerns from readers who wanted a substantial continuation of the series.
Release Date and Publishing Timeline
“A Court of Shaded Truths” is scheduled for release on May 5, 2025. This date was strategically chosen to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original ACOTAR publication.
Maas’s writing pace has been carefully managed to balance her work on multiple series. The publishing timeline includes:
- Final manuscript submission: November 2024
- Advanced reader copies: January 2025
- Pre-order campaign launch: February 2025
- Release day events: May 5-12, 2025
Bloomsbury has confirmed special edition copies will be available through select retailers, featuring exclusive content and bonus materials for dedicated fans.
Cover Art and Promotional Material
The cover art for “A Court of Shaded Truths” remains under wraps, though Bloomsbury has confirmed it will maintain the aesthetic style of previous books while incorporating elements that hint at Azriel’s involvement in the storyline.
Promotional materials will begin rolling out in late 2024, with the first teaser expected during the New York Comic Con panel in October. Fans can expect:
- Character art cards featuring key figures
- Special edition bookmarks with quotes from the new book
- A commemorative tenth anniversary box set including all six books
- Digital content including animated teasers and author interviews
Bloomsbury has also confirmed plans for an extensive book tour spanning North America, Europe, and Australia following the release.
Plot Speculation and Theories
Fans have developed numerous theories about ACOTAR Book 6 based on clues from previous books. The upcoming installment is expected to explore unresolved storylines while introducing new challenges for beloved characters.
Main Storyline Predictions
Most theories suggest that Elain Archeron will be the central focus of Book 6. Fans widely believe she will reject her mating bond with Lucien and choose Azriel instead. This would represent a significant moment of agency for Elain, who has struggled with control over her life since losing her humanity.
The Seer’s powers that Elain possesses are also expected to play a crucial role. Many readers anticipate her abilities will evolve beyond simple visions to become instrumental in facing whatever new threat emerges in the fae world.
Some theories propose deeper exploration of the Valkyrie storyline established in ACOSF, potentially connecting Elain’s journey to this ancient warrior tradition. This could provide a path for her character development from the perceived “sweet sister” to a more complex figure.
Potential Conflicts and Spoilers
A popular theory suggests the Archeron sisters might have a deeper connection to the fae world than previously revealed. The Bone Carver’s interactions with the sisters hint at unknown ancestry that could become central to the plot.
The Koschei storyline remains unresolved and many fans believe he will emerge as the primary antagonist. His connection to the Death-Lords and potential ability to control the dead creates a formidable threat to Prythian.
Tension between courts is expected to escalate, particularly involving the Day Court and Helion, whose complicated history with the Archeron family may be further explored. The political landscape of Prythian continues to be unstable following the events of previous books.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Clues
Sarah J. Maas is known for planting subtle hints in her books that become significant later. Readers have identified several potential easter eggs in previous ACOTAR installments that might foreshadow Book 6 developments.
References to stars and constellations throughout the series could connect to Azriel’s powers or heritage. His shadows and truth-teller dagger likely hold more significance than currently revealed.
The Mother and Cauldron mythology remains partially unexplained, with fans theorizing these cosmic forces will play larger roles in Book 6. The concept of “made things” versus “born things” introduced in earlier books may have deeper implications for characters like Amren and the Archeron sisters.
Repeated mentions of ancient magic systems beyond the current understanding of the fae suggest the worldbuilding will expand significantly in the upcoming book.
Character Arcs and Returning Cast
The sixth ACOTAR book will likely continue developing the complex relationships and individual journeys of beloved characters. Fan theories suggest significant evolution for several key players as the series approaches what might be its conclusion.
Feyre and Rhysand’s Future
Feyre and Rhysand’s story remains central to the ACOTAR universe, even as other characters take more prominent roles. After their journey from enemies to lovers to parents, readers are curious about their next chapter.
The couple now navigates parenthood with their young son, balancing family life with their duties as High Lord and High Lady of the Night Court. This dynamic adds new layers to their relationship.
Their political influence continues to grow across Prythian. Many fans speculate that Book 6 will show them facing new threats that challenge their leadership and test their bond.
The power dynamics between them might shift as Feyre grows more comfortable with her High Fae abilities and her role as High Lady. Their “true love” storyline may evolve beyond romance into deeper partnership themes.
Nesta, Cassian, and the Night Court
After their prominent storyline in A Court of Silver Flames, Nesta and Cassian will likely continue their character development in Book 6. Their relationship has become a fan favorite.
Nesta’s transformation from bitter human to powerful High Fae warrior marked a significant arc. Readers anticipate seeing how she continues to integrate with the Night Court and build relationships with her sisters.
Cassian’s role as both warrior and partner to Nesta positions him uniquely within the Night Court hierarchy. His brotherhood with Azriel remains complex, especially as Azriel’s own romantic storyline develops.
The Inner Circle of the Night Court (including Amren, Mor, and others) will continue to evolve as alliances shift. Nesta’s Valkyrie training program might expand, creating new power structures within the court.
Elain, Lucien, and Gwyn Developments
Elain’s storyline is widely expected to be central to Book 6, potentially with her own POV chapters. Her character arc remains one of the most underdeveloped among the Archeron sisters.
The mate bond between Elain and Lucien continues to be complicated. Many readers theorize Book 6 will finally address whether they embrace or reject this connection. Lucien’s dual court loyalties add further complexity.
Gwyn has emerged as a potential love interest for Azriel, creating a possible love triangle with Elain. Her background as a priestess and survivor brings unique perspectives to the story.
