Walk into any bookstore these days and I assure you, you will find some table or display dedicated to Sarah J. Maas. She is a current New York Times bestselling author, and you cannot scroll through two videos on BookTok without bumping into someone recommending her work. She has been extremely prolific and successful in her time, but her success is undeserved and comes at the expense of young readers.
Sarah J. Maas specializes in an ever-expanding genre of books deemed “fantasy smut.” These books often follow a similar plotline: a girl from an unremarkable little life in a boring town gets kidnapped by some sort of elf or fae, the girl and the fae are bitter rivals until circumstances require them to work together and eventually they start to fall in love (or, more accurately, lust).Then, another muscle-clad man, even darker and more broody, enters the story to make things more complicated. More political fantasy conflict ensues, but only as a backdrop to this new romantic conflict and an absurd amount of sex.
Sarah J. Maas’s books are marked as young adult novels. In the book publishing world, young adult usually refers to readers ages 12 to 18 and are often marketed towards a middle or high school reader. Sarah J. Maas was in this section of the library when I stumbled upon her work in early highschool. I think this is irresponsible given the contents of these books, which, if in any other storytelling medium, would most likely be rated R. Admittedly, her fantasy retelling series (called ACOTAR by fans) is smuttier than her Throne of Glass series, according to reviews online, but neither are exactly PG.
It is dangerous to be recommending these books to a young audience without being transparent about its contents. Exposing kids unwittingly to mature themes can cause some real damage, especially if young people do not fully understand boundaries, safe sex and how to identify abuse. To be fair, a majority of Sarah J. Maas’s audience is adult women, but that does not change the fact that these books are often marketed as a simple “fantasy series” with no other caveats.
Not only is Maas’s marketing living in dicey territory, but her writing isn’t that good either. In any of her books, you can find the same handful of characters and situations thrown throughout different fantasy worlds. There is very little imagination to the worlds she has written. For example, her novel ACOTAR is, in essence, a smutty retelling of “Beauty and the Beast.” We meet two predictable characters right off the bat and soon after find ourselves trapped in a dystopian fantasy world. Here, the world is controlled by courts, but the courts are under siege by our main antagonist, who believes she could control the world better (which, I’ll be honest, she could).
On paper, this idea sounds thrilling and fantastic! Sure, it feels like a strange “Harry Potter” meets “Lord of the Rings” meets teenage coming-of-age novel instead of something truly new, but there is nothing fundamentally wrong with working off what has come before. The only true original twist Maas includes in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” — her magic system — is itself based in smut. According to the magic system, the king must undergo an annual “rebirth” ritual, carried out through dubiously nonconsensual sexual intercourse, and an actual birth. This ritual is required to keep the magic in the world.
I would also argue that ACOTAR contains some romanticizing of Stockholm syndrome and unhealthy, possessive relationships, which could be considered abusive. Not only do these novels have too much smut for a teen-centered audience, they are also glorifying depictions of dangerous relationships.
The plot of the novel also takes a back seat, serving as a method to keep pushing these two characters into new situations so they can yet again, get intimate with each other instead of dealing with the very real world-ending problems that, for some reason, only they have the capabilities to solve. Honestly, a six-book series probably could have ended in two books if the main characters could get over each other and focus for a couple minutes without making out.
I understand that maybe some people are looking for the “fantasy smut” genre in the novels they consume, but I hesitate to call it real storytelling. Sarah J. Maas might be one of BookTok’s favorite writers, but she is doing very little to contribute to the world of literature, or the world as a whole. As someone who aspires to go into that field after graduating, it is disheartening to see that trashy books –– books that forsake good writing to instead pander to a lonely middle-aged woman’s secret fantasies –– are the ones that get the most attention.
Sarah J. Maas could have had potential had she not gotten lost in a world of smut and pandering to audiences. Maas might be a successful author, but she is not a good one. Her books are more often than not an excuse to live out perverse fantasies and are a danger to unsuspecting young audiences.
Ferngully • Nov 15, 2024 at 12:07 am
Interesting to say these books haven’t done anything for anyone in the world of literature and then some. I am an everyday working mother and wife, my real life is plenty full of excitement being a paramedic. I started reading these books because I’d heard about them so much, I found them very entertaining and fun. To just relax and get lost in a fantasy world where someone can just come swoop you up to a place you’ve never dreamed. It really doesn’t go that much deeper. She isn’t trying to be Tolstoy or Hemingway… They are just fun to read even if predictable and cringey at times. They have kept me distracted in some times of great stress and I am grateful for that if anything.
