#acosf thoughts

Ps I’d post from my acotar sideblog, wolfnesta, but I can’t /: tis I though!

One of my pet peeves is when readers try to headcanon the hell out of the narrative and then argue with you about why you must accept their version of the story. Many such cases with ACOTAR, as I expressed in another post.

You’re completely right, Nesta’s addiction really isn’t part of the story. Maas uses Nesta’s alcoholism and hypersexuality as a means of justifying the inciting incident of her so-called “healing arc” but doesn’t actually care about exploring it any further. We hardly see Nesta truly craving the things that numb her pain, or tangible negative consequences that aren’t a minuscule dent in Feysand’s joint account. She experiences next to no symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and her having sex with Cassian while confined in the HOW is never regarded as a coping mechanism. This is why I roll my eye whenever people try to act like Nesta was a genuine depiction of an addict.

The people who portray Feyre’s struggle as one of a family member’s to an addict are not serious people. I’m partially joking about that remark (but I’m also partially not). Feyre’s real struggle is that Nesta is embarrassing her in front of her tenuous new friend group who she doesn’t yet feel secure enough with to stand up to. Hence why Nesta’s “recovery” is centred around the comfort and sensibilities of those with the power to control her. This is evident from the fact that Nesta’s forced confinement was justified by…*checks notes* heavy spending, promiscuity and drinking. It was an extreme measure in a situation that was not severe enough to justify it. The only way I could even potentially justify this kind of approach would be if Nesta was an active (and imminent) danger to herself and others. This is another example of SJM’s laziness and lack of imagination. Nesta’s new and unpredictable abilities coupled with PTSD, frequent inebriation and emotional distress could genuinely pose a serious threat to the public. We know that one’s emotional state can impact their powers, and I could easily see Nesta’s powers flaring up because of that. However, no such thing ever happens and her threat level to the public is mild at best. Making the drastic measures taken by the Inner Circle completely unwarranted.

But back to the main point…you’re completely right about the selective interrogation of the narrative and its logic. Trying to paint Feyre’s actions as an acceptable way to respond to a struggling individual is just another way to absolve her. It elevates Feyre in a way that is very generous and helps these fans reaffirm their ideas about Nesta’s treatment. It’s a counter argument that conveniently ignores the lack of weight Nesta’s addiction had in the story and fills in the gaping holes that Maas didn’t bother to fill in. All this to say…I completely see it.

Readers- i think sarah mentioned it because eris is nesta's true mate and eris will challenge cassian for the blood duel in the next book.. and then nesta and eris will live together forever after.

And this is because sarah discarded tamlin and chose rhysand over him for feyre! 🤨🤨🤨

like are people really that traumatized by book 1????????? like i as a reader was rooting for feyre and lucien until rhysand showed up!

What makes people think that nesta will choose eris over cassian! the man who literally held her through her trauma and outbursts he sat there listening to nesta's fears, her traumas, made her put herself back together.... they literally accepted their mating bond!!!!

How people come up with such weird theories!!!! 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Developmental editing or late drafting

(Based on online search of the publishing process for mainstream authors and series my own research ***)

At this point:

• The manuscript exists, but it’s still being reworked at the structural level

• Big-picture issues are being addressed: POV decisions, pacing, character arcs, plot logic

• Chapters may be added, removed, or substantially rewritten

• Nothing is “locked,” which is why a date would be risky

Publishers do not set dates until they’re confident the core story won’t change.

What it’s not in (yet)

• ❌ Line editing (sentence-level polish)

• ❌ Copyediting (grammar, continuity, fact checks)

• ❌ Proofs / ARCs (advance reader copies)

• ❌ Marketing production (cover reveals, preorder campaigns)

Those stages require a stable manuscript.

Silence usually means it isn’t stable yet.

When would a date be set?

For a flagship series like A Court of Thorns and Roses, dates are only announced once:

• the story direction is finalized

• major risks are resolved

• revisions are predictable, not exploratory

𝑮𝒘𝒚𝒏𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒍 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌: 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔

So thrilled that me and my friend @separatist-apologist were able to commission this enchanting Gwynriel art!

@amarnouille did such an amazing job of drawing Azriel and Gwyn! I love all the details on Azriel’s tunic and Gwyn’s dress!

Just absolutely lovely!

Link to Instagram post

@gwynrielweeksofficial

Azriel: You think he knows what he's doing?