Black Jewels Vs ACOTAR: Unpacking The Plagiarism Debate

In the vast and enchanting realm of fantasy literature, few series have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers quite like Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) saga. Yet, beneath the surface of its widespread popularity, a persistent and often passionate debate simmers: the striking similarities between ACOTAR and Anne Bishop's groundbreaking Black Jewels series. This discussion isn't just about common fantasy tropes; it delves into the very essence of creative inspiration versus outright plagiarism, prompting readers and authors alike to ponder where to draw the line.

For years, fans of both series have engaged in lively discussions, dissecting key themes, plot points, character dynamics, and even direct lines. While ACOTAR has undeniably achieved mainstream success, the whispers of its significant influence from Anne Bishop’s earlier works, particularly The Black Jewels trilogy, have grown louder. Is it merely a case of shared mythical archetypes, or is there something more profound at play that warrants a closer look at the origins of beloved narratives?

The Genesis of the Debate: Black Jewels vs ACOTAR

The conversation around the similarities between Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series and Sarah J. Maas's ACOTAR is not new, but it has gained significant traction online, particularly within book communities on platforms like TikTok. Many readers, upon discovering Anne Bishop's works after ACOTAR, have been struck by the overwhelming amount of content Maas seemingly took from the Black Jewels series. This isn't just about general fantasy tropes; it extends to characters, concepts, even straight quotes and names. As one reader eloquently put it, "I’m reading Anne Bishop’s The Black Jewels after ACOTAR and the plot, characters, supernatural abilities, scenes and names (Prythian is a high priestess in Anne Bishop, but the name of the nation in ACOTAR) are so similar."

The core of the debate centers on whether these resemblances constitute plagiarism or merely fall under the umbrella of common fantasy influences. Sarah J. Maas herself has admitted to consuming various original books, and the inclusion of fairy tales and mythology has been a common thread in countless series. However, the sheer volume and specificity of the parallels between Black Jewels and ACOTAR have led many to question the extent of the "inspiration." As an author writing dark romantasy, delving into these parallels, from winged creatures to intricate power systems, provides a fascinating case study in literary influence.

Anne Bishop's Black Jewels: A Pioneering Dark Romantasy

Before ACOTAR dominated the fantasy romance landscape, Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series, beginning with Daughter of the Blood, laid much of the groundwork for what we now recognize as dark romantasy. The series introduces readers to Jaenelle Angelline, a witch with astonishing power and a dangerous destiny, and Daemon Sadi, the lethal Warlord Prince born to be her lover. These books, originally published individually and later collected as a trilogy omnibus, explore a world steeped in dark magic, intricate power structures, and complex relationships.

The Black Jewels series is renowned for its unique world-building, centered around a matriarchal society where power is tied to the "Blood" and manifested through magical "Jewels" of varying colors and depths. It's a world of profound darkness, explicit themes, and a raw exploration of power dynamics, trauma, and healing. Many readers who appreciate the world-building in ACOTAR often find that Black Jewels surpasses it by a long way in terms of depth and originality. The series is often lauded for its well-written heroine, viewed through the eyes of those who love and respect her, fostering a deep connection with the reader. It's a series that, despite its explicit content and dark themes, has garnered a loyal following, with many preferring it over its more recent counterparts.

Sarah J. Maas and the Rise of ACOTAR

Sarah J. Maas is undoubtedly one of the most popular authors of today, often dubbed the "queen of faerie smut." Her Throne of Glass series, published in August 2012, and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) have catapulted her to global fame, captivating millions with their blend of high fantasy, intricate plots, and steamy romance. ACOTAR, in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon, leading to a surge in fantasy romance's popularity and inspiring countless new authors.

The ACOTAR series follows Feyre Archeron as she is thrust into the dangerous and alluring world of the Fae, navigating political intrigue, ancient magic, and passionate relationships. Maas's books are celebrated for their fast-paced narratives, strong heroines, and compelling romantic pairings. However, it's also worth noting the timeline: Throne of Glass was published in August 2012, while Twilight's Dawn, the last book in the Black Jewels series, was released in March of the same year. This proximity in publication dates further fuels the discussion about potential influences, especially given Maas's admitted consumption of other works.

Striking Parallels: World-Building and Magic

When comparing Black Jewels and ACOTAR, the similarities in world-building and magic systems are among the most frequently cited points of contention. Both series establish intricate magical societies with unique power structures.