Josh • Nov 8, 2024 at 11:39 am
I’m reading a Court of Mist and Fury, as a 49 year old male wannabe writer, I think the book is interesting, it’s not like Tolkien or Robin Hobb, yeah it’s target audience is women but a guy can read it too, and it’s easy to read, just read Robin Hobb Fools Errand, it’s too complicated and I found myself getting bored, there are several books in a library that are much more racy, think Ann Rice, the fact that kids today are actually reading surprises me, instead of them playing GTA, now that game is racy, violent, so is the news, but keep in mind if you don’t like Mass work then choose your free will that God gave you, and don’t read it. It’s as simple as that
Zoe • Nov 6, 2024 at 6:05 am
It seems to be a very brave thing here to critique Sarah J Maas’s books. I read almost all of them and I was certainly approaching my thirties at the time. Fantasy-smut is the right description for these books. And how did I come across them? Someone recommended the books and I found them in the school library. Any child (between 11 and 17) could borrow them. They were clearly marketed as YA books.
So, there I was, reading fantasy and smut (graphic sex scenes), and I’d borrowed them all at the school library.
Unam Mati • Oct 23, 2024 at 9:47 am
The bias in this article is extremely loud. It’s very apparent when a book critic has not read the books in question to completion because a lot of these “takes” are written from a place of ignorance and narrow thinking. It’s also important to note that a lack of connection with the books or an author’s writing does not necessarily mean that the writing is bad. Commercial success does not equate to a lack of skill or substance. If so many young women are connecting with the stories Sarah shares then she must be doing something right. And lastly, assuming the position of the audience(young women in this case) undermines the points you make and can be argued to be misogynistic. Valid points can be made without being condescending, both to the author and the audience.
Unam Mati • Oct 23, 2024 at 9:45 am
The bias in this article is extremely loud. It’s very apparent when a book critic has not read the books in question to completion because a lot of these “takes” are written from a place of ignorance and narrow thinking. It’s also important to note that a lack of connection with the books or an author’s writing does not necessarily mean that the writing is bad. Commercial success does not equate to a lack of skill or substance. If so many young women are connecting with the stories Sarah shares then she must be doing something right. And lastly, assuming the position of the audience(young women in this case) undermines the points you make and can be argued to be misogynistic. Valid points can be made without being condescending, both to the author and the audience.
Elizabeth • Oct 4, 2024 at 2:10 pm
Sarah Maas’s books make people happy. End of. I think you’re insulting the intelligence of “unsuspecting young audiences” by assuming they’re not capable of deciding what they like for themselves.
Flora • Oct 2, 2024 at 2:46 am
I think that needs to be corrected to “a perfect amount of sex”. Just because sex is part of the content (you know, a big part of human life and all) doesn’t make it unimportant or the rest of the story shallow. I feel like it actually adds to it, because then you get the full human experience.
Cori • Aug 29, 2024 at 7:07 pm
The fact that you thought you were making some actually valid points here is hilarious to me.
Melanie • Aug 5, 2024 at 1:03 pm
It’s weird that this person thought they had the intelligence to write this article when they *literally* got one of the biggest events in book 1 wrong. Calanmai does NOT require an actual birth, and its only noncon for Tamlin. Everyone else lines up willingly for the primal/magic spirit that possesses him to choose them. There is nothing about an actual birth. Maybe read the books before speaking about them.
Secondly, ACOTAR is NA after book 1. Not YA. TOG is YA because the FMC is between 17-20 during the series, and theres literally only one light sex scene in the very last book
Sheri • Aug 22, 2024 at 8:42 am
Calamari is based off of the ancient ritual of Beltane, The Great Rite. A group of young men put themselves forward to be considered for the Great Hunt — the man who kills the great stag (the god of the forest) is chose to copulate with a woman (usually a virgin) who also volunteered to be chosen. Since this is a fertility ritual for both people (hurray we made it through winter and didn’t starve and to ensure the fields are fertile. Pretty much everyone joins in. This is mentioned in The Mists of Avalon and historical texts regarding pagan religions
Cevomillar • Aug 2, 2024 at 5:14 pm
She’s sold over 38 million copies of her books. Apparently her writing is good enough?
