Sarah J. Maas Reveals Release Dates for Next Two ACOTAR Books: What Fans Need to Know
After a five-year hiatus that left the fantasy romance world in suspense, Sarah J. Maas has finally broken her silence. The bestselling author of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series dropped major news during her March 4, 2026 appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast. But the announcement came with a twist that has fans both thrilled and curious: the sixth ACOTAR book won’t be a single volume—it’s being released in multiple parts.
Here’s the full breakdown of what Maas revealed, what it means for the series, and why this multi-volume approach could reshape how publishers handle blockbuster fantasy releases.
The Release Schedule: Two Books, Back-to-Back
Maas confirmed that the next ACOTAR installment—long referred to as “Book 6”—will arrive in two separate volumes. The first book drops on October 27, 2026, and the second follows just over two months later on January 12, 2027. That’s a remarkably tight window for a series known for its intricate world-building and emotional depth.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Maas described these as “parts one and two” of a larger story arc within the ACOTAR universe. She also confirmed that a fourth part will be released separately at a later date, though no timeline has been shared for that volume.
Why the Multi-Volume Structure? The “Arrow” Explained
In July 2025, Maas posted an Instagram Reel showing her closing a notebook labeled “ACOTAR 6” with an arrow pointing forward. Fans immediately speculated about the meaning of that arrow—was it a hint about time jumps? Multiverse shifts? Or just a design choice?
During the Call Her Daddy interview, Maas cleared the air: “That was ACOTAR six with the arrow pointing forward to indicate things going ahead of that.” In other words, the arrow wasn’t a cryptic easter egg—it was a literal marker that the story continues beyond a single book. She wrote the first draft of the sixth book during a summer 2025 writing retreat in Montana, and the arrow was her way of mapping out the narrative’s trajectory.
“It is for the next ACOTAR book, which is coming out on October 27 of this year,” she added, confirming that the first volume is complete and ready for publication.
What We Still Don’t Know (And Why That’s Intentional)
Maas remained tight-lipped about several key details, and for reasons that now make more sense.
1. Title? Still Under Wraps
No official title has been announced. Given that this is a multi-book arc, the title may not follow the traditional A Court of … naming convention. Some fans speculate it could reflect a new court or a shift in the power structure of Prythian.
2. Character POV
Maas wouldn’t confirm which characters will narrate the new books. The series has previously shifted from Feyre to Nesta to other figures, so the POV could be anyone. Given the narrative threads left dangling at the end of A Court of Silver Flames, many fans expect Elain Archeron to finally take center stage. Others hope for a Lucien or a Tamlin redemption arc.
3. Length? Deliberately Vague
When asked about the page count, Maas demurred. “Part of why I guess it’s tricky to talk about the length of this book is because this book’s coming out October 27, and…” she trailed off, implying that the length is tied to the multi-volume release. Speculation suggests each volume could be around 500–700 pages, consistent with her prior novels, but that remains unconfirmed.
The Business Context: Bloomsbury’s Big Bet
The ACOTAR franchise isn’t just a cultural phenomenon—it’s a financial juggernaut. According to a Publishers Weekly report, Bloomsbury’s sales dropped 10% for the fiscal year 2025–2026 because Maas didn’t release a new book. That’s a direct hit for a publisher that relies heavily on her output.
The multi-volume strategy makes business sense on multiple levels:
- Revenue smoothing: Two releases in three months means two major sales events in quick succession.
- Fan engagement: Bite-sized releases keep the fandom buzzing rather than letting hype fade between long gaps.
- Inventory management: Splitting a massive manuscript into two volumes reduces production risks and allows for more targeted marketing campaigns.
From a storytelling perspective, Maas noted that the Arrow Forward structure allowed her to write a complete arc without artificially inflating or truncating the narrative. “It just felt right for this story,” she said.
What This Means for the ACOTAR Universe
The sixth book series isn’t a standalone—it’s a bridge. Based on Maas’s comments, these two volumes will advance the timeline and set up future stories, possibly including the long-rumored crossover with her Throne of Glass and Crescent City universes.
Key threads to watch:
- The fate of the Night Court: After the events of A Court of Silver Flames, the political landscape is shifting.
- Elain’s awakening: She was gifted a power none of her sisters possess. When will she step into her role?
- The Koschei storyline: The death-god hinted at in previous books hasn’t been fully resolved.
- Tamlin’s arc: The former High Lord of the Spring Court has been in a dark place. Is redemption possible?
Fan Reactions: Thrilled, Confused, and Ready
The announcement sent social media into overdrive. On Reddit’s r/acotar, reactions ranged from ecstatic to conspiratorial. “Two books in three months? She’s not playing,” one user wrote. Another asked, “Does ‘part four released separately’ mean there’s a book five coming too?”
Maas didn’t address the possibility of a fifth book in the current arc, but her phrasing—“parts two and three released together in January 2027”—suggests the story is already planned through at least four total installments.
What to Do While You Wait
If you’re counting down to October 27, 2026, here’s how to pass the time:
- Re-read the series. Pay close attention to foreshadowing in A Court of Silver Flames and A Court of Wings and Ruin.
- Catch up on Maas’s other series. Crescent City and Throne of Glass share overlapping multiverse elements.
- Join a fan community. Speculation and theory-crafting are half the fun.
- Pre-order early. Given Bloomsbury’s sales dip, expect aggressive pre-order incentives—signed editions, exclusive covers, and bonus chapters.
Final Thoughts
Sarah J. Maas didn’t just announce a book—she announced a new chapter in how she tells stories. By breaking the sixth ACOTAR installment into two volumes released within three months, she’s acknowledging that the story has grown beyond the constraints of a single book. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual reader, October 27, 2026 can’t come soon enough.
And if the Arrow Forward is any indication, what lies ahead is worth the wait.
All facts, dates, and quotes in this article are sourced from Sarah J. Maas’s March 4, 2026 appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast with Alex Cooper and her July 2025 Instagram Reel. Spoiler warnings apply for prior ACOTAR books.