Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas (SJM) became YA/adult fantasy’s queen 2015-2023, selling 38+ million books across three series. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR, 2015) defined modern romantasy, inspiring countless imitators with its fae courts, mate bonds, and explicit romance.
Major Series
“Throne of Glass” (2012-2018) started as YA assassin fantasy. “ACOTAR” (2015-2021) went New Adult with explicit sex, becoming BookTok’s obsession. “Crescent City” (2020-2022) blended urban fantasy with romantasy. Each series featured 600-800 page books, elaborate worldbuilding, and slow-burn-to-explosive romances.
Cultural Phenomenon
ACOTAR’s Feyre/Rhysand relationship became relationship goals. Fan art, cosplay, merchandise, and fanfiction proliferated. Maas’s books consistently hit #1, with new releases selling 500K+ in week one. Her influence on fantasy publishing was unmatched—every publisher wanted “the next SJM.”
Criticism
Critics argued Maas recycled plots, wrote toxic relationships as romance, and prioritized sex over story. Her prose received literary ridicule. But commercial success was undeniable—she owned romantasy.
Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/