Anna • Jul 28, 2024 at 8:31 am
gee… can everyone be any more insulting to any middle age woman reading these?
Anyways, that aside…
I started this series because my niece (early 20’s) recommended it. I’m preparing to have a very serious conversation with her about abuse and rape …etc.
Also… I do think SJM is a good “writer”. Like, it flows well. Her storytelling is a little off though. There are plot holes all over the place.
But, I don’t think every work of fiction needs to be a masterpiece. Light, feel good novels helped me move through some very difficult times.
just a thought: I do think it’s good that this Levies as getting young people talking about consent, abuse etc. The reddits on SJM books and those ideas are interesting. Disturbing in that some people don’t get it, but, still…
Dale Pizzuti • Jun 25, 2024 at 2:06 pm
I am on book 2, and I am only reading them because my wife says they are good. They are terrible, I have read hundreds of books and I believe myself to be an avid fantasy reader, I have read fantasy so amazing that I wanted to laugh, Cry, and puke. This book just makes me want to puke, this entire series rather. I haven’t reached the end, but I want to just so I can see how truly horrible it actually is, and then I’m going to go read Robin Hobb So I can remember what a good book actually is. Don’t waste your time with this garbage.
base • Jun 22, 2024 at 12:59 am
Sarah J. Maas, the literary equivalent of a microwave dinner—quick, easy, and ultimately unsatisfying. Her books are like a cheap imitation of all other lady porn books, with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer and all the originality of a photocopier. They’re nothing but the wet dreams of single cat ladies who need to feel alive.
But seriously, if you’re looking for a book that will make you question the very fabric of reality and your place in the universe, look elsewhere. If you want something that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the mysteries of existence, you’re better off reading the back of a cereal box.
If you want to read a book that’s like a cheap knock-off of a knock-off, go ahead and pick up a Sarah J. Maas book. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you find yourself wishing you were reading the phone book instead.
Ferngully • Nov 15, 2024 at 12:14 am
Hey some of us cat ladies take whatever scraps we can get out of life to feel alive after we eat our microwaved dinners.
Kaymin • Jun 15, 2024 at 8:30 pm
Clearly you haven’t read these books, based on your article. Do your homework before bashing an author. She reuses common fantasy tropes, and her plots have similarities. How is this different from any other author? I would venture as far as to say that a lot of the simplification in this article is the fault of the reader’s limited imagination and inability to grasp the plots and subplots. To say that it is poor writing is clearly uninformed and bandwagon propaganda from a certain group of people who think these books are, first and foremost, romance and “sex” books. That’s just not the case. If you don’t like it, move on. This attitude and frame of mind is dangerously close to censorship. The complexity this author explores with lore and bending and merging genres is impressive and, quite frankly, a blast to read. Are these works of literary merit? Maybe not. Are they great books that can teach and provoke thought? Absolutely. I’m embarrassed by this article for you.
Froglily • Jun 2, 2024 at 12:24 pm
The writing is sooooo bad. Yes, the sex scenes are advanced for young adults, but yeah, girls also read Jackie Collins back in the day, and we passed around The Godfather to read the vivid sex scene at a wedding. I’m not excited about kids who read about sex.
I just think these novels are boring as hell, and I’m mad that I read all of the first 2 novels in The Court of… series, wanting to see what *happened*! But the plot advanced so slowly I kept losing track of the story. And then I returned the 3rd one to the library after reading the first chapter and realizing I didn’t want to waste the time it would take to see what actually was going to happen. If anything.
The discussions about marketing and who was responsible for how the books are categorized are important, I agree. But really, it doesn’t bother me at all that 12 year-old are reading about sex (better than doing it anyway). If the stories were otherwise engrossing and well-done, the sex scenes are not a big deal.
But the trope of a young girl in thrall to a powerful man, then another powerful man, then tossed back and forth between the two, is deeply disturbing. These novels normalize a situation where a man holds all the power and the woman can’t act on her own or make her own choices. THAT is why the success of the novels bothers me deeply.
