Is A Court of Thorns and Roses Spicy? Age Rating and Content Guide
A gentle start, then much more: what each book contains
Yes, the series is spicy, and it gets more so as it goes. The first book has a few romantic scenes; the later books, especially A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Silver Flames, contain frequent explicit scenes.
The books are now published and shelved as adult fiction, and most booksellers and readers recommend them for 18 and up.
Is ACOTAR young adult or adult?
When the first book came out in 2015, it was published and shelved as young adult fiction. Maas has said she agreed to that on condition that her romantic scenes were not cut. As the series grew more explicit, and as adult romantic fantasy became a category of its own, the publisher moved it to adult shelves. Most stores now place it with adult fantasy.
↑ Back to the topHow spicy is the first book?
The first book is the mildest of the main novels. There are a handful of romantic scenes, a few of them fairly explicit, but most of the book is fantasy adventure and the slow build of Feyre's relationship with Tamlin. Many readers find it a gentle introduction compared with what follows.
↑ Back to the topHow spicy are the later books?
A Court of Mist and Fury is where the series becomes known for its romance, with several long explicit scenes. A Court of Silver Flames goes furthest of all, with explicit content throughout. The novella is light. Readers who prefer less of this often skim those passages; the plot remains easy to follow.
↑ Back to the topWhat else is in the books?
Beyond romance, the series contains violence and battle scenes, captivity, manipulation, emotional and physical abuse in relationships, post-traumatic stress, and grief. A Court of Silver Flames deals with self-destructive behaviour and recovery. The books treat these seriously, but readers sensitive to them may want to know in advance.
↑ Back to the topWhat age is ACOTAR for?
Because of its explicit scenes, most booksellers, librarians and readers recommend the series for adults, 18 and older. Older teens do read it, often after it went viral on social media, which is why the question comes up so often. Parents who are unsure can read the first book themselves before deciding.
↑ Back to the topBook by book
| Book | Romantic content | Other content |
|---|---|---|
| A Court of Thorns and Roses | Mild to moderate | Violence, captivity |
| A Court of Mist and Fury | High | Trauma, abuse, war |
| A Court of Wings and Ruin | Moderate to high | War, violence |
| A Court of Frost and Starlight | Mild | Grief |
| A Court of Silver Flames | Very high | Grief, addiction, trauma |
More about A Court of Thorns and Roses
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