• Sarah J. Maas' sixth "A Court of Thorns and Roses" novel comes out on October 27.
• Book seven will follow on January 12, 2027, as Maas first announced in March 2026.
• Maas has been revealing which characters will tell the story on her social media in recent days.

Sarah J. Maas fans, it's finally time to go back to Prythian.

The sixth "A Court of Thorns and Roses" novel, titled "A Court of Splintered Harmony," will hit bookshelves on October 27 after months of anticipation. It will be quickly followed by book seven, "A Court of Forgotten Melody," on January 12, 2027.

It's been five years since Maas last released an "ACOTAR" book, and the novel is eagerly awaited not only by fans but also by Maas' publisher, Bloomsbury. The company's sales fell 10% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year because Maas didn't release a new book, Publishers Weekly reported.

Both Bloomsbury and Maas have been sharing teasers on social media about "A Court of Splintered Harmony" in the lead-up to its publication, with Maas revealing which characters will be narrating the novel (after asking fans to stop sharing any leaks of book six).

Here's everything we know about "ACOTAR" six so far.

Warning: Some spoilers for Maas' work — including "ACOTAR" and "Crescent City" — ahead.

Maas is releasing the sixth 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' story in multiple volumes

In March 2023, Bloomsbury announced that Maas had signed a deal for three more books with the publisher. At the time, she was already under contract for four titles, including "House of Flame and Shadow," the third installment in her "Crescent City" series, published in January 2024. Readers didn't find out what the next book she would write would be until her March 2026 appearance on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast with Alex Cooper.

She told Cooper she finished the sixth "ACOTAR" book while writing in Montana over the summer of 2025, but she didn't share details about it because of its nontraditional release structure.

"This book's coming out October 27, and then on January 12, like two months later, I can't do math, whatever that is, the next ACOTAR book will be coming out," Maas said. "So there will be two books within, like, a very short span."

As her fans will know, Maas' books are typically split into parts, separating different sections of the story she is telling. However, when it comes to the sixth "ACOTAR" story, Maas said the individual parts became longer than she anticipated as she started writing, with part one coming in at 400 pages at one point.

As she continued writing, Maas decided the parts didn't have to be in a single physical book.

"What if this book was really long?" she said. "What if it took me more than a thousand pages to tell the story that needed to be told, the arc that I wanted to create from start to finish?"

Maas said the story for "ACOTAR" six was ultimately divided into four parts, though it is still one cohesive story. Part one is the novel Bloomsbury will publish on October 27, 2026, and parts two and three will be published together on January 12, 2027. Maas has yet to write or give a publication date for part four, but she told Cooper all three volumes would be published "in a very short time."

"It's meant to be read, ideally, as one massive, massive story as opposed to in a trilogy," she said. "It's not a trilogy. Like, arcs aren't wrapped up."

Maas finally shared some details about the books in August 2026

On August 16, Maas cleared her Instagram of all its posts, changing her profile photo to a black-and-white illustration of a monster and a spider. Then, on August 17, she shared the covers and titles of books six and seven on social media.

The "Splintered Harmony" cover features a pink-and-orange backdrop with a sketched drawing of a monster with teeth and bones, and the subtitle is "The Valkyrie Cycle: Movement I." The Valkyrie were introduced to "ACOTAR" in "A Court of Silver Flames," when Nesta Archeron brought the legendary all-female fighting squad back to life alongside her friends Gwyn and Emerie.

Maas posted the book alongside the tagline, "What was broken will be remade." The blurb shared on booksellers' websites reveals that the Night Court is facing new threats when book six opens: Koschei the Deathless, one of three legendary monster siblings introduced throughout "ACOTAR," and those willing to ally with him to claim the newly freed human lands.

The description also notes that there is tension among the members of the Night Court because of "recent betrayals and revealed truths," which they must work through if they want to defeat Koschei.

"A Court of Splintered Harmony" will be 352 pages and will include three bonus chapters from the "ACOTAR" series. Those bonus chapters were previously published in specific editions of Maas' novels, but they will be in all copies of "ACOSH," as the publisher shared on its social media on September 24. One chapter focuses on Feyre and Rhysand, one on Cassian and Nesta, and one on Azriel's experience on the Winter Solstice that takes place in "A Court of Silver Flames."

Teasers from the new book

In mid-September, Bloomsbury began sharing quotes from "A Court of Splintered Harmony," offering more insight into the novel than the vague blurbs.

It released six quotes in total, and the first, shared on September 17, revealed that at least some of the novel will be told from Lucien Vanserra's perspective.

"Lucien's heart thundered, throat drying out," the quote read. "Maybe this had been a terrible idea."

