'I'm obsessed with ACOTAR, so I dug up everything you need to know about the next book.'

Last year, I paid approximately $40 to join a live session with author Sarah J Maas.

She was answering fan questions about her then-upcoming book, House of Flame and Shadow and it was the best 40 bucks I ever spent.

During the live, she dropped some world-shattering news: Maas was officially working on the sixth book in her A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Cue shocked gasps and dames fainting all over the joint.

Ever since that moment, I (and other obsessed fans) around the world have been gagging for any little bit of info we can get out grubby little hands on ahead of the book's release. When is ACOTAR book six coming out? What will the sixth ACOTAR book be about? And will we finally learn the details of Azriel's wing span???

While many details remain under wraps (not happy about it), let's dive into everything we currently know about ACOTAR book six.

Oh and, it should go without saying, but there are some massive spoilers here, so if you haven't read the first five books — first of all, shame on you. (Just kidding! We don't book shame here!). And second of all, you've been thoroughly warned.

Please, join me in indulging in some excellent ACOTAR fan art. Post continues below.

Do we have an ACOTAR book 6 release date?

As it stands, Maas is being SUPER hush-hush on the release date, so no — we don't have a definite date locked in yet.

Personally, I am actually okay with this, because good things take time and she doesn't do her best work when she's rushed, in my opinion (see: the final Crescent City book, which I loved, obv, but just doesn't have the same Maas flair as the other books. My guess is that she was under pressure with a deadline looming. I said what I said.)

But while no official release date has been announced, the book — which will be published by Bloomsbury, who are behind the previous books in the series — is expected to hit Australian shelves in late 2025 or early 2026. Following the release of House of Flame and Shadow in early 2024, Maas confirmed that ACOTAR 6 would be her next priority project, making this timeline seem like a realistic estimate.

And while the length of the wait for the new book might be frustrating for fans (might be??), Maas has been clear that she won't be rushing to get in done. TBH, given the complexity of the ACOTAR world and the multiple character arcs that we need to follow, this careful approach makes total sense.

What will ACOTAR 6 be about?

If there's one thing Sarah J Maas is good at, it's keeping plot details under wraps. Case in point: we don't yet have confirmed details about whose story ACOTOR's sixth book will follow.

But there are several compelling theories floating around the internet as to what we might get from ACOTAR book six.

Many fans believe the sixth book will focus on Elain Archeron's story — which makes sense given that the first three books centred on Feyre, while the fifth book, A Court of Silver Flames, focused on Nesta. (And the fourth book is sort of an all-in segue between Feyre's story and Nesta's, paving the way for a new MC).

One of the most intriguing — and persistent theories — circulating on social media is that a major betrayal is about to rock the Night Court, and while Maas hasn't confirmed this plot point, the BookTok girlies are convinced. Why? The betrayal theory primarily stems from Queen Briallyn's ominous statement in A Court of Silver Flames:

"There are many in the world who would happily see the Night Court fall. Who would betray their so-called High Lord for a chance at power."

Eek! Look out, Inner Circle!

While there are many who would happily see Rhysand and friends fall, that mention of someone who considers him their High Lord is throwing some serious clues.

It's important to note that this is purely fan speculation. But isn't it FUN??

The Night Court's betrayal.

Okay so, speaking of the unconfirmed-but-we-think-highly-likely Night Court betrayal… let's unpack that.

There are stacks of fan theories bouncing around about who will betray the Inner Circle, the most prominent putting Rhys' 3IC, Mor, in the crosshairs. But Gwyn, Elain and Lucien's names have all popped up too, and honestly? As long as it's not Cassian or Azriel, I'll be okay.

The Morrigan theory.

The most widely shared theory centres on Mor, AKA The Morrigan, as the potential betrayer.

There are few reasons the BookTok girlies are pointing the finger squarely at Mor. She's had a series of 'mysterious absences', being notably absent from recent narratives, often disappearing on unexplained missions, or heading out to form alliances across Prythian. But when she returns to Velaris, she doesn't have much (if anything) to show for her time away. Weird.

She also has this "Power of Truth" that we really don't know a whole lot about, and some fans suggest it might actually be related to deception rather than honesty. Plus, she… frequently lies and keeps secrets, and shows no particular talent for detecting lies from others?? It's suss. Oh, and let's not forget, both Eris and Jurian have hinted that Mor isn't being truthful about her backstory (although, do we really trust those guys?).

