Sarah J. Maas at a Glance

Full Name: Sarah Janet Maas

Pronounce: SAIR-uh JAY MASS

Born: March 5, 1986

Nationality: United States

Education:

• Hamilton College (BA, Creative Writing)

Genres:

• Fantasy
• Romantasy
• YA fiction

Biography & Background

Sarah J. Maas Biography

Sarah J. Maas is a New York Times best-selling American fantasy writer whose works have sold more than 70 million copies in English alone. Born in New York City, Maas grew up in Manhattan and began writing at a young age, drawing inspiration from fairy tales and classic fantasy. While listening to the soundtrack to Disney’s Cinderella, she was struck by the ominous music playing during the ball and conceived the idea of Cinderella as an assassin sent to kill the prince (Cappadona, Bryanna. “Sarah J. Maas is BookTok’s Reigning Romantasy Queen. All Rise.” Today, 30 Jan. 2024). This concept, developed when Maas was 16, grew into her novel Throne of Glass, which Maas initially posted online before securing a publisher for its formal release in 2012.

The internet and social media have remained key to Maas’s success as her writing career has unfolded. Since publishing Throne of Glass, Maas has published seven more novels in the same series and begun two others: the Crescent City series and the Court of Thorns and Roses series, tilted after the series’ first installment. The latter has been particularly successful on BookTok, TikTok’s book-reading community, where posts about her novels have received more than 14 billion views (Thompson, Jessie. “Is Sarah J. Maas the next J. K. Rowling?” The Independent, 15 May 2024). In addition to her intricate worldbuilding and dynamic female protagonists, Maas is known for the love stories that drive her novels, making her a leading figure in the booming “romantasy” (romantic fantasy) genre.

Fun Facts About Sarah J. Maas

• Maas, who has cited J. K. Rowling as an influence on her own work, names Sirius Black as her “literary crush” (Canfield, David. “Jennifer Lawrence Could Play Sarah J. Maas in a Movie, and Other Facts About the Author’s Pop Culture Life.” Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2017).
• In addition to majoring in creative writing, Maas minored in religious studies.
• Maas has contributed to the DC Icons series alongside other best-selling YA authors like Leigh Bardugo.

Sarah J. Maas’s Awards & Honors

• 2016 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best YA Fantasy & Science Fiction (A Court of Mist and Fury)
• 2017 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best YA Fantasy & Science Fiction (A Court of Wings and Ruin)
• 2018 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best YA Fantasy & Science Fiction (Kingdom of Ash)
• 2020 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fantasy (House of Earth and Blood)
• 2021 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fantasy (A Court of Silver Flames)
• 2022 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Fantasy (House of Sky and Breath)
• 2024 — Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romantasy (House of Flame and Shadow)

Interviews & Podcasts

Hear from Sarah J. Maas in her own words.

Interviews with Sarah J. Maas

_TODAY

Sarah J. Maas Is BookTok’s Reigning Romantasy Queen. All Rise (January 30, 2024)

Speaking with Today, Maas discusses her rise to fame, BookTok’s impact on her career, and the way she imbues epic romantasy with real-world influences. Fans will gain insight into her creative process and inspirations.

_{THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW}

Sarah J. Maas Teases House of Flame and Shadow: “No Spoilers!” (February 6, 2024)

Maas joins Kelly Clarkson to discuss the latest installment in the Crescent City series, teasing key themes and plotlines while avoiding spoilers. This lighthearted conversation provides a fun look into Maas’s personality and excitement for her new book.

Podcasts with Sarah J. Maas

_{POURED OVER}

Sarah J. Maas on House of Sky and Breath (February 15, 2022)

Maas explores the intricate worldbuilding of Crescent City, discussing the challenges of writing complex fantasy while maintaining the emotional core of her characters. This episode is perfect for fans eager to hear about her craft.

_{FATED MATES}

Sarah J. Maas on Sailor Moon, Writing Sex, and Second Books (February 16, 2022)

In this candid conversation, Maas talks about her influences—from Sailor Moon to epic fantasy—and how she approaches writing intimate scenes. A must-listen for those interested in the evolution of the romantasy genre.