The Power of the Blood and the Jewels

In the Black Jewels universe, power is intrinsically linked to the "Blood," a magical essence inherited by individuals, and manifested through "Jewels." These Jewels come in different colors (e.g., White, Red, Black) and depths, signifying varying levels of power and skill. The darker the Jewel, the more potent and dangerous the magic. The training and control of this power are central to the characters' development and the societal hierarchy.

ACOTAR, while not using "Jewels," features a power system tied to inherent magical abilities within the Fae, often referred to as "gifts" or "powers." High Fae possess immense power, and their abilities vary widely, from elemental control to mind manipulation. The concept of innate, inherited magical strength that needs to be controlled and honed resonates strongly with the Black Jewels' "Blood" system. The idea of a specific, powerful lineage (like the Blood in Black Jewels) also finds echoes in the High Lords and their ancient powers in ACOTAR.

Fae Courts and Their Structures

Both series feature complex societal structures, often divided into distinct territories or "courts." In Black Jewels, the world is governed by powerful Blood rulers, often matriarchal, with intricate political dynamics and ancient laws. The concept of powerful, ancient beings ruling over specific domains is a cornerstone.

ACOTAR's Prythian is famously divided into seven Fae Courts, each ruled by a High Lord. These courts have distinct characteristics, political alliances, and histories. The very name "Prythian" itself is a striking parallel, as "Prythian" is the name of a high priestess in Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series, while it is the name of the nation in ACOTAR. This specific name appropriation is one of the most direct and frequently cited examples of potential copying, moving beyond general inspiration into more concrete territory. The hierarchical structure, the ancient feuds, and the power struggles within these courts bear a significant resemblance to the political machinations within the Blood society of Black Jewels.

Character Archetypes and Dynamics: Black Jewels vs ACOTAR

Beyond world-building, the character archetypes and their relationships in both series often present uncanny similarities, further fueling the Black Jewels vs ACOTAR debate.

The Powerful Heroine and Her Destiny

Jaenelle Angelline from Black Jewels is introduced as a young, incredibly powerful witch with a dangerous destiny, often underestimated and subjected to immense trauma, yet destined to become a formidable force. Her journey involves mastering her vast power, confronting overwhelming evil, and ultimately reshaping her world.

Feyre Archeron in ACOTAR also begins as a seemingly ordinary human thrust into an extraordinary world, discovering her own immense power and a destiny far greater than she imagined. Her narrative arc involves overcoming trauma, learning to wield new abilities, and fighting for her people and the Fae. The progression of both heroines from vulnerable beginnings to incredibly powerful figures, often carrying the weight of their world's fate, shows a clear parallel.

The Brooding Male Lead and Their Bond

Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince in Black Jewels, is a lethal, ancient, and deeply traumatized male lead, bound by a powerful, fated connection to Jaenelle. He is fiercely protective, possessive, and possesses immense, often terrifying, power. Their relationship is intense, dark, and central to the series.

In ACOTAR, Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, shares many characteristics with Daemon. He is ancient, incredibly powerful, brooding, and initially appears dangerous but harbors a deep protectiveness and a fated mate bond with Feyre. The dynamic of a powerful, dark male lead who is utterly devoted to and fiercely protective of the heroine, often with a hidden softer side, is a strong thematic link between the two series. The "winged" aspect of these powerful male leads, specifically mentioned in the data as a parallel, is another direct point of comparison, as both Daemon and Rhysand possess formidable wings.

Supporting Casts and Their Roles

Both series feature a strong ensemble of supporting characters who play crucial roles in the protagonists' journeys. In Black Jewels, characters like Saetan (Daemon's father and a powerful entity) and Surreal (a formidable assassin) provide mentorship, protection, and emotional support, forming a found family dynamic.

Similarly, ACOTAR boasts a beloved "Inner Circle" of characters surrounding Rhysand and Feyre, including Cassian and Azriel (winged warriors and brothers-in-arms) and Mor (a powerful female Fae). These characters provide comedic relief, emotional depth, and strategic support, mirroring the found family structure and loyal companions seen in Black Jewels. The specific roles of powerful, loyal warriors who are like brothers to the male lead, and strong female friends, are common to both narratives.

Plot Points and Narrative Arcs

Beyond characters and world-building, several key plot points and narrative arcs in ACOTAR echo those found in Black Jewels. This includes the heroine's initial capture or forced entry into a dangerous new world, her subsequent transformation and power awakening, and the overarching battle against ancient, malevolent forces.

