From that eye-catching cover to its popularity on BookTok, it’s hard to miss A Court of Thorns and Roses. The book is the first volume in an ongoing series by author Sarah J. Maas and follows 19-year-old Feyre, a human drawn into the magical faerie world. But is A Court of Thorns and Roses for kids? Here’s what parents need to know about ACOTAR.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is rated 16+ due to gore, violence, and mature romance. This novel belongs to the romantic fantasy genre (also known as “romantacy”), and it leans heavily into both: the story’s world is filled with darker elements, such as torture and complex issues surrounding consent.
ACOTAR is sometimes shelved in the Young Adult section, but it’s better suited for mature readers. Additionally, the series becomes more explicit as it progresses. If the first book is too intense for your child, the rest of the series will be, too.
Parents who are concerned about language should know that the characters of A Court of Thorns and Roses use crude language throughout the text, including swear words, sexually explicit language, and vulgar gestures.
There are also multiple mentions of Feyre’s “watery bowels,” which isn’t necessarily crude, but it happens often enough that it raises questions about her gut health.
Yes. There are descriptions of sex and intimacy throughout A Court of Thorns and Roses. The series is known for its “spicy” scenes, a term that describes sexual content. Spice is denoted on social media with the hot pepper emoji: 🌶️.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is spicy. For example, Feyre has multiple sex scenes with the male main character and faerie High Lord, Tamlin. A significant plot point revolves around a fertility rite that involves ritual sex. Toward the end of the first novel, there is significant sexual touching among several characters with varying levels of consent.
The faerie world of A Court of Thorns and Roses is gory and violent. Characters are beaten, mutilated, and killed, and some are forced to kill against their will. The novel also introduces a key character who is enslaved and coerced into sex with the villain. While these actions are integral to the story’s plot, violence in various forms is a significant element of ACOTAR’s narrative.
If your child wants to read A Court of Thorns and Roses and you feel they can handle its mature content, consider reading it with them. That’ll allow you to have a springboard for conversations about the content, such as autonomy and consent.
It's also worthwhile to know what A Court of Thorns and Roses is about. ACOTAR follows Feyre's journey through the fae world, but it also deals with war, deceit, and trauma.
The first book focuses largely on Feyre and Tamlin's love story and battle against Amarantha's influence, while the second and third books put Feyre and her found family against the invading forces that want to seize control of the fae land, Prythian. The fourth book focuses on Feyre's sister, Nesta, and her journey on a path of healing, but it's arguably one of the most explicit books in the series so far.
If your child likes fantasy books, romance, and stories about female protagonists who learn how to battle against all odds, they might enjoy ACOTAR — but you'll need to weigh that against the series' adult content. If you'd rather keep things more age-appropriate for younger readers, we recommend checking out these popular YA selections:
So, is ACOTAR for kids? A Court of Thorns and Roses is appropriate for older teens. Although the book interacts with darker themes, it also features positive messages, such as the value of selflessness and perseverance. As with any new media your child consumes, it’s a good idea to either read the book beforehand or along with your child.
There’s plenty of fan-made content around A Court of Thorns and Roses, so if your child shows any interest in this series, they’ll likely encounter related material on their social media accounts and online searches. If you’re concerned about explicit and violent content, a child safety app like BrightCanary can help you monitor your child’s digital activity — so you can talk about any concerning topics together.
