#and a tamlin character study
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Okay, I got the time, so I think I'm writing again.
#what say you to some smutty elucien?#i have a feysand in mind but not fully formed#and a tamlin character study#(but i haven't figured him out yet)
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Characters who have lost their temper and had an unexpected Outburst of magic:
1. Feyre, High Lords Meeting. LoA injured.
2. Tamlin, Study, office destroyed, Feyre injured.
3. Aelin, Nehemiah's death, Chaol injured. (Not a magical outburst but fae blinded rage, yes) .
4. Dorian, in the healers office, Sorscha injured.
5. Bryce, interrogation room, room is ruined. Shielding was required.
Characters who get called abusive because of this:
1. Tamlin.
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Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series, despite its claims of promoting feminism and female empowerment, contains an undercurrent that undermines its own narrative — particularly when it comes to addressing Rhysand’s sexual assault of Feyre. In A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOMAF), we see a scene that exemplifies this disturbing dynamic: under the mountain, Rhysand forces Feyre to kiss him while she is under his mind control, leaving her helpless and stripped of agency. While Maas paints this as part of Rhysand’s complex plan to save her, the reality of the act — that he violates her consent — is swept under the rug as their relationship progresses. This lack of resolution highlights a troubling issue: Maas is aware that Rhysand's actions constitute an assault, but rather than allowing the characters to address this, she buries it under romantic arcs and "fated mate" destiny.
A glaring moment in A Court of Wings and Ruin (ACOWAR) emphasizes the awareness of Rhysand's assault. Lucien, during a heated exchange with Feyre, accuses her of having loved Rhysand all along. Feyre’s defense is chilling: she reminds Lucien that Rhysand forced her to kiss him, an act she had no control over. And Lucien, in shock, asks the question that echoes the concern of many readers: “This is the man you’re with now?”
Let’s break this down: Maas knows what she’s written. She acknowledges the fact that Rhysand took away Feyre’s autonomy, yet she never gives Feyre the chance to confront or process that trauma. This moment between Feyre and Lucien is the only time it’s mentioned in the series, a brief flicker of recognition that quickly fades into oblivion. By doing this, Maas diminishes Feyre's trauma, allowing Rhysand’s actions to go unchallenged. The result? A deeply troubling message that sidesteps the seriousness of assault in favor of a romanticized narrative where love — or destiny — can somehow erase all wrongs.
From a psychological perspective, the erasure of trauma is harmful to the portrayal of healing. Studies show that trauma victims need acknowledgment and validation to heal properly, whether that acknowledgment comes from themselves, their loved ones, or society at large. Bessel van der Kolk, in his book The Body Keeps the Score, argues that unaddressed trauma can create lasting impacts on a person's mental and physical well-being. In the case of Feyre, Maas’s choice to brush the assault under the rug denies her character this crucial step in recovery. Instead, Feyre’s journey with Rhysand is romanticized, implying that the good intentions behind the assault are enough to negate its damaging effects.
Worse still, this narrative perpetuates the toxic idea that love or destiny can somehow "heal" or make up for the violation of consent. Maas portrays Rhysand as Feyre’s savior, her destined mate who "redeems" her from her struggles under the Mountain and from Tamlin’s controlling behavior. But the foundation of their relationship — one that begins with Rhysand drugging and forcing himself on her — never gets resolved. The result is an uncomfortable message: that it’s okay to overlook the bad as long as the end result is a "happy" relationship.
This isn’t just a failure to develop Feyre’s character fully; it’s a failure to challenge problematic behaviors within relationships. Maas’s works often preach the importance of women reclaiming their agency, yet Feyre, the main protagonist, is never given that chance with Rhysand. She is instead swept into the romantic arc without confronting what was done to her — leaving readers with a sour aftertaste that Maas is more interested in fated love than in true feminist ideals.
This lack of resolution becomes even more troubling when we look at the broader narrative of ACOTAR, where Maas purports to champion survivors of sexual violence and trauma. In the very same series, Maas writes about women being violated, their bodies used against them. She even writes about Rhysand’s trauma as a victim of sexual assault by Amarantha. Yet when it comes to the male lead, Rhysand’s similar violation of Feyre is conveniently ignored, as if his status as a romantic hero somehow absolves him of accountability. This sends a dangerous message: that sexual assault can be dismissed or excused based on who commits the act.
Maas’s selective treatment of sexual assault and trauma in ACOTAR is not just problematic — it’s hypocritical. She builds an entire narrative on the premise of women reclaiming their power, only to sidestep one of the most significant power imbalances in the series. Feyre, the character Maas positions as the embodiment of strength and resilience, is denied the opportunity to address the fact that the man she loves once stripped her of her autonomy. In doing so, Maas undermines the very feminist message she claims to be advocating.
This flaw in Maas’s storytelling has greater implications. The normalization of Rhysand’s behavior can desensitize readers to the reality of coercion and assault within relationships. It creates an illusion that as long as someone loves you or has good intentions, their harmful actions can be overlooked. This isn’t empowerment — it’s erasure, and it’s damaging.
In conclusion, Sarah J. Maas's decision not to address Rhysand's assault on Feyre is a troubling oversight that diminishes the importance of consent and accountability in relationships. While Maas may champion themes of recovery and empowerment, the fact that this pivotal moment remains unresolved undercuts her message and leaves readers grappling with a romanticized depiction of coercion. Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship, as it stands, is built on a foundation of unacknowledged harm — and until that harm is addressed, Maas's narrative remains completely flawed.
#acotar#anti rhysand#pro tamlin#anti ic#anti rhys#anti feyre#pro nesta#anti mor#tamlin#anti morrigan#anti sjm#anti sarah j maas#rhysand critical#feyre critical#pro lucien#pro lucien vanserra#lucien acotar#anti feyre archeron#anti feysand#feysand critical
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This is a pro Tamlin, anti Rhysand self insert revenge fic. All characters belong to SJM, but she wasn't treating them right. Tam x reader, Tam x Rhysands Sister (OC), First person narrative. This will also reference Elucien and Neris in the future but we aren't there yet. Contains slight violence, poisons, broken bones. Also profanity. I'm not sure what else to tw if I miss something let me know. This is my first fic. I honestly don't know how to find word count, but it's roughly 4 pages on word docs. Criticism welcome. Rhysands Sister is back and she's pissed. Rhysand gets his ass whooped and Tamlin gets shown love. Enjoy.
Ch 2. Ch3 Ch4 Ch5 Ch6 Ch7 Ch8 Ch9 Ch10
Tarquin BC
Chapter 1:
I crash landed on a stone surface. A balcony of sorts? It was well built if it was, considering how long I've been falling, I'm shocked I didn't crash right through it. I know now that making a deal with the gods is a lot like making a deal with a damn djin.
“Who goes there??” A booming male voice barked. I could hear swords drawn. Fuck where am I? My ears were still ringing, vision blurred, and chest heavy from the impact. I blinked my eyes open to find a winged male looming over me. Another illyrian? Have I finally made it home? Fuck, then that means I am in the night court. Damnit, 7 fucking courts in Prythia and I just happen to land here. At my brother's court.
This ones expression shifted from threatening to complete shock as his gaze landed on my eyes. “Sky?”
At my brother's court and at his fucking house, Freya has a sick sense of humor. I slowly sat up, ignoring the hand the illyrian extended to me.
“Your wing!” He gasped. So thats what that throbbing pain was. My wing seemed to have been snapped in the fall. “You need a healer, go get Madja” he commanded the other brute.
“Don't bother” I dismissed, standing up slowly. I pulled a small glass vial out of my pocket, a healing potion, I always kept a few on hand, never know when you're gonna need it. I downed the bitter red liquid as I've done a thousand times and grabbed the dagger off my hip. I put the handle in my mouth and bit down on it as I grabbed my own wing and straightened out the bone. I held it right for about a minute until the potion worked its magic. It hurt like crazy but I was careful not to show these idiots, the fear and shock on their faces was satisfying if I am being honest.
“I'm guessing you are Azriel and Cassian, though I can't tell which is which” I admitted, trying to seem just polite enough to leave.
The one next to me spoke first “I'm Azriel, he's Cassian” okay, Azriel short hair, Cassian long hair “this is Mor and Amren and she is Feyre, High Lady of the Night Court”
“So my brother is dead?” I had hoped my excitement would come off as concern.