The defense that Maas has made lots of $$$ so she must be good is just silly. Lots of best-selling books are simplistic and stupid — meeting the low bar of readers who don’t want to be challenged by their reading isn’t a measure of talent, just of marketing. And yeah, I don’t always want to read challenging literature; sometimes I just want a fun page-turner. To me, these novels weren’t fun. They were a slog, with a depressingly backwards vision of what a powerful woman should be.
SFW • Sep 15, 2024 at 2:30 pm
Agreed on all fronts! I read a lot of Anne Rice between 13-16. The vampire series got racier with time- I remember a particular scene where Lestat sucks the blood out of a woman’s pad before performing oral sex. Which was kind of cool and progressive. But I didn’t read for the sex. It was fun when it showed up, but her use of language was exquisite. I learned new words like cacophony. Some topics I became curious about thanks to Anne: Stradivarius violins, PLAYING the violin, the French Revolution, Geography of France, the slave trade, creole New Orleans, swamps, opera, the Roman Empire, Ancient Egypt, art restoration and preservation, sewers.
Michaela • May 27, 2024 at 10:46 am
The funniest part of this article is that the person who wrote it clearly has never even touched a Sarah J Maas book in their life. I have read every single one of her books and the claims made in this “think piece”, if you can even call it that, are so laughable and not even remotely accurate. Maybe try again after you’ve actually read her books and well considered your opinion.
Anna • Jul 28, 2024 at 8:34 am
I wondered the same when she insinuated UTM Queen probably would have ruled better than all of the court leaders.
Kelly • May 21, 2024 at 11:29 pm
If the worst thing my teen is doing is reading a SJM book… In a world full of grotesquely inappropriate music, social media, tv, and even just general teenage behavior, let’s not condemn SJM for writing a book that keeps teens reading. It’s well written with a thought-provoking plot line so naturally everyone will want to read it.
Tanzila Tabassum • Jul 3, 2024 at 10:47 am
Her plot is nowhere near Thought-provoking. World-building or characterization has no consistency. Her characters are entitled, self-absorbed and vain. The IC is basically war criminals along with Feyre and Rhysand. She pushes colonization as a good thing “because you’re only doing it for their own good” *gag*. Her characters disrespect rape victims by engaging in lewd and loud sexual activities in the only sanctuary they have. They had to have sex while flying in the sky in front of other people.
Maybe you’re not a deep enough reader if you think these books are well-thought-out, and not bad for young readers, despite how it teaches selfishness, entitlement and colonization as a good thing
tyr • Aug 27, 2024 at 5:00 am
If you think her plot isnt thought provoking, you havent read the book. Or you havent read it well enough.
First off – your complaint that her characters are vain. completely valid. I agree. However, there is absolutely no world where this is a bad thing. In fact, in many popular mangas, manhwas, manhuas, and other asian comics, these are the things people love to see in characters, and personally is what got me into loving these asian medias. There is nothing wrong with being vain, especially when you are in a story.
Second off: you claim that the inner court are all virtually war criminals. First thing: it is unfair to judge the IC as “war criminals”, especially in the context of our world. Obviously, there are differences between Prythian and Earth. Thus, what constitutes a “war criminal” is different. Second off: if you say that they are war criminals in the context of their world, there is still a significant problem. They are working to save said world by themselves. Clearly, some rules have to be broken. They maintain general morality, refrain from unnecessary killing and try to do good – saving their world. The “war crimes” that they might have committed are definitely worth the saving of their land – a reason that I would say, is pretty okay, especially because of their aforementioned morality. Just one more point of the above – any rebuttal you might add to my arguments would have been unfair and unjust to my arguments, as you failed to provide any examples of what you said. if you did, I might have been able to more precisely refute your claims.
Next up: your argument about colonization in the book. Now, im a bit rusty with the events of this book, but I certainly dont remember anything about colonization. Again, an example would be helpful. Now, lets dive into if there really was colonization in this book. Your ill informed claim says that colonization is always bad, essentially. In this book, if they did colonize, im sure it was legitimately for a good reason – hence why they said “because you’re only doing it for their own good”. Sure, colonists in the real world might have done some horrible things under that excuse, But thats why this is a story, and being able to separate a story from reality is an important skill.
