There are currently no updates as to when Sarah J. Maas will be releasing her nextA Court of Thorns and Rosesbook, but the long break between sequels will give Maas the opportunity to properly address issues raised in previous books. Fans ofSarah J. Maas' fantasy bookshave commonly agreed that the misogynistic fae culture depicted inA Court of Thorns and Rosesis extremely problematic—especially its toxic treatment of women throughout the series. While Maas does attempt to speak on this topic in the latter books, it’s yet to be explored in any great detail.
However, there’s one way in which Maas could address the many faults of the fae while equally supporting two underused characters throughout her upcoming narrative. Both Lucien and Tamlin have been somewhat sidelined since their early roles in the series, and their storylines have severely suffered. But, as thesixthA Court of Thorns and Rosesbookis likely to be written from Elain’s POV, it’s possible readers will get more page-time with each character. Maas' inclusion ofLucien and Tamlin’s story could really help to unpack Prythian’s fae toxicity, and do so in a way that doesn’t feel forced.
The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Needs To Unpack The Series' Toxic Fae Culture
Maas' Previous Attempts Don’t Go Far Enough
Thetoxic masculinity of fae culture inA Court of Thorns and Rosesis one of the series' biggest issues, and the toxic masculinity and treatment of women seen throughout needs to be resolved in Maas' upcoming sequels. Not only do many of the fae assert their dominance and power over women, they think that it’s their right, andit’s clear women are undervalued in Prythian’s current society. This was seen in Tamlin’s relationship with Feyre inACOMAF, but also in the horrible treatment of women in the Illyrian war camps, where women aren’t allowed to fight and are often maimed to be kept from doing so.
While Maas has attempted to address these issues in previous books, the narrative didn’t have time to expand on its importance adequately.
While Maas has attempted to address these issues in previous books, the narrative didn’t have time to expand on its importance adequately. So far, several characters throughout the series are aware of these conditions, but don’t believe they yet have the means to make any significant changes. This is incredibly frustrating, aseveryone, including Rhysand and the Inner Circle, seems to be waiting for some miracle to make things right. Maas’A Court of Silver Flamesbegan to lay down the groundwork for this narrative, but it’s important that she examines the issue in full in the nextACOTARnovel.
The Sixth ACOTAR Book Could Use Lucien & Tamlin To Address The Fae’s Biggest Problem
Fae Toxicity Has Affected The Two Characters, Albeit Quite Differently
If Maas’nextA Court of Thorns and Rosesbookdoes center around Elain, it’s possible both Lucien and Tamlin could be reintroduced to the story in a major way—and further delve into the two characters' experiences with fae toxicity.Both Lucien and Tamlin have been affected by their society’s issues in the past, albeit quite differently from the other. Lucien was directly affected by the misogynistic fae culture, as his first love, Jesminda, was executed by his own father. Tamlin’s upbringing, on the other hand, impacted his ability to view society’s problems objectively but is no excuse for his behavior.
A Court Of Thorns & Roses' Overlooked Lucien Story Would Make A Great Novella Before The Next Book
This largely overlooked Lucien story from the original trilogy would make a great novella before the next A Court Of Thorns & Roses book comes out.
These two narratives could give Maas a lot of material to workwithin exploring the effects fae culture has on Prythian’s society, and hopefully bring about change in futureA Court of Thorns and Rosesnovels. Lucien’s tragic backstory seems far from resolved, and his need for revenge against his father gives Maas the perfect opening. This could also be accomplished throughTamlin’s likely redemption arc, as his period of reflection has shed light on his past behavior. While Lucien and Tamlin have been underused thus far, their characters' history can still prove significant to the overall narrative.