“No, no, they rule together, as equals” Cassian spoke
“Got it�� this conversation is dragging. I need to leave.
“It's so nice to meet Rhysands sister, we thought you were dead, I'd heard so much about you” Feyre gushed, “Rhys is out on important business at the moment but he should be back soon.” I had no use or interest in this small talk.
“How old are you?” I looked at her as if to study the young thing in front of me. I was never good at pleasantries. I spent a good while in isolation and I tend to just blurt out the questions on my mind.
“I am 21” Feyre replied sharply, yep I angered her with my lack of class.
“Ew, 21 years? Ugh, my brother always did like them unreasonably young.” I'm just gonna keep going with it, hopefully she'll throw me out.
“My age is not a disability” Feyre snapped.
“It's adorable that you think that.” I'm in too deep. Oops. “Anyway, I am sorry I crashed into your home, I had little control, but I would like to leave now.”
“You will apologize and bow to your high lady.” Cassian growled. Azriel stepped in front of the door.
“She is not my high lady, I am not a citizen of your court, in fact, I am starting to feel like a prisoner.” It's not lost on me that I have bore the title of Queen, multiple times. In both cases I have dismantled the monarchy entirely, setting up a system in which the people vote on who leads them. Her title meant nothing to me. I bow to those deserving, not the one who rely solely on birthright. But she doesn't need to know this. I have more important things on my mind than to argue with a child "I will request one more time, you move and allow me to leave.”
“Or what?” Azriel snapped. Unmoving.
I did not want to show this much of my hand just yet, knowing this magic is not native to Prythia. But, if they want to twist my arm, so be it. A swirling purple circle opened up under me and I fell though, closing it quickly behind me. Portals were my favorite magic to do, in more cases than once it ensured my freedom.
Landing softly on my feet, I took in my surroundings. Cool air, rolling green hills, and the sounds of birds chirping in the distance, the Spring court. I was finally home. I eventually spotted the manor I spent so much of my time at as a child. Mother didn't make me train with the illyrians as she did my brother because she feared the treatment I would receive, also by the time I came along she had befriended the ladies of the other courts. We would spend weeks here at times, the children would play together and the mothers would discuss adult things we didn't care about. One of those things being alliances, and what better way to encourage an alliance between Spring and Night than by an arranged marriage.
I didn't mind them encouraging me to play with the cute blonde shapeshifter. He was kind and silly and only a couple years older than me. The other kids, mainly Autumn boys, were rough and volatile, and I just had no interest in what they considered fun. When I would get flustered by my wings knocking things over and getting in the way, the youngest Spring boy would remind me how beautiful they were, or how powerful they made me. The few times he would get a chance to practice his fiddle, I would dance and twirl, even if it was just the arpeggios. He was the 3rd born, and I the second and a girl, they didn't expect either of us to become High lord.
The manor was about a mile away, I shot up another portal to the door, I was tired after all and, if I'm being honest, a little excited to be back.
When I reached the door it was broken in half and wide open. I creeped inside, cautiously. It looked to be abandoned. Dirt and dust coated the walls and floors, priceless artifacts shattered and books thrown from the shelves. I noticed claw marks in the furniture. “Please just be alive, after everything, I can’t be too late.” I whispered to myself. My heart sank as I looked around.
Further into the dilapidated manor, I heard muffled voices coming from the kitchen. “Get out.” a tired weak growl. I ran to the entrance and just as I rounded the corner I saw my brother's boot kick in the chest of.. Tamlin. He began spitting up blood.
“WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?” I hissed at my brother.
Rhysand whipped around towards me, Tamlin looked up from the floor, eyes wide.
“You're alive??” Rhysand darted towards me and I shoved him to the ground, rushing to Tamlins side. I knelt down beside him, held his head up from where he laid on the floor and pulled another glass vial out of my pocket.
“It'll be bitter but swallow” I commanded gently. He didn't argue, he took the healing potion and I kissed his forehead as I laid him back down gently to address my brother.
I stood tall. Nothing but pure rage in my violet eyes toward my brother. I always hated how much we looked alike. “THIS is the ‘important business’ you told your wife you had to take care of?”
“I thought he killed you, he hurt my mate.” Rhysand admitted, no remorse.
“And I finally make it back home after 300 years in exile to find you kicking mine” I state through gritted teeth.
Rhysands eyes narrowed “your what?” It was obvious he wanted me to retract my statement, not going to happen. I didn't waste my time away, I knew I was more powerful than all of Prythia, I had to be, in case I had returned to Amarantha still terrorizing the place.
“You heard me.” I maintained his gaze. In a split second he lunged for me and I reached my hand out into the small portal that appeared to my side. I grabbed one of the curved blades I was gifted by the warriors I previously trained with. These blades were specifically enchanted to drip poisons into the wounds they create. This one? Bloodbane, or as Prythians call it, “Faebane.” I slashed him across the face in a controlled move, just enough to leave a scar and allow the poison to sink in.
He screamed in pain and looked back up at me. My eyes fell entirely black and cracks formed across my face as I spit my curse at him, lifting up his chin with my sword to make him look me in the eye “IF YOU, OR ANY OF YOUR LACKEYS, ENTER THE SPRING COURT BORDERS AGAIN, ALL OF THE AIR WILL BE DRAWN FROM YOUR LUNGS, AND IF YOU CANNOT GET OUT BEFORE YOU PASS OUT WE WILL FEED YOUR BODIES TO THE PIGS.” I relaxed, my face returning to normal. “Now get out.” A portal opened below him and he fell, leaving him only halfway up the steps to the House of Wind.
I turned my attention back to Tamlin, he had sat up, the healing potion having done its job, looking up at me with a million different emotions on his face, shock, fear, concern, confusion and relief. I sat down next to him, draping my legs over his. He embraced me like I was going to disappear any minute. “You're alive. Or I am dead, I do not care as long as I have you in my arms again.” he sighed as we just sat there on the floor.
I awoke the daemati powers I hardly used as I pressed my forehead to his. A gentle knock on the walls of his mind, and he allowed me in. I shared the memories I held dear for all these years, of us playing in the fields of Spring, the days he would spend with me in the gallery his mother gifted me, watching me paint, the mischief we would get into and the giggles we would share. His face relaxed into a soft smile as I kissed his cheek.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
@ladythornofrivia asked to be tagged❤️
#pro tamlin#anti rhysand#tamlin x reader#tamlin x oc#my first fic yay!#tamlin fanfiction#rhysands sister#tw violence
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Feyre asked Lucien about his powers in ACOTAR:
”What sort of powers do you have? Can you shape-shift like Tamlin?” He sighed, looking skyward before he studied me warily, that metal eye narrowing with unnerving focus. “Trying to figure out my weaknesses so you can—” I glowered at him. “Fine. No, I can’t shape-shift. Only Tam can.”
He hedged and never actually answered her. He has never claimed that he has fire powers. Feyre assumed that he has them after she learned that fire is an Autumn Court power. Rhys and others in NC also assume so, because what else could he have as the seventh son of the High Lord of the Autumn Court?
Feyre and Rhys learned in ACOWAR that Lucien is actually Helion’s son, but they didn’t think to question his magic after this revelation. They think that Lucien has no idea that he isn’t Beron’s son.
Even though we have seen him use Day Court magic on page. In front of both Feyre and Rhys. He even said that his eye can see spells and glamours, which is an obvious lie. It’s just his own magic that let’s him see them.
He would keep his parentage and magic secret because this secret would put his mother in danger.
But what about the way his eye and hair burns and glows?
Helion:
Helion’s eyes blazed like a forge.
Helion’s amber eyes flashed.
Helion fixed his full attention upon me. It was an effort not to flinch at the weight of that focus, the simmering intensity.
And how his eyes burned at that, flaring bright as suns.
Lucien:
His auburn hair burned like hot metal, and his russet eye smoldered like a bottomless forge.
His eye seemed to simmer.
his ruby hair gleamed like molten metal as his temper rose.
His russet eye flashed with simmering rage.
Lucien’s heir markers are the same as Helion’s HL markers. Helion has light powers, but sun light can also be hot, so hot that it can burn. Which Helion has demonstrated.
Helion’s flame was a pure, blinding white.
Burn it—with the power of the sun.
We have never actually seen Lucien use fire magic in the books. He has winnowed, healed, cleaved a binding spell, used light and a ”pulse of flame-licked power”. He can also see spells and glamours.
