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.
It is dangerous to be recommending these books to a young audience without being transparent about its contents.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.