In Black Jewels, Jaenelle is subjected to horrific abuse and manipulation, which she must overcome to embrace her power. Her journey involves confronting deeply ingrained societal evils and a powerful, corrupt antagonist. ACOTAR's Feyre also endures significant trauma and manipulation, particularly in the first book, before her true power emerges. Both heroines must navigate complex political landscapes, make difficult sacrifices, and ultimately lead the charge against existential threats.

The concept of a "fated mate" or "true love" that transcends all obstacles is central to both series, driving much of the romantic and emotional plot. The idea of a powerful, ancient evil threatening to consume the world, requiring the chosen heroine and her powerful male counterpart to unite and defeat it, forms the backbone of both narratives. While the specific details differ, the structural progression of the plot, from the heroine's personal struggle to a world-altering conflict, shows significant thematic and narrative overlap.

Inspiration or Plagiarism: Where Do We Draw the Line?

This is the crux of the Black Jewels vs ACOTAR debate. As an author writing a dark romantasy, the line between inspiration and plagiarism is a critical one. Is it simply a matter of common fantasy tropes, or does the sheer volume of similarities cross into something more problematic? As one opinion states, "Quite frankly I I'm not so sure plagiarism is too strong a word at all, especially when it comes to overwhelming amount of content Maas took from the Black Jewels series (Anne Bishop) for ACOTAR. So many characters, concepts, even straight quotes and names are blatant copies."

Fantasy literature, by its nature, often draws from a shared wellspring of mythology, folklore, and archetypes. The inclusion of fairy tales and mythology, as noted, has been present in multiple works across history. However, when specific names (like Prythian), character dynamics (the powerful, brooding male lead with wings and a fated bond), magic systems (inherited power, dark rituals), and even plot beats show such striking resemblances, the question becomes more complex. It's one thing to be influenced by a genre; it's another to lift distinct elements that define another author's unique creation.

The debate isn't about diminishing the enjoyment of ACOTAR. Many readers, including self-proclaimed "fan girls" of ACOTAR, admit that it "does smell of plagiarism." The feeling is often that while they enjoyed ACOTAR, the heavy influence made it hard to enjoy them as much as they wanted, knowing the undeniable similarities. This highlights the ethical dimension of creative work and the responsibility authors have to acknowledge or significantly transform their influences. The question isn't just legal; it's about artistic integrity and respect for the original creators who paved the way.

The Fandom Response and Legacy

The online discourse surrounding Black Jewels vs ACOTAR is vibrant and ongoing. Podcasts like "The Lame Book Club Podcast" have dedicated episodes to diving into these captivating worlds, exploring whether these two beloved series are actually similar, and engaging in lively commentary as hosts dissect key themes, plot points, and character dynamics. This public discussion is crucial for bringing Anne Bishop's seminal work to a wider audience, especially given the disproportionate attention online for SJM’s ACOTAR compared to Black Jewels, which many argue is actually better written and clearly served as inspiration.

For many, discovering Black Jewels after ACOTAR has been a revelation. As one reader shared, "I prefer Black Jewels tbh that’s not to say I don’t love ACOTAR I do but I love Black Jewels so much more, the heroine is written in the perspective of others’ eyes and because those people love and respect her so much I in turn love and respect her not to mention that it’s written so well, honestly probably one of my favourite series of all time but please proceed with caution." This sentiment underscores the enduring quality and unique appeal of Bishop's work, which some find to be a more nuanced and impactful reading experience. While ACOTAR has undeniably opened the door for many new fantasy romance readers, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the foundational works that shaped the genre, prompting a deeper dive into the literary lineage.

The legacy of this debate extends beyond individual series. It encourages readers to explore the broader landscape of fantasy literature, to discover older works that might have inspired their current favorites, and to engage critically with themes of originality and influence in creative fields. It also serves as a reminder that while new stories capture our attention, the roots of their inspiration often run deep into the rich soil of literary history.

In conclusion, the Black Jewels vs ACOTAR debate is a complex and fascinating one. From shared world-building elements like power systems and court structures, to strikingly similar character archetypes and narrative arcs, the parallels are undeniable. While the extent to which these similarities constitute plagiarism remains a matter of ongoing discussion, it undeniably highlights Anne Bishop's significant, albeit often unacknowledged, influence on the modern dark romantasy genre. This conversation not only enriches our understanding of literary creation but also encourages readers to explore the rich tapestry of fantasy literature, both past and present. What are your thoughts on the similarities? Do you believe it's inspiration, or something more? Share your insights in the comments below, and consider diving into Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series if you haven't already – you might just find a new favorite!