ACourtofRereads

As much as my cat loves my cackles and commentary—agreeing with everything I say—and my husband just nods and smiles, I thought I’d share my thoughts here as I dive back into the ACOTAR world. This will be my second time reading the series from years ago to prepare for the upcoming releases in October 2026 and January 2027.

“She’d been made differently, from something harder and stronger than bone and blood. She was as different from the humans around us as I had become.” ACOTAR Ch 28

“But Nesta’s mind was so entirely her own; she had put up such strong walls—of steel and iron and Ashwood—that even a High Lord’s magic couldn’t pierce them.” ACOTAR Ch 30

“My hateful, cold sister had been willing to brave Prythian to rescue me.” ACOTAR Ch 30

“There were no limits to what Nesta might do, what she might make of herself once she found a place to call her own. I prayed I would be lucky enough to someday see it.” ACOTAR Ch 31

I know there are Nesta haters out there, but I don’t know how you can read these passages from ACOTAR and not understand her character. She is not a one dimensional cold character. She is guarded and protective and cunning. She shows her love in action, respect, and trust—not words.

I’m not here to yuck on people’s yum, but I think this chapter solidifies why I’m not and have never been a Feyre/Tamlin supporter.

This one hurts. Because what is the excuse? I know no one wants this and there’s a moral weight of choosing the less of two evils, but I can’t remember Tamlin’s reasoning for doing nothing. He was probably doing something in backend here? Was he working with Hybern here already? I can’t remember!

But I like that this line has two tones from Rhys. At first glance, the night courts high lord—Amarantha’s whore—is being his typical ass self. Knowing the underlying story—it’s Rhys goading him to do something. Challenging him for help as the time is ticking.

For him to add:

Night court imagery

The night, seeming to press in closer around him 

As if he’s been molded from the night itself

I could have sworn tendrils of star-kissed night trailed in his wake 

Love the foreshadowing here

The Great Rite

We love a magic induced orgy. But Lucien’s detailed description has me thinking thoughts

On my first read through, this is when I went, “Oh! That’s her person. That’s why I don’t feel anything with her and Tamlin.”

“But a wild, wicked voice weaving in between the drumbeats whispered otherwise. Go, that voice said, tugging at me. Go see.”

ACOTAR Ch 20

“His father had her put down. Executed, in front of Lucien, as his two eldest brothers held him and made him watch.” 

ACOTAR Ch 18

And here we have this chapter dedicated to skinny dipping and Lucien’s backstory and Tamlin with Feyre just feels very bland, superficial, and just curious physical attraction than something deep to me. Whereas Feyre’s inner thoughts regarding Lucien are more emotionally tied.

On second reread, I feel the same. More so on appreciating Lucien and Feyre’s friendship, but even knowing what’s to come and Tamlin’s story, I just don’t feel anything between them—no chemistry or page turning hope they get together.

I’ve seen some theorize that a character from TOG is the Suriel, reincarnated, solely based off of the need for a cloak. But I think the Suriel’s quote above mixed with the knowledge the books are happening in parallel with Aelin’s red star in ACOSF, ends this theory.

Tamlin, I would argue, is even more primal than most as he’s a shifter. Other high lords have their inner beast chained back, but Tamlin is both beast and man. Sitting at the dining table, his claw naturally comes out to stir his drink. It’s a part of him.

Now, I’m not going to break down the modern moral pedestal that some readers hold to these fantastical primal fae—can’t be avoided in ACOMAF—but I do find it interesting that some fans say Tamlin was a used plot device in ACOMAF to just make Rhys look good. Make Tam the bad guy out of nowhere. Well… just from these early chapters of ACOTAR, the hints are there. That impulsive beast (violence) needing to come out. 

Chapter 9 he offers to give Feyre a tour of the grounds. She says no and notes: “Tamlin clenched his hands into fists as if fighting against the claws itching to burst out” 

Then in chapter 10, after Feyre and Lucien had a close call with the Bogge, Lucien is already on guard telling Tamlin the bad news. Tamlin is bending silverware, his claws jumping out. “I tried not to tremble at the contained fury, and how his canines seemed to lengthen…”

I know what’s happening beyond Feyre’s knowledge, I know the timed stress they’re under, and the weight on Tamlin, but that feeling of being on eggshells, the beast’s fury, the impulsive destruction of items… it was always there.

I’ve seen some interesting theories from fans reading into this line from Tamlin, suggesting Feyre’s mom has a connection to the fae or witch potential. But I read this line in the context of house roles in this fantasy olden time. Traditionally the fathers worked and the mothers were homemakers, raising their children. That entails storytelling and education as well.