Only that ”pulse of flame-licked power”, that he used in ACOWAR against his brothers, is close to AC fire magic. Helion can burn with his light magic too, so it is not proof of Lucien having fire powers.
Would it make sense storytelling wise that he actually doesn’t have fire powers? He is a trickster character, so yes, it is possible that he has fooled Feyre and NC characters in such a way. I at least would laugh so much if this turned out to be true.
#lucien vanserra#lucien acotar#pro lucien#Imagine Feyre’s face when she realises she was wrong#Lucien is a fox after all
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well i AM asking for the essay on modern ACOTAR fandom please🙏😩
YOU ARE ALL ENABLERS!!! FINE I SHALL WRITE MY ESSAY!!!!! I'm putting it under a read more because I'm embarrassed of how long it is.
ACOTAR fandom is strange in a fascinating and NOT FUN way. Fandom has gotten SO restrictive recently, it's suffocating. And idk what it is about ACOTAR, but its fans are among the WORST. Whatever discourse you've seen in other fandoms, multiply it by 10 to get the experience of being in mainstream ACOTAR fandom. It is an unchallenged belief in this fandom that writing, drawing, or consuming any kind of content that isn't 100% healthy in the real world means that you - YOU!!!!! - are a danger to real life human beings. Criticizing a character's choices and the author's writing decisions is warped into you being an abuse apologist and also you probably yell at abuse victims in real life. A drawing of Tamlin and Elain sitting in a garden is now a disgusting acceptance of real life abusers and you're traumatizing every abuse survivor.
I can think of countless examples off the top of my head of real life human beings being harassed and bullied and called all kinds of nasty names for the fictional content they create about fictional characters. Like, I cannot stress enough the irony of these puritans spouting off in woke-enese about how "dangerous" certain fans are being incredibly verbally and emotionally abusive to people in this fandom. A fanartist on Instagram was painting portraits of each of the ACOTAR characters, and as a fun framing device, each painting was meant to be a painting that Feyre would make, and the captions talked about how the artist thought Feyre would paint this character. A charming and delightful series taking advantage of the fact that the main character is a painter, right? WRONG!!! This artist did a painting of Tamlin, and she was raked across the coals for DARING to even IMPLY that Feyre ever even THOUGHT about Tamlin or could even CONSIDER forgiving him enough to paint him. She was accused of "forcing an abuse survivor to think about her abuser." Like, do you see how absurd that is?? Feyre isn't real!! Nobody forced anybody to do anything! That's the kind of batshit insane nonsense we're dealing with.
Not to mention any depicition or joking about the series' villains is seen as you endorsing REAL LIFE VILLAINY!! me and my friends are constantly under fire for DARING to enjoy villainous characters or dark content. I feel like I shouldn't even have to say it, but the content that you create and consume doesn't say anything about you as a person. People who are very well adjusted, kind, and happy will engage with dark content for a variety of reasons. Some use it as a coping/healing mechanism, some just find dark content fascinating and worthy of exploration, and some people have dark fantasies. This fandom behaves as if the things you make and consume are examples of what you consider "healthy" and things that you want to do to real life people. It's INCONCEIVABLE to them that you could enjoy something in fiction and not endorse it in real life. INCONCEIVABLE!!
Aside from the irony of people claiming to battle against toxicity screaming violent insults at real life people over fictional characters, this is very very funny. Those of us that have been in the rarepair trenches in other fandoms can't help but laugh at these grown ass women losing their minds because somebody drew a blonde man. The culmination of this has been the runners of Elain Week refusing to even SEE characters they don't like. The visage of Tamlin will shatter their fragile minds and send them to their early graves. And this isn't even TOUCHING how their standard for which characters are Acceptable and which ones aren't is almost solely decided by what the author has explicitly stated and not based on any critical thinking or analysis.
The sheer and utter absurdity of this fandom in particular being SO hung up on canon should be studied. SJM is such a poor writer that she contradicts canon within the same book. I am firmly convinced that nobody actually reads her novels all the way through before they are published. This canon is bad. Which is why it's so baffling that this fandom in particular is so obsessed with canon and what the author has stated both within the books and in interviews. SJM says this character is bad, and so they are BAD!!! This character is good, and so they are GOOD. Oftentimes if you see people try to tear down Tamlin, they'll bring up SJM saying that he's abusive in interviews, talking about how she doesn't like him, and bringing up that she put a hotline for abuse survivors in the back of one of the books. SJM has said that he's an abuser, and so therefore he IS, and there is no further investigation.
Again, a kindergarden concept I didn't think I'd have to explain to a bunch of grown adults on the internet, but a creator's intention is not the end all be all of discussion. It's certainly a part of the analysis, but it is also up to the reader to determine if the author has convinced you of the story they're trying to tell. For example, the creator Joss Whedon clearly created Buffy the Vampire Slayer to be a feminist, empowering show for women. However, the viewer can watch the show and point out areas where he failed in this intention and allowed misogyny, racism, and homophobia to seep into his works. Imagine if every time you tried to criticize a "feminist" show made by a man, the fans screamed at you that the creator said it's feminist, and so therefore it is, and that's the end of that.
This is PARTICULARLY galling with SJM's villains. A lot of them are just...not written well, or convincingly, or realistically. BUT a lot of them are sexual predators, and so any discussion about them and their character is cut off at the source. SJM tells you that these people are BAD GUYS and you have to accept it, otherwise you're defending r*pists. It's especially hilarious because a lot of her "good" guys also commit many horrible acts. Part of the hilarity of the Elain Week nonsense is that the man that the creators ship Elain with, Azriel, is a PROFESSIONAL TORTURER. But SJM says he's good and sympathetic, so therefore, he is. And it's an entirely different essay to go into how SJM portrays her female villains, and I got Cancelled for it last time I tried so NO YOU CANT MAKE ME!!!
Lastly, I'll mention the bloated victim complex of people that like popular things. Again, not unique to ACOTAR fandom, but certainly very prevalent. The people who are in the majority NEED to feel like they're the underdog, fighting the good fight. Hence having the people who like one of the MAIN CHARACTERS and one of the Top 5 Most Popular Ships acting like they are Jesus on the cross for shipping Elain and Bland Dude #4. They work themselves into a paranoid frenzy, feeling attacked at every twist and turn. I would bet my LIFE that the people that run Elain Week have never even seen Beron/Elain content, let alone had it submitted to their event. But they got themselves all worked up about the Evil Tamlin Cabal RUINING THE EVENT that they made these rules that are simply ridiculous. And it backfired on them. Me and my friends have been accused of ruining other character weeks for making content for ships that WE like but the moderators don't. They'll see one single Rhysand/Tamlin drawing and act like you've fucking shot them. They genuinely feel like nobody likes Feyre or Rhysand, the most popular characters, and everyone supports Tamlin. It's insane and they need to get offline. I've seen people wearing Night Court merch in real life. Trust me, you won. You are not the victim.
#asks#acotar#YOU ASKED FOR IT#elaingate#or at least elaingate adjacent#It's my bedtime and I'm eepy so this might be rambly#but PLEASE ENJOY
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Dyslexic Feyre
Probably already stated, but dyslexic Feyre would have been a vibe. Her being dyslexic would have explained how she was illiterate at 19 when she still would have access to formal education before their family wealth got totalled. Perhaps she found difficulties due to her dyslexia and instead of focusing on her studies, her being a child, found other things that made her happy e.g. exploring as a way to distract from things that made her feel different. Another barrier between her and her sister's upbringing.
Would have been even better if her dyslexia had stayed after turning fae. Now she's an adult without the distraction of her "duties to her family," she could have taken the time to find her own mode of learning that's accessible to her - maybe something the humans didn't know about. Because writing random self-important sentences about a dude for a few weeks does not suddenly remedy illiteracy. If that was the case, then it could be said that she held herself back if learning became so easy. She was her own barrier, narratively seen when she refused Tamlin's offer to help initially with poetry due to...embarrassment? Clearly it's something she hides well if even she own sisters weren't aware.
Either way, having her so vocally forward when speaking with other HL's but still stammering when trying to read Nyx's children's book would be so real. Don't know how she can suddenly grasp courtly documents, though. Let alone her level of comprehension to internalise that would lead to solutions.
