Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Sarah J. Maas’s Top Book Recommendations: A Fantasy Reading List
Sarah J. Maas, acclaimed for her best-selling A Court of Thorns and Roses series and other captivating romantic fantasy novels, has achieved remarkable success, with over 40 million books sold globally. The celebrated author, known for her immersive fantasy worlds and dedicated fanbase, recently shared a glimpse into her literary influences by revealing her top ten favorite books.
Maas’s Favorite Reads Revealed
In 2017, marking the tenth anniversary of Goodreads, Maas disclosed her curated list of ten exceptional books. Perhaps predictably, given her own genre preferences, the majority of her selections leaned towards fantasy fiction. Leading her esteemed list was Megan Whalen Turner’s 1996 novel, The Thief, the first installment in the widely praised Queen’s Thief series. This popular series reached its conclusion in 2020, more than two decades after the initial book’s publication.
Spotlight on The Thief
The Thief centers on the captivating narrative of Eugenides, a master thief who finds himself imprisoned in the King of Attolia’s dungeons. To regain his liberty, he is tasked with an audacious quest: to steal a legendary artifact. The book has resonated strongly with readers, evidenced by overwhelmingly positive reviews on platforms like Goodreads.
Captive Prince and Other Notable Mentions
Securing the second position on Maas’s list is C.S. Pacat’s Captive Prince. This novel, depicting the journey of a deposed prince exiled and compelled to serve another royal, has garnered diverse opinions among readers, yet it remains a noteworthy inclusion in Maas’s personal favorites.
Third place is occupied by Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever, a fae romance novel published in 2006. This title precedes Maas’s own foray into fae fantasy romance with Throne of Glass, which debuted in 2012, highlighting potential genre influences.
Sarah J. Maas’ Top Ten Book Selections:
- The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
- Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
- Dark Fever 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. Beale
- The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Literary Influences on Maas’s Writing
The impact of fantasy and romance literature is clearly discernible within Maas’s own body of work. Her top ten list provides insight into the genres and authors that have shaped her storytelling.
Further Authorial Inspirations
Beyond her top ten, Maas has also acknowledged the influence of additional authors and series on her writing. These include Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels trilogy and Robin McKinley’s The Hero and the Crown duology, showcasing a broad spectrum of literary inspirations.