15 Books Similar To A Court Of Mist And Fury [2026 Updated]

So, you just finished A Court of Mist and Fury. You are staring at your ceiling, emotionally compromised, and likely nursing what we in the book community call a massive book hangover. You have survived Chapter 55, you have witnessed the most iconic enemies-to-lovers arc in fantasy history, and now you are asking the inevitable question: What on earth do I read now?

Finding books similar to A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF) is not just about finding fairies or magic. It is about capturing that specific feeling. You want the high stakes, the moral greyness, the “who did this to you” tropes, and a romance that burns slow and hot. You want a love interest who makes the villain of the previous book look like a child.

We have curated a list of the best fantasy romance books that deliver the same emotional punch, spicy tension, and epic world-building. These picks are updated for late 2025 and early 2026 trends, ensuring you are up to date with the hottest titles on BookTok and beyond.

Note to Readers: This list focuses on New Adult fantasy. Expect mature themes, complex magic systems, and romance that definitely fades in rather than out.

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What Makes a Book “Similar to ACOMAF”?

Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s break down the ingredients that make Sarah J. Maas’s masterpiece so addictive. When you are browsing the bookstore, look for these elements:

• The Found Family: Because nothing beats a group of misfits who would die for each other.
• The “Shadow Daddy”: A morally grey, powerful male lead who would burn the world down for the heroine but respects her autonomy.
• Trauma and Healing: A protagonist overcoming past abuse or trauma to find their own strength .
• High Fantasy Stakes: Politics, war, and ancient magic systems that ground the romance in a believable world.

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Top Recommendations for Fans of Rhysand and Feyre

1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Genre: High Fantasy / Dragons Spice Level: High

If you have been on the internet in the last year, you have heard of Fourth Wing. It is the undisputed successor to the ACOTAR hype, and for good reason. Violet Sorrengail was supposed to be a scribe, living a quiet life among books. Instead, she is ordered to join the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, where cadets must bond with dragons or die. The catch? Dragons do not bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

Why it fits the vibe: Violet is physically weaker than her peers, much like human Feyre in a world of Fae, but she survives through wits and sheer determination. Then there is Xaden Riorson. He is the wingleader, the son of a traitor, and he has every reason to kill Violet. Their dynamic is pure electric tension. Xaden possesses that same lethal, protective energy as Rhysand, complete with shadow-wielding abilities and a dark reputation that hides a fiercely loyal heart. The stakes are incredibly high here. People die frequently, the romance is explosive, and the “enemies to lovers” progression feels earned. If you loved the training sequences and the high-stakes politics of the Night Court, Basgiath War College will feel like home.

2. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Vampires Spice Level: Medium-High

Imagine The Hunger Games but everyone has fangs. This book is the first in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and is often cited as the closest stylistic match to Sarah J. Maas’s writing. Oraya is a human adopted by the vampire king of the House of Night. To gain power and safety, she must enter the Kejari, a deadly tournament held by the goddess of death. To survive, she has to form an alliance with a mysterious rival named Raihn.

Why it fits the vibe: This book screams Court of Mist and Fury energy. Oraya is a prickly, guarded heroine who has had to harden her heart to survive, mirroring Feyre’s journey. Raihn is charming, powerful, and arguably one of the best banter partners in the genre. The relationship develops amidst bloodshed and trials, creating a bond forged in fire. What makes this truly similar to ACOMAF is the complexity of the world. The different vampire houses, the political maneuvering, and the deep lore provide a rich backdrop for the romance. Plus, the ending will leave you gasping for air in the exact same way the end of ACOMAF did. It hits all the right emotional notes of trust, betrayal, and obsession.

3. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: High Fantasy Spice Level: Very High

Poppy is a Maiden, chosen by the gods for a holy ascension. Her life is solitary; she can never be touched, spoken to, or even seen without her veil. But Poppy has a secret fire inside her. She sneaks out, learns to fight, and yearns for a life she is forbidden to have. Enter Hawke, a golden-eyed guard who makes her question everything she has been taught about her duty and her kingdom.

