A Court of Thorns and Roses fans dress up for midnight launch parties as new Sarah J Maas book arrives

Romantasy fans swapped their pyjamas for ‘fae-inspired’ finery last night as Waterstones stores across the UK hosted midnight launch parties for the latest instalment in Sarah J Maas’s beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series.Bookworms gathered on Monday evening for a night of quizzes, costume competitions and bookish crafts, celebrating the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony, which hit shelves on Tuesday, October 27.The sixth book in the hugely popular ACOTAR series has been a long time coming, with fans waiting more than five years since the previous instalment was published in February 2021.Fans were encouraged to dress as their favourite Maas characters WaterstonesAt Waterstones’ flagship Piccadilly store in London, festivities began at 10pm, while fans were invited to show off their best Prythian-inspired outfits. The evening included an ACOTAR-themed quiz, a costume competition, a sprayed-edge workshop, drinks and nibbles, as well as discussions about theories and predictions for the new book.The books are set in the fictional world of ‘Prythian‘WaterstonesWhat is ACOTAR?For the uninitiated, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantasy romance series by American author Sarah J Maas, blending magical realms, fae courts, political intrigue and plenty of romantic tension. The story centres heavily on Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court and a firm fan favourite on BookTokWaterstonesThe books are set in the fictional world of Prythian, where powerful High Lords rule different courts and humans and fae have a complicated history.Since the first book was published in 2015, ACOTAR has developed a devoted international fanbase and become one of the defining series of the romantasy genre, which combines fantasy with romance. The original A Court of Thorns and Roses novel follows Feyre Archeron, a human huntress who is drawn into the dangerous world of the fae after killing a wolf in the woods. Fans could paint and decorate their own masks inspired by the charactersWaterstonesHer story develops into a romance with Rhysand, the powerful High Lord of the Night Court, whose relationship with Feyre becomes central to the wider series.The fifth instalment, A Court of Silver Flames, shifted the focus to Feyre’s older sister Nesta Archeron and the formidable Illyrian warrior Cassian, exploring their complicated relationship alongside themes of trauma, healing and self-acceptance.Who is Sarah J Maas?Sarah J Maas is currently reported to be the highest-selling fantasy and romantasy author in the world, with over 75 to 80 million copies sold globally.She is also known for her Throne of Glass and Crescent City series, with readers drawn to her expansive worlds, complex characters and dramatic twists.The Piccadilly launch sold out weeks before the eventWaterstonesMaas began writing her debut fantasy novel, Throne of Glass, when she was just 16. Born in New York City on March 5, 1986, she grew up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in a Jewish household.She went on to graduate magna cum laude from Hamilton College in 2008, earning a degree in creative writing and a minor in religious studies.Maas is currently reported to be the highest-selling fantasy and romantasy author in the worldAlamy Stock PhotoWhat can fans expect from the new ACOTAR book?A Court of Splintered Harmony is the long-awaited sixth book in the series, returning readers to the magical world of Prythian. While detailed plot information has been kept under wraps, the new instalment is expected to explore another chapter in the sprawling fantasy saga. Waterstones’ held events around the UK with ACOTAR themed games and quizesWaterstonesFan theories have centred on the possibility of the story following the Illyrian warrior Azriel alongside Elain Archeron, the third Archeron sister, although readers will have to wait for confirmation of the storyline.A Court of Splintered Harmony is out nowWaterstonesThe release is particularly exciting for readers who have spent years discussing theories online, debating their favourite characters and predicting what Maas might have planned next. Read MoreAnd the wait may not be quite as long for the next instalment: A Court of Forgotten Melody, the following book in the series, is scheduled for publication on January 12, 2027.