Is ACOTAR Related to Throne of Glass? Exploring the Intricate Web of Sarah J. Maas's Literary Universe

Is ACOTAR Related to Throne of Glass? Exploring the Intricate Web of Sarah J. Maas's Literary Universe

Sarah J. Maas has captivated readers worldwide with her two most popular series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Throne of Glass (TOG). While both series are beloved for their rich world-building, complex characters, and epic storytelling, fans often wonder if these two series are connected. Are they set in the same universe? Do characters from one series appear in the other? Let’s dive into the intricate web of Sarah J. Maas’s literary creations to explore the connections—or lack thereof—between ACOTAR and TOG.


The Worlds of ACOTAR and TOG: Separate but Equally Enchanting

At first glance, ACOTAR and TOG appear to exist in entirely different realms. ACOTAR is set in a world divided into courts, each ruled by a High Lord and inhabited by faeries, humans, and magical creatures. The story follows Feyre Archeron, a human-turned-faerie, as she navigates love, war, and self-discovery. On the other hand, TOG takes place in a sprawling, multi-continent world filled with kingdoms, assassins, and ancient magic. Its protagonist, Celaena Sardothien, is a deadly assassin with a mysterious past that unfolds over the course of the series.

While the settings and characters are distinct, some fans have speculated that the two series might share a universe. After all, Sarah J. Maas is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her tendency to weave subtle connections between her works. So, is there any truth to these theories?


Easter Eggs and Subtle Connections

One of the most compelling arguments for a connection between ACOTAR and TOG lies in the Easter eggs scattered throughout both series. For instance, in A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF), the second book in the ACOTAR series, Feyre encounters a mysterious figure named Rhysand, who mentions a “world where a great queen once reigned.” This has led fans to speculate that Rhysand might be referring to Aelin Galathynius, the protagonist of TOG.

Similarly, in Kingdom of Ash, the final book in the TOG series, Aelin briefly passes through a world described as having “starlit skies and a city of towering spires.” This description bears a striking resemblance to Velaris, the hidden city in the Night Court of ACOTAR. While these references are subtle, they have fueled fan theories about a shared multiverse.


The Concept of Multiverse in Sarah J. Maas’s Works

Sarah J. Maas has never explicitly confirmed that ACOTAR and TOG exist in the same universe. However, she has hinted at the possibility of a multiverse—a collection of interconnected worlds—within her stories. This concept allows for the existence of multiple realms, each with its own unique rules and inhabitants, while still leaving room for crossover events.

In Crescent City, Maas’s third series, the idea of a multiverse is explored more explicitly. The protagonist, Bryce Quinlan, discovers portals that connect her world to other realms, including one that resembles the world of ACOTAR. This has led fans to speculate that TOG might also be part of this multiverse, with Aelin’s journey through different worlds serving as a precursor to the events in Crescent City.


Character Parallels and Archetypes

Another point of connection between ACOTAR and TOG lies in the similarities between certain characters. For example, both Feyre and Aelin are strong, resilient heroines who undergo significant personal growth throughout their respective series. Similarly, Rhysand and Rowan Whitethorn share traits such as loyalty, protectiveness, and a deep connection to their respective heroines.

While these parallels might be coincidental, they could also be interpreted as evidence of a shared narrative framework. Sarah J. Maas often draws on archetypal characters and themes, which might explain why certain elements of her stories feel familiar across different series.


The Role of Magic and Mythology

Magic plays a central role in both ACOTAR and TOG, albeit in different forms. In ACOTAR, magic is tied to the courts and the faeries who inhabit them, with each court possessing its own unique abilities. In TOG, magic is more diverse, ranging from elemental powers to ancient, world-altering forces.

Despite these differences, both series draw heavily on mythology and folklore. ACOTAR incorporates elements of Celtic and Welsh mythology, while TOG is influenced by Norse and Greek myths. This shared foundation in mythology might explain why the two series feel thematically connected, even if they are not directly linked.


Fan Theories and Speculations

The lack of explicit connections between ACOTAR and TOG has not stopped fans from crafting elaborate theories about how the two series might intersect. Some believe that Aelin’s journey through different worlds in Kingdom of Ash could have brought her to the world of ACOTAR, while others speculate that the Wyrdmarks in TOG might be a form of magic that exists in ACOTAR as well.

One particularly popular theory suggests that the Bone Carver from ACOTAR might be connected to the Valg, the dark forces in TOG. Both entities are associated with death and manipulation, leading fans to wonder if they might be different manifestations of the same malevolent force.


Conclusion: Separate Yet Intertwined

While ACOTAR and TOG are not directly related, they share enough thematic and narrative similarities to suggest that they exist within the same creative universe—or multiverse—crafted by Sarah J. Maas. Whether through Easter eggs, character parallels, or shared mythological influences, the two series are undeniably connected in spirit, if not in fact.

As Sarah J. Maas continues to expand her literary universe with new series like Crescent City, fans can only hope for more explicit connections between her beloved worlds. Until then, the subtle hints and tantalizing possibilities will keep readers speculating and re-reading in search of hidden clues.


Q: Are there any crossover characters between ACOTAR and TOG?
A: No, there are no confirmed crossover characters between the two series. However, fans have speculated about potential connections based on subtle references and Easter eggs.

Q: Does Sarah J. Maas plan to connect ACOTAR and TOG in the future?
A: Sarah J. Maas has not announced any plans to directly connect the two series. However, her exploration of a multiverse in Crescent City leaves the door open for future crossovers.

Q: Can I read ACOTAR and TOG in any order, or should I follow a specific sequence?
A: While ACOTAR and TOG are separate series, it’s generally recommended to read them in the order they were published. This allows you to appreciate the evolution of Sarah J. Maas’s writing style and world-building.

Q: Are there any other series by Sarah J. Maas that might be connected to ACOTAR or TOG?
A: Crescent City is the most likely candidate for a connection, as it introduces the concept of a multiverse and features references to the world of ACOTAR.