#sjm predictions

[crazy-ache]

It's very, very interesting to me....

Tower of Dawn (September 5, 2017) and A Court of War and Ruin (May 2, 2017) were released in the same year, only months apart. So I don't think it's far-fetched to believe that there was an overlap in writing, plotting, and planning these books. When you really think about it, you can see many parallels that likely influenced each other.

Specifically Chaol/Yrene and Elain/Lucien.

Both books bring to light:

A soft FMC that does not want to be a warrior or wield a sword

A MMC that is dealing with feelings of guilt and worthlessness

"The world needs more healers." / "I think the world needs more gardens. "

Yrene's healing is a form of light / Lucien's parentage to the Day Court HL

A MMC that has been dealing with issues behind the scenes, separate from the main cast, but that significant work is revealed at a later time

FMCs that are living in a place they call home but aren't truly home

FMCs that try to avoid/maintain distance from the MMC due to prejudices in their heart that are related to the MMC but not directly caused by them (Chaol's identity vs Lucien's bond)

Both encompass a love story that is filled with tension, healing, and growth from both the male and female

And what I also take away from this...

SJM surprised her readers with ToD. Chaol was not mentioned at all in Empire of Storms, but she had always planned to bring him back into the story.

Could this have influenced the way she wrote Elucien in ACOWAR? I think so. She has put their relationship/development on the back burner since that book. There are clear parallels between the two ships, and I wouldn't be surprised if Chaolrene foreshadows a similar path for Elucien.

In terms of what their book will be like....but also how their book will come to be...

Meaning that just because Elain/Lucien were largely missing from ACOSF/HOFAS, she is likely taking her inspiration from ToD (which she was writing when she was in peak Elucien mode in ACOWAR)...and has been intentionally planning the timing of their story.

And just like she did with Chaol/Yrene, she'll pull them back into the story when you least expect it. After everything with Nesta/Az/Crossover....I think this means in this next book.

[ladydeath-vanserra]

me: makes a valid criticism of Rhys yelling at Nesta

this Fandom without missing a beat: Nesta LET her baby SISTER go HUNTING‼️‼️

[ladyelainaes]

oooh I really like this and let me add to this...🫣

So we know that Aelin fell through Prythian in Kingdom of Ash and she saw Rhys & (pregnant) Feyre. And in ACOSF, Rhysand mentioned that there was a very big bright red star shooting across one night sky, this could possibly be Aelin. And that could possibly tell us that KOA and ACOSF are happening at the same time

so I predict that we are in the middle of ACOTAR 5 while we are at the end of HOSAB. So maybe Bryce landed in the middle of ACOTAR 5 book 🫠 and the Inner Circle has to add another problem in their agenda cuz in Maas's universe, a lot of things can happen in the 6-9 months in a book.

The Crossover, Timelines, and the Future of ACOTAR

Disclaimer: This post is a long one, filled with mostly ramblings, and contains spoilers for both the ACOTAR and Crescent City series. Please don’t read on if you haven’t finished either series, mostly CC, as I would hate for anything to be spoiled. Additionally, this is NOT a shipping post and I want to highly discourage any shipping discussion in regards to the contents of this post. I miss fun casual fandom discourse and want lovers of every ship to feel comfortable sharing their options if they feel so inclined. Thanks for taking the time to read this <3 - Court

~~Spoilers Below~~

SO, LET’S GET INTO IT…

Ever since I finished the last chapter of HOSAB I’ve had a lot of questions. Like a lot of questions. But as a reader and lover of both the CC and ACOTAR series, one thing that haunts me is how the crossover is going to impact the ACOTAR narrative moving forward. Especially since CC3 is the next book to be released. 

We know from Miss Sarah Janet herself that both series will be able to be read independently. We also know House of Flame and Shadow is Bryce’s story (and Ruhn and Hunt and all the others) and the focus will be on them. Any appearance of ACOTAR characters will be a treat, a little snack to keep readers of both series fed while they wait for the next book if you will, but what I can’t wrap my head around is the timeline, and how Bryce’s arrival ISN’T going to impact ACOTAR moving forward.

The revelations about the Asteri trying to get back into Prythian, the lost Fae worldwalking to Midgard, the 8th Dusk Court, all of that seems like it would naturally have a huge impact on the world of Prythian, and thus the characters within it. Imagine you haven’t read CC, then we learn (at the very least) there’s suddenly a new 8th court? That’s pretty important, and I imagine would leave many readers questioning. 

Which brings me to the meat of this post, the juicy bit, the good stuff, and I guess my main point: the timeline. How, and most importantly when, will the rest of the stories in the ACOTAR series occur and where will Bryce’s arrival in Prythian fall within them?

We know ~6-9 months have passed between the end of ACOSF and HOSAB, so keep that in mind as you read on! Also keep in mind these supposed timelines aren’t referring to the order of publication, but rather the order of each respective story within the timeline of the Maasverse. 

*Note: Thinking about where the next ACOTAR novella will fall (and what it might be about) hurts my head so I’m only going to briefly touch on that in this post. 

Opt. 1: ACOSF –> Bryce’s Arrival –> ACOTAR 5 –> ACOTAR 6

If the series were to follow this timeline, I have a hard time wrapping my head around how