As a devoted reader, you’re probably all too familiar with the feeling of finishing a book and not knowing what to do with yourself now.

For days, you’ve been glued to the words on the pages, you’ve stayed up wayyyyy past your bedtime to finish a chapter, and your mind is just boggled with what’s going to happen next. 

And then suddenly, you find yourself at the end. It’s a strange feeling of being so content with the story and having a sense of completeness, but also wishing it didn’t have to end. 

You’re left wanting MORE!

This happens to me all too often, which is why I usually find myself looking for books that have similar vibes to what I just read, so that I can experience that same exciting feeling over and over again. 

But I’ll be honest – finding various books that evoke the same type of emotion can take time. That’s why I’ve decided to do the hard work for you!

In the blog series, “If You Liked X, Read Y,” I offer you a few titles to add to your TBR based on what you’ve previously loved. In other words, if you’ve read ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas and are looking for your next spicy fantasy read, this post has you covered!

In this edition, I’m covering all things fantasy – one of my favorite genres of choice and a popular one amongst women! So, let’s get to it, my bookish friend. ⬇️

The Top Fantasy Books To Add To Your TBR 

1) If you liked ACOTAR by Sarah J. Maas, ➡️Read the Blood and Ash Series (and The Flesh and Fire Prequel Series) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

If A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) swept you away with its intricate romance, fierce female leads, and high-stakes fantasy (which by the way… if you weren’t swept away, I have questions), then my oh my, will you LOVE Blood and Ash!

Poppy’s journey from a sheltered life to a warrior’s path mirrors Feyre’s transformation, blending captivating love stories with the tension of unraveling deadly secrets. Armentrout’s world-building and intense character dynamics are perfect for fans who crave an addictive fantasy romance.

And to take your TBR even further, go ahead and add the Flesh and Fire prequel series to your list too! This prequel series takes you on a deep dive into the Blood and Ash lore, offering even more richness to the series. Plus, you get to meet Nyktos/Ash, who I absolutely ADORE.

2) If you liked the Blood and Ash Series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, ➡️Read The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy

Once you take my word for it and read Blood and Ash, (and you can’t seem to get enough of the political intrigue, steamy romance, and characters you can’t help but cheer for or detest!), then The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy is a natural next step.

A darker, more twisted take on the Midas myth, this series follows Auren, a woman trapped in a gilded cage, and her fight for freedom and self-worth. Kennedy’s world is just as addictive and layered with secrets, offering up an even more intense emotional ride that fans of Armentrout’s epic style will love.

BONUS: Kennedy’s series is officially complete with the recent publication of Goldfinch!

3) If you liked The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy, ➡️Read the Shadows & Crowns Series by S.M. Gaither

Next up, if the dark fantasy and the complex relationships in The Plated Prisoner captivated you, the Shadows and Crowns Series will draw you deeper into the realm of ancient power struggles.

This series, full of a found family of morally gray characters, epic confrontations by individuals with immense power, and a trope we all love—forbidden romance, is perfect for readers who love to cheer for a cast of characters who move from vulnerability to strength.

4) If you liked the Shadows & Crowns Series by S.M. Gaither, ➡️Read The Memory Puller Series by Kris K. Haines

If you loved the blend of high-stakes magic and the character-driven plot in Shadows and Crowns, The Memory Puller Series by Kris K. Haines offers an equally spellbinding experience.

This series dives into the mind-bending world of memory manipulation, where pasts are never quite what they seem, and the truth is always just out of reach. The banter between Cassandra and Tristan is delightful and spicy, and subsequent books in the series will have you falling for more characters that you’re thrilled to cheer on.

Haines’ intricate mix of action, slow-burn romance, and mystery will keep you guessing, much like the intricate plots of Gaither’s books.

5) If you liked The Memory Puller Series by Kris K. Haines, ➡️Read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (and prepare for no other book series to ever compare!)

And lastly… but certainly not least, after the thrilling twists and layered world of The Memory Puller Series, Throne of Glass is the ultimate fantasy series to dive into.

I’m sure you’ve seen this one circulating social media for quite some time now, and if you’ve yet to dive in, consider this a gentle nudge from your fellow bookish gal!

With its unstoppable heroine, epic battles, and heart-wrenching character arcs, Sarah J. Maas builds a world so rich and emotionally charged, no other series may ever compare. And I mean it when I say that… I’ve yet to find something that feels equal. 

But I should warn you – Throne of Glass is an eight-book series that takes you on an emotional, wild ride. Featuring a cast of unforgettable and complex characters who draw you in again and again, Throne of Glass lives on in my mind well beyond any other book series I’ve read. While I loved Maas’s ACOTAR series, there’s simply nothing that has bested Throne of Glass for me.

Looking for a fantasy book lover community?

As a female fantasy reader myself, I can hardly contain myself when I meet someone else who shares the same interest and passion as me. It’s for that reason that I set out to create a community for YOU to find your next book bestie (and add to your TBR!) with ease. 

If you’ve been searching for a place to share your thoughts and insights and meet others who love fantasy novels as much as you do, then In Our Bookish Era – the virtual monthly book club membership – is the place for you.

When you join, you get:

🎁 Bookish Welcome Gift delivered via snail mail 

👯‍♀️ Book club community through an exclusive Instagram chat  to interact and engage with other obsessive readers

💻 Monthly book club meeting to chat about the book of the month

💸 Exclusive discounts and perks when shopping at What Sara Reads

You get all of that for only $17/month, but you also have the option to upgrade to the Quarterly Book Box, which includes:

📚 One Quarterly Book (December: Romance; March: Fantasy; June: Popular Fiction; September: Thriller)

🎉 2-4 surprise goodies that go along with that quarter’s book selection and genre (think stickers, bookmarks, and more!)

🤫 Exclusive access to Book Boxers Only virtual book club meetings, including author Q&As!

CLICK HERE to get all the details!