Lucien has only played a supporting role in the "ACOTAR" books so far, but Maas has been teeing up his expanded role in her books through his unaccepted mating bond with Elain Archeron, Feyre's middle sister, and his connection to Koschei. He serves as an emissary to the human lands for the Night Court in "ACOSF," alongside Jurian and Vassa, a human queen who was sold to Koschei and cursed to turn into a firebird each day. It would be surprising if Vassa — and by extension Lucien — weren't involved in fighting against Koschei in book six.

Likewise, the final quote Bloomsbury shared on October 9 appeared to confirm that Azriel will narrate some of "ACOSH." The quote didn't include his name, but the unnamed narrator was communicating with shadows: "'We are here,' the shadows whispered in his ear. 'We are always here.'"

Azriel is a Shadowsinger in the "ACOTAR" world, with his shadows being described as keeping him company and whispering to him as he serves as the Night Court's spymaster.

No other passage shared by Bloomsbury names a narrator, but interestingly, the quote shared on September 28 asks if it is "possible for mates to…un-mate" if a bond were to "fracture deeply enough" that it cannot be repaired.

Lucien and Elain's mating bond is strained because Elain has yet to accept it, so some fans think the comment is about them. At the end of "House of Flame and Shadow," though, Nesta and Cassian were at odds, so others think the quote hints at tension between the pair (more on that in a minute).

On October 24, Bloomsbury also shared a sneak peek of the map that sits at the front of "A Court of Splintered Harmony." It shows new locations in the Night Court, such as Sangravah, and in the Autumn Court, including the Forest House and the Thorn-Wood. It also offers a look at the faerie realms outside Prythian, such as Vallahan. Koschei's lake is in the other faerie realms, sitting among the open fae lands in front of a mountain range.

Maas chimes in

Maas' Instagram was quiet after she announced the titles of her books, until October 19, when she took to her Instagram story to ask fans not to share leaks of "A Court of Splintered Harmony."

"I know how much you love these books and these characters; I know you've been waiting for a long time to know what comes next," she wrote. "That love for these stories is exactly why I'm requesting that you please, please don't share leaks."

"Nothing about this release is meant to feel like a secret that needs to be found out," Maas went on. "Publishing a book takes time and effort from so many hardworking people to get it into your hands. Throughout this long process, everyone involved has been dedicated to keeping things from being spoiled, but sometimes things happen, and it is beyond disheartening to see out-of-context moments take away from all of you who have waited so patiently."

"All I'm asking for is just a bit more of that patience — until you can get everything in its fullness, the way it's meant to be read," Maas said.

Representatives for Maas did not respond to a request for comment on the Instagram story, and Maas did not specify which images spreading online contained authentic leaks of the book.

However, in the week leading up to the book's release, she posted a short video each day to reveal which of her characters would narrate "A Court of Splintered Harmony." Each video featured a quote from the character set against a sketch of the monster on the novel's cover. The backdrop for the first drop was gray, but it grew progressively darker, revealing stars with each post.

The narrators are:

Feyre

Feyre was the narrator for the first four "ACOTAR" books, telling the story from a first-person perspective. Like books one through four, the passage Maas shared was in the first-person perspective, unlike the other quotes:

"My body wouldn't move. Couldn't move. I could do nothing to help him, nothing at all, and I would die from it, this despair and agony. Please, I tried to beg the darkness, please. Anything. I'd give anything for him to be safe. My life, my territory, my — would you give that too?"

Maas provided no further context about the quote, though fans were quick to point out that the inner monologue seemed like what Feyre would have been thinking when she gave birth to her son, Nyx, as she and the baby almost died because he was born with wings. Rhys also nearly lost his life, as he and Feyre bound their lives together at the end of "A Court of Wings and Ruin." Nesta saved them all by returning her power to the cauldron, but the passage could be a flashback to the scene from Feyre's perspective.

Cassian

Cassian was one of the two narrators of "A Court of Silver Flames," which told his and Nesta's love story. His passage from the new novel appears to show him and Nesta at odds:

"So Cassian let her go. Let her keep walking down the hall, and out the front door. Nesta didn't look back at him. Not once."

It's unclear what they may be fighting about, though Cassian was disapproving of Nesta's actions in "House of Flame and Shadow." Details below.

Nesta

In the quote Maas shared from Nesta, the eldest Archeron sister is drawn to some unnamed power.

"On trembling legs, head spinning, Nesta managed to get to her feet. Maybe whatever called for her over the northern horizon was a siren song, luring her away from what mattered, who mattered. Come, it beckoned, but to where? To what end? More shadows and loneliness and secrets? It would consume her, if she let it."

Lucien

Maas' quote from Lucien was more specific than the one Bloomsbury shared, shedding light on the fire-wielder's frustration with Feyre.

"Lucien ran a hand through his hair. Tamlin had saved him. And then Lucien had rebuilt himself, his life. Only for Feyre to bring it all crumbling down."

