Sarah Janet Maas, widely known as Sarah J. Maas, is an American fantasy author born on March 5, 1986, in New York City. She is best known for her “Throne of Glass”, “A Court of Thorns and Roses”, and “Crescent City” series. Since her debut in 2012, Maas has sold over 38 million copies of her books, which have been translated into 38 languages worldwide. Maas graduated from Hamilton College with a BA and has been a trailblazer in modern fantasy fiction. She married Josh Wasserman in 2010, and the couple has two children. Her writing blends complex characters, rich world-building, and themes of empowerment, earning her a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
| Name | Sarah Janet Maas |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1986 |
| Age | 38 |
| Birthplace | New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Hamilton College (BA) |
| Occupation | Author |
| Notable Works | Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Crescent City |
| Spouse | Josh Wasserman (m. 2010) |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | sarahjmaas.com |
Sarah J. Maas has captivated readers with her intricate fantasy worlds, leading to substantial financial success. As of 2024, her estimated net worth is around $8 million, which she amassed primarily from her highly successful book sales. Maas is best known for her “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which have garnered a massive fanbase worldwide, with more than 38 million copies sold in English and translations in over thirty-eight languages. These books have consistently topped bestseller lists, solidifying her reputation in the literary world.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Sarah J. Maas’s journey to success started at a young age. She began writing her debut novel, “Throne of Glass,” at just sixteen years old. Initially, she posted the story on FictionPress.com, where it gained significant attention. The popularity of her writing on this platform led her to pursue traditional publishing. Her first novel was published in 2012, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.
Her subsequent works, including “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” a loose retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” further boosted her career. Known for her strong, complex female characters and the blend of romance and fantasy, Maas quickly became a prominent name in young adult fantasy fiction. Her books often tackle themes like female empowerment, overcoming trauma, and found family, which resonate with a wide audience.
Major Works and Continued Success
Maas’s writing style and ability to create vivid worlds have not only gained her a loyal fanbase but have also translated into financial success. Her transition from young adult to adult fantasy literature with her “Crescent City” series, which debuted with “House of Earth and Blood,” expanded her reach to adult readers. The series was highly acclaimed and continued to boost her book sales and visibility.
Her works are not only literary successes but have also begun to make their way into other media. Hulu is currently adapting “A Court of Thorns and Roses” into a TV series, a move that could potentially increase her earnings and solidify her influence in both the literary and entertainment industries.
Income Sources and Wealth
The bulk of Sarah J. Maas’s wealth comes from her book sales, but other ventures contribute to her growing net worth. The TV adaptation of her works and potential film deals could greatly increase her earnings in the future. Additionally, her books’ international success, being translated into numerous languages, ensures a steady revenue stream from global sales.
Maas also benefits from book-related merchandising, special editions, and international book tours, which help boost her earnings and expand her fanbase globally. As her career continues to evolve, she may explore other forms of storytelling, including multimedia projects and collaborations, which could further increase her wealth.
Personal Life and Challenges
Beyond her professional achievements, Sarah J. Maas leads a fulfilling personal life. She met her husband, Josh Wasserman, while studying at Hamilton College, and they have two children. Despite her success, Maas has been open about her personal challenges, including her struggles with anxiety and depression. Her ability to balance a thriving career while overcoming these challenges has further endeared her to fans.
Impact on the Fantasy Genre
Sarah J. Maas’s influence on the fantasy genre is undeniable. Her ability to craft stories that appeal to both young adult and adult readers has bridged gaps within the genre. Her focus on strong female protagonists and complex character arcs has empowered a new generation of readers and writers alike. As a result, Maas has become a defining figure in modern fantasy literature.
What’s Next for Sarah J. Maas?
With a net worth of over $8 million and growing, Maas shows no signs of slowing down. Her dedication to expanding her storytelling through both books and other media suggests that her influence will continue to grow. Fans eagerly await the next installments in her ongoing series and new projects she may embark on, whether they be new books or adaptations of her existing works.
What is going on with Sarah J. Maas?
