On the hopeful escapism of the romance genre, Sarah J. Maas told Marie Claire:
“The promise of the happily ever after is a huge part of the appeal of romance for me. Reading is a refuge from our real world. But in a romance story, no matter how bleak things seem, it’s reassuring to know that the characters you love will still find each other.”
Hailed as the queen of romantic fantasy, Maas has penned some of the most popular Young Adult and New Adult series of the past decade. Born in New York City in 1986, she began creating stories based on classic tales as a child, and dabbled in Sailor Moon fanfiction before starting what would become her best-selling debut, Throne of Glass, at just 16.
Inspired by the score of Cinderella, Maas threw in the twist: “What if Cinderella was not a servant, but an assassin?” Weaving webs of magic, passion, and intrigue, Throne of Glass grew into an 8-book epic that’s been translated into 35 languages and optioned by Disney. Her second series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, invites readers into a bewitching, faery-realm retelling of Beauty and the Beast, while her third, Crescent City, offers a masterclass in strong world-building, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense.
Taking part in Goodreads‘ 10-year anniversary celebration, Maas shared her top ten most beloved books and series. From Peter S. Beagle’s classic magical allegory, The Last Unicorn, to J.R. Ward’s steamy vampire romance, Dark Lover, dive into her recommendations below, and check out the reading lists of other celebrated authors here.
Sarah J. Maas’ Reading List
The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh
The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Sabriel by Garth Nix
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
(via Goodreads; photo by Beowolf Sheehan)
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