What to Read Next If You Loved ACOTAR and Fourth Wing

6 Romantasy Books to Get You Through Your ACOTAR or Fourth Wing Hangover

1.Throne of Glass – Sarah J. Maas

If you loved ACOTAR but haven’t touched Throne of Glass yet, I hate to break it to you, but you’re doing life wrong.

This series follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who is offered her freedom in exchange for competing in a deadly competition to become the king’s personal assassin. But things are never that simple, and soon, she’s entangled in dark magic, political intrigue, and a forbidden romance that will leave you breathless.

Look, I love ACOTAR. I worship at the altar of the bat boys (as any sane person should). But let’s be real—Throne of Glass is actually the better series. I said what I said and I stand by it.

This series has everything: assassins, fae, badass queens, morally gray men, heartbreak, magic, and some of the best character development I’ve ever seen. Plus, it doesn’t just rely on smut to keep you entertained. (Looking at you, ACOTAR. Love you, but damn some of that is practically just porn)

Spice level? Lighter than ACOTAR, but trust me, the romance builds, and when it hits, it HITS.

Action? 1000%. This series will have your heart racing like you just ran from the freaking King of Adarlan himself.

Emotional damage? Oh, sweetie. You’re not ready.

If you haven’t read Throne of Glass yet, cancel your plans, grab some snacks, and prepare for an obsession-level binge. You won’t regret it.

A bonus: This is a completed series (you can come crying to me when you find your love for Manon and want her to have her own book, I get it. I have been there), so no more waiting for more books or being left on cliffhangers. Everything ties up into a neat package at the end.

2. From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout

If you’re craving a fiery, slow-burn romance with a healthy dose of danger and intrigue, From Blood and Ash will hit the spot. It is one of the most recommended series I have found for lovers of ACOTAR. And for good reason too.

Poppy is the Maiden, a sacred figure who’s supposed to live a life of seclusion and celibacy. But when she’s thrust into a deadly plot that could change everything she knows, she finds herself growing closer to her brooding guard, Hawke. Their relationship is filled with sexual tension, secrets, and shocking twists, and you’ll find yourself devouring each page, desperate to know what happens next. I think I read the entire series in the span of 10 days (no, I didn’t sleep at all). It definitely provided me with that same high as ACOTAR and Fourth Wing.

Spice level? Oh, it’s spicy alright. The slow-burn romance here is filled with sizzling chemistry that will have you swooning, then begging for more. And then screaming at the book for them to just pull it together already.

Action? The world-building and danger are intense. The stakes are high, and you’ll never know what’s coming next.

Emotional damage? There’s heartbreak in store, and the plot twists will leave you reeling.

With its delicious tension and high stakes, this book is perfect for anyone craving a gripping fantasy with a dark and sensual edge.

3. Plated Prisoner Series – Raven Kennedy

Let’s talk Plated Prisoner, a dark fantasy that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about royalty and power. Auren, a woman who is known as the golden girl due to her appearance and power, is used as a pawn by the cruel king. But as the series progresses, she begins to realize her worth, and that’s when things get complicated—and spicy.

Her relationship with the dangerous and unpredictable king is full of tension, and as she gets closer to discovering the truth about her power, she’ll find herself caught between love, loyalty, and betrayal.

This series shocked me. And I mean SHOCKED me. Not just in how quickly I devoured it as I honestly didn’t have super high hopes for it, but the plot twists. They came out of no where and kept me on my toes. I was so surprised by how much I loved this series and how often I still think of it.

Spice level? It’s a slow burn, but when things heat up, it’s downright sizzling.

Action? Yes, this world is full of action and danger. There are plot twists you won’t see coming.

Emotional damage? This one will break you. Betrayal, deception, and raw emotion are the name of the game.

If you’re craving something dark, twisted, and filled with power dynamics, Plated Prisoner is your next obsession.

4. Quicksilver – R.J. Anderson

Looking for a twist on classic fantasy? Quicksilver blends science and magic in a way that will leave you thinking for days. Set in a world where magic and technology collide, it follows a girl named Jemma, who finds herself entangled in a battle between powerful factions and ancient secrets.

This book is perfect for readers who want something that’s equal parts adventure, mystery, and magic with a touch of romance that builds as the story unfolds.

