swi22y

For @elriel-month 𝔻𝕒𝕪 27: 𝕋𝕠𝕦𝕔𝕙

"𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑦’𝑑 𝑒𝑥𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑐𝑐𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑟𝑢𝑠ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠..."

Before there was "blatant, unrestricted touching", Elain and Azriel shared many quiet moments alone, walking through the gardens or sitting together in the peace and quiet of nature. Touch is not something Azriel is comfortable with many people, he hides his hands and avoids touching others for fear of seeing their disgust at his scars. However, from the very beginning of their 2.5 years of friendship, Elain never balked from him or his touch. That first day in the Townhouse, when he offered her his arm to show her the garden, Elain took it, looked at his hands and called them beautiful. From that moment on, Azriel kept reaching out, taking every opportunity to seek her touch.

This beautiful, Regency era inspired piece was created by talented artist pinkykei.art (in) who captured the essence of that blooming attraction and tenderness between Elain and Azriel. Thank you for bringing to life the scene stuck in my head.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🌸.☘︎ ݁˖⟡⋆˚࿔

Art by pinkykei.art (in)

Commissioned by me: @lentejita25

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🌸.☘︎ ݁˖⟡⋆˚࿔

PLEASE NO REPOSTS

I'm so sick and tired of "has to" when it comes to the next ACOTAR book(s).

When it comes to a fiction series, the only thing a book really has to do is move the plot forward and do so in a way that makes internal sense (to the universe as set up previously). There are other elements attached to this, like character development, subplots, individual arcs, etc, but that's like...bare minimum. We can extrapolate what MAY come of previous setups, we can have personal preference regarding what would make the story good, but neither of those things have any actual bearing on the story the author decides to tell.

There are very few things that the next book "has to" do, in reality. I'd argue that the only things it has to do are:

Resolve Elain's mating bond situation

Move the queen/war/Koschei plotline forward

Both of those things have to make sense INTERNALLY. To the world of the characters. That's it.

Everything else, including the details and the outcomes of those two points, are theory. Some theories are more well-connected to the established plot threads than others, but they're all still theories.

The next book does not "have to" be Nesta's POV or multi-POV because Bryce gave Gwydion to Nesta. There are a lot of potential outcomes from Gwydion being in Prythian at all, being given to Nesta, etc.

Neither Elain nor Nesta "have to" be the ruler of the Dusk Court. We don't even know that there will for sure be rulers of the courts by the end of the series.

Random side characters you, personally, have taken an in-depth interest in do not "have to" have their stories told in-depth on page.

We do not "have to" get the POV of every single character in order to expand the world we've seen so far, we just need a main character whose plot doesn't necessitate staying in one place most of the time.

Yes, SJM could theoretically "do anything," but realistically she's set up plot threads for a reason. She's going to use those to develop the story further. Some of it will likely fall in line with text-based theories, some of it may not. Some of it may seem to and then take a twist nobody expected. But all of it will have to make internal sense to the universe and to the story SJM is telling. There are a lot of ways to tell a story.

🚨MASSIVE ACOTAR AND CC SPOILERS (especially in the last 2 slides)🚨

🌸Why Elain Archeron is NOT a Passive Character Pt 2 🌸

🌸Why Elain Archeron is NOT a Passive Character Pt 1🌸 (ACOTAR SPOILERS)

The removed product description:

"The sixth instalment in the internationally bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series brings readers back to the seductive, dangerous realm of the Fae. With high-stakes romance, deadly intrigue, and unforgettable characters, this highly anticipated novel continues the sweeping saga that has captivated millions of fans worldwide.

Sarah J. Maas expands her beloved romantasy universe with an epic new story filled with powerful alliances, shifting loyalties, and the lingering consequences of war. As old wounds resurface and new threats emerge, the courts of Prythian must confront a future where fate, love, and power collide.

Perfect for readers who crave immersive fantasy worlds, intense romance, and emotionally driven storytelling, this next chapter promises more of the magic, passion, and drama that made the series a global sensation.

Whether you're returning to Prythian or discovering the series for the first time, A Court of Thorns and Roses continues to deliver addictive storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a world that will keep you turning pages late into the night."

MightyApe.co.nz still have the product description up for ACOTAR 7:

"The epic saga of Prythian continues in the highly anticipated seventh instalment of the global fantasy phenomenon.

Return to the breathtaking world of the Fae in the next thrilling chapter of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. With powerful magic, dangerous political intrigue, and unforgettable romance, this latest instalment expands the sweeping story that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

As tensions rise across the courts and old alliances are tested, the fate of Prythian hangs in the balance. Secrets long buried begin to surface, new enemies emerge from the shadows, and the choices of a few may determine the future of the entire realm.

