What to Read After Crescent City: 15 Best Romantasy Books
Finishing a Sarah J. Maas series often leaves readers with a profound "book hangover," especially after the high-stakes urban fantasy and complex world-building of the Crescent City series. If you are struggling to decide what to read after Crescent City, you are likely looking for a specific blend of intricate magic systems, modern or high-fantasy settings, and high-heat romance. The "Romantasy" genre has exploded in popularity, offering plenty of options that feature the same gritty undercurrents and fated-mate tropes found in the Maas-verse.
To help you fill the void left by Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar, we have curated a list of 15 essential titles. Whether you want more urban fantasy or a transition into epic high fantasy, these books are the perfect answer to what to read after Crescent City. You can find many of these titles available at major retailers like Barnes & Noble or through digital subscriptions.
Top Picks Within the Maas-verse
If you haven't already explored the other branches of the Sarah J. Maas universe, that should be your first priority. Many fans find that the series are interconnected in surprising ways.
- A Court of Thorns and Roses: Often the gateway for many fans, this series offers a more traditional faerie-realm setting with legendary romance and character growth.
- Throne of Glass: A sprawling eight-book epic following an assassin. While it starts as young adult, it evolves into a high-stakes, multi-POV romantasy masterpiece.
Gritty Urban Romantasy and Modern Settings
One of the most unique aspects of Crescent City is its modern, technological setting paired with ancient magic. If you loved the urban vibe, consider these titles for your next "what to read after Crescent City" pick.
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo: Set at Yale University, this dark academic fantasy involves ghosts, secret societies, and a gritty atmosphere that mirrors the darker parts of Lunathion.
- The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole: A world-ending threat, a morally grey heroine, and a powerful hero make this an addictive read for fans of the Bryce/Hunt dynamic.
- Bride by Ali Hazelwood: This paranormal romance features a modern world where vampires and werewolves exist in a precarious truce, complete with a marriage of convenience.
- Burn by Suzanne Wright: For those who enjoyed the demon-filled underworld of Crescent City, this series offers a contemporary setting with powerful, possessive heroes and plenty of heat.
- Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh: This series features a world ruled by powerful, often cruel archangels and the vampire hunters who serve them, perfect for fans of the Asteri and Malakim lore.
Epic High Fantasy and Deadly Trials
If the high-stakes political maneuvering and deadly competitions were your favorite parts of the series, these high fantasy novels will satisfy your craving for adventure and romance.
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: A viral sensation for a reason, this book features a deadly dragon rider academy, an enemies-to-lovers romance, and a fast-paced plot.
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent: Often called "The Hunger Games with Vampires," this story follows a human girl competing in a deadly tournament hosted by the vampire king.
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout: This series is a staple in the romantasy community, featuring a "Chosen One" protagonist, secret identities, and intense romantic tension.
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: While lower on the explicit "spice," the political intrigue and the biting enemies-to-lovers relationship between Jude and Cardan are unmatched.
- One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig: A unique magic system involving cursed cards and a gothic, atmospheric setting make this duology a must-read.
More Worlds to Explore
Still looking for more options for what to read after Crescent City? These titles offer diverse magic systems and compelling romantic arcs that have captured the hearts of SJM fans worldwide.
- A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness: A more mature take on the genre, blending history, science, and magic as a witch and a vampire team up to protect a lost manuscript.
- Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco: Set in Sicily, this story follows a witch who teams up with a Prince of Hell to solve her sister's murder.
- Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent: A beautifully written story of a former slave with rare magic who trains with a grumpy, reclusive mentor to save her homeland.
Finding Your Next Favorite Series
When deciding what to read after Crescent City, consider what specific elements you loved most. If it was the mystery, lean toward urban fantasy like Ninth House. If it was the epic scale of the war, Fourth Wing or The Serpent and the Wings of Night are excellent choices. For more community-driven recommendations, platforms like Goodreads are invaluable for finding niche titles that fit your specific tropes. No matter which you choose, the vibrant world of romantasy ensures you won't be without a book for long.