Today's Read Contributor A major announcement in the American publishing world is energizing readers and booksellers alike. Bestselling fantasy author Sarah J. Maas has revealed that two new novels will be added to her globally popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series, marking the first expansion of the saga in more than five years. The news, confirmed by publisher Bloomsbury and widely reported in the literary press, represents one of the most significant developments in contemporary fantasy publishing this year.
According to the announcement, the sixth installment in the series is scheduled for release on October 27, 2026, with the seventh book planned for January 12, 2027. The titles and detailed plot information have not yet been disclosed. The upcoming releases will continue the story set in the richly imagined fantasy world that Maas first introduced to readers in 2015.
The previous entry in the series, A Court of Silver Flames, was published in February 2021 and became a major commercial success. Its release capped a five-book arc that followed the journey of Feyre Archeron and a large cast of characters navigating magical courts, political alliances, and personal struggles. The long gap between books had left many readers uncertain about the future of the franchise, making this week’s announcement especially noteworthy within the publishing industry.
Sarah J. Maas is one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy fiction. Over the past decade, she has built an enormous international following through series such as Throne of Glass, Crescent City, and A Court of Thorns and Roses. Her books have collectively sold more than 75 million copies worldwide, a figure that underscores both her popularity and the growing demand for fantasy and romance-blended storytelling.
The author first shared the news publicly during an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, where she discussed returning to the fictional universe after an extended creative pause. Maas explained that she spent considerable time searching for the right direction for the story before inspiration struck. Once the concept took shape, she said the writing process moved quickly, leading to the creation of new material that naturally expanded into multiple volumes.
Industry observers say the announcement highlights the continued strength of the “romantasy” genre, a blend of fantasy world-building with character-driven romance. Over the past several years, this category has become one of the most commercially successful segments of the book market, particularly among younger adult readers and online reading communities. Social media platforms, book clubs, and digital reading forums have amplified enthusiasm for such stories, helping them reach wider audiences than traditional marketing alone might achieve.
The return of a blockbuster series can also have significant ripple effects across the publishing ecosystem. Retailers often experience increased preorders and backlist sales when a major author releases new work. Libraries, bookstores, and online retailers frequently see renewed interest in earlier titles as readers revisit previous installments or discover the series for the first time.
In addition, the announcement underscores how established fantasy franchises can maintain relevance years after their initial debut. While many book series see declining momentum after long pauses, Maas’s readership has remained active and engaged. Fan discussions, art, and online speculation have continued throughout the five-year hiatus, demonstrating the enduring cultural footprint of the series.
For publishers, the upcoming releases also illustrate the importance of long-term storytelling in the modern literary market. Multi-book narratives allow authors to deepen their fictional worlds and develop characters across multiple arcs, while also giving readers a sustained relationship with the story. This approach has proven particularly successful in genres such as fantasy, science fiction, and young adult literature.
Bloomsbury has not yet revealed additional details about the narrative focus of the upcoming books, but the publisher confirmed that both titles are already planned as part of a coordinated release schedule. Publishing two installments within a short timeframe is expected to maintain momentum among readers and ensure continued attention across the literary community.
For fans of the series, the news signals the beginning of a new chapter in a story that has captivated millions around the world. For the publishing industry more broadly, it serves as a reminder of the power of well-crafted fantasy storytelling and the enduring influence of bestselling authors.
As the 2026 publishing calendar unfolds, the return of A Court of Thorns and Roses stands out as one of the most anticipated literary developments of the year, an event that is likely to shape reading lists, bookstore displays, and fan conversations for months to come.