Lucien is likely reflecting on Feyre's actions in "ACOWAR," when she brought down the Spring Court after Tamlin made a deal with the King of Hybern to get her back.

Gwyn

Gwyn is haunted by memories of her past in the sneak peek Maas offered from her portion of the novel.

"Gwyn staggered back from the railing, from the darkness, fingers fumbling for the invoking stone in her pocket. It was glowing and warm to the touch in a way that had nothing to do with its proximity to her flesh. You are here, the stone seemed to affirm, you are safe. The past cannot harm you. Gwyn shook her head. She was inclined to disagree."

Gwyn may be in the library where she works, as readers saw her and Nesta fleeing a dark force there in "A Court of Silver Flames."

Mor

At the end of "A Court of Frost and Starlight," Mor set off for Vallahan, another fae realm, to attempt to get the leaders there to sign a new treaty between humans and fae. She appears to be continuing that work in "A Court of Splintered Harmony," based on the teaser Maas shared about Mor, and offering more detail about her power, which is simply referred to as "truth" in "ACOTAR."

"She flexed her hands at her sides, working out the faint trembling in them. It was a fool's errand. She knew it — Rhys and Feyre knew it. Vallahan would know it, too. But she'd try. One last time. Mor sucked in a breath, an ancient, night-kissed power awakening from its slumber deep within her. Different from Rhys's, older."

Azriel

Maas confirmed Azriel was a narrator for the book the day before its release, writing of his Illyrian heritage:

"You are an Illyrian, Azriel — the wind sings through your very blood. You cannot be caged. You cannot be broken. They lock you away because they fear you."

The quote seems to refer to Azriel's childhood, as he spent his early years locked in his father's home, unable to learn to fly.

More clues about 'ACOTAR' 6 narrators

It makes sense that Nesta and Gwyn will be central to Maas' new books since the novels are part of "The Valkyrie Cycle." The Valkyries were a central focus of "A Court of Silver Flames."

The book ushered in a new era for the series, as it was told from Nesta's perspective. Maas again focused on her in "House of Flame and Shadow" in her "Crescent City" series.

The "recent betrayals and revealed truths" mentioned in the description of "A Court of Splintered Harmony" could refer to Nesta's actions in "HOFAS." Specifically, the "revealed truths" may reference the resurrection of the long-forgotten Dusk Court in Prythian, which they discover Rhysand is an heir to, while the "recent betrayal" against the Night Court could be Nesta's lending the Mask of the Dread Trove to Bryce Quinlan, the "Crescent City" protagonist, without Rhysand and Feyre's permission.

Bryce also gave Nesta the sword Gwydion at the end of "HOFAS," telling her she thinks she was meant to have it when she returns the Mask. Nesta shared with Bryce in the same scene that Cassian is the most upset with her of everyone for her actions.

It seems Maas was setting up a continuation of Nesta's story for her next "ACOTAR" story in the scene, which may see her explore her power and connections to the fae of the Dusk Court.

You can read a more detailed breakdown of what to remember from Maas' previous works ahead of "ACOTAR" six here.

Elain's role in future 'ACOTAR' books

One notable character doesn't yet have a confirmed POV in the new novel: Elain Archeron.

In "A Court of Silver Flames," Elain had settled into life at the Night Court, refusing to explore her mating bond with Lucien or her Seer powers. She also seems to have an attraction to Azriel in the text, with the pair almost kissing in his bonus chapter. However, Maas juxtaposes their connection with the ill-fitting aspects of life at the Night Court for Elain during a visit to the Court of Nightmares in "ACOSF."

Maas told Eva Chen during an appearance on "Live Talks Los Angeles" in February 2021 that she planned to write a book from Elain's perspective. She also discussed Elain on "Call Her Daddy" in March 2026, saying Lucien's involvement in bringing Elain to the fae world is a barrier to their relationship. Maas said she was "interested" as a writer in exploring what it meant for someone not to desire to be mated.

It's surprising that Elain is not confirmed to have a POV in "A Court of Splintered Harmony," given Maas' past comments, the brewing tension surrounding Elain, and the fact that both Lucien and Azriel have POVs in the book. Elain may have a surprise chapter in the book, or she could narrate future installments in the series.

Readers will have to wait and see what role Maas plans for Elain to play in the new "ACOTAR" books.

In 2025, young people in the EU left their parents’ home at an average age of 26.3 years, up slightly from 26.2 years in 2024. 

Since 2002, this average age stayed close to 26 years.

The highest average ages for leaving the parental home, at 30 years or above, were recorded in Croatia (31.5 years), Greece and Slovakia (both 30.9), and Spain and Italy (both 30.2). By contrast, the lowest average ages were registered in Finland (21.4 years), Denmark (21.8) and Estonia and Lithuania (both 22.7). 

