ACOTAR vs TOG: Understanding the Fandoms
Fans of Sarah J. Maas are often divided between her two hit series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Throne of Glass (TOG). Both series have strong fan communities, but each crowd has its own reasons for picking a favorite.
People who love ACOTAR usually talk about the romance. The relationships in ACOTAR are bold and full of drama. Readers enjoy the emotional connections and the way the main characters change throughout the story. Those who prefer books with a lot of love stories and tension tend to find ACOTAR more enjoyable.
TOG fans seem to focus more on the action and adventure. The plot moves fast, and the world built throughout the series gets bigger with each book. People in this fandom enjoy watching the main character grow from a young girl into a leader. The friendships and battles draw readers who like strong, exciting stories with high stakes (Quora).
On social media like Reddit, fans compare the books often. Some say that ACOTAR is more romantic and has a simpler story, while TOG is longer, with more twists and larger casts. What stands out is that neither is better for everyone. It all depends on whether someone likes romance or action more, or wants to dive into the timeline of both worlds.
No matter the choice, both fandoms share a strong passion for Maas’s worlds. People bond over favorite characters and heated debates. Each side brings their own energy, and that keeps both fandoms lively.
Merch Must-Haves: ACOTAR vs TOG Essentials
Choosing the right merch feels almost as important as picking a favorite series. ACOTAR and TOG each inspire collections that match their unique vibes.
If someone loves ACOTAR, look for items that highlight romance and the courts. Popular picks include art prints of Prythian’s courts, quote mugs, and jewelry inspired by the characters. Many fans wear night court insignias or Feyre’s tattoo designs. Cozy throw blankets and themed candles also top the list, often featuring scents inspired by key moments from the books. Wearable items, like t-shirts with famous quotes or custom bookmarks, let readers keep a little bit of the magic close by.
TOG fans, in contrast, seem to lean toward bold gear that fits the series’ sense of adventure. Aelin’s crown is a favorite, often seen on shirts and pins. Quote hoodies about fire and survival show up a lot, along with map prints of Erilea. Collectors like bookmarks shaped like swords or fire-breathing dragons, which nod to the action-packed moments in the books. Some pick up enamel pins or patches featuring symbols from the different territories that Celaena visits on her journey.
No matter the series, both fandoms show their love through creative merch. There are choices for those who want subtle nods, as well as big, bold options for others who like to make a statement. Whether someone is on team romance or team action, there’s plenty to choose from.
Popular ACOTAR Merch Items
ACOTAR items stand out for their focus on love stories and court life. Many fans go for art prints that capture the beauty of Prythian’s courts. Quote mugs are everywhere, letting readers sip coffee with lines from their favorite characters. Jewelry is a popular pick too, especially pieces designed after Feyre’s tattoo or the night court symbol. Wearable merch, like t-shirts with well-known quotes, keeps the story close to the heart.
Bookmarks with court designs are both useful and fun. Cozy blankets and candles inspired by book locations or characters also rank high. Themed candles often come with scents that remind fans of scenes from the series. Collectors enjoy these because they bring a little bit of that world home. For those who want something subtle, pins and patches of court symbols are easy to add to bags or jackets.
Many look for items that let them quietly show off their ACOTAR love, while others want something bold and bright. This mix means there’s something for every fan’s style. For those who want to stay cozy while showing their fandom, ACOTAR sweatshirts are a popular choice.
Top TOG Merch Picks
TOG fans are drawn to merch that brings out the series’ sense of power and survival. One of the most popular picks is anything with Aelin’s crown. It shows up on enamel pins, t-shirts, and even desk decor. Quote hoodies and tees featuring lines about fire or burning bright get a lot of love too, since they remind fans of strong moments in the books.
Bookmarks shaped like swords or dragons add something special, especially for those who enjoy collecting unique items for their shelves. Map prints of Erilea make another top choice and often hang in reading nooks or bedrooms. Some fans prefer subtle merch like patches and pins with symbols from the different territories Celaena visits.
Collectors often look for items that connect directly to the world-building and characters, like jewelry inspired by Manon’s wyverns or Fleetfoot keychains. Whether it’s a strong quote on a mug or a detailed sword-shaped bookmark, there’s a TOG item for every type of fan. If you’re searching for a unique present, Throne of Glass merch is the perfect gift for fantasy lovers. For wearable options, Throne of Glass shirts are a favorite among fans.
Where to Buy: Trusted Merch Shops and Platforms
Getting authentic ACOTAR or TOG merch is easy when you know where to look. Many fans start with shops that have strong reputations within the Sarah J. Maas community. Etsy is a popular pick. There, artists make custom art prints, jewelry, and bookmarks inspired by both series. Fans often share their favorite Etsy sellers on Reddit, so checking recommendations there can help narrow it down.
Bookish online shops are another safe option. Stores like FairyLoot and Illumicrate sometimes include exclusive Maas-themed items. If someone misses out on a limited edition, resale marketplaces like Depop can help track it down, but it may cost more.