Blending breathtaking fantasy adventure with emotionally charged romance and richly layered world-building, Sarah J. Maas delivers another unmissable chapter in the addictive romantasy series fans can’t get enough of.

Perfect for fans of epic fantasy, powerful heroines, and intense slow-burn romance, this next book promises high stakes, shocking twists, and the unforgettable storytelling that defines the ACOTAR universe."

My assessment?

They sound pretty generic, but it is a bit sus that the ACOTAR 6 description got taken down.

Best to assume they are likely placeholders though. It's not very reassuring that MightApe has tagged both book listings under "Throne of Glass series". And they have the listed that ACOTAR 6 is releasing in January 2027 (not October 2026).

And if they do end up being true, then no harm done!

Links:

https://www.mightyape.co.nz/mn/buy/kogan-international-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-6-41199942/

As I was doing research for another topic, I came across this scene and decided to reread it. I came away with a totally different conclusion than the first time I read it, and I wanted to explore that. Other people have probably written about this in the past, but here are my thoughts: 

In ACOWAR, the High Lords are meeting to discuss alliances. During this scene, Azriel has an outburst that everyone assumes is about Mor. However, upon closer reading, I’m not so sure that’s true. I’ve written about their relationship in the past if you’re interested. 

Eris: “Pity you didn’t bring the other sister. I hear our little brother’s mate is quite the beauty.” 

Feyre assumes that he’s trying to antagonize Lucien, but he isn’t even there. Then, Eris makes a sexist crack at Mor regarding her attire, and she notes that Azriel flies out of his chair and attacks Eris. She notes that his “frozen rage there rooted me to spot.” Feyre notices that Mor is shaking in her chair.

Then, we have this curious detail:

“Azriel’s eyes slid to Eris, the High Lord’s son panting beneath him. And the shadowsinger leaned down to whisper something in his ear that made Eris blanch further. But the shield dropped. The shadows lightened into sunshine.”

Is it possible that Azriel jumped out of his chair to attack Eris for making a comment about Elain? If he did it the exact moment Eris said something, that would draw suspicion. But using Mor as a reason to attack? People will not question that. Also, what did he say to Eris? Eris is still insufferable to/about Mor after this, but he never breathes another word about Elain, does he? Also, Azriel's shadows lighten at the end of the book when reacting to Elain’s smile. Hmm. 

As the scene continues, we have these additional details:

“Mor opened her mouth to say something to Azriel, but Cassian put a hand on her knee and shook his head.”

“Mor was staring and staring at Azriel, who refused to look at her, who refused to do anything but give Eris that death-gaze.”

If this was all for Mor, why isn’t he looking at her or trying to comfort her? Why was she staring at him so intently? What is she sensing? It’s possible that she isn’t scared, but confused. She may be trying to parse out what is changing between them and why. AND this would explain why in later books, she tenses when he does something for Elain (wishing her a Happy Solstice, taking the dish from her hands, etc.) 

Then: 

Feyre's observation: “But I looked to Azriel, currently leaning against the wall beside the floor-to-ceiling window, shadows fluttering around him. Even the birds in their cages nearby remained silent. I said down the bond, is he all right? Rhys tucked his hands behind his head, though his mouth tightened. Likely not, but if we try to talk to him about it, it’ll only make it worse. Mor was indeed sprawled on the couch—one wary eye on Azriel. Cassian sat beside her, holding her feet in his lap. He’d taken the spot closer to Azriel—right between them. As if he’d leap into their path if need be.”

Feyre assumes this still has to do with Eris talking trash about Mor, but notice that he’s standing near a window. I wrote a post about this previously and how Azriel has looked out the window to see Elain, and we already know that she isn’t present at this meeting. It’s a curious time to be looking out the window if what he really wants is right there. My thought is he isn't thinking about Mor, but Elain.

Feyre continues. “I blinked, realizing I’d been lost in the bond, but found Azriel still by the window, Cassian now rubbing Mor’s feet.”

He doesn’t seem perturbed by this at all. In fact, he's not paying attention to them at all and is still looking out the window.

Next, Helion approaches: 

“He grinned at Azriel. ‘You handing Eris’s ass to him will be my new fantasy at night, by the way.’ Azriel didn’t so much as bother to look over his shoulder at the High Lord.” Bro is still looking out the window. 

Next, Helion is talking about the LoA, referring to the arranged marriage between her and Beron: “‘Interesting. I heard her family wanted internal ties to power, and that they didn't give her a choice before they sold her to Beron.’ Sold her. Mor’s nostrils flared. Cassian ran a hand down the back of her hair. Azriel didn’t so much as turn from his vigil at the window, though I could have sworn his wings tucked in a bit tighter.” 