Plus, when you think about it, we don't know a whole heap about her history, particularly regarding why Eris left her in the woods — a big question that is spotlighted at the end of A Court of Silver Flames.

The deliberate lack of information about her abilities and past feels like a calculated choice by Maas, who often leaves breadcrumbs when building toward a major reveal. Plus, her strategic position as third in command of the Night Court would also make any potential betrayal particularly devastating…

The Gwyn theory.

Okay, I'm dubious about this one, but it's another prominent theory, so I'll put it out there. Some fans think priestess/Nesta's bestie Gwyn might be the betrayer. But why? Well, some speculate about possible ties to the Autumn Court through her father (I just… I can't get on board with this one). But similar to other characters in Maas' universe, Gwyn might seek vengeance for her family's deaths… even though the Night Court had literally nothing to do with that, but okay.

The Elain theory.

This I'd believe.

It's no secret Elain fell to flippin' pieces when she became high fae in book one, and while she's deffo doing better by the end of Silver Flames, some fans think she might inadvertently become the betrayer by making some ~poor choices~ in an attempt to become human again.

I dunno, I thought she was over it, but old habits die hard.

The Lucien theory.

A less popular but still intriguing theory suggests Lucien could be the betrayer (say it ain't so!). He seems like a good guy, and we all love him and his sassy ways, but given his position as an outsider within the group — not to mention his complicated relationships with multiple courts — who the heck knows? Maas does love a curveball.

Will ACOTAR 6 be spicy?

Come on, guys. Come ON.

This is Sarah J Maas we're talking about. Of course there'll be spice.

And I think we can all agree, if she follows the pattern set by the previous novels, we can expect the spice to crank up a notch in book six, particularly if Azriel is this instalment's main male character. Maas herself has described him as "a freak" with the biggest wingspan (and you know what they say about the size of an Illyrian's wingspan…)

The ACOTAR series has shown a steady increase in steam levels throughout the books, with A Court of Silver Flames (book five) easily the spiciest instalment to date (rated a four out of five on the spice scale). Surely book six will continue the trend, and steamy content is in store.

The great mate debate: Azriel, Gwyn and Elain.

Perhaps the most hotly debated topic amongst fans centres around the romantic futures of several key characters — and we're expecting to get some answers in ACOTAR book six.

If you've read the series (and if you're here, I think it's fair to assume you have), you'll know that Lucien and Elain are mates. Allegedly. But their relationship is complicated, and Elain has consistently ignored the mating bond, leading to speculation about whether they'll actually end up together. Some theories suggest that rejecting a mating bond might be possible (could this prompt Lucien to betray the Night Court? Gasp!). But another theory that's getting more and more traction is that Tamlin is Elain's real mate!

I know, I know — wild. I'm not totally on board with this theory, but the clues are definitely there:

• The timing of Lucien's claim that Elain is his mate is… kind of suspicious. He announces it immediately after Elain emerges from the Cauldron in book one, and fans think he jumped in to protect Tamlin (who has the actual bond with the middle Archeron sister). Can you even imagine how everyone would've reacted if old mate Tammy had mentioned that, after all he'd done to Feyre, he was destined to be with her sis?

• During the war with Hybern, Tamlin risked his life to save Elain specifically.

• In A Court of Silver Flames, Nesta says of Tamlin's 'hood: "Elain would love this place. So many flowers, all in bloom, so much green — the light, vibrant green of new grass... The Spring Court had been made for someone like her."

• Plus, no one thus far has been able to scent a mating bond between Lucien and Elain. And we know Maas loves to wax lyrical about how they can all smell each other. It's a whole thing.

The other question we all need an answer to is, who the heck is Azriel's mate? His brothers are all loved up, but poor Az is still riding solo. For now, at least. But Azriel's connection with both Elain (gulp) and Nesta's friend Gwyn have both been building pretttttty steadily across the course of the series. Here's hoping that whole ~thing~ is cleared up in book six.

While we wait for more official announcements, fans can take comfort in knowing that work is actively progressing on the next instalment of this beloved series. Whether you're Team Gwyn or Team Elain, hoping for Lucien's happiness, more specifics on Az's "freak" nature, or just eager to return to the world of Prythian, ACOTAR 6 promises to be worth the wait.

Feature Image: Supplied.