A Court of Wings and Ruinof Sarah J. Maas’A Court of Thorns and Rosesseries wraps up protagonist Feyre’s story with a satisfying conclusion but leaves other beloved characters hanging. While the series has since moved on to explore Nesta and Cassian’s story inA Court of Silver Flames,there’s still much to be uncovered about other members of the overallACOTARsupporting cast.
Some of the character writing has left issues for the TV show adaptation to address, including one of theweirdest character arcs inA Court of Thorns and Roses.TheACOTARspin-off books do not focus on Feyre and Rhysand, Maas having explained that this is because there are so many other characters to explore in this world. However, some readers feel the set-up for this switch in focus could have been executed better.
A Court Of Wings & Ruin’s Ending Needed More Of Elain, Lucien, Azriel, & Tamlin
These Key Players Are Too Secondary By The End Of ACOWAR
Much of the conclusion ofA Court of Wings and Ruinis dedicated to creating a satisfying ending for Feyre before moving on to different points of view in the following books. Because of this, other key characters slightly fall by the wayside — especially Elain, Lucien, Ariel, and Tamlin.Giving Elain and Azriel more page space in theACOWARending would have provided better foreshadowingfor the exploration of these characters in the next book, especially asA Court of Frost and StarlightandA Court of Silver Flamesfocus primarily on Nesta.
The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Can Finally Subvert A Common Sarah J. Maas Trope
Sarah J. Maas uses one trope in all her fantasy series, but the next A Court of Thorns & Roses book can finally put a unique spin on it.
Lucien and Tamlin stand out as two other characters who are largely neglected in the third book’s ending. Lucien is invited to live in Velaris, while Tamlin has still lost everything. WhetherTamlin deserves an improved story inA Court of Thorns and Rosesor not is a contentious issue among readers. However, some feel that the ending ofA Court of Wings and Ruindoes not provide adequate closure to Tamlin and Feyre’s story. Feyre simply writes back to him saying, “Thank you. I hope you find happiness too,” after he sacrifices more of his power to resurrect Rhysand.
If The Next ACOTAR Book Is Elain’s Story, It Could Finally Cover All These Characters
The Spring Court Characters In Particular Could Get More Attention
Maas has not outright confirmed that the nextACOTARbook will be about Elain, but it seems more than likely. The bonus chapter at the end of one edition ofA Court of Silver Flamesfeatures Azriel’s point of view and starts to delve into his feelings for both Elain and Gwyn.Maas has also previously confirmed that Elain is going to get a book,and it would make sense for it to be the next one, especially given Rhysand’s comments that there is more to her than meets the eye (in an alternate bonus chapter).
As well as giving Elain the character exploration she deserves in the next book, this could be a good vehicle to highlight other neglected characters.
As well as giving Elain the character exploration she deserves in the next book, this could be a good vehicle to highlight other neglected characters. For example, Elain is resisting her mating bond with Lucien, and more direct communication between these two characters would bring the latter back from the sidelines. It could also either support or debunkA Court of Thorns and Rosesfan theories regarding Elain and Tamlin, stemming fromA Court of Thorns and Rosesmate theoriesconcerning Elain’s Spring Court imagery. Regardless, many questions must be answered in the highly anticipated sequel.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
2015
A Court of Mist and Fury
2016
A Court of Wings and Ruin
2017
A Court of Frost and Starlight(novella)
2018
2021
A Court of Thorns and Rosesbook #6
