Sarah J. Maas fans have reason to celebrate: the sixth installment of A Court of Thorns and Roses is officially done in draft form. The author revealed in July 2025 that she had finished writing the long-anticipated book, and fans have been eagerly waiting for updates ever since.
The world of Prythian briefly appeared in Maas’ 2024 novel, House of Flame and Shadow, but the last full ACOTAR book, A Court of Silver Flames, was released in 2021. Since then, readers have been speculating about the next chapter in the beloved series.
Fans Hope for a 2025 or 2026 Release
While Bloomsbury has not confirmed an official release date, Maas’ July announcement gives fans hope that the book could arrive sooner rather than later. In her social media post, she celebrated finishing the first draft with a video showing her closing a notebook labeled “ACOTAR 6,” shutting her laptop, and popping a bottle of bubbly. “First drafts DONE,” she captioned the post, igniting excitement across her fanbase.
Since that announcement, fans have been eagerly checking for updates, speculating whether Maas might release the book later in 2025 or early 2026. While nothing is official, the fact that the draft is complete suggests the wait may finally be nearing its end.
Maas Confirms Work on Book Six
In March 2023, Bloomsbury announced that Maas had signed a deal for three more books with the publisher. At that time, she was already contracted for four titles, including the third installment of her Crescent City
By September 2023, fans got their first hint about the next ACOTAR book during a Live Talks Los Angeles appearance. Maas admitted she was “drafting” the book and thoroughly enjoying the process. “I will say that I’ve become so focused and obsessed with writing this book,” she told the duo. “It’s like that feeling of having a crush or when you’re first, like, obsessed with someone, and you’re just thinking about it nonstop.”
In a January 2024 interview with Today’s Jenna Bush Hager, Maas reiterated that the next published work would be the sixth ACOTAR installment. “I’m very, very excited about that one,” she said, though she shared no specific details.
What We Know — and Who Might Be the Focus
Clues from House of Flame and Shadow hint at potential plotlines for the new book. The novel linked ACOTAR, Crescent City and Throne of Glass in a multiverse, showing what might be happening in Prythian when the new book begins.
Nesta and Azriel uncover a magical prison in Prythian connected to a long-lost fae court, working alongside Bryce Quinlan, who brings a powerful sword called Gwydion (the Starsword) from her home planet, Midgard. At the book’s end, the sword is returned to Azriel along with a magical mask loaned by Nesta. Maas’ characters tease that the eight-pointed star tattoo on Nesta may be significant for future events. “I think that eight-pointed star was tattooed on you for a reason. Take that sword and go figure out why,” Bryce tells Nesta.
While Nesta has been a central figure, fans have speculated that Book 6 could focus more on Azriel, exploring his past, powers, and the ongoing politics of the Night Court. He was a key player in A Court of Silver Flames, and with the multiverse connections now established, there’s ample opportunity to see his story unfold—possibly alongside Nesta, or even through his own perspective.
Additionally, Maas has suggested she may explore Elain Archeron’s story further. In A Court of Silver Flames, Elain had begun settling into life at the Night Court while navigating a complicated dynamic with Lucien. Fans may see her arc continue alongside Azriel’s, Nesta’s, and the other beloved characters’ adventures.
