#never apologized

And not because it was you know. Immoral.

Fuck you.

No seriously, fuck you.

With this fandom.

It’s incredibly concerning when people say you “can’t bring real-world problems” into a fantasy book, especially when it comes to something as serious as Rhysand’s SA of Feyre.

The notion that just because a book is set in a fantasy world, the actions and behaviors within it are somehow exempt from real-world scrutiny is deeply problematic. SA, manipulation, and abusive behaviors are universal issues, regardless of the setting, and they shouldn’t be dismissed just because the story involves magic or mythical creatures. By brushing aside these issues as “fantasy” and acting like they don’t matter, we’re excusing harmful behavior and minimizing the experiences of real people who have dealt with similar trauma.

Fantasy is a reflection of the real world. It may be set in a different universe with different rules, but the emotions, relationships, and struggles are still rooted in things we experience. When Rhysand SA's Feyre under the mountain—by drugging her, stripping her of agency, and forcing her into situations she can’t consent to—this isn’t just a plot point to advance the story. It’s a depiction of abuse, plain and simple, and saying we can’t critique that because it’s “fantasy” allows us to overlook serious issues that affect real people every day.

By dismissing it, we’re sending the message that abuse and assault can be forgiven or romanticized, which is dangerous, especially in a series that has such a passionate and young readership.

Moreover, fiction—whether fantasy or not—shapes how people think and feel about the world around them. If we excuse Rhysand’s behavior because “it’s just fantasy,” we’re teaching readers to overlook, justify, or even romanticize abuse and manipulation.

If people can’t see that this type of behavior, no matter the genre, is wrong and harmful, we’re normalizing it. Just because it’s set in a world of fae and magic doesn’t mean that the characters’ actions are without consequence or shouldn’t be critiqued through a real-world lens.

When we don’t call out problematic behavior in books, we allow those same behaviors to become normalized in our culture. And that’s why bringing up real-world issues in the context of a fantasy story isn’t just valid—it’s necessary.

The real issue with Rhysand’s SA of Feyre isn’t just that it happened—it’s how the narrative brushes it aside and expects readers to forget it.

While other books address assault and its aftermath, ACOTAR downplays it, framing Rhysand’s actions as necessary or forgivable because of his “good intentions.” This not only minimizes the trauma but teaches readers to excuse abusive behavior if it’s later romanticized.