Amazon has a wide selection, but it helps to read reviews and check photos to make sure the product matches the description. Some ACOTAR and TOG merch on Amazon may not be officially licensed, so look for details about the seller. Fans also check Facebook groups for secondhand or hard-to-find goods, but they should use trusted buy and sell groups to avoid scams.
Lastly, keep an eye on community-driven spaces like BookTok on TikTok or Buzzfeed’s roundups for new releases and small business spotlights. Most fans agree the best finds usually get shared in these online spaces first, so it pays to stay active and connect with other fans.
Starting Your Collection: Tips for Beginners
Starting a book merch collection can feel overwhelming at first, but going slow helps. Pick a favorite series—either ACOTAR or TOG—and set a simple goal, like finding one item that matches your favorite scene or character. Many fans suggest starting with bookmarks or art prints; these are easy to find and not expensive. Art prints and bookmarks help you show your love for the story without taking up much space.
Join online communities for ideas. Fans on Reddit and Facebook often share links to shops, give advice on good prices, and warn against fake merch. Reading about their experiences can save you from common mistakes.
Look for sellers with strong reviews. Check their photos and ask questions if you are unsure about what you are getting. Most trusted shops post clear, detailed pictures.
Think about what you enjoy most—romantic quotes from ACOTAR or bold symbols from TOG—and look for items that match your taste. Some fans focus on things they can use every day, like mugs or T-shirts with their favorite book quotes.
Remember, you do not need to buy everything at once. Building a collection is about finding joy in each item, not about owning the most stuff. When you shop with patience and pick thoughtfully, you get a personalized set that means something special to you.
If You Love ACOTAR and TOG: Other Fantasy Worlds to Explore
People who like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass want more than just one good story. They look for books with strong characters, complex friendships, and lots of romance or action, depending on what they liked in Maas’s books. There are plenty of other fantasy worlds that hit the same notes.
For readers who loved ACOTAR for the drama and romance, books like From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout or Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin come up often in fan groups. They have high-stakes love stories, magic, and characters who make tough choices. Both books are packed with bold relationships and sharp banter, which many ACOTAR fans mention liking.
If someone wanted the action and magic of TOG, The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon or An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir get recommended. These books focus on strong main characters and have big plots with a lot of twists, much like Throne of Glass. Readers find the mix of battles, friendship, and world-building familiar and exciting.
Some fans want even more romance and magic together. Crescent City, also by Sarah J. Maas, gets suggested all the time since it brings together the big world feel of TOG and the tension of ACOTAR.
Connecting with other readers on sites like Reddit or BuzzFeed lists is an easy way to find more good book picks. Fans share what they enjoyed and where to start, so anyone can find their next favorite series. If you’ve seen rumors about the next ACOTAR book, it’s worth checking the facts before getting too excited.
Recommended Series
Choosing your next fantasy read after ACOTAR or TOG is pretty simple if you stick with what drew you in the first place. Many fans go for books that strike the same balance between romance, action, and strong character arcs. A common pick is From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, which fans say has the same kind of drama, magic, and steamy romance that makes ACOTAR popular. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin is another favorite for those who want a mix of magic and love in a fast-moving story.
If you are drawn to big adventures and amazing world-building like in TOG, The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon and An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir often get recommended. These stories keep the stakes high and feature unforgettable leads. Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas is a top choice for a blend of Maas’s signature worlds, showing both romantic tension and strong friendships. Book communities on Reddit and BuzzFeed provide long lists, so there is always something new to try if you are looking for that same rush from fantasy and romance.
FAQs: ACOTAR, TOG, and the Fantasy Merch Fandom
What do ACOTAR and TOG stand for? ACOTAR stands for A Court of Thorns and Roses. TOG is short for Throne of Glass. Both are best-selling fantasy series written by Sarah J. Maas.
Why do fans argue about which series is better? People often prefer ACOTAR for romance and character relationships, while TOG grabs attention with action and a bigger story world. Some enjoy drama and love triangles in ACOTAR, but others want the epic journeys in TOG. Personal taste makes the debates lively on sites like Reddit and Quora.
What kind of merch is most popular? ACOTAR merch often features court symbols, Feyre’s tattoo, or romance-inspired quotes. Throne of Glass Merch includes items like Aelin’s crown, sword bookmarks, and map art of Erilea. Both fandoms love art prints, hoodies, and themed candles. If you’re looking for something to share with your reading group, book club merch is also a fun way to celebrate your favorite series together.
Where can fans buy merch safely? Etsy is popular for handmade and unique pieces. Shops like FairyLoot and Illumicrate sometimes have exclusive drops. Fans also shop on Amazon or look for resellers on Depop, but checking reviews before buying helps avoid disappointment.
How do people connect with other fans? Reddit, TikTok, and Facebook groups are places where fans trade merch tips, share art, and talk about favorite moments. There are weekly threads for book recs and merch alerts so fans never miss out on new finds.
If you're curious about Rhysand, ACOTAR's mysterious fae lord, his character is a frequent topic of discussion among fans.