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/d/products-eurostat-news/age

Source dataset: yth_demo_030

In 2025, the employment rate in the EU among young people aged 20-29 years was 65.5%. 

In most countries where the age at which young people leave the parental home is below the EU average, the employment rate for 20-29-year-olds is above EU average.

For example, in countries where young people tend to leave the parental home sooner, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Sweden the employment rate for young people tends to be higher.

In countries where young people leave the parental home later, such as Greece, Croatia, Spain and Italy, the employment rate was lower than the EU average.

Click to enlarge

Source dataset: lfsa_ergaed

For more information

• Thematic section on children and youth
• Database on children and youth
• Thematic section on employment and unemployment
• Visualization tool on young Europeans

Methodological notes

The average age at which young people leave the parental home is an approximate measure based on whether respondents of the European Union Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) and their parents live in the same household. The calculation covers each single year of age from 15 to 34. It takes into account, separately for male and female categories, the share of respondents living in households without their parents in the total population. An ‘exit probability’ for each single year of age from 15 to 34 is calculated for the total, male and female populations. The indicator shows the age at which 50% of the population no longer live in a household with their parent(s). 

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Fancy a novel way of dining out – one that provides a delicious meal while viewing the sights of the “capital of Europe”?

If so, the Tram Experience in Brussels could be just for you.

The Tram Experience is a unique rolling gourmet restaurant set inside a beautifully converted historic STIB-MIVB tram.

Diners enjoy a multi-course meal while slowly cruising through boulevards and scenic neighbourhoods of southern and eastern Brussels (such as Louise, Merode, and the Tram Museum).

Menus are designed by renowned and Michelin-starred Belgian chefs, featuring high-end reinterpretations of local cuisine. Dishes are prepared and served fresh on board.

A new season of the Tram Experience returns this week, on Friday 28 August. The menus for the new season will be created by some of the biggest names in Belgian gastronomy.

Among them are the promising David-Alexandre Bruno (Quartz), who will join Michelin-starred chefs such as Olly Ceulenaere (Publiek*) and Ricarda Grommes (Quadras*).

To mark 100 years of Comme Chez Soi*, three generations of chefs from the country’s most iconic restaurant, will be offering a celebratory menu especially for the occasion.

This season also sees the introduction of a new lunch package designed for large groups.

A spokesman said, “A trip aboard the Tram Experience is an unforgettable culinary experience.

“Whether as a couple, a group of four or a larger party, guests savour a menu created by a renowned chef whilst touring the capital’s most beautiful neighbourhoods.

“It’s the perfect choice for a romantic dinner in Brussels, a unique evening out with friends or an exclusive team-building event.”

The first names in the line up for the new season (running through early 2027) offer a wonderful glimpse of Belgian culinary excellence.

Building on the Tram Experience's popularity, this year visitors will also be able to enjoy a brand new lunch package designed especially for large groups looking to book the whole tram for a private event.

Belgian gastronomy’s leading names take centre stage and a number of iconic figures from the country’s three regions will feature this season.

David-Alexandre Bruno, from Brussels, opens  proceedings. 

At the helm of the Quartz restaurant in Ixelles, chef Bruno captivates diners with cuisine that combines technical precision and elegance. This approach earned him the title of Young Chef of the Year 2026 for Brussels in the latest edition of the Gault & Millau guide.

He has devised the menu that will be served on board the tram until 11 October.

Other renowned chefs have been announced.

Olly Ceulenaere, from Michelin-starred Ghent restaurant Publiek*, will be designing the menu to be served from 2 February to 21 March.

His exciting and unpretentious approach is sure to leave a lasting impression on diners.

From 23 March to 9 May, the spotlight turns to Ricarda Grommes, head chef at another Michelinstarred establishment, the highly acclaimed Quadras* in Saint-Vith.

Famous for her creativity, which draws on influences from a wide range of sources, she will be serving up cuisine as inspired as it is innovative.

The centenary of Comme Chez Soi December and January will also be marked.

A true institution on the Brussels gastronomic scene, the restaurant on place Rouppe has held Michelin stars without interruption for over 70 years.

To celebrate this exceptional anniversary, Pierre Wynants, the “godfather” of Belgian gastronomy, will join forces with his son-in-law and current head chef, Lionel Rigolet, as well as his grandson and future head chef, Loïc Rigolet, to create a unique festive menu.

Every year, the Tram Experience serves around 8,500 guests.

In light of the concept’s growing success, an additional set menu will now be available on weekdays.

In addition to the 6- or 7-course dinner menus, a 4-course lunch menu is being introduced.

This option is exclusively for large groups booking the entire tram for private use.

The menus are prepared on board, with the utmost care, by Thibault Granville (Taste Great) and his team.Bookings are for 2 or 4 people. It is also possible to book the entire tram (36 seats) or a single carriage (16 or 20 seats) for an event or a team-building activity.

More info