ACOTAR vs Fourth Wing: Which Romantasy Series Should You Read First?

Quick answer: Read ACOTAR first if you want Fae courts, romance that expands across several books and a more gradual fantasy build. Read Fourth Wing first if you want immediate danger, dragons, a military academy and faster pacing. The series are not connected, so there is no required order; choose the reading experience that sounds more addictive to you.

ACOTAR vs Fourth Wing at a glance

ACOTAR: Fae courts, curses, political conflict, found family and a romance arc that changes substantially as the series expands.

Fourth Wing: dragon riders, Basgiath War College, deadly training, rebellion secrets and a central romance moving inside a faster action framework.

Which is easier for a new fantasy reader?

If giant fantasy worlds intimidate you, both are relatively accessible entry points because their heroines learn important parts of the world alongside the reader. Fourth Wing gets to physical danger faster. ACOTAR begins more gradually and then broadens its political and magical scope.

Which should you choose for romance?

Choose based on pacing rather than asking which one is “more romantic.” ACOTAR’s relationship landscape develops across multiple books and changes as Feyre understands the Fae world. Fourth Wing puts romantic tension into an already dangerous academy environment much earlier.

Which should you choose for worldbuilding?

ACOTAR is the better starting choice if Fae courts, territories and political relationships sound fun. Fourth Wing is better if you want military structure, dragons, rider bonds and a world whose secrets are tied closely to what the characters have been taught.

What if you want a finished story?

Neither franchise should be approached as “nothing else is coming.” Sarah J. Maas currently lists additional ACOTAR books, while Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean story also continues beyond the currently published novels. If waiting bothers you, Throne of Glass is a better Sarah J. Maas option because its main series reaches a conclusion in Kingdom of Ash.

Can you read both?

Absolutely, and most of the decision anxiety disappears once you accept that this is probably where the TBR is heading anyway. Start with the one whose setting appeals to you today, then use what you liked—dragons, Fae, politics, trials, romance or found family—to choose the next series.

Bookish Closet bridge

Bookish Closet carries verified fandom apparel for both reading lanes. Fourth Wing readers can see the Xaddy Xaden Riorson Comfort T-Shirt, while the verified Best Seller collection includes ACOTAR and other fantasy-reader designs.

If ACOTAR wins your comparison, start with our spoiler-light ACOTAR Book 1 guide.

If Fourth Wing wins, continue with our guide to books like Fourth Wing or see what to read next from Rebecca Yarros.

Still undecided? Our fantasy romance books guide compares series by mood, trope, pacing and fantasy commitment.

FAQ

Should I read ACOTAR or Fourth Wing first?

Choose ACOTAR for Fae courts and a slower expanding story; choose Fourth Wing for dragons, academy danger and faster pacing.

Are ACOTAR and Fourth Wing connected?

No. They are separate fictional universes written by different authors.

Which series has dragons?

Fourth Wing and the Empyrean series center heavily on dragon riders and dragon bonds.

What should I read if I finish both?

Try Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, Quicksilver, Divine Rivals or The Serpent and the Wings of Night depending on your preferred balance of fantasy, romance and pacing.