If you are new to my blog, there is one thing you should know about me right away. I am a huge Sarah J. Maas fan, and I have read all of her books. I have also written several SJM-related articles, including my list of books like Throne of Glass.
This list comes from the same place a lot of my fantasy recommendations come from. I read a ton in this space, and I have also spent years talking books with fantasy readers in my YA Fantasy Addicts community, so I have seen the same names come up again and again when people ask what to read after Sarah J. Maas.
Sarah J. Maas readers are not all looking for the exact same thing, though. Some want more of the epic fantasy, worldbuilding, and action from Throne of Glass, while others want more of the romance-forward tension and chemistry from A Court of Thorns and Roses and Crescent City.
So, instead of one mixed list, I split this into two sections. That way, you can jump straight to the kind of SJM reading experience you are trying to chase.
Jump to:
Fantasy Authors Like Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas writes fantasy romance, so this first section leans more toward the fantasy side of that equation. Think strong worldbuilding, higher stakes, political tension, and magic systems, with romance still very much in the mix.
Also, yes, several of these absolutely scratch the enemies-to-lovers itch.
Leigh Bardugo
Leigh Bardugo is one of the first names I think of for SJM readers who want immersive worlds, layered characters, and big stakes. Her Grishaverse books lean more fantasy-forward than romance-forward, but the emotional tension and character dynamics are strong enough that SJM fans usually find something to latch onto fast.
If you want a more traditional entry point, start with Shadow and Bone. If you want a sharper ensemble cast and heist energy, start with Six of Crows.
Victoria Aveyard
Victoria Aveyard is best known for the Red Queen series, and this is a solid pick for readers who like power struggles, court politics, betrayals, and a heroine trying to survive a brutal system. It hits a lot of the same tension points that SJM readers tend to enjoy, especially if you like high-stakes conflict with romance in the background.
This one is usually an easy recommendation for readers who loved the more strategic and political side of fantasy.
Sabaa Tahir
Sabaa Tahir belongs on this list for readers who want intensity. An Ember in the Ashes has a darker tone, strong emotional stakes, and the kind of momentum that makes it very hard to put down once it gets going.
It’s not a Sarah J. Maas clone, and that’s a good thing. Still, the blend of danger, character pain, and payoff makes it a natural next read for a lot of SJM fans.
Kristin Cashore
Kristin Cashore is a great fit if you want strong heroines, a unique fantasy setup, and a little more focus on character growth. Graceling remains a favorite in YA fantasy for a reason, and it still works well for readers who want a female-led fantasy with romance and a memorable world.
Another reason Cashore fits here is that the books in the Graceling Realm connect through the same world while still giving you different characters and perspectives. That makes them fun to read without feeling repetitive.
Rae Carson
Rae Carson is a strong recommendation for SJM readers who want a character-driven fantasy with a heroine who grows into her power. The Girl of Fire and Thorns has political tension, romance, and a main character arc that stands out in a genre full of lookalike leads.
This is a great pick when you want fantasy that feels emotional and substantial without losing the page-turning momentum.
Elise Kova
Elise Kova is one of the easiest names to include on this page because she can work for both sides of the SJM audience. Some of her books lean more classic fantasy adventure, while others lean much harder into romance and romantasy vibes.
If you are a Throne of Glass reader first, start with Air Awakens. If you are chasing more ACOTAR-style romantic fantasy energy, A Deal with the Elf King is the obvious place to begin.
Romance Authors Like Sarah J. Maas
This section is still fantasy, but it leans more into the romance side of what makes Sarah J. Maas so addictive. Think more chemistry, tension, slow burn, morally gray love interests, and relationship drama layered into fantasy worlds.
In other words, this is the section for readers who finished ACOTAR and immediately went looking for that feeling again.
Holly Black
Holly Black is one of the most common recommendations for ACOTAR readers, especially if what you loved most was fae politics, dangerous attraction, and characters who do not always play nice. The Cruel Prince is the usual starting point, and for good reason.
The tone is different from Sarah J. Maas, but the court intrigue and sharp relationship dynamics make this a very natural crossover read.
Ilona Andrews
Ilona Andrews is a powerhouse name in fantasy romance and urban fantasy, and SJM readers who want a more adult-leaning vibe should absolutely have this name on their radar. The books tend to bring strong worldbuilding, capable heroines, and romance that actually matters to the story.
A lot of readers start with Hidden Legacy if they want stronger romance sooner. Others start with Kate Daniels if they want a longer series and a bigger urban fantasy focus.
Karen Marie Moning
Karen Marie Moning is a strong fit for readers who want darker fantasy romance with a more mature tone. The Fever series, in particular, is one I recommend in my list of books like Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City.
This is a good next step for readers who want intensity, tension, and a fantasy world that feels dangerous from the start.
Amanda Bouchet
Amanda Bouchet is a great pick for readers who want fantasy romance that feels fast, fun, and chemistry-heavy. A Promise of Fire is the book most readers start with, and it has the kind of banter and romantic tension that tends to work really well for SJM fans.
This one is especially worth a look if you want a fantasy romance that reads quickly and keeps the relationship front and center.
Looking for more good books?
If you are still chasing that Sarah J. Maas reading high, I also recommend checking out my books like A Court of Thorns and Roses list. That page is more book-specific, so it is a great next stop when you want titles instead of authors.
And if you are in the mood for a reread instead, my Throne of Glass reading guide can help you get back into the series without overthinking the order.