Lead (Inverted Pyramid)
Sarah J. Maas revealed that the first draft of ACOTAR Book 6 is complete as of July 11, 2025—a milestone fans have awaited since 2021’s A Court of Silver Flames. Despite this progress, neither a release date nor title has been announced, and Bloomsbury’s catalog through August 2026 makes no mention of the new installment, leaving the timeline murky and expectations subdued.(businessinsider.com)
Why It Matters Now
Late‑2025 or early‑2026 had been widely anticipated for a reveal or release. The absence of official confirmation—or even inclusion in the publisher’s upcoming catalog—adds weight to fan concerns that publication may land even later. For series so deeply woven into fantasy and romance media, every step forward holds broad interest.(9meters.com)
Draft Completed, But the Path Remains Unclear
Maas celebrated completion of the first draft with a lighthearted Instagram video captioned “First drafts DONE,” marking a creative milestone. Still, major steps remain: editing, revisions, approvals. Series norms suggest she’ll likely take 12–18 months from draft to shelves, putting a possible release in late 2026—or even 2027—within reason.(businessinsider.com)
Publisher’s Catalog: A Quiet Signal
Bloomsbury’s catalog for upcoming titles through August 2026 omits any entry for ACOTAR Book 6. While catalogs aren’t exhaustive, this omission reduces expectations for a mid‑2026 release. Fans may need to wait longer for an official reveal.(parade.com)
Fan Expectations and Rumors
Online communities remain active with speculation. Many expect a spring 2026 announcement, possibly tied to the series’ 10th anniversary. Others warn of delays till late 2026 or early 2027 due to Maas’s multi‑series workload and deliberate editing pace.(reddit.com)
What Book 6 Might Reveal
Though details are sparse, hints suggest a focus on Elain Archeron’s journey, exploring her seer abilities and potential romantic tensions with Azriel and Lucien. Maas’s literary world-building—including nods in House of Flame and Shadow—suggests the ACOTAR universe may continue to intertwine with Crescent City and Throne of Glass.(businessinsider.com)
“I’ve become so focused and obsessed with writing this book,” Maas said. “It’s like that feeling of having a crush or… obsessed with someone nonstop.”(businessinsider.com)
What’s Next for Fans and Market Watchers
- Editing progress: The next public signal may come from Maas’s social updates or publisher announcements indicating editorial milestones.
- Catalog revisions: If Book 6 is intended for release by mid‑2026, it might appear in future publisher catalogs or pre‑order listings.
- Anniversary timing: Watch for a tie‑in to the franchise’s 10th anniversary in mid‑2025 or spring 2026 as a possible promotional moment.
Wrap‑Up and Forward Look
Maas has crossed a major milestone by completing the first draft of ACOTAR Book 6, but the journey toward publication remains opaque. Bloomsbury’s silence in its 2026 catalog stokes doubt about a near‑term release. Still, editing, announcements, and promotional tie‑ins may emerge later—especially around anniversary milestones.
In the meantime, readers are watching Maas’s updates and Bloomsbury’s scheduling cues. The timeline may extend into late 2026 or early 2027, but the sense of anticipation remains potent.
Main Takeaways
– Draft completed in July 2025; no official release date or title yet.
– Bloomsbury’s 2026 catalog doesn’t include Book 6, suggesting delay.
– Likely range for publication: late 2026 to 2027, pending editorial progress and announcement strategy.
Let’s keep an eye on Maas’s channels and the publisher’s schedule for the next clue.
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