Why it fits the vibe: If you loved the “guard falling for the princess” trope but wanted it darker and spicier, this is it. Hawke gives off major Rhysand vibes in terms of his swagger and the secrets he keeps. The chemistry between Poppy and Hawke is instantaneous and incredibly steamy. As the series progresses, the world expands from a simple castle drama into a massive war involving gods, vampry-like creatures called Craven, and wolven shifters. The found family aspect grows strong in later books, reminding many readers of the Inner Circle. Be warned that this series leans heavily into the spice, perhaps even more than ACOTAR, so it is perfect if you felt the romance was the best part of Maas’s work.

4. Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

Genre: High Fantasy Spice Level: Slow Burn (High tension)

This is the sleeper hit that is rapidly taking over BookTok. Diem Bellator is a mortal living in a world ruled by the Descended, who are essentially gods on earth. Her mother has disappeared, and Diem is just trying to keep her head down and survive in a poor village. However, a chance encounter with Prince Luther, the most feared and powerful of the Descended, pulls her into a web of political intrigue and war that she never asked for.

Why it fits the vibe: Luther is the ultimate “Shadow Daddy.” He is brooding, morally ambiguous, and immensely powerful, yet he respects Diem’s fire and refuses to clip her wings. The banter here is top-tier. Diem is stubborn and reckless, often frustratingly so, but her growth is fascinating to watch. The tension between her and Luther is an agonizing slow burn that pays off beautifully. It captures that specific ACOMAF feeling of “I hate you but I cannot stay away from you.” The magic system is unique, involving different elemental kinds, and the political machinations will keep you guessing until the very last page. It is angst-filled and utterly consuming.

5. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Genre: Fantasy Romance Spice Level: Medium

Lara is a warrior princess trained in isolation for one purpose: to bring the Bridge Kingdom to its knees. She is sent as a bride to its king, Aren, with instructions to learn its secrets and destroy it from within. But as she gets to know Aren and his people, she realizes that everything she was told about the “evil” Bridge Kingdom might be a lie. She is torn between her loyalty to her homeland and the husband she is starting to fall for.

Why it fits the vibe: This is for the readers who loved the political intrigue and the “spy in the enemy court” aspect of the Spring Court vs. Night Court dynamic. Lara is fierce and capable, arguably more combat-ready than Feyre was at the start. Aren is a king who loves his people deeply, and his gentleness contrasts with Lara’s initial ruthlessness. The betrayal and redemption arcs are potent. While it is lower on the magic scale compared to Prythian, the world-building of a kingdom situated on a massive bridge across a storm-swept sea is incredibly atmospheric. It is a faster-paced read, perfect for breaking a reading slump.

6. Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series) by Raven Kennedy

Genre: Dark Fantasy Spice Level: High

Auren is the favored “saddle” of King Midas. Yes, that Midas. In this retelling, Midas can turn anything to gold, including Auren. She lives in a golden cage, convinced that Midas is keeping her safe and that she is lucky to be chosen by him. It takes a war, a kidnapping, and a dark fae commander named Slade Ravinger to make her realize that her gilded cage is still a prison.

Why it fits the vibe: This series mirrors Feyre’s journey from Tamlin to Rhysand almost perfectly, but in a much darker, grittier way. The first book, Gild, can be tough to read because Auren is deep in her “Stockholm syndrome” phase, much like Feyre was at the start of A Court of Thorns and Roses. But stick with it. When Slade enters the picture in book two, the shift is momentous. Slade is the High Lord of a snowy, dangerous kingdom, and he challenges Auren to find her own power. The psychological journey of overcoming emotional abuse is profound and handled with care. This is a story about reclaiming your autonomy, making it a spiritual sister to ACOMAF.

7. City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards

Genre: Urban Fantasy Spice Level: Medium-High

Darien Cassel is a Darkslayer, a mercenary who hunts monsters in a neon-lit, gritty urban sprawl. He is hired to track down a girl named Angeline, who is essentially a human battery of magic. But when he finds her, he decides to protect her instead. Darien is battling his own demons, literally and figuratively, and Angeline is the light that begins to crack his armor.

Why it fits the vibe: If Rhysand wore a leather jacket and rode a motorcycle, he would be Darien Cassel. This book gives you the “touch her and you die” trope in a modern, urban fantasy setting. The dynamic is classic bodyguard romance mixed with fated mates energy. Darien has a group of friends who form a tight-knit squad, giving you that Inner Circle camaraderie that makes you want to hang out with them. The magic system involves auras and shadow creatures, and the city atmosphere is thick with danger. It is a long book, allowing for deep character development and a relationship that feels genuinely earned rather than rushed.

8. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

Genre: Greek Mythology Retelling Spice Level: High

Persephone is the Goddess of Spring, but she has a problem: she kills everything she touches. To hide her lack of powers, she lives as a mortal journalist in New Athens. One night, she unknowingly enters a bargain with Hades, the God of the Dead. Hades is not the terrifying monster the tabloids make him out to be. He is suave, runs a gambling empire, and is inextricably drawn to Persephone.

Why it fits the vibe: Rhysand and Feyre are often compared to Hades and Persephone, so why not read the actual retelling? This book reimagines the myth in a modern setting with nightclubs and paparazzi. Hades is the blueprint for the dark, misunderstood love interest. He pushes Persephone to own her darkness and her power, much like Rhys did for Feyre in the Night Court. The bargain aspect will feel very familiar to ACOTAR fans. It is lighter on the “war” aspect but heavy on the romance and character growth. It is a fun, spicy, and fast-paced read that scratches the itch for a dark lord falling for a queen of light.

9. Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Genre: High Fantasy Spice Level: High

Saeris Fane is a thief living in a desert wasteland, just trying to survive. When she accidentally steals from the wrong people, she is dragged through a portal to a realm of Fae that shouldn’t exist. There, she meets Kingfisher, a powerful and dangerous Fae warrior who is bound to her in ways neither of them understands. They are forced to travel together across a brutal landscape, hunted by enemies on all sides.

Why it fits the vibe: Released recently, Quicksilver has exploded in popularity because it feels like a love letter to the romantasy genre. It has everything: a snarky heroine who refuses to back down, a mysterious and brooding hero with a tragic past, and a unique magic system involving alchemy. The “forced proximity” trope is utilized to perfection here. The banter is sharp and witty, reminding readers of the early days of Rhys and Feyre’s correspondence. It captures the adventurous spirit of ACOMAF, taking the characters on a physical journey that mirrors their emotional one. If you want something fresh that still feels like a classic fantasy romance, this is the one.

10. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Genre: Historical Fantasy / Witches Spice Level: Low (increases in later books)

Set in 19th-century Italy, this story follows Emilia, a young witch who lives quietly with her family. When her twin sister is brutally murdered, Emilia decides to seek vengeance at any cost. She summons a demon to help her find the killer. She gets Wrath, one of the seven Princes of Hell. Wrath is arrogant, dangerous, and sinful, but he is the only one who can help her navigate the treacherous politics of the underworld.

Why it fits the vibe: Wrath is pure Rhysand energy wrapped in Italian leather and sin. He is powerful and ancient, yet intrigued by Emilia’s fiery determination. The setting is lush and atmospheric, filled with descriptions of delicious food and dark magic. While the first book is relatively tame on spice, the tension is palpable. The series gets progressively steamier as Emilia descends into Hell to claim her power. It explores themes of morality and the lengths one will go to for family. The “enemies to lovers” arc here is delightful because they truly start as enemies with opposing goals before finding common ground.

11. Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Apocalyptic Spice Level: High

Dianna is a villain. Literally. She is a monster who gave up her humanity long ago to save her sister. Now, she is forced to work with Samkiel, a World Ender and ancient angel who has been in exile. They are natural enemies, ancient rivals who should want to kill each other. But a greater threat forces them into an alliance that blurs the lines between hatred and desire.

Why it fits the vibe: This is often described as “what if the villain got the romance?” It flips the script in a refreshing way. If you liked the moral ambiguity of the Night Court, you will love this. Neither Dianna nor Samkiel are “good” people in the traditional sense. They are both powerful entities carrying thousands of years of trauma. The scale of this story is massive, dealing with gods and the end of worlds. The banter is sharp, and the spice is plentiful. It explores the idea that sometimes you have to become a monster to save the ones you love, a theme that resonates deeply with Feyre’s journey in ACOMAF.

12. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Genre: High Fantasy Spice Level: Medium

Raeve is an assassin for a rebel group, possessing no memories of her life before a certain point. She is tough, cynical, and trusts no one. Then she meets Kaan Vaegor, the Dragon King. Kaan knows exactly who she is, even if she doesn’t. He has been searching for her for a very long time. As Raeve is pulled into a conspiracy involving distinct magical orders and dragons, she must confront the holes in her memory.

Why it fits the vibe: This book is dense, lyrical, and complex—perfect for those who love the world-building aspect of Maas’s work. The prose is often compared to poetry. Kaan is a top-tier love interest: patient, devastatingly in love, and willing to burn the world for Raeve, but he waits for her to come to him. The emotional weight of this book is heavy. It deals with grief and lost love in a way that feels very similar to the backstory of Rhysand and the court dynamics. The dragons here are unique, formed from the moons of the world, adding a fresh layer to the fantasy elements. It is a stunning, heartbreaking, and beautiful read.

13. House of Earth and Blood (Crescent City) by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Urban Fantasy Spice Level: High

We cannot make this list without including SJM’s other major adult series. Bryce Quinlan is a party girl in a world where magic and technology coexist. When her friends are murdered, her life falls apart. Two years later, she is paired with Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels, to solve the cold case.

Why it fits the vibe: If you want the exact writing style of ACOMAF but in a modern setting, this is the answer. Bryce is older and sassier than Feyre, but she possesses that same core of steel. Hunt is a brooding warrior with a tragic past and wings (always a plus). The “investigation” plot allows for a slow-burn romance that builds over 800 pages. The last 200 pages of this book are widely considered some of the best action and emotional writing Maas has ever done. It features a fierce female friendship that rivals the bond of the Inner Circle. Just be prepared: it is a complex world to learn, but the payoff is worth every second.

14. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

Genre: Gothic Fantasy Spice Level: Low-Medium (High Tension)

Elspeth Spindle needs a monster. She has one in her head—the Nightmare, an ancient spirit that protects her but slowly consumes her mind. In the misty, fog-covered kingdom of Blunder, magic is a disease. When she meets Ravyn Yew, the Captain of the Destriers, she enters a dangerous highway robbery conspiracy to cure the kingdom of its magical rot.

Why it fits the vibe: This is for the “vibes” readers. It is moody, atmospheric, and incredibly unique. While less spicy than ACOTAR, the romantic tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Ravyn Yew is the strong, silent type who is fiercely protective and secretly soft for the heroine. The magic system, based on a deck of Providence Cards, is one of the most inventive in recent fantasy. It captures the dark, gothic aesthetic of the Night Court perfectly. It is a story about trusting the monster within yourself, which aligns beautifully with Feyre accepting her new nature as High Fae.

15. To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker

Genre: Dark Fantasy / Rapunzel Retelling Spice Level: Medium (Slow Burn)

Orlaith has been kept in a tower for nineteen years by High Master Rhordyn. He is her savior and her jailer. She knows nothing of the world outside, only that monsters lurk there. But as she grows older, her curiosity—and her confusing feelings for Rhordyn—cannot be contained. When she finally steps out, she realizes the world is far more dangerous than she imagined.

Why it fits the vibe: This is the definition of a “dark romance.” Rhordyn is the ultimate morally grey enigma. He is much older, incredibly powerful, and speaks in riddles. The relationship is toxic, complicated, and utterly compelling. It gives off major Tamlin vibes initially, but with the mystery and allure of Rhysand. It is a psychological deep dive into dependency and freedom. The writing is lyrical and sometimes abstract, creating a dreamlike quality. If you enjoyed the darker, messier psychological aspects of Feyre’s trauma recovery, this series will hook you immediately.

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Conclusion

Finishing A Court of Mist and Fury is a milestone for every fantasy romance reader. It sets a standard that is hard to beat. However, the books listed above prove that the genre is thriving with incredible stories that offer that same mix of heart-pounding action and swoon-worthy romance.

Whether you choose the dragon-filled skies of Fourth Wing, the vampire politics of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, or the urban grit of City of Gods and Monsters, you are in for a treat. These authors are expanding the boundaries of what New Adult fantasy can be.

Next Step for You: Pick one book from this list ,we recommend starting with Fourth Wing if you want high action, or The Serpent and the Wings of Night if you want that specific dark romance vibe—and download the sample chapter right now. Your next obsession is waiting.