Still at the window. Again, the assumption seems to be that this has to do with what happened to Mor all those years ago, but Elain has also been assigned to someone without a choice. We know that the Cauldron has selected mates for superficial reasons (like ties to power and who will produce the best offspring), so it’s possible that Azriel is reacting to this being Elain’s fate. His wings tucking in is almost a flinch, and it seems like it’s more directed at Elain’s fate. 

Next, Mor and Helion are being flirty.

“Azriel barely spoke, those shadows perched on his shoulders. Mor barely looked at him.”

Some additional quotes between Rhys and Feyre that show their assumptions (that do not need to become the reader’s assumptions):

 “Mor gets spooked. And what Az did today scared the shit out of her.”

“The violence as a result of what he feels.” 

“Mor and Azriel have both taken lovers throughout the centuries. The only difference is the proximity.”

This is also interesting because as we have seen before, most males who suspect they are mated to someone do not take other lovers. Perhaps because their relationship has gone on for 500 years, that isn’t realistic, but it could be because she isn’t his mate, and it has more to do with the post I linked above.

“But he loves her. How can he sit idly by?”

“He thinks she’s happier without him. He thinks he’s unworthy of her…There will come a day when Azriel has to decide if he’s going to fight for her or let her go. And it won’t be because some other male insults her or beds her.”

So, that wasn’t him fighting for her? What was it? Perhaps Azriel has started to let her go, and Rhys knows it. I'd also like to take this moment to point out that people sometimes question whether Feyre is an unreliable narrator, but the first-person perspective does not automatically mean that a narrator is unreliable; we just have to understand that everything is filtered through their perspective, just as when a friend or family member tells us a story about something. In this instance, Feyre doesn't see/understand what's unfolding before her because in her mind, Mor and Azriel are still unresolved.

Cassian and Azriel disappeared for the night, and Feyre didn’t ask because she didn’t think Mor wanted to hear the answer. “Azriel, shadows wafting from his shoulders and trailing at his feet, ignored him (Helion) as he passed. The shadowsinger hadn’t shown a flicker of emotion, however, to Mor when he’d met us in the foyer. She hadn’t asked where he’d been all night and morning, and Azriel had volunteered nothing. But he didn’t seem inclined to ignore her, at least. No, he’d just settled back into his usual watchful quiet, and Mor had been content to let him, slumping a bit in relief as soon as he’d turned to lead us to the meeting, likely having already scouted the walk minutes ago.”

It’s not clear where Cassian and Azriel went for the night, but he doesn’t seem bothered that Mor hooked up with Helion. Of course, he is quite good at hiding his emotions, but if he’s had these kinds of outbursts with her before and has been sullen after the fact, what’s different this time? Is it because he isn’t pining so hard anymore? 

It’s important to note what happens in the same book because the shift from Mor to Elain is becoming quite obvious.

Azriel senses that Elain is missing from the war camp before anyone else does. This is when we see a real emotional eruption. “More rage in that stare.” “His eyes glowed golden in the shadows.” “Azriel’s wrathful stare.” He honed Truth-Teller “with relentless focus.”

There have been many great posts about that scene, but when Elain “devours” the sight of him and says, “You came for me,” we know he just “inclines his head.” I always read this as, “Of course I did.” (This is supported by other times he “inclines his head,” like when giving Amren a solstice gift she loves).

We also know that he loans Elain Truth-Teller in this book, which is another pivotal scene for those two.

There are very few scenes between Az and Mor after ACOWAR.

During ACOFAS, we see Mor give Az some towels, and Feyre claims that he had a “blush creeping over his cheeks, his hazel eyes fixed on her. I looked away at the heat, the yearning that filled them.” We also know that Azriel blushes when he gives a gift and the recipient likes/appreciates it. Basically, he struggles with being on the receiving end of attention. And again, I’m not sure that any of them is able to see clearly what is happening before them. Azriel does not seem bothered that Cassian bought Mor lingerie, and there is no “heat” or “yearning” described when she opens that gift from Cassian, which I would think would cause a greater reaction (especially if he wanted to imagine her wearing it). Contrast that with the “deep and joyous” laugh Elain’s gift inspired. Feyre had never seen his “eyes so bright.” Elain and Az stayed up together until 3 a.m. Meanwhile, Mor has followed Cassian upstairs to find out what’s going on with him and Nesta. We see more reactions to anything regarding Elain than Mor, and Cassian even notes that he doesn't need to play interference between Azriel and Mor anymore, noting that Azriel seems to have given up. We also learn of Azriel's secret, which Nesta notes is his to tell.

The last thing I want to point out is that Azriel is far more uncomfortable around Lucien than he is around Eris, even though Eris hurt Mor significantly. He even goes so far as to help save Eris in ACOSF, which is interesting if he hates him for hurting Mor. Both men are needed for political reasons, but he struggles far more to interact with Lucien.