A Court of Thorns and Roses Books in Order to Read Them Correctly

If you’re new to the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series or returning after a break, reading the books in the right order will help you follow the story clearly and avoid spoilers. The series includes main novels and companion novellas, each adding layers to the plot and characters. This guide lists the exact reading order, distinguishes main novels from novellas, and offers tips for new readers so you can enjoy the series as intended.

What is the correct order to read the A Court of Thorns and Roses books?

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015) – The first main novel introduces the world and key characters.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury (2016) – The second main novel continues the story with deeper character development.
3. A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017) – The third main novel concludes the initial trilogy's main plotlines.
4. A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) – A novella set after the original trilogy, bridging to future stories.
5. A Court of Silver Flames (2021) – A main novel focusing on secondary characters but essential for ongoing story arcs.

In addition to these, there are companion novellas and short stories such as those collected in "A Court of Dreams." These explore side characters and background events but are best read after the main novels to avoid confusion and spoilers.

What are the main novels versus the companion novellas?

The main novels tell the core story, focusing on the central characters and key plot developments. This includes the original trilogy—"A Court of Thorns and Roses," "A Court of Mist and Fury," and "A Court of Wings and Ruin"—plus the later main novel "A Court of Silver Flames."

Companion novellas and short stories, like "A Court of Frost and Starlight," provide additional context, explore side characters, or fill in gaps between the main books. They add depth but aren't necessary to understand the main plot. It's best to read these after completing the original trilogy.

Why does the reading order matter for this series?

The story unfolds through character growth, plot twists, and world-building that build on each previous book. Reading out of order can spoil surprises or make character motivations unclear.

For example, the protagonist's emotional development and relationships are closely tied to events in the first three books. The novellas often assume familiarity with these characters and events, so reading them first may confuse you. Following the recommended order keeps the story’s pacing and reveals aligned with the author’s intent.

A brief overview of each book and novella

• A Court of Thorns and Roses: Introduces Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress drawn into the fae realm after killing a wolf. Sets up the main setting and conflicts.
• A Court of Mist and Fury: Feyre deals with the aftermath of the first book, including trauma and new alliances, while expanding the world.
• A Court of Wings and Ruin: Resolves the conflicts introduced earlier, featuring major battles and revelations.
• A Court of Frost and Starlight: A novella that takes place after the trilogy, focusing on characters’ lives during a winter festival. It provides closure and sets the stage for future stories.
• A Court of Silver Flames: Centers on Nesta Archeron, Feyre’s sister, and her personal struggles. It deepens the world and explores themes of healing and empowerment.
• Other novellas and short stories (such as those in "A Court of Dreams") explore side characters and events. These are best read after the main novels for full context.

Are the publication order and chronological order different?

The recommended reading order closely follows the publication order because the story was designed to unfold as the books were released. There are no major chronological jumps that require changing the reading sequence.

The novellas fit between or after the main novels but don't disrupt the timeline enough to change the order. For instance, "A Court of Frost and Starlight" happens after the original trilogy and before "A Court of Silver Flames," so reading it between those is appropriate.

Sticking to publication order ensures you experience the story with all its reveals and twists as the author intended.

Tips for new readers starting the series

Start with the first book, "A Court of Thorns and Roses," to get familiar with the world and characters. Avoid reading novellas or side stories until you finish the original trilogy, since they assume knowledge of key events.

Expect a mix of fantasy, romance, and darker themes. If you enjoy the first three books, continue with the novellas and "A Court of Silver Flames" to gain more insight and perspectives.

Don't skip books or read companion works too early to prevent confusion or spoilers. If you prefer to pace yourself, read the novellas after the main novels—they add context without being essential to the main plot.

Conclusion

The simplest way to enjoy "A Court of Thorns and Roses" is to start with the original trilogy and read in publication order. This avoids spoilers and confusion. After the main books, the novellas and later novels expand the world and characters, offering more detail and different viewpoints. Following this path helps you understand the full story and emotional arcs as the author planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read the novellas before the main novels?

It's best to read the main novels first because the novellas assume you already know the characters and main events. Reading novellas too early might spoil some surprises or cause confusion.

Is "A Court of Silver Flames" a direct sequel?

"A Court of Silver Flames" follows the original trilogy but shifts focus to a different main character. It builds on events from the earlier books, so reading the trilogy first is recommended.

Are there any plans for more books in the series?

There are no confirmed details about new releases beyond the existing main novels and novellas at this time.