Next off, your point about rape victims. you claim that they engage in lewd (sexual) activities in the “only sanctuary they have”. This sentence is so confusing that im not going to even attempt to respond to it. What does “the only sanctuary they have” mean? do you mean their house? all of a sudden, they are disrespecting rape victims by having sex in their own house? Is having sex disrespecting rape victims? if so, I can confidently say you probably havent disrespected any victims recently. You said they had sex while flying in the air, however, I need a quote and page for this once again, because this is the thing i doubt the most from your response. However, i would be glad to reply to this too if you can find a quote.
Now, i wasnt going to be this aggressive in this response, however, you insulted the original poster of the comment quite aggresively, saying “you’re not a deep enough reader”, despite he/her being quite polite in their comment. As such, i have no qualms with insulting you too. You are a 40-50 year old facebook mom with no life going on websites like these to comment wrong and poorly supported claims about books. As the saying goes, all children deserve parents, but not all parents deserve children – especially spiteful people on the internet like you who attack relatively neutral people for no reason. OPs point about the modern world is also completely correct – and you addressed nothing about it. these days, with the modern internet, teens are exposed to much worse content than sarah’s books. according to a report by deseret news, three-quarters of teens above thirteen have watched porn – which is clearly worse than reading a work of fiction with a little bit of smut. You may think that it teaches selfishness entitlement…etc however, it is literally impossible in this day and age to grow up feeling selfish and entitled because of a book. If you do, simply put, you are stupid. there are themes spread across all of society that support people being kind and humble, and ignoring these because of a book is… questionable at best. If you want more details on why being so sensitive about your kids isnt very good, read “the coddling of the american mind” by Greg Lukianoff.
Just another personal point from me – books are written for enjoyment. I believe you might be a teacher of some sort. You most likely dig through every word for plot and theme and whatnot. You want every book to have a deep message. You have lost the sense of books for enjoyment. this book presents a wonderfully entertaining plot – hence its success. it is not the fault of the author if you cannot enjoy it. Its like eating a popsicle as a food critic rather than eating it to enjoy.
Maybe you’re not a well-educated enough person if you think these books aren’t thought out and are bad for young reader, despite how it doesn’t teach selfishness, entitlement, or colonization but rather uses them as tools to forward a great plot. I would especially question your education if even a middle schooler could so thoroughly debunk your arguments off the top of their head while clearly seeing that you are one of those stuck up entitled people that you think this book promotes.
Kelly, dont let spiteful people scare you from posting on the internet. Just know they’re wrong and don’t respond – let stupid people like me deal with the stupid people like them.
Nelayra • May 7, 2024 at 4:46 am
Acotar is not marketed as YA. Sex scenes are 0.1% and fade to black in the first book. They don’t even hold hands that much. This is her only book series with a kidnapped female as a trope. Her true YA books have nothing explicit. Thank you for listening.
Kalina • Aug 19, 2024 at 5:08 pm
Exactly! I really adore Throne of Glass which has a really in depth plot and amazing writing! The author of this piece could have just said they were jealous as opposed to trashing on someone just because they’re successful.
Claudia Bailey • Apr 5, 2024 at 5:33 am
Well, what do they say those who cant teach
I have never read such a bitter hate-filled article in my life. I am guessing that you know a little bit about publishing. Then you would know that Sarah does do the age range of her books.
She is writing in the now-titled Romantasy genre. which is basically fantasy mixed with fiction. clearly yo have not seen her audience on YouTube most are not middle aged.
You are a complete book snob and that’s fine but as per usual whilst complaining and be disgusting about a human being you have actually come up with any books that are better. Why o why to people like you always think that people only read because its some intellectual pursuit why can’t understand that you can read because you want to escape for a while and maybe have fun.
I do agree we need less smut in books but at the same time I am wondering what you would write about George R.R. Martin. Because Sarah publishers have put her in the wrong age group she is degusting. But books that include incest, rape and tons of murder is ok with you, whilst a majority of that violence is aimed at women.
This is more worrying than any Sarah J Mass as tons of young people have watched GOT and have gone on to read the books. And I would argue that more young people 12-18 know about GOT than any Sarah J Maas book.
I have only read one of her books and it was ok. But I am old enough to remember Jackie Collins which when I was 16 most teenage girls in my year knew about or had read her books. Yes I agree that age restrictions should be put on books, but I would also say that parents need to be aware of what there children are reading and doing.
