One of the most exciting twists from Sarah J. Maas' Sarah J. Maas' books and the fun possibilities each story could bring.
Crescent City in particular shifted Maas' work in a new direction, straying away from Maas' usual high fantasy tone to follow a more urban fantasy storyline in Midgard. However, Crescent City's experimentation did pay off as the series received several Goodreads Choice Awards, even if some of the final book's storybeats were not as strong as readers hoped. Even so, the others tied together Maas' fantasy book series and the story of Bryce Quinlan well. One scene from that final book, though, really stuck with me, as the twist was so unexpected and thrilling: its crossover into ACOTAR's universe.
Crescent City's ACOTAR Crossover Was The Series' Most Exciting Twist
Bryce Found Herself In Velaris Unexpectedly
The crossover between ACOTAR and Crescent City was the most exciting twist in the series to me, as Bryce's surprising adventures in Velaris created some great new dynamics. Bryce from Crescent City finds herself in Velaris after battling against Rigelus. Bryce had attempted to get to Hel in order to find a way to defeat the Asteri, but ends up in Velaris instead, leading her to meet the Inner Circle and explore parts of Velaris we never saw and learn more of the lore of Prythian than we had previously in ACOTAR.
Bryce arrived in Velaris in Chapter 78 of House of Sky and Breath.
Crescent City's crossover really got to highlight the deep worldbuilding and connections between the two series, which was a shock to me considering their differing formats. It also gave audiences a fun chance to see Maas' characters interact with each other, as Bryce ends up creating a great connection with Nesta and Azriel before she goes back home in House Of Flame and Shadow. Those interactions, though, really solidified the fact that Maas' Throne of Glass really missed out as it could have had the same had she followed through with a crossover as well.
House Of Flame And Shadow Highlighted Throne Of Glass' Missed Crossover Opportunity
Aelin Also Visited Velaris In Kingdom Of Ash
The final Crescent City book showcased how Maas missed a great opportunity to have that same crossover potential between her other series, especially as, technically speaking, the two worlds had already collided. While Aelin was flying between worlds in the final Throne of Glass book, she was rescued by Rhysand, who used his abilities to slow her fall and get her home. Not only did this solidify the idea that ACOTAR, Throne of Glass, and Crescent City's timelines were all somewhat aligned, but it also led some to wonder if a crossover was coming in some future Maas book.
This Popular Romantasy Series Should Have Been A Court Of Thorns & Roses' Best Replacement
Given Maas' expansive Fae universes across three separate series, it's surprising Crescent City is not considered a top ACOTAR replacement.
Sadly, no other mention of Velaris or Rhysand is made in the rest of Throne of Glass' finale, making Crescent City's crossover stand out even further. If Throne of Glass had explored that crossover more, it would have led to some great interactions, especially considering how much closer character arc-wise those two Maas casts are to each other. It would also have expanded both sets of lore as well, filling in some of the gaps left over from ACOTAR that even Crescent City did not examine. That being said, such a crossover is not completely out of the cards.
It's Not Too Late For Sarah J. Maas To Give Us A Proper ACOTAR & Throne Of Glass Mash-Up
The Inner Circle Could Accidentally Aelin For Help Against Koshei
Maas could still use that moment from Throne of Glass to create a crossover with ACOTAR in book 6 of the latter series, bringing all three universes together. Updates on book 6 have been scarce, but considering how the last book ended, it is likely that Koshei will be making his first moves as the central antagonist of the new plotline. The Inner Circle, then, may decide to reach out for help, Nesta likely being the one to suggest they Bryce from Crescent City as she has so much untapped power.
Each cast, then, would be given a chance to really interact and dig into their similarities as they have an extended stay in their worlds.
That would organically lead the Inner Circle to Aelin and her friends from Throne of Glass, copying Bryce's mistake and confirming how connected each world is. It would also work character-wise as Aelin has taken down powerful foes before and owes Rhysand a debt, which she will likely be happy to repay. Each cast, then, would be given a chance to really interact and dig into their similarities as they have an extended stay in their worlds. It would also create new twists on battles, really digging into the possibilities more than even the crossover with Crescent City did.
- Created by
- Sarah J. Maas
- Character(s)
- Celaena Sardothien, Dorian Havilliard, Rowan Whitethorn, Chaol Westfall, Manon Blackbeak, Nehemia Ytger, Aedion Ashryver, Lysandra, Elide Lochan
The Throne of Glass franchise is a high fantasy series centered around Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin with a hidden royal lineage who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, power, and rebellion against oppressive forces. The series, written by Sarah J. Maas, spans eight books, including prequels, and has garnered a large following for its complex characters, intricate world-building, and epic storyline.