Sarah J. Maas is thriving as one of the most prominent fantasy authors today. Her books continue to dominate bestseller lists, and she is expanding her reach with television adaptations. For example, her hit series “A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR)” is being adapted into a TV series by Hulu, which has excited her fans and could further increase her influence and financial success. Additionally, Maas continues to write and release books, with ongoing series like “Crescent City” building on her popularity.
Why is Sarah J. Maas so popular?
Sarah J. Maas has gained widespread popularity due to her intricate world-building, strong character development, and the emotional depth of her stories. Her ability to create powerful female protagonists who overcome adversity resonates with readers. Maas’s blend of romance, action, and fantasy, particularly in her “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, appeals to both young adult and adult readers. Additionally, her themes of female empowerment, found family, and overcoming trauma have made her books relatable and beloved.
Should you read Throne of Glass or ACOTAR first?
If you’re new to Sarah J. Maas’s work, many fans recommend starting with “Throne of Glass.” This series is her debut and introduces readers to her signature style of strong female leads, fantasy elements, and complex storylines. However, if you’re more interested in a blend of romance and fantasy, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” might be a better starting point. Both series have distinct strengths, but “Throne of Glass” offers a broader introduction to Maas’s world-building and narrative style.
What are Sarah J. Maas books about?
Sarah J. Maas’s books focus on fantasy worlds filled with magic, strong-willed characters, and high-stakes adventures. Her most famous works, like “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” revolve around protagonists who face difficult trials and fight for survival while navigating romantic and political conflicts. Common themes include overcoming trauma, destiny, and female empowerment. Maas also frequently incorporates elements of mythology and fairy tales, making her stories engaging for a wide audience.
What age is appropriate for Sarah J. Maas books?
Sarah J. Maas’s earlier works, such as “Throne of Glass,” are often categorized as young adult, making them suitable for readers aged 14 and older. However, her “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series and the “Crescent City” books are considered more appropriate for an adult audience due to their mature themes, including explicit romance and violence. Parents or younger readers should exercise caution, particularly with her later books.
How smutty is A Court of Thorns and Roses?
The “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, especially from the second book onward, includes explicit romantic scenes and is considered quite steamy for a fantasy series. While the first book introduces the world and characters with milder romantic elements, the later installments dive deeper into sensuality. For readers looking for romantic fantasy with mature content, ACOTAR offers a mix of fantasy adventure and highly descriptive romance.
Sarah J. Maas Books in Order
Sarah J. Maas has several popular series, each with multiple books. Here’s a list of her major works in order of publication:
- Throne of Glass Series:
- The Assassin’s Blade (2014) – Prequel
- Throne of Glass (2012)
- Crown of Midnight (2013)
- Heir of Fire (2014)
- Queen of Shadows (2015)
- Empire of Storms (2016)
- Tower of Dawn (2017)
- Kingdom of Ash (2018)
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) Series:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
- A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
- A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
- A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018)
- A Court of Silver Flames (2021)
- Crescent City Series:
- House of Earth and Blood (2020)
- House of Sky and Breath (2022)
Sarah J. Maas Upcoming Books
While there are no official release dates yet, fans are eagerly awaiting:
- Crescent City #3 (Expected to continue the story after House of Sky and Breath).
- A Court of Thorns and Roses #6 (The next novel is expected to expand on the ACOTAR world).
Keep an eye on Maas’s social media for updates about these exciting projects.
Which Sarah J. Maas Series to Read First
If you’re new to Sarah J. Maas, many fans recommend starting with “Throne of Glass”, as it’s her debut series and introduces readers to her style of world-building, complex characters, and layered storytelling. However, if you’re more interested in romance-heavy fantasy, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” might be a great starting point.
You can follow Sarah J. Maas on Instagram for updates on her books and life here.
In conclusion, Sarah J. Maas has built an impressive career as a fantasy author, with her storytelling ability earning her both financial success and a loyal global fanbase. With more exciting projects on the horizon, her net worth is likely to increase as her influence continues to shape the future of fantasy literature.