A Court of Thorns and Roses, BookTok & the Renaissance of Cosplay Fantasy Balls

Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), first published in 2015, has grown into a captivating romantic fantasy universe. With over 38 million copies sold, ACOTAR's influence extends beyond its pages, inspiring themed cosplays, fantasy balls, and fan meetups that bring Prythian to life, fueling TikTok communities with billions of tag views.

BookTok & Romantasy: The Spark for Immersive Fandom

The #romantasy tag has gained hundreds of millions of views, boosting the romantasy genre into the mainstream, largely thanks to BookTok, a TikTok subculture focused on romance and fantasy novels. This surge in popularity has transformed niche titles into viral sensations, creating a wave of enthusiasm that has fueled micro-economies. These new ventures, ranging from reading retreats to performance gigs, are often centered on immersive events like fantasy balls, where fans can embrace their favorite characters through dance, dress-up, and cosplay.

ACOTAR Cosplay: Bringing Characters from Page to Persona

Fantasy balls are transforming from niche gatherings into major events. Companies like Eudantria Events and Hushfable frequently sell out their ACOTAR-themed balls in a matter of hours, with tickets costing anywhere from $60 to several hundred dollars.

These events immerse fans in the world of Velaris, home of Prythian’s Night Court, by offering a multifaceted performance and shared experience. Attendees can mingle with cast members portraying beloved characters such as Feyre, Cassian, and Rhysand. The evenings also feature choreographed dances, photo opportunities, and exclusive VIP dance sessions. One reporter highlighted how a cast member, elaborately costumed as Cassian, the Lord of Bloodshed, captivated hundreds of enthusiastic guests..

The Broader Wave: ACOTAR, Crescent City, & the Global Cosplay Movement

The ACOTAR and Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas, both set in the same universe, have inspired global meetups, transcending the United States and individual series. Examples include Toronto’s Starfall Bals, Vancouver’s Fae Events, and Austin’s Fae Ball, which even featured Bryce Quinlan cosplays. These events foster inclusive communities, with Redditors commending the encouragement of hand-crafted gowns, playlists, and immersive storylines. A Lemon8 post further illustrates attendees’ creativity, noting their use of LED-lit gowns and hot-glued creations, and their embrace of communal fantasy.

The Allure of Live Fantasy

The current surge in popularity of these events can be attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millennials and Gen Z, having experienced extended periods of social distancing and isolation, are now actively seeking real-world connections and sanctioned escapism through shared experiences. BookTok serves as a catalyst, fostering fandom, exposure, imagination, and a sense of community, leading fans to desire tangible, in-person manifestations of these narratives. As one academic aptly describes it, these events provide a respite from the mundane, offering secure environments for identity exploration, self-expression, and collaborative creativity.

Glimmers of Risk & Criticism

However, significant hype often brings challenges. Some themed events, like the contentious Baltimore-based A Million Lives Book Festival, failed, drawing criticism for unfulfilled promises and poor attendance. Concerns also exist that lavish displays could become cringeworthy if poorly executed. Organizers are increasingly pressed to ensure execution matches expectations and to fairly compensate performers, who may invest thousands in costumes with inconsistent returns.

What Lies Ahead for ACOTAR—Fandom Events

The growing trend of immersive fandom experiences, such as themed balls, retreats, conventions, and dance camps, reflects a new era in which authors like Maas are not just read, but truly "lived with" by their fans. Face-to-face interactions like dancing exemplified this with "book boyfriends" at fantasy balls. The robust activity on BookTok drives ticket sales, inspires creative cosplay, and generates widely shared fan content. With romantasy now a half-billion-dollar genre and TikTok serving as a significant platform for publishing launches, the overall outlook for these experiences is positive, and expansion is expected.

Conclusion

More than just a book series, ACOTAR has inspired a vibrant cultural renaissance. BookTok's viral reach, combined with a post-pandemic desire for connection, has fueled the rise of elaborate cosplay fantasy balls. At these events, fans don fantastical gowns, reveal wings, perform, and dance, embodying the spirit of Velaris. This phenomenon highlights the unifying and transformative power of stories. Whether you're crafting an intricate LED gown or simply wearing a Night Court cloak, these enchanted gatherings invite everyone to take part in the magic.