Aisling • Apr 5, 2024 at 3:29 am
“I would also argue that ACOTAR contains some romanticizing of Stockholm syndrome and unhealthy, possessive relationships, which could be considered abusive. Not only do these novels have too much smut for a teen-centered audience, they are also glorifying depictions of dangerous relationships.” Especially that last line. SJM intended for ACOTAR to be marketed as NA, but at the time, it wasn’t as popular a classification, so it was marketed as YA. I’m glad that with the release of ACOSF, it’s been re-designated as NA. The issue, imo, with the series is the inconsistent standard and (unintentional— because I don’t think the author is aware of this) glorification of dangerous relationships. All of a sudden, real life standards are applied to the second book, but not consistently. Within this book, Feyre leaves one problematic relationship but only to enter into another; however, this new love interest is presented as the “ideal partner.” Virtually all of his previous actions in the first book are explained away and essentially justified, so the majority of the fandom do not see how problematic he is. We’re told repeatedly just how forward thinking, progressive, and feminist he is. That he’s all about choice. But what we’re told doesn’t always match what is shown within the text. And so what Feyre endured in the first book at his hands is essentially brushed away. And “it’s fantasy” doesn’t work when other characters are held to real life standards. As you said, most of the fandom probably consists of adult woman, but it is also true that there are still libraries who are putting the ACOTAR series in the YA section. (I don’t blame SJM), but it should never have been marketed to a YA audience. Thank you for addressing this.
vicky • Mar 25, 2024 at 12:16 pm
Wanted to say, thank you for writing this. Just recently learned about the history of this creepy author. She agreed to have her books published as YA as long as they kept the sex scenes- so she and the publisher didn’t care if minors and preteens were reading her books, as long as they made their money. There are photos online of her signing these books for 12 year olds- why are people defending this?? This is grooming, but it’s apparently okay if a pretty white woman does it! I hope to see more people calling these publishers out in the future. Thank you!
Kalina • Aug 19, 2024 at 5:15 pm
No, it’s not “okay when a white woman does it.” Actually, it’s only okay when a white man does it. They’re isn’t any of this discourse surrounding male fantasy authors who involved rape and incest into their books… (Also, ACOTAR in particular is marketed as NA and Adult, never YA.)
T.C. • Feb 1, 2024 at 9:20 pm
This reeks of jealousy and immaturity. What an embarrassing piece to write and publish that is attempting to degrade a female writer because she’s successful.
The publisher made the wrongful decision to originally market and categorize her works as young adult 14+, not the author.
Sarah J Maas wanted the “A Court Of Thorns And Roses” (ACOTAR) series to be adult and wrote it as adult. All of Sarah J Maas’s work has since been rebranded and recategorized as adult by the publisher.
Traditionally published authors are out-powered by their publishers decisions and contractually obligated to follow along with the publishers decision.
Not to mention, the entire second book in the ACOTAR series is the main character’s emotional and physical journey of realizing and leaving her toxic abusive relationship.
This author’s books aren’t perfect, but let’s stop judging what people write and read.
More importantly, if you’re going to point fingers and throw a written fit. I would encourage you to do research first so you can point fingers at the correct “person”: the publisher. Instead of looking uneducated and blatantly leeching off an author’s success and book release date (1/30/24) to get views on your biased article.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience years ago when you were in high school. Your feelings are valid but they are no excuse to attempt to cheaply degrade an author’s success. Start an initiative or educated discussion to pressure publishers to accurately categorize and market the books they put out instead of ignoring what their authors tell them.
Lastly, “trashy books” are a billion dollar recession proof industry.
Roxie • Apr 23, 2024 at 5:54 pm
So would drugs be “recession proof”. It doesn’t make it ok for young girls especially with all the awareness of how society is hurting them. Grow up, be a light ️
Inioluwa Oyetunji • Jan 29, 2024 at 7:43 pm
Have any of the people who wrote this or are quoted in it, actually read a Sarah J Maas book? .
Publishers should do a better work with categories, no 14 year old should be reading this. To say that Sarah J Mass isn’t a good writer, however , I’ve never seen such lies. Same plot line indeed. She writes books where the main characters don’t even share a kiss till you’re 300 pages in, lollllllll.