Global Fans Celebrate Return of Sarah J. Maas’s ACOTAR Series After Five-Year Hiatus

Key points

• The sixth book in the 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series, 'A Court of Splintered Harmony,' was released at midnight on October 27, 2026, ending a five-year wait for new installments from author Sarah J. Maas.
• Fans across the United States and the United Kingdom participated in midnight release parties, with events held at independent bookstores like Politics and Prose in Washington, D.C., and The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
• Attendees engaged in activities such as face painting, friendship bracelet making, and trivia, with some fans dressing in elaborate costumes representing the fictional 'Courts' of the series.
• The release marks the beginning of the 'Valkyrie Cycle' and introduces a new villain, Koschei, while the seventh book in the series, 'A Court of Forgotten Melody,' is scheduled for release on January 12, 2027.
• The 'romantasy' genre, which blends romance and fantasy, has seen a surge in popularity, largely driven by social media platforms like BookTok, which has helped build a dedicated fanbase for Maas's work.

Background

The 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series began in 2015, with subsequent installments released regularly until 2021. The five-year hiatus between the fifth and sixth books has been a significant period of anticipation for fans, who have used social media to theorize about plot developments. The release of 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' follows a trend of major book releases generating large-scale in-person events, similar to previous midnight launches for popular series like Harry Potter.

How outlets are covering it

NPR emphasizes the community aspect of the Washington, D.C. event, highlighting how fans sought to connect in person after building relationships online. BBC News focuses on the escapism provided by the series, with fans in Northern Ireland describing the books as a way to unwind from daily stresses. NBC News and RTÉ News provide broader coverage of the global fan frenzy, noting the widespread excitement and the impact of BookTok on the series' popularity. All sources agree on the significance of the release after a five-year wait, but they differ in their emphasis on the local event details versus the broader cultural impact of the 'romantasy' genre.

Why it matters

The release of 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' underscores the enduring popularity of the 'romantasy' genre and the power of social media to drive book sales and fan engagement. The global midnight parties demonstrate the strong community bonds formed around popular book series, highlighting the importance of in-person events for readers who have grown up with online communities. The success of Maas's series also reflects the growing demand for fantasy and romance narratives that offer escapism and emotional connection.

What to watch

Fans can expect the seventh book in the series, 'A Court of Forgotten Melody,' to be released on January 12, 2027. The 'Valkyrie Cycle' introduced in 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' will likely continue to develop in subsequent installments, with the new villain Koschei playing a central role. The success of the sixth book may also influence the trajectory of the 'romantasy' genre, potentially leading to more similar releases and events in the future.