If there wasn't a clear reason why she couldn't read before, then it shouldn't have been a plot point, is all I'm saying. Create another reason to have Lucien in a cage that wasn't reliant of Feyre knowing basic phonics and blending. I dunno. Test her stamina where she has to hold the rope attached to the mechanism that would skewer him. His survival dependant on her frail strength and pure determination to save a fae. A testament of character. Make it more twisted with having another fae she knows and then having to choose which survives and which dies.
(Came across a man teaching himself how to read on insta and I was honestly so proud of his progress. His frustration, his joy, his focus and dedication - amazing. Then I got reminded of Feyre and how reading is randomly no longer a barrier, so I came here to rant.)
#feyre critical#feyre acheron#rhysand critical#Tamlin#reading#comprehension#dyslexia#acotar critical#sjm critical
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Lucien is a survivor abuse and assault, war, and torture. He's clinging to stability with a scarcity of options. He's trauma bonded with an unstable friend who went dark. We want characters who've had it hard to win their golden hour.
And.
None of that:
Requires Elain to accept something she does not want from someone she does not want. Understanding why a person is in pain, and recognizing the context for their struggles, is not a bargain to accept something against one's will.
Imagining Lucien, hundreds of years old, blame shifting responsibility to compensate for his years of hurt onto a 20something year old who didn't even want to be there with a "You owe me this because I'm due," is coldly nauseating. Elain is not his consolation prize, and thank the Mother she knows it; even if no one else does.
▪︎ Such rationale softens Tamlin's abuse of Feyre
▪︎ Such rationale extends that Morrigan owes Az (who is possibly her mate?)
Terrifying logic to follow through. Definitely not a storyline focused on empowerment and autonomy.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Rhysand is a survivor of abuse, trauma, brutality, and loss. He clings to his loves like salvation from his crimes past, and wrestles complexly with deserving happiness, and protecting that which they have.
And.
None of that:
Means therefore, that Azriel is not worth the same hope for love against all odds. It can't be romantic for Rhys, but criminal for Az. None of it makes Rhys' manipulation and subjugation of Azriel and Elain alright.
▪︎ Call back to ACOFrost & Starlight when Rhys acknowledges that he and Az are more alike than is recognized.
Az is vulnerable to the accusations Rhys slanders him with in the study in the BC of SF, and his brother knows it.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Nesta has survived starvation, tragedy, assault, terror, and suffering. Her self worth splintered to the bones following the war with Hybern, devastated and internally fleeing from her failing to try, not dissimilar from the way her father failed to try for them.
And.
None of that:
Requires that Elain accept mistreatment or cruelty from the sister she adores, when that sister is cutting down anyone in her path with her pain. It takes some real courage to release a trauma bond so that both parties are free to heal on their journeys.
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All to say:
° Our fears and hurts don't justify stomping on the agency and worth of others.
° You should not carry what someone won't let go of.
° Boundaries are excellent tools for healing.
° Elain is right to hold hers.
#acotar#rhys get your therapist#azriel respects boundaries#no justifications for abuse#pro elain#pro azriel#pro nesta#pro lucien#pro anyone learning boundaries and autonomy#trauma journeys and healing#pro anyone learning agency and empowerment
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— ⁺ FEYRE and RHYSAND , character planning • m o d e r n a u
FEYRE
Sophomore at Velaris University
Art History Major, Painting Minor
Lives on campus with Mor and Amren
Works part-time at the campus McDonald’s
RHYSAND
Senior at Velaris University
Pre-Law Major, Economics Minor
Lives in an off-campus apartment with Azriel and Cassian
Works part-time at his father’s Law Firm
NESTA
Senior at Velaris University
Pre-Law Major, Creative Writing Minor
Lives in an off-campus apartment with Gwyn and Emerie
Works part-time at the campus radio station
Tutors part-time in the Writing Center
ELAIN
Junior at Velaris University
Landscape Architecture Major
Lives off-campus with her boyfriend, Lucien
Works part-time as a cake decorator at a grocery store
Is a Teaching Assistant for the College of Design
LUCIEN
Junior at Velaris University
International Relations and Affairs Major, Political Science Minor
Lives off-campus with his girlfriend, Elain
Student Body President
CASSIAN
Senior at Velaris University
Kinesiology Major
Lives off-campus in an apartment with Rhys and Azriel
Drummer in a band with Azriel and Eris
Works part-time as a personal trainer at the VU fitness center
AZRIEL
Junior at Velaris University
Criminal Justice Major
Lives off-campus in an apartment with Rhys and Cassian
Lead singer in a band with Cassian and Eris
Works part-time at the campus radio station
ERIS
Senior at Velaris University
Pre-Law Major, Business Administration Minor
Secretly wanted to study veterinary medicine
Lives off-campus, alone
Bassist in a band with Cassian and Azriel
Works part-time at his father’s Law Firm
Works part-time at a pet adoption center
THEO
ORIGINAL CHARACTER, Eris’ boyfriend
Junior at Velaris University
Double Major in Biology and Veterinary Medicine
Lives on-campus with roommates
Works part-time at a pet adoption center
Works part-time as a Research Assistant
GWYN
Junior at Velaris University
Anthropology Major, History Minor
Lives off-campus in an apartment with Nesta and Emerie
Works part-time as a Research Assistant
Works part-time at the campus library
EMERIE
Junior at Velaris University
Culinary Arts Major, Entrepreneurship Minor
Lives off-campus in an apartment with Gwyn and Nesta
Works part-time at a local restaurant, Court of Dreams
MOR
Sophomore at Velaris University
Sports Management Major
Lives on-campus with Feyre and Amren
Works part-time as a football team student manager
AMREN
Sophomore at Velaris University
Undecided, General Studies Major
Lives on-campus with Feyre and Mor
TAMLIN
Senior at Velaris University
Agriculture Major
Lives off-campus with Andras
Works part-time at the campus McDonald’s
JURIAN
Senior at Velaris University
Nursing Major
Lives off-campus with his girlfriend, Vassa
VASSA
Junior at Velaris University
Political Science Major, Public Relations Minor
Lives off-campus with her boyfriend, Jurian
Student Body Vice-President
#feysand#feysand fanfic#feyre archeron#rhys#rhysand#nesta archeron#cassian#nessian#lucien vanserra#elain archeron#elucien#azriel#gwyn berdara#gwynriel#jurian and vassa#eris x oc#feysand modern au#acotar#acotar fanfic#sjm#emerie x mor#the valkyries#inner circle#band of exiles
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So I saw a Nesta anti say they want a normal civil convo on why we like Nesta because they just don’t see it. I can respect someone trying to see a different POV so I wrote an extremely long essay on it and I think since my tags aren’t working I wanted to share this. For context, person said that Nesta is abusive and they have provided textual evidence. They also said Nesta excuses her actions because of her mental health. So they wanted to see what we see different because that is all they see. I thought I’d share this ridiculously long exposition I wrote out, since this is the most writing I’ve done in months.
Addition: I saw this creator say they understand why Nesta lashes out and acts so harmfully but their issues is the stans who excuse her actions. I do see Nesta stans who ignore some of the “bad” things she’s done but that’s really not the majority. Also if your issue is the fandom and not the character itself, idk if you’re really an anti. I hate Rhys stans, I’m not really anti Rhys. I dislike some of his actions but I more so hate his fans. It’s not the same thing.
My reply:
I think there's a lot to unpack here but I'll try my best to explain. I've seen your posts before where you bring evidence of Nesta's abuse on Feyre. And I'll give it to you. Yes. That is abuse. It's verbal abuse, it's mental or emotional abuse, and yes it's wrong. All of it is actually textbook, and yes, lots of Nesta stans like to say it's not because they are siblings but yes, unfortunately, abuse is abuse. (Addition: no one is saying verbal or mental abuse isn’t as impactful or dangerous as physical. It is. Studies have shown verbal abuse can at times register as physical pain and abuse to victims. And yes, Nesta was abusive to Feyre growing up. But my key word is WAS).
That being said, I have never thought Nesta gives her mental health as an excuse for her actions or words. If anything, she is completely closed off about what her own upbringing and traumas were like until we were well into acosf. If you can move on from the first few chapters of acotar, you can see that deep down Nesta loves Feyre and even her father.
