Look, being a Sarah J. Maas fan is basically a full-time job at this point. You’ve got to track multiverse theories, memorize character lineages that span thousands of years, and—most importantly—constantly refresh your feed for news about the next drop. Honestly, keeping up with Sarah J. Maas books release dates feels like trying to read a map of the Weaver’s cottage while being chased by a Naga. It’s chaotic.
The "Maas-verse" has exploded. What started with a girl and an assassin in Throne of Glass has turned into a global phenomenon that basically invented the "Romantasy" genre as we know it today. But with that fame comes a lot of noise. You’ve probably seen the TikToks claiming a new book is coming next month or the "leaked" covers that are just really good fan art.
If you’re wondering when you can finally get your hands on the next ACOTAR or if Crescent City 4 is even a real thing, you’re in the right place. Let’s look at what’s actually confirmed and what’s just wishful thinking.
The ACOTAR 6 Situation: When Are We Going Back to Prythian?
This is the big one. Everyone wants to know about the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book. Since A Court of Silver Flames dropped in early 2021, the fandom has been in a bit of a drought.
Here is the thing: Sarah finally broke the silence in July 2025. She posted a video on Instagram—you know the one, slamming the laptop shut and popping champagne—with the caption "First drafts DONE." It sent the internet into a literal meltdown. But "drafts" is plural, which has people spiraling. Does that mean she finished the next novel AND a novella? Or maybe the next two novels?
What we know for sure
Sarah confirmed in an interview with TODAY that the next book she was writing was specifically an ACOTAR book. She’s said she knows "much more" about what’s happening in this one compared to previous starts.
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The 2026 Reality Check
Even though the draft was "done" in mid-2025, books don't just appear on shelves the next week. Professional editing, cover design, and the massive marketing machine at Bloomsbury take time. Typically, Sarah’s books have about an 8 to 10-month gap between a formal announcement and the actual release date.
As of January 2026, the official Bloomsbury catalogs through August 2026 haven't listed a new SJM title yet. That sounds like bad news, but it's actually pretty standard. They rarely "leak" her books in a catalog before she gets to make a big, splashy announcement herself. If we get an announcement soon, a late 2026 or early 2027 release date is the most realistic window.
Where Does Crescent City 4 Fit In?
If you finished House of Flame and Shadow, you know it felt like a massive finale. Bryce and Hunt’s primary arc wrapped up pretty tightly. However, Sarah hasn't been shy about the fact that the series isn't over.
She’s described her writing process as a "taxiing line" at an airport. ACOTAR 6 is the plane currently taking off. Crescent City 4 is the plane waiting on the tarmac. She knows who the book is about (rumors are heavily pointing toward Tharion or Ithan), but it hasn’t been the primary focus yet.
Don't expect Crescent City 4 anytime before 2027 or 2028. It’s a bit of a wait, but honestly, we need that time to recover from the emotional damage of the last one anyway.
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The Secret "New Series" and the 4-Book Deal
Back in 2023, Bloomsbury announced a massive new four-book deal with Sarah. This was in addition to the books she already owed them. This is where things get interesting.
There is a lot of talk about a "brand new series" that isn't ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, or Crescent City. Sarah has been very tight-lipped about this. Some fans think it might be a Twilight-esque vampire story (based on some old Pinterest boards she had), while others think it could be a total departure from her usual worlds.
Breaking Down the Contract
- ACOTAR 6: Definitely happening (Draft finished).
- ACOTAR 7 & 8: Likely part of the existing or new contract.
- Crescent City 4: Confirmed to be in the "ideas" stage.
- The Mystery Project: This is the wildcard.
Why the Release Dates Have Slowed Down
It’s easy to forget that in the early days, Sarah was churning out books like a machine. We were getting Throne of Glass books almost every year. But things have changed. She’s mentioned in recent interviews that having children has shifted her pace. She used to call herself "Gollum in a writing cave," but now she balances the "High Lady" life with being a mom.
Also, the books are just... bigger. House of Flame and Shadow was a doorstopper. Writing 800-page high-fantasy epics with intricate magic systems takes way more effort than a 300-page YA novel. We have to be patient.
A Look Back: The Sarah J. Maas Publication History
If you're trying to spot a pattern in Sarah J. Maas books release dates, it helps to see the track record. She usually favors a late January/early February release or a September/October release.
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| Series | Book Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Throne of Glass | Throne of Glass | 2012 |
| Crown of Midnight | 2013 | |
| Heir of Fire | 2014 | |
| Queen of Shadows | 2015 | |
| Empire of Storms | 2016 | |
| Tower of Dawn | 2017 | |
| Kingdom of Ash | 2018 | |
| ACOTAR | A Court of Thorns and Roses | 2015 |
| A Court of Mist and Fury | 2016 | |
| A Court of Wings and Ruin | 2017 | |
| A Court of Frost and Starlight | 2018 | |
| A Court of Silver Flames | 2021 | |
| Crescent City | House of Earth and Blood | 2020 |
| House of Sky and Breath | 2022 | |
| House of Flame and Shadow | 2024 |
The gap between Silver Flames (2021) and the next ACOTAR (estimated 2026) is the longest we've ever waited for a return to that world.
What You Should Do While Waiting
Since we aren't getting a new book tomorrow, you've gotta find ways to survive the "Maas-verse" withdrawal.
First, if you haven't read Throne of Glass because you started with ACOTAR, do it now. It’s finished. It’s epic. The heartbreak is real. Many fans (myself included) actually think it’s her best work in terms of world-building and character growth.
Second, pay attention to the 10th-anniversary celebrations Bloomsbury is running. They’ve been doing massive marketing pushes, new editions, and "Night Court" themed events. These are usually "temperature checks" to build hype right before they drop a major announcement.
Third, stay off the "leak" sites. There are so many fake titles floating around (no, it's probably not called A Court of Blood and Treachery). When Sarah is ready, she will post it on her Instagram. That is the only source you can actually trust.
Everything points to 2026 being a massive year for Sarah J. Maas. Whether it’s the Elain-centered book we’ve all been theorizing about or a total curveball, the draft is done, the champagne has been popped, and the countdown has officially begun. Keep your eyes on the official channels and keep your copies of Mist and Fury close for the inevitable re-read.