7 Shocking ACOTAR Updates You Missed In 2025: Book 6 Draft Complete, TV Show Fate Revealed, And Elain's Future

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The world of Prythian is buzzing with the most significant news since the release of A Court of Silver Flames, and fans of the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series need to know the latest developments. As of December 23, 2025, the most anticipated updates revolve around the next novel in the series, commonly referred to as ACOTAR 6, and the tumultuous journey of the long-awaited television adaptation. These fresh details, straight from author Sarah J. Maas and industry reports, confirm major shifts for the future of the beloved romantasy saga, particularly for the members of the Inner Circle.

The recent announcements confirm that the wait for new content is nearing an end, though not without some dramatic twists. From a major book milestone that sets a clear release timeline to a surprising halt in the TV show’s production, the ACOTAR universe is undergoing significant changes. The fandom is now laser-focused on which character—Elain Archeron, Azriel, or Lucien Vanserra—will take center stage in the next installment and how the political landscape of the Night Court will evolve.

The ACOTAR 6 Book Status and Release Window (Late 2025/Early 2026)

The biggest and most exciting news for the ACOTAR fandom arrived in mid-2025. On July 11, 2025, Sarah J. Maas (SJM) confirmed via a celebratory social media post that she had officially completed the first draft of ACOTAR 6. This milestone is critical, as it moves the novel from the uncertain drafting stage into the more predictable editorial and production phase with publisher Bloomsbury.

While an official, concrete release date has not been announced, industry experts and Maas's typical writing schedule suggest a clear window of expectation. Given the completion of the first draft in July 2025, the sixth book is now widely anticipated to be released in late 2025 or early 2026. This timeline aligns with the author's pattern of releasing a new book every one to two years, following the events and character arcs established in A Court of Frost and Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames.

The next novel is confirmed to be set within the ACOTAR universe, continuing the narrative thread and exploring the fallout from the previous books. Fans are eager to see the continued development of the High Lord Rhysand and High Lady Feyre Archeron, but the spotlight is expected to shift dramatically to one of the secondary characters.

The Fate of the Hulu ACOTAR TV Series Adaptation

For years, the prospect of seeing the world of Prythian brought to life on screen has fueled fan excitement. However, the television adaptation has hit a major roadblock. As of February 2025, it was officially reported that the ACOTAR TV series is no longer in development at Hulu (20th Television).

This news came as a significant blow to the fandom, which had been tracking the project's slow progress since its announcement in 2021. The initial vision was to adapt the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, with a high budget and a focus on the intense relationships and political drama of the seven Fae Courts.

The good news is that the project is not dead, only delayed and seeking a new home. Reports indicate that Sarah J. Maas and the production team are waiting until summer 2025 to re-shop the series to other streaming platforms. This means that while Hulu has passed, another major streamer—such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max—could pick up the adaptation, potentially leading to a fresh start and a new creative direction. The uncertainty surrounding the show’s future has only intensified fan discussions about ideal casting for key roles like Feyre, Rhysand, and the enigmatic Cassian and Nesta Archeron.

Explosive Fan Theories: Who Will Star in ACOTAR 6?

With the first draft complete and a release window set, fan theories about the plot of ACOTAR 6 have reached a fever pitch. The consensus among the community is that the next book will shift focus away from Feyre and Rhysand, centering on one of the other key members of the Inner Circle.

Elain Archeron Takes Center Stage

The most popular and long-standing theory is that ACOTAR 6 will be Elain Archeron's book. Elain, the middle Archeron sister, has undergone a quiet but profound transformation since being turned into a Fae and is the only one of the three sisters whose romantic and personal journey remains unresolved. Her gentle nature and burgeoning powers as a seer make her a fascinating candidate for a central narrative.

The main conflict surrounding Elain is the Mating Bond. She is mated to Lucien Vanserra, the emissary of the Night Court and son of the High Lord of the Day Court, Helion. However, she has consistently rejected the bond. Simultaneously, her palpable tension and complex relationship with Azriel, the shadowy spymaster of the Night Court, has given rise to one of the most passionate debates in the fandom: Elriel vs. Elucien.

  • The Elriel Theory: Proponents of the Elriel pairing (Elain and Azriel) believe the Mating Bond with Lucien will be broken or revealed to be a mistake. They point to the intense, unspoken chemistry and lingering glances between Elain and Azriel, suggesting a deeper, true connection is waiting to be explored.
  • The Elucien Theory: This theory maintains that the Mating Bond is sacred and will eventually be accepted. Some fans speculate that a major event—perhaps the death of Helion—will elevate Lucien to High Lord of the Day Court, and Elain will accept her destiny as his High Lady, thus uniting two powerful courts.

Azriel's POV and the Shadows

Another highly anticipated possibility is that ACOTAR 6 will be told, at least partially, from Azriel's POV. Azriel, the quiet and deadly Shadowsinger, holds a wealth of secrets and has an incredibly complex past. A book from his perspective would offer a deep dive into the political machinations of the Night Court, the history of the Illyrian warriors, and the true extent of his powers.

A dual perspective, alternating between Elain and Azriel, is a common literary technique that would allow SJM to explore both the romantic tension and the larger political threats looming over Prythian. The book is expected to delve into the ancient enemies and the fragile peace established in the previous novels, potentially introducing new threats from beyond the wall or within the human world.

The Future of the ACOTAR Universe

Beyond ACOTAR 6, Sarah J. Maas has confirmed her long-term commitment to the ACOTAR universe. The series is planned to continue with multiple full-length novels and novellas, ensuring that the stories of the Inner Circle—including the Valkyrie training of Nesta and the ongoing drama of the High Fae courts—will be explored in depth.

The continuous flow of fresh content, both confirmed and rumored, keeps the ACOTAR fandom thriving. Whether you are eagerly awaiting the fate of Elain’s heart, the next political move by Rhysand, or the announcement of a new streaming home for the TV series, the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses remains one of the most dynamic and influential fantasy sagas in modern literature. Keep your eyes peeled for a title reveal and cover art for ACOTAR 6, which is expected to drop in the coming months.

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