It is Nesta who goes after Feyre and tries to get across the wall. It is Nesta who tells Feyre it is okay to go back to her life with Tamlin- and she tells her, don't come back, not in "we hate you" way, but in a, you've taken care of us, you've shouldered this burden, and I'm telling you it's okay and letting you go. It is Nesta and Elain who are turned Fae against their will, and you know, it is unfortunately Feyre's fault. Was that the goal? No. But you can understand some bitterness on Nesta's part. Even so, with all the trauma she went through in the Cauldron, she sees the importance of speaking to the High Lords about what is coming with Hybern and she does. She has a sense of morality and inner self, and she doesn't want to act like a coward even though she admits to everyone she is afraid. It is Nesta who helps in the war anyway that she can with the healers and the scrying, even though her entire life has just been upended and again, this is so scary to her. Everything about this new life is scary to her but she is trying.
Then her father dies and what little progress she had sort of reverses significantly and quickly. I will argue that Nesta has not at all been abusive to anyone past Feyre's childhood and the few first chapters of Acotar. Being mean to people who invade your personal space (Mor, Cassian) every once in a while is not abusive. It's just being a bitch. And honestly, everyone in acotar for the most part has had their bitchy moments.
She never excuses her actions and words. In fact, she KNOWS what she's doing. She's well aware of the hurt she's caused in the past and what her regrets are with her family and it tears her up inside, which is why she so rarely addresses it to herself and definitely not to others.
Why we love her? I think she's so different from all the other characters in acotar because she is so jagged. Because she admits that she's broken and sad and lost and she refuses to make it nice for everyone else's sake. That doesn't mean she keeps punishing people around her even though I've seen many antis say she does. Nesta moves away from Feyre and the IC when she's spiraling and the only times we get references of her being mean is when she's forced to meet them and play nice. Think of it this way- your dad is dead, you're grieving, you haven't had the 500 years plus of experience to navigate this in a healthy way, and people are constantly in your face either trying to get you to play nice or judging you foe it. Many antis love Rhys's quote on how Elain is nice or how Mor is so nice even though she's been through so much. But the reality is this, hurt people are HURT. They are not happy. It's not a realistic expectation for a person going through a major depressive episode to put on a facade to make everyone else feel good about themselves. It's not even in any selfish way, their mind is literally incapable of doing it because they are stuck in grief or numbness.
I think a lot of her stans, myself included love her because we see ourselves in her. Saying the wrong thing and then regretting it afterwards. Being stuck in our own minds and constantly being sad and anxious about everything and having nowhere to turn. Keep in mind that when Feyre was depressed, Rhys constantly tried to help. When Nesta was depressed, Feyre even admits rather than stepping in and doing something about it, she let it go on because she thought it would be fine. Everyone did. Cassian did that, Elain did that, even Amren somewhat. And maybe it would have been but we see it wasn't. I'm not going to argue about how wrong the entire "rehab" bit was, because that's not the point here.
In acosf we see Nesta deal with her inner demons. She reflects on her mother, who we can tell was somewhat emotionally abusive and definitely manipulative. Her grandmother was physically and verbally abusive. We hear her self doubt and we hear her tell Cassian she regrets what she did growing up in that cabin, she regrets how she treated Feyre, and she has no idea how to make it better. It is so much self hatred and it has morphed into something that forces her to lash out on people when they even slightly push. It's not healthy, but again, it's not abusive. Another issue is that besides Feyre and Cassian and Azriel, everyone else around her is NOT helping the situation. You can have your favs too but the fact is, Rhys constantly provokes and goads her. He has a grudge against Nesta and he has in writing admitted that he holds her to a higher standard than Elain. Mor tells her she wants to throw her into the Hewn City, a place known for brutalizing and abusing women. Amren calls her pathetic and a waste of space. This is a woman who is extremely depressed and on the verge of suicidal. None of these taunts and behaviors is kind and it probably does even more damage but we never hear anyone talk about that unless we bring it up in Nesta's defense.
I think there is another thing to account for. Feyre wants Nesta in her life. It is very different if Feyre said, you know what, I resent everything you did to me and I don't want you in my life. And I'll admit it, Feyre would be valid to do that. But she doesn't! That's a key fact. Feyre wants Nesta in her life, she wants this relationship intact. And by doing so, that means accepting that there will be days when Nesta will not be her best self, when she will lash out and say mean things in retaliation. It would be a very different story if Feyre went no contact. But it's not. And to be so hateful towards Nesta never really made sense to me since Feyre herself is her biggest advocate.
It is FEYRE, who stands by her sister when anyone tears her down. It is Feyre who tells Rhys off everytime he makes a snide comment and that's often. It is Feyre who explains to Cassian that she knows how much Nesta cares and how difficult it is for her to show her true feelings (this is Feyre giving not an excuse but an explanation for Nesta's behavior, something Nesta doesn't bother to do.) Feyre defends Nesta more than Nesta does for herself, because Nesta never does. I'd argue that Feyre loves Nesta more than Nesta loves herself. And even by the end of acosf it's not clear if Nesta has a good and healthy self love for herself but she most definitely loves Feyre very much.
One random thing that I see antis love to run with- Nesta didn't teach Feyre how to read. Nesta didn't know. She says that to Feyre, she's very surprised to learn this, and it's in writing. Now Feyre does say she didn't think Nesta would teach her, which also hurts but also surprises Nesta. Because she says no, we would have taught you why didn't you tell us. Because Nesta has not seen the damage she has done to Feyre with her words until they have these moments and talks. To Nesta, she was lashing out because she was so angry at their father for not doing more to keep them alive. And to be clear it did fall more on their father than any of the children. But I do believe that had Nesta realized how truly hurtful and damaging her words were to Feyre, she would have stopped. Each time Feyre admits something that affects her about Nesta's actions, Nesta mulls it over and is shocked. It shows compassion and objectivity towards herself. She sees an error in her ways and she tries her best to correct it.
Now onto the controversial reveal on Feyre's pregnancy. First things first, Rhys has no excuse to lie the way he did. None. And in our modern world, that is indeed considered spousal abuse. Now as to why Nesta said it- yeah, she does it for the wrong reasons. We hear it in her POV. She is so angry at Amren, she is so angry at everyone for lying to her and sitting around discussing her and then saying that she needs to be the respectful one. But, and this is so important, the minute she says it she instantly regrets it. She KNOWS she's fucked up. She hates that Feyre is crying and hurt and it's because of her. A truly abusive sister who's as cruel and heartless as everyone makes her out to be would have relished in the hurt she caused. But she doesn't. She just hates herself even more for what happened. And the fact that Rhys's threat doesn't even upset her, the fact that she is just so done and ready to die on that hike should tell you this is not someone who enjoys hurting anyone. Everything is aimed at hurting herself.
Antis like to say that Nesta saving Feyre and Nyx was the bare minimum. And sure. Yes. It is. But that's not the point. The point of that entire scene and end is that Nesta took from the Cauldron in anger and hate and vengeance for what was done to her. She stole it as a big fuck you to the Cauldron and everything else that forced her to turn Fae. And she fears that power and never touches it, never wants to actually use it, because she hates it. And yet, when Feyre is dying, Nesta is willing to do anything. She will use the power she fears to try and save her and most importantly, she willingly gives it back and says she will give it all back as long as Feyre is safe. The very thing she took out of anger and retribution, she will let that go. She will let it all go as long as she can keep Feyre alive. Is that not love? Is it not growth and healing?
I think one of the issues with SJM as a writer is sometimes she shows instead of telling. You need to do a lot of reading between the lines sometimes to understand her characters. Nesta especially because she is very much so an actions over words person and shes so rarely upfront with how she's feeling. And not just Nesta, we see this issue with Cassian too. Because they both do things to represent and signify love and honor and sacrifice yet their words can be jagged and mean and give off a different impression.
Just to reiterate, there's never been a time that Nesta has actively used her poor mental health to excuse and justify her words or actions. In fact, more often than not we hear more about how angry and hateful she is towards herself and how much she regrets her past. A true villain would offer excuses and justify what they've done. The most we ever get with Nesta is an explanation regarding her upbringing and trauma, and to clear it up, an explanation is not an excuse. Nesta never excuses her actions. When she's being honest with herself and her feelings she admits her errors, she admits to her shame, and she says she wants to do better and be better.