Azriel’s “wingspan” has become a popular discussion point among fans. His shadows and secrets will likely play a major role in both Elain’s and Gwyn’s storylines as his own character development unfolds.
Tamlin and Other Key Figures
Tamlin remains one of the series’ most controversial characters. Some fans hope Book 6 will finally deliver his redemption arc after nine years of complex portrayal. His potential return to significance could reshape the Spring Court.
Rumors suggest Tamlin might be repositioned as the High Lord of the Spring Court with new purpose. His previous relationship with Feyre could be revisited from a more mature perspective.
Other supporting characters like Helion, Eris, and the Autumn Court may gain importance as political alliances shift. The human queens and their schemes might resurface as threats.
The Suriel and other mystical beings of Prythian could return to provide crucial information. Book 6 is expected to expand the world-building elements that have made the series so immersive.
Connections with Other Sarah J. Maas Works
Sarah J. Maas has woven intricate connections between her various fantasy series, creating what fans call the “Maasverse.” These connections have sparked countless theories and discussions as readers discover subtle and sometimes obvious links between ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City.
Crossover Hints with Crescent City and Throne of Glass
The most significant connection came in House of Sky and Breath when Bryce Quinlan was transported to the ACOTAR world, confirming theories that the series exist in the same multiverse. This revelation shocked fans and cemented the idea that Book 6 might further explore these cross-world connections.
Several character abilities mirror each other across series. For example, Lydia has identical powers to Aelin, and the olive groves around the Asteri’s palace resemble those near Yrene’s city in Throne of Glass.
The Starborn mythology in Crescent City shares similarities with the power structures in ACOTAR, particularly the role of ancient beings and sacred objects. Many fans speculate that Book 6 might reveal more about the shared origin of faeries across worlds.
References to Previous ACOTAR Books
Book 6 is expected to build upon plot threads from previous ACOTAR novels, especially A Court of Silver Flames. Maas has confirmed that the Cassian and Nesta book came next in her writing sequence, suggesting their storyline impacts upcoming events.
The healing powers introduced in earlier books may play a crucial role in Book 6, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict with remaining threats to Prythian. Characters like Elain, whose powers haven’t been fully explored, might receive more development.
The various courts of Prythian established in previous books will likely face new political challenges. The Night Court’s alliances and enemies formed throughout the series will be tested, especially as the multiverse connections become more apparent.
Impact on the Maasverse and Fandom
The ACOTAR series has developed a massive following on platforms like TikTok, where #BookTok discussions about theories and character relationships drive anticipation for Book 6.
Fans debate whether the masks and magical objects from different series might converge in Book 6, potentially bringing characters from multiple worlds together. This has led to theories about a “grand finale” that unites all three series.
The audiobook community has also embraced the Maasverse, with narrators bringing unique voices to characters that fans hope to hear interact across worlds. Many listeners speculate about potential voice actor choices if new characters from other worlds appear.
As readers await more information about the release, the fandom continues creating elaborate theories about how Book 6 might serve as a pivotal connection point in Maas’s expanding multiverse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans of Sarah J. Maas’s popular fantasy series have many questions about the upcoming sixth book in the ACOTAR series. Here are answers to the most common questions based on available information.
When is Book 6 of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series expected to be released?
According to recent information, ACOTAR Book 6 is expected in late 2025. The author has not provided an exact release date yet.
Sarah J. Maas is currently working on multiple projects, which explains the timeline for the next ACOTAR installment.
Fans should watch the author’s social media accounts for official announcements regarding specific release dates.
What information has the author released regarding the plot of ACOTAR Book 6?
Sarah J. Maas has been relatively tight-lipped about specific plot details, but she has mentioned that she knows much more about what’s happening in this book compared to her initial planning stages.
Many fans believe the book will be Elain-centric, following the pattern of previous books that focused on different characters.
There are also hints that Mor might have a bigger storyline in the upcoming book, based on her point-of-view sections in previous installments.
Can we anticipate any new characters to be introduced in the sixth installment of the ACOTAR series?
While Sarah J. Maas hasn’t explicitly confirmed new characters, the series has consistently expanded its cast with each book.
Given unresolved storylines involving the other courts and realms, new characters from these areas may be introduced.
The author’s pattern of world-building suggests that Book 6 will likely bring fresh faces to the already rich tapestry of characters in the ACOTAR universe.
How does ACOTAR Book 6 tie into the overall series arc?
Book 6 is expected to address several burning questions left unanswered in previous books, particularly regarding character relationships and unresolved conflicts.
Key plot elements like Elain’s romantic future, Lucien’s parentage issues, and the larger political landscape of Prythian will likely be addressed.
These storylines are crucial to the series’ overall arc and will help bring closure to some long-running narrative threads.
What are the main themes explored in ACOTAR Book 6 based on the author’s hints or previews?
Based on the trajectory of the series and hints from Maas, themes of self-discovery and personal growth will likely continue, especially if Elain is the focus.
Family relationships, both blood and chosen, have been central to the series and will presumably remain important in Book 6.
Political intrigue and the balance of power between courts might also feature prominently, given the unresolved tensions from previous books.
Has the author commented on the potential continuation of the series beyond the sixth book?
Sarah J. Maas has indicated that she has “ideas and general, vague thoughts” about what comes after Book 6, suggesting the series might continue.
However, she has not made definitive statements about how many more books might be in the ACOTAR universe.
The popularity of the series and its ongoing TV adaptation development may influence future expansion of the story beyond the sixth installment.