Spice level? The romance is subtle, but the chemistry is undeniable.

Action? Expect lots of thrilling action, high-stakes moments, and a world that feels alive with danger.

Emotional damage? Not the heavy emotional wrecking ball some of the other books have, but you’ll still get invested.

If you love intricate world-building and an intelligent, driven heroine, Quicksilver will keep you hooked. And if you care less about the romance and just want a good fantasy book that keeps you on your toes, always wanting more. Quicksilver is for you.

5. Serpents of the Wings of Night – Carissa Broadbent

Vampires, danger, and a fiery romance—Serpents of the Wings of Night is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.

This book follows a strong heroine, Nyx, who is caught in the web of a ruthless vampire lord. As she navigates her way through dangerous alliances, she discovers her own potential and the true cost of the choices she makes. There’s a delicious slow burn romance with a hero who’s as dangerous as he is irresistible.

If you were more of a twilight girl (or guy) back in the day, this is the series for you. Imagine Twilight meets 50 shades of grey meets ACOTAR. I personally am a complete sucker for vampire books and was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved these books. I feel like it can be really hard to find a good vampire fantasy book that doesn’t have you cringing every page. Well good news, you found it!

Spice level? Steamy and intense. The romance between Nyx and the vampire lord will have you hooked.

Action? Expect plenty of action as Nyx fights to survive in a world full of deadly creatures.

Emotional damage? It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with plenty of betrayal and pain along the way.

If you’re into vampires, dark fantasy, and a romance that will make your heart race, Serpents of the Wings of Night is the book for you.

6. One Dark Window – Rachel Gillig

For a haunting, atmospheric fantasy with a twist of magic, One Dark Window will send shivers down your spine. The book follows Elspeth, a young woman cursed with an ancient power that she can’t fully control. When Elspeth is forced into an alliance with an interesting but dangerous man. She mus then confront her past. And accept the growing tension and bond between them.

Honestly, I really debated putting One Dark Window on this list. But it was too good of a fantasy book to not include. Now, it doesn’t share characteristics with ACOTAR and Fourth Wing, in fact, it is very different. But this duology left me with one of the BIGGEST book hangovers, and after all this list is for those who are chasing that high. And this book delivers that high.

Spice level? The romance is slow-burn, but there’s undeniable tension that will leave you hanging on every word.

Action? The world-building and eerie atmosphere will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Emotional damage? The emotional pull of the characters will have you questioning your heart by the end of the book.

If you love gothic fantasies with mystery, magic, and a bit of romance, One Dark Window is your next must-read.

Honourable Mention: The Mortal Instruments Series – Cassandra Clare

Now, this series isn’t necessarily spicy, but the world of Shadowhunters is one every fantasy lover should experience. This is the book series I will forever credit with forging my love of fantasy (prior to this series I read sci fi books exclusively, which I will for sure do a post on) and igniting my love of reading.

The Mortal Instruments follows Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary girl who gets thrust into the world of demons, vampires, werewolves, and of course, Shadowhunters—a group of humans born with angel blood who fight these creatures to keep the world safe.

The romance between Clary and Jace is a thrilling ride, full of complications, twists, and revelations, and the whole series is packed with action, adventure, and rich world-building. It may not have the spicy moments you’re craving right now, but it’s an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to dive into an epic fantasy world.

Spice level? Not spicy at all, but the romantic tension is strong and satisfying.

Action? A ton of thrilling action, from epic battles to shocking twists.

Emotional damage? Get ready for a few tears and some major plot revelations that will leave you gasping.

If you’re a fantasy fan and haven’t yet read The Mortal Instruments, get on it. It’s a staple for any avid lover of the genre.

Its even been made into a TV series if you are still craving more of the characters once you finish the books. While the series is meh, I will never complain about seeing a tatted and dangerous Dominic Sherwood.

That’s your ultimate list of books to rescue you from the ACOTAR or Fourth Wing hangover. Each one will take you on a journey that’s just as addictive, emotional, and thrilling as the books that started this obsession.

And hey, if you pick up one (or all) of these and end up with another book hangover… well, you know who to thank. Happy reading!

All my love,

Farrah