Sarah J. Maas Quotes

To the stars who listen—and the dreams that are answered.

— A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)

Pity those who don't feel anything at all.

— A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)

I can survive well enough on my own—if given the proper reading material.

— Throne of Glass (2012)

We all bear scars […] Mine just happen to be more visible than most.

— Throne of Glass (2012)

Don’t let anyone shame you for what you read or what you love in general. Many people are gonna tell you not to do xyz things. Do you what you love, and screw the rest.

— interview with The Guardian (Fangirling: Teen Megafan Interviews Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J Maas, 2014)

Notable Books by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses Series

Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses series is a romantasy epic that blends fairy tale retellings with high-stakes fantasy adventure. The books follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress who is drawn into the dangerous world of the fae after she kills a wolf that is more than it seems. As Feyre navigates the treacherous politics of the fae courts, she becomes entangled in a war that could reshape the world. The series is known for its sweeping romance, complex characters, and intricate worldbuilding, making it a staple of the romantasy genre.

Books in the series:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
• A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
• A Court of Silver Flames (2021)

Start at the beginning with SuperSummary’s study guide for A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Throne of Glass Series

Originally conceived when Maas was a teenager, Throne of Glass follows Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin who fights for a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament to become the king’s champion. As she battles for her survival, she uncovers dark secrets about the kingdom and her own past. This action-packed series weaves together elements of high fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, making it one of Maas’s most beloved works.

Books in the series:

• The Assassin’s Blade (2014)
• Throne of Glass (2012)
• Crown of Midnight (2013)
• Heir of Fire (2014)
• Queen of Shadows (2015)
• Empire of Storms (2016)
• Tower of Dawn (2017)
• Kingdom of Ash (2018)

Get started with SuperSummary’s study guide for The Assassin’s Blade.

Crescent City Series

A more mature and urban-inspired fantasy, Crescent City follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-fae woman who seeks justice for her murdered best friend. As she teams up with the fallen angel Hunt Athalar to uncover a conspiracy that threatens their city, she navigates a world filled with gods, demons, and political conspiracy. Mixing elements of detective fiction, romance, and high fantasy, the series is a fresh departure from Maas’s signature storytelling.

Books in the series:

• House of Earth and Blood (2020)
• House of Sky and Breath (2022)
• House of Flame and Shadow (2024)

Explore the series starting with SuperSummary’s study guide for House of Earth and Blood.

Authors Like Sarah J. Maas

Rebecca Yarros

Recommended Read: Fourth Wing (2023)

Rebecca Yarros crafts a gripping romantasy with Fourth Wing, the first in The Empyrean series. This novel follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced into an elite war college for dragon riders, where she must prove herself or die. With high-stakes action, sizzling romance, and a richly developed fantasy world, Fourth Wing will appeal to Maas fans who love strong heroines and intense storytelling.

Ready to dive in? Check out SuperSummary’s study guide.

Holly Black

Recommended Read: The Cruel Prince (2018)

For readers who enjoy Maas’s dark fae intrigue, Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince delivers a similarly captivating tale. The novel follows Jude, a mortal girl raised in the treacherous world of the fae, as she navigates palace politics and power struggles. With morally complex characters and slow-burning romance, this series is a must-read for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Uncover more with SuperSummary’s study guide.

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Recommended Read: From Blood and Ash (2020)

Like Maas, Armentrout blends romance, action, and fantasy in From Blood and Ash, the first book in The Blood and Ash series. Following Poppy, a young woman prophesied to play a pivotal role in her kingdom’s future, the novel features high-stakes adventure, powerful romance, and a rich worldbuilding.

Want to learn more? Dive into SuperSummary’s study guide.

Follow Sarah J. Maas

Connect with Sarah J. Maas on the following platforms:

• Website: sarahjmaas.com
• Instagram: @sarahjmaas
• TikTok: @sarahjmaas
• X: @SJMaas