Another thing I think is important to remember is that SJM herself sees Nesta as a strong impactful character. She herself said in an interview, no, you aren't supposed to hate Nesta and she's quite surprised people do because after she re-evaluated her own writing during acotar, she realized Nesta is not the villain in this story. She's a hurt girl who's been through some horrible things and her life experiences have then impacted how she acts and reacts. SJM said sees herself in Nesta. She has denounced Tamlin as an abuser many times and would never put forward a main character with this much impact on the plot of this book and the Crescent City series if she thought otherwise.
This was super long but I'm happy you've tried to see it from another POV. I won't be getting into arguments with people who DM me or message unkindly on this post simply because I don't care. Acosf came out years ago and I'm no longer in the mood to engage with anyone who won't try and keep things civil in a conversation about fictional characters.
Have a good day!
#Nesta archeron#nesta#pro nesta#pro nesta archeron#acosf#a court of silver flames#cassian#acotar#a court of thorns and roses#a court of mist and fury#a court of wings and ruins#feyre archeron#pro feyre#pro feyre archeron
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If you had a choice out of the ACOTAR cast who would you think could be Tamlin’s mate? And if it’s not someone in the cast what kind of background or original character would you think may be better?
Me.
But in all realness I don't think there's been a character in any of the books that I would ship him with. If we get a Tamlin book they would have to be introduced then. In my mind I think it would be better if they were some random fae who just happened to stumble across the high lord of the spring court withering away. She's had trouble with depression in the past, and had to be there for herself so she helps him because she knows how hard it is. Going out to get food for them, cooking it, bringing life back into the mansion by cleaning and just being there. Every so often trying to get him to go out and help his people that had nowhere to go after the war. Trying to get Tamlin to open up. Their relationship would be one sided for a very long time because honestly he thinks he's worthless. Why would someone so beautiful and kind be helping him this much? Don't you know what everyone says about him? But he's not an idiot, he can feel the way his heart tugs and pulls when you're around. The way it feels like half of him has been replaced by something foreign but so incredibly warm that he wants nothing more than to explore it. But he doesn't let himself. She would have to be around for at least a year🤷🏾♀️ Helping him put his court back together and his people love her. We know it's bad for both parties to ignore a mating bond but she won't even mention it until he brings it up. She will choose him but she wants him to choose her. Sleeps outside his door incase he has nightmares, which he will. Brings food to him while he's in his study. I think Tamlin owns a piano (sue me) so she plays it to lighten the mood. Builds an orphanage for displaced children who lost their relatives. I think the turning point would be when she overhears him talking to Lucien about calanmai and he's refusing because he doesn't want to be with anyone else but her but he just doesn't know how to go about it after everything. He's just really scared to mess everything up and to end up alone again. Especially now that he knows he has someone specifically for him. Also she likes the aesthetic of the spring court, and the dresses :/
I could go on for days but this is already long. Sorry
Honestly this entire thing is just my oc's background.
I have no oc. It's just me.
But I might do a whole series on this. Just writing out my delusions. Thanks for this though because it's making me want to get back into writing :)
#also i see her as a black fae#but im also black so thats probably why#blinded by the fiddle🎻#acotar#tamlin#acomaf#acosf#pro tamlin#a court of thorns and roses#acowar#anti feyre#hes so bbg#want him so fucking bad#only in my dreams#*cries*
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🤷🤷I just see friendship 🤷🤷
"Vassa is like Jesminda!"
Jesminda had been all laughter and mischief, too wild and free to be contained by the country life that she’d been born into.
Only a few years older than me, but … young-feeling. Coltish. Fierce and untamed, despite her curse.
I think some feel "wild and free" is comparable to "fierce and untamed" but Lucien describes Jesminda as laughter and mischief, which is playful. Feyre's opinion of Vassa reads as a strong, bold warrior, untamed in a feral sort of way rather than a full of life sort of way.
A cruel smile curved Vassa’s mouth.
“We shall discuss this later,” she declared. “Along with the threat my fellow queens pose.”
Either she didn’t know or didn’t care that I was also a queen in my right. Nesta smirked. “Good luck with that.”
Vassa rolled her eyes
(Do those things sound like the way Lucien described Jesminda?)
Lucien, surprisingly, was chuckling, his shoulders loose and his head angled while he listened.
Lucien is a very compassionate friend and enjoys having fun. His reaction to Vassa is not special to Vassa and he's canonically observant and a good listener in general. Which we'd seen plenty of throughout the series. The only reason it's been missing from his character as of late is because of his current situation, having been uncomfortable in the NC, SA and chased out of Spring.
But Lucien grinned at me. “Much better.”
A cork popped, followed by the sounds of Lucien chugging the bottle’s contents and chuckling with a muttered “Brushed.”
Lucien remained sitting on the blanket and lifted the bottle of wine in salute. He took a slug from it as he sprawled on his back and gazed at the green canopy.
Lucien smirked. “Apologies, Feyre.”
A valiant effort,” Lucien said with a smirk.
“Ah.” Lucien chuckled. “Well, Tam’s not the only one who gets to perform the rite tonight. Once he makes his choice, we’re free to mingle
“I see,” I lied, not quite seeing at all. Lucien chuckled, sensing it, and I glared sidelong at him.
The look he gave me was more contemplative than any he’d given me before. “I know far too many High Fae and lesser faeries who wouldn’t have seen it that way—or bothered.” He reached for something at his side and tossed it to me. I had to fight to stay in the saddle as I fumbled for it—a jeweled hunting knife.
Lucien gave a slight nod and leaned back in his chair—to listen, to observe.
Tamlin didn’t take his eyes off me as he said to Lucien, “Get. Out.” There was enough violence in the words that neither Lucien nor I objected this time as he slipped from the room and shut the double doors behind him. I speared my power into the hall, sensing him sitting on the foot of the stairs. Listening.
And when I grew bored with studying and fighting … I learned what I could of the land from its people. Learned about the people, too.”
of all the sounds that Lucien so carefully sorted through while he kept watch. His attention slid to me at one point and lingered. I dreamed that he removed his cloak and added it over my blanket.
Lucien squeezed our linked arms as we rounded a hedge
Lucien loosed a heavy sigh and slid an arm around my waist, the other threading through my hair to cradle my head. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I’m sorry.” He held me, stroking soothing lines down my back. / I peered into his concerned face.
“I have an old friend at the Dawn Court. She’s skilled at tinkering—blending magic and machinery. Tamlin got her to craft it for me at great risk.” A hateful smile from Jurian. “Does your little mate have a rival?” (<- note how anytime Lucien shows respect for females someone assumes it's something more than it is?).
Not to mention, Lucien and Feyre's friendship will probably never be what it once was, what with them belonging to different courts. Whereas SJM gave Feyre her Mate in Rhys, she also gave her male friendships in Cassian and Az. Lucien has lost Tamlins friendship and Feyre's to some extent so his getting along with Vassa seems to be SJM setting up a new group of friends to carry his story forward, male and female alike. It's important for him to develop a support system with friends (i.e. Vassa and Jurian) before he develops a romantic relationship with someone.
She had teased him, taunted him—seduced him so thoroughly that he hadn’t wanted anything but her.
He’s voluntarily living with them these days, and not just as an emissary. As their friend.”
Vassa rolled her eyes, then looked to Lucien, who sank onto the sofa beside Jurian. Like the Fae male had settled similar arguments between them before. But Lucien’s attention was upon Cassian.
Cassian’s heart strained at the pain etching deep into Lucien’s face as he tried to hide his disappointment and longing.
I don't know about you but it doesn't sound like Vassa has convinced Lucien he doesn't want anything but her.
Also.... Vassa wants to be in the Day Court, living with the Fae? Because she's cursed during the day?
A once-proud queen—still proud, yes, but desperate to reclaim her freedom. Her human body. Her kingdom.
Both trying to lead the humans who occupied the sliver of land at the southernmost end of Prythian. Left ungoverned for so long. Too long. No king or queen remained in these lands. No memory of their name, their lineage.
“Vassa and Jurian are two sides of the same coin. Mercifully, their vision for the future of the human territories is mostly aligned.
Where are there any hints that she's interested in ruling over the Fae? That she plans on abandoning the humans?
Why are people so certain Lucien will be the one to break her curse? Do they think his abilities will trump that of Helion? Or is it possible that it's not a spell which can be broken by Feyre, Helion OR Lucien?
“Can you break my curse?” “I—I don’t know how to break those kinds of spells,” I admitted. Her face fell. I added, “But … we can try.”
I’d never seen such spell work. I’d sent my power over her, Helion too, hunting for any possible threads to unbind it. I found none. It was as if the curse was woven into her very blood.
It sounds like Lucien isn't the key to breaking Vassa's curse at all. My money's on Elain but, that's a whole different theory.
"But Lucien blushed over Vassa!"
Did he though?
“You sound like an acolyte.” Lucien blushed, glancing at Elain.
Is it not possible that Lucien is blushing because he's embarrassed that Feyre is reading into the friendly respect he has for Vassa in front of HIS MATE? Someone who canonically shows respect for females? As we've seen Lucien do time and again? (“I gathered that much after you took on Dagdan and walked away from it.” “I had the element of surprise on my side.” “No,” Lucien said quietly as I reached for a foothold in the next boulder. “That was all you.) Instead, people believe that he's blushing because he developed a crush on someone he only just met after rescuing her from her imprisonment? As they marched to war? While getting to know his Mates father? 🤔
Let's not forget Feyre blushing for Az:
A shake of the head. “You’re an artist—it was your attention to detail.” I blushed a bit at the compliment, and braced my hands on my hips. “Well? Do we jump into the skies?”
Blushing does not always indicate romance and there are other examples of this throughout the series.
The fact is, there is only one female Lucien responds to in a way he's never responded to any other female, one female he longs for regardless of being around other females (despite living with Vassa for a year). Only one who is "the most beautiful female he'd ever seen" which makes him feel guilty because he once thought the same of Jesminda, yet another female has now been given that title.
Why would someone even want Vassa to be with a male who has thought / felt the exact same things that both Rhysand and Cassian thought / felt for their mates?
#elucien#pro elucien#elain archeron#anti vassien#vassa acotar#elain and lucien#jesminda#lucien vanserra
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(This is neither a pro nor anti post, this is merely to criticise SJM's writing. However, it will be tagged as "anti" because if I tag it neutral, I'll get jumped❤️)
Ah yes, the infamous communication void in Sarah J. Maas's books—a void so deep it could probably swallow the entire Night Court and still be hungry. SJM doesn’t just dabble in miscommunication; she throws her characters into emotional landmines and says, "You figure it out... or don’t." And that’s where the fated mates trope comes in, right? It’s supposed to patch up that mess with some mystical connection, as if being mates magically grants couples ESP-level knowledge of each other’s deepest feelings. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t.
Let’s dive into why SJM’s version of communication—or lack thereof—just doesn’t hold water.
The Fated Mate Shortcut
In theory, fated mates should have some magical telepathic bond that transcends words. It's the ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card for character development: why build healthy communication skills when the mating bond can conveniently swoop in to fill the gaps? In Maas’s world, this idea is wielded like an all-powerful tool: mates just know what the other is feeling, and therefore don't need to use this wild, ancient concept called words. The idea that fated mates can "sense" each other's emotions essentially sidelines the necessity of open dialogue. But here’s the problem: emotional intuition ≠ effective communication.
Psychologically speaking, emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing your own emotions and the emotions of others. That’s not mind-reading! You can be deeply connected to someone, even soul-tied, and still have no idea what’s going on in their head. People are complex, and relationships require actual verbal communication to navigate emotional landscapes.
Take Feyre and Tamlin. They clearly loved each other but weren’t mates, which might be why their lack of communication felt so tangible and raw. The failure to express needs, fears, and insecurities is what led to their downfall, and honestly? That’s valid. Miscommunication or inability to communicate is one of the most common—and understandable—reasons relationships end. But do we get that sense of growth and change when Feyre hooks up with Rhysand? Not really. It’s like the narrative shifts gears from "Tamlin doesn’t understand Feyre" to "Rhysand just knows because they’re mates," completely skipping the part where Feyre needs to actually talk about what she went through.
The "Communication-Free" Mating Bond
Now we get to the Rhysand-Feyre dynamic. Once they're revealed as mates, it’s as though any need for in-depth conversations about feelings becomes redundant. The bond is treated as an unbreakable connection that automatically compensates for any emotional roadblocks. Rhysand messes up? It's okay, they’re mates. Feyre’s spiraling emotionally? Don’t worry, the bond will smooth that over. In psychological terms, this reliance on a supernatural bond as a "fix" is classic avoidant behavior. Instead of confronting the discomfort of working through problems, the narrative leans into this magical quick-fix. They’re bonded for life—problem solved, right?
Except it’s not.
Relationships—good ones, healthy ones—are built on effective communication, trust, and vulnerability. The mere presence of a fated mate bond doesn’t remove the need for these things. Mates don’t automatically understand each other’s trauma just because of some mystical bond. Imagine being so emotionally stunted that instead of apologizing or owning up to your mistakes, you’re just like, "But we’re mates, so it’s fine." Spoiler alert: it’s not fine.
Nessian: Miscommunication Meets the Mating Bond
And then we have Nesta and Cassian, whose relationship could be the ultimate case study in how not to communicate. Nesta, dealing with PTSD and trauma, is paired with Cassian, who—for all his supposed swagger—cannot for the life of him communicate effectively. They constantly clash, avoid real conversations about their pain, and sweep everything under the rug with physical intimacy. They kiss and make up, but no one is really talking. And that’s not love; that’s avoidance. It's like putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound.
The bond between them is used as a crutch. When they fight, we’re supposed to believe that their mate bond will fix things eventually, but that's simply not how relationships work. Kissing your partner instead of discussing real problems is fine for a silly argument, but when it comes to serious issues—trauma, boundaries, power imbalances—it’s irresponsible. And the fact that Maas frames this as healthy because they’re mates is the narrative equivalent of gaslighting the reader into accepting toxic dynamics.
In psychological terms, this is where we see the conflict-avoidant and emotionally avoidant behaviors on full display. Cassian and Nesta both lack the emotional tools to effectively navigate their struggles, yet instead of being called out, their dysfunction is wrapped up in a bow of "fated mates" as if that’s supposed to be a solution. It’s not. The reality is that their bond does nothing to facilitate real healing; it’s just there as a placeholder for emotional growth that never comes.
The Unhealthy Dynamic
In psychology, we talk about secure attachment as the cornerstone of healthy relationships. You can have a deep connection, but you also need to work on things like trust, openness, and communication. What happens in Maas’s world is the opposite: the characters are codependent on this fated bond, rather than working toward a healthy attachment style. And SJM lets them off the hook. This narrative implies that emotional labor and apologizing for mistakes don’t really matter because "the bond will fix it." Not only does this undermine real, meaningful growth, but it also glosses over the entire point of relationships: to grow and learn together through the hard stuff.
When it comes to Cassian and Nesta, they literally can’t communicate. Cassian has all his own insecurities (hello, always calling himself a brute, never feeling worthy of Rhysand’s inner circle), and Nesta is navigating serious mental health struggles. They’re both drowning, but instead of Maas writing about how they could heal together, she plasters it with the band-aid of "mating bond."
At the end of the day, the whole "fated mates" trope in ACOTAR is a narrative cop-out that excuses bad communication and toxic dynamics. It’s okay to have flawed characters, but the problem is Maas doesn't treat them as flawed. She treats their lack of communication as something normal or even romantic. When in reality, if you can’t talk through your issues with your partner, no magical bond is going to save you.
So yeah, SJM’s version of "fated mates" feels like a lazy way to dodge the hard work of showing real character growth. And if these characters weren’t mates, they’d probably have broken up long ago—because healthy relationships are built on communication, not just magical convenience.
#acotar#anti rhysand#anti ic#anti rhys#anti feyre#pro nesta#anti nessian#anti cassian#sjm critical#anti feysand#like i said i genuinely do not think this is an anti posy#i just dont wanna fight today#tamlin#anti sjm
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Just saw yet another post where Tamlin is listed as being worse than Amarantha, and I’m truly getting tired.
The uneven application of morals and logic—not even in the books, but within the fandom—is so blatant, so over-the-top, that I would say it’s trolling, but it’s not been just people stalking the -anti tags to troll people, it’s within original posts, and friendly reblogs as well. Being annoyed that they would be judged, that people would dismiss their trauma and experiences for liking or not liking a character. And then turning around and saying, about people who like Tamlin or Nesta, that they must not know what real love is, that they must have been abused and liked it, questioning their morals, that they are “abuser apologists,” that they should be studied, should go choke, be shamed, that they would be the kind of people to defend Harvey Weinstein, over and over and over. And then these same people get annoyed when people don’t like Rhysand or the IC, and say people take these books too seriously, that it’s just faerie smut, that they are just fictional characters and it’s silly to see them as more than that. Then pulling Tamlin out of the narrative so he is a real human man and not a fictional 500+ year old faerie. Tamlin’s magic exploding is akin to a real world situation. Rhysand’s magic exploding is fantasy violence. There is no objective truth here. This is all based on people’s opinions. Canon is canon, but everyone has a slightly different version of that canon character because they are made-up characters, and not real people. It’s all in someone’s head. And whatever is not on the page is open to interpretation unless it later gets defined in canon. But it never stays limited to literary critique, or character analysis. It always goes to judgment, bullying, mocking, and harassment of actual people. Every time. It’s been like this since I started being in this fandom, and it remains incredibly pervasive, and I simply don’t get what’s so attractive about it, what’s fun about it, why this is the particular form of wasting time that people prefer. And I don’t know why it still bothers me when I know it’s going to happen every time I enter a social space.
I am deeply frustrated by Rhysand as a character right now, but I don’t hate him. I don’t wish he had stayed dead, I don’t want to write fanfic of him suffering. I actually thought I might like ACOMAF the most out of the first three books for awhile even though I didn’t hate Tamlin. I felt for Feyre in her panic attack in ACOMAF, I felt for Tamlin in ACOFAS. I think his and Rhysand’s history is one of the most interesting unexplored parts of the story. I love the image of them standing facing each other as newly-made High Lords, the blood of each other’s families on their hands, one wreathed in shadow, the other crowned in light. It’s a great image. But all this bullshit just really makes me not want to participate anymore.
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sooo there are some STRONG opinions on a whole lotta characters from what I've observed (on Tumblr atleast) in acotar. I wanna share my two cents on tamlin vs rhysand first
ohh boy. tamlin definitely had a character assassination after the first book.
let's understand the 'caging feyre for her "protection"' thing. now, was tamlin right in doing this? FUCK no. feyre has always been a fighter, not standing on the sidelines, and the way tamlin didn't include her in whatever work made my blood BOIL.
paralleling Rhys; there were so so many instances where he, too, was overprotective over feyre. the thing is, I think his character was somewhat redeemed after the end of the last book. that conversation with Nesta was amazing, then the whole thing with supplying decor and whatnot for the ceremony---that's great
also the amount that Rhys hates tamlin is crazy?? tamlin was the reason he was still alive, although that was for feyre and her 'happiness', as he called it, but he didn't have to
now, tamlin; he definitely got consequences for his actions too.. but like, way too many consequences. he definitely fucked up siding with the king of hybern and in turn making feyre's sisters convert to high fae, but he still betrayed hybern in the war, and also while protecting feyre when she went to rescue elain. like, that should have earned him a lot more sympathy than it did in the books
a thing; I see people using the 'when tamlin went after feyre under the mountain, he tried to hook up with her instead of trying to run away' as a way to saw how tamlin didn't really love her? or something, and to that I'm like. WHAT. amarantha would have obviously realised, and the whole POINT of tamlin ignoring feyre while she did the challenges or whatever was to feign no interest to amarantha. if they would have been caught, tamlin's whole plan would have been for waste.
butttttt I will say this: during the discussion of the high lords before the attack, when tamlin barged in, he was way too aggressive and insulted feyre and NUH UH, HOW DARE YOU???
but that's the thing; tamlin did bad things and he got his consequences, courtesy of feyre herself. but in the end, tamlin lost everything (maybe not Lucien?) and I don't think that was fair
ah well. I don't think I'll be able to formulate a direct opinion whether I'm anti-tamlin or anti-rhys, and I think that is the most beautiful part of the whole story; why? because it shows everyone is flawed in their own way, and when they make mistakes, consequences come.
thank you for reading my unnecessarily long character study after a bing reading session of the 4th part of the last book; can't WAIT to hop over to ao3 for some fics ;))
#acotar#a court of thorns and roses#a court of thorns and roses series#sarah j maas#tamlin#rhysand#my post
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In light of my recent post about Acotar, I wanted to gush some about my favourite Beauty and Beast and Ballad of Tam Lin (and a sprinkle of Bluebeard) YA retelling.
Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge ❤️
This is mostly going to be a gush fest and recommendation for anyone who was also excited by the idea of meshing Beauty and the Beast with Tam Lin and ended up utterly disappointed with Acotar.
Some very mild spoilers (mostly Worldbuilding)
Cruel Beauty is a fun and easy read: YA Fantasy Romance with plenty of popular tropes and archetypes, like the arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, etc
This book still manages to engage in such interesting ways with the original tales it's based on.
Instead of stealing the aesthetic of the Og fairytales and other folklore and mythology like in Acotar.
Any defining fae feature of Sjm's characters is immediately removed in the very beginning of Acotar (the lieing, the iron, etc), turning the characters in what amounts to hot magic people. Even their supposed long lifespans barely impact their behaviour or culture.
Cruel Beauty continuously builts on its roots, making them an intrinsic part of its narrative.
In Acotar outside of the very shallow narrative skeleton of the Beauty and the Beast tale, you could strip away the faerie and folklore elements, and you're left with the same story. The only changes you might need to make are to find a new name for Tamlin (while not that serious, I considered it quite offensive when I first read this series as a teenager that Sjm would take that name and then turn that character into an abuser).
In Cruel Beauty, however, both the defining elements of the Beauty and the Beast story and the Tam Lin story are crucial to the development and resolution of its plot.
The Beast of the story is cursed, as are the inhabitants of his castle. Nyx, our Beauty character, is offered in exchange for a mistake her father made. As she is unknowingly about to break the curse, the Beast lets her go back, but when she returns, it's too late to break the curse.
This is when the story morphes into the Ballad of Tam Lin, and Nyx has to win her lover back from the Faerie Queen in much the same manner as Janet did in the ballad, even saving him from a very similar fate.
The Bluebeard elements, which to me always seemed more like references than an actual retelling, are still really apparent and well integrated.
The representation of the fae is also great in this book. This is especially remarkable due to the fact that the actual words fae or faerie are never used once.
Instead, they are referred to as the Kindly Ones.
However, they are clearly trickster folk who make bargains with unwitting humans that always end up going wrong in cruel ways. They are fair, never directly lie, and always keep their end of the agreement. They place a lot of importance on names, are otherworldly, eerie, etc.
Basically, they actually seem Other, instead of talking and acting like frat bros from the 21st century.
This book differs from a lot of other Fae Fantasy, however, in the way it mixes Greco-Roman Myths with more Celtic Germanic Folklore. It creates a really fun interplay between these cultures, both in-world as well as on a meta level.
First of all, there are some other (in my opinion, more mediocre books) that do throw a lot of mythologies together. CB sets itself apart with the fact that it does so with a lot more purpose than others do.
In many people's minds, different cultures and mythos tend to be viewed as very separate. However, just looking at the Greek and Roman myths, it's already pretty clear that every time cultures clashed, so would their myths and stories.
This is a well studied phenomenon. The romans especially were well known to basically mash up their deities and myths with those of every new culture they interacted with.
And CB uses this brilliantly. The story is set in an alternate timeline, in which, after the fall of Rome, a kingdom known as Arcadia was created by former Roman generals/nobility. This mirrors actual history, during which many early medieval kingdoms would seek their legitimacy in their connections to the Roman Empire (see the Holy Roman Empire aka Germany).
But in CB, the fantastical elements are meshed up in this as well. This allows Rosamund Hodge to create an interesting interplay between the Greco-Roman Mythology imported by the elite in Arcadia and the more Celtic/Germanic Folklore elements native to the land and its population.
So, yeah. Go read Cruel Beauty, please.
#cruel beauty#rosamund hodge#acotar critical#acotar#anti acotar#anti sjm#sjm critical#pro tamlin#i guess#the ballad of tam lin#beauty and the beast#Tam lin#ya fantasy#book recommendations#I actually had whole bit about comparing the characters of Cb and Acotar#but it was a lot#that said Nyx actually has the complicated sister relationship#like Nyx and Astraia hate each other#but they love each other#they would kill for each other#and they do#Nyx is literally ready to murder the love of her life for her sister#sjm could never
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