she’s done,” she says.
Quickly, fans noticed several of Maas’s books sitting on the bookshelf behind Cooper, including titles from her ACOTAR series. This adds fuel to the speculation that an announcement is coming soon.
Publishing Cadence and Timeline
Maas typically alternates between her major series. Her most recent release, House of Flame and Shadow, dropped in January 2024. In an interview with Today that month, Maas confirmed she plans her releases “years down the line” and that ACOTAR 6 will be her next project.
Based on Maas’s previous publishing cadence, early 2026 is a likely release date for ACOTAR 6. However, no official announcement has been made yet.
Title and Plot Theories
The official title of the sixth book remains unknown. However, in October 2024, images of a mysterious sixth book titled “A Court of Shaded Truths” circulated online, though these turned out to be fan edits.
As for the plot, theories suggest ACOTAR 6 will follow Elain’s journey and reveal her fate. Some speculate she might reject Lucien’s mating bond or end up with Azriel. Others believe she will become High Lady of the Spring Court or even a seer, revealing her full powers.
Why It’s Taking So Long
Maas has explained that her slower publishing rate is due to balancing career and motherhood. “Before I had kids, I was writing two books a year, but I also had no social life,” she told Today in January 2024. “The writing pace has slowed down a little bit — you know, a book a year, a book every year and a half.”
While Bloomsbury Publishing remains tight-lipped about specific timelines, one thing is certain: when ACOTAR 6 finally does arrive, it will be a major literary event that sends ripples through the fantasy community.
So keep your eyes peeled for any announcements. The anticipation is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting Sarah J. Maas’s next masterpiece.
