Here’s a juicy bite of bookish drama for you—A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is the latest novel to get the axe in several U.S. states. Yep, you heard that right! This beloved fantasy series, packed with magic, romance, and adventure, has been yanked from shelves, sparking fiery debates about censorship and the right to read.
This isn’t just about one book—it’s about the bigger picture. If stories keep getting banned, where does it end? Will libraries turn into barren wastelands, stripped of imagination and diverse voices?
At the heart of it all, books have always been portals to new worlds, challenging perspectives and offering an escape from reality. But why is A Court of Thorns and Roses under fire?
The reason behind the A Court of Thorns and Roses books getting banned
Book bans are nothing new. Historically, literature has been challenged for political, religious, or moral reasons, often reflecting larger societal struggles. In the modern world, the most frequently banned books tend to explore themes related to race, gender identity, and sexuality—topics that often ignite controversy.
When it comes to A Court of Thorns and Roses, the primary reason for its ban stems from its mature content. The series features romantic relationships with intense emotional and physical depth, including themes of power dynamics, consent, and sexuality. In the state of Utah, these books have been removed from public school libraries due to their sexually explicit scenes and the portrayal of relationships that some critics claim could be inappropriate for young readers.
Some critics argue that its themes are too mature for younger audiences, while others see the ban as yet another attempt to police creativity and storytelling.
The series follows Feyre Archeron, a young woman who finds herself entangled in a world of magic, fae, and romance. As the story progresses, her relationships—especially those with the powerful fae males—explore themes of love, self-discovery, and survival.
While these themes resonate deeply with readers, especially young women, they have also drawn criticism for their mature nature. This has led to heightened scrutiny of A Court of Thorns and Roses, particularly because it falls within the ‘romantasy’ (romance-fantasy) genre—a category that is increasingly being targeted for its so-called spicy and inappropriate content.
Critics argue that such content should not be easily accessible to teenagers, while supporters believe these books offer valuable insights into relationships, emotional growth, and personal strength. Regardless of the differing opinions, the banning of A Court of Thorns and Roses is just one part of a growing movement to censor books based on their themes rather than allowing readers and parents to make informed choices themselves.
In Utah’s statewide ban list, A Court of Thorns and Roses books were not the only books to get banned
Utah has been on a book-banning spree, and A Court of Thorns and Roses is just one of the many titles caught in the storm. The state’s strict new law makes it easier than ever to pull books from public school libraries—if a book is banned in three districts or two districts plus five charter schools, it gets removed statewide. Thanks to this rule, at least 13 books have already disappeared from shelves, and more are likely on the chopping block.
And it’s not just fantasy novels feeling the heat. Acclaimed authors like Margaret Atwood, Judy Blume, and Rupi Kaur have also seen their works banned under this policy. Why? Because their books tackle real, complex topics like gender, identity, and trauma—subjects that some believe don’t belong in schools. But for many readers, these stories are a lifeline, helping them navigate the world with a deeper understanding.
PEN America, a group that fights for free expression, has raised alarms about the dangers of these bans. When books are erased from classrooms, students lose access to diverse perspectives and miss out on important conversations in a safe, guided setting.
Fantasy books, in particular, seem to be an easy target. With their rich storytelling and themes of empowerment, rebellion, and self-discovery, they push boundaries—and that’s exactly why they face censorship in conservative spaces. The real question is: how many more stories will be silenced before readers fight back?
Fantasy books are the new target
The ban on A Court of Thorns and Roses isn’t just a one-time thing—it’s part of a much bigger trend. Fantasy books have captivated readers for generations and are now at the center of heated debates. Even classics like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and His Dark Materials have faced bans over the years. Why? Because they dare to explore magic, rebellion, and ideas that some people find uncomfortable.
Take Harry Potter, for example. This beloved series introduced millions of readers to the wizarding world, but not everyone was enchanted. Some religious groups argued that the books encouraged witchcraft, claiming they promoted Wicca and dark magic. The same concerns have followed The Lord of the Rings and other fantasy stories where mystical elements play a key role. But let’s be real—these books are about courage, friendship, and standing up for what’s right.
Fantasy as a genre has always been about pushing boundaries. It explores complex themes—magic, power, non-traditional relationships, and challenging authority. These elements make for incredible storytelling, but they also put fantasy books on the radar of those who want to control what young readers have access to. And now, with book bans on the rise, these magical worlds are disappearing from school shelves at an alarming rate.
According to reports from Columbia University, book bans in the U.S. have surged, with the American Library Association noting a 38% increase in attempted removals in 2022 alone. This crackdown isn’t just about restricting access to specific books—it’s about limiting diverse perspectives and keeping young readers from stories that might challenge their worldview.
When books like A Court of Thorns and Roses get banned, it sends a clear message: certain stories are considered too dangerous to be read. But here’s the irony—censorship doesn’t make these books go away. If anything, it makes them even more desirable. Readers will always find a way to explore the stories they’re curious about, whether they’re on library shelves or hidden away like forbidden treasures.
At the end of the day, literature is meant to spark conversations, expand minds, and reflect the complexity of human experiences. Whether or not someone agrees with the themes in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the choice to read it should be a personal decision, not one dictated by censorship laws.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
