Getting Ready for ACOTAR 6 & 7: The Ultimate Maasverse Re-Read Guide & Theories
If you’re anything like me, you are currently vibrating with anticipation, waiting for the release of ACOTAR 6 and 7. The Maasverse has officially consumed my life (again), and to survive the agonizing wait, I’ve embarked on a massive re-read/ first read of the Sarah J. Maas universe.
Here is my personal guide to re-reading the Maasverse, how my perspective has shifted over the years, some new sticker designs inspired by my read-through, and my biggest theories for the next ACOTAR books!
Non-negotiables before Book Six and Seven
There are major crossovers in Crescent City that you NEED to know before ACOTAR 6 and 7. Regardless, it's just a great series, but it is absolutely crucial if you are planning on jumping back into the ACOTAR world. As the internet has already exploded over, the crossover at the end of CC2 and throughout CC3 changes everything.
I randomly decided to pick up Crescent City because I was craving an urban fantasy vibe (and honestly, I was in the mood for some foul language, LOL). I am so glad I did. Recency bias aside, this series is entirely up to par with ACOTAR, and I’d argue it packs an even bigger emotional punch in the tortured heroes department.
My Recommended Reading Order
I read CC for the first time and then went back to re-read ACOTAR.
Honestly? I think the experience is much better if you get a refresher of the ACOTAR world first, and then dive into Crescent City.
Read ACOTAR 1-5, and then hit the ground running in Midgard.
I have not read Throne of Glass yet, and I am slightly terrified. It’s a monster of a series, and I am a romance girly at heart. I really need to love the characters to give a damn. I don't think it's as crucial for ACOTAR 6 and 7, but I refuse to miss out on important lore, so I am marathon-reading it like a crazy person this month. HOWEVER, we are a month out from ACOTAR 6, and I don't want to rush through this series. I believe that any major crossovers between series won't happen until ACOTAR 7, so as long as I get through the series befoer Jan 12th, we're golden.
The Maasverse Reading Calculator
To help us all stay on track (especially for those of us tackling Throne of Glass for the first time), I built this reading calculator! You can pick your deadline to be ACOTAR 6 release day or ACOTAR 7 (or a random date of your choosing). Select the books you still need to read, and it will tell you exactly how many pages you need to read per day to finish in time!
Maasverse Re-Read Calculator
Select the books you still need to read (or re-read) to calculate your daily reading goal.
Target Date
Your Daily Goal
Reading List16 / 16 selected
Growing Up with the Inner Circle: Why ACOSF is Now My Favorite
I first read ACOTAR six years ago in my early twenties. Now, pushing my late twenties, this re-read was a wildly different experience. While my ranking of the original trilogy remains the same, A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF) shot straight to the top as my favorite book in the entire series.
When the books were first publishing, the hate for Nesta was real. But on this re-read, I finally see people loving her and being fiercely protective of her journey. Maybe all roads lead to us understanding Nesta on a visceral level; reading her journey depicted so clearly on the page was incredibly healing and eye-opening with a little more life experience under my belt. Maybe we all just grew up and chose to climb the mountain.
Art, Inspiration, and New Shop Merch!
My personal benchmark for a truly great series is whether I get the irresistible urge to draw and make stickers for it afterward. The Maasverse absolutely delivered.
I had to frantically rein myself in and narrow down my ideas, but I’ve just launched a new line of stickers inspired by our favorite fae! I desperately wanted to add a vacuum cleaner to the Crescent City pack, but I thought that might be slightly too unserious.
And, to honor the series that originally got me into romantasy, I’ve designed a fresh pack of ACOTAR stickers as well. They are perfect for decorating your Kindle or reading journal while you tackle your own re-read!
My Top Theories for ACOTAR 6 and 7
Alright, let's get into the good stuff. We already know we’re getting Azriel’s POV and Lucien’s POV, but to be completely honest, I really only care about Az right now. I have been waiting years for his story. YEARS.
Here are my biggest predictions:
1. The Gwynriel Endgame
I definitely hope we get to see more of Gwyn. Her story is so interesting, and we only scratched the surface in ACOSF. And for everyone out there insisting that Azriel and Elain are endgame? NOPE. If you read the whole bonus chapter, it becomes pretty obvious that Gwyn is the equal match for Azriel—no matter what Az might be thinking in a fleeting moment.
2. The Era of the Valkyries
Because we are fully in the Valkyrie cycle, I absolutely expect ACOTAR 6 to dive much deeper into the lore and lives of our Valkyrie girls.
3. The Return of the Trove (and the CC Crew)
The Trove is absolutely coming back into play. I am just waiting for the Horn (aka Bryce’s back) to come into the picture. We might not see it in book 6, but I am incredibly hopeful that we will see Bryce, Hunt, Ruhn, and all my CC faves make an appearance in book 7.
4. Amren is an Asteri or Daglan
This one has been floating around, and I am fully on board: Amren is either an Asteri or a Daglan. She’s always been incredibly secretive about her true origins, but given everything we learned in Crescent City, the puzzle pieces fit perfectly together. I think we’re going to get a massive reveal about her past that changes everything for the Inner Circle.
What Are Your Theories?
Are you doing a re-read before the next books drop? What are your biggest predictions for Azriel's POV?
Let me know your thoughts (or your daily reading goal from the calculator!) down below. And if you are getting your reading setup ready, don't forget to check out our bookish stickers and apparel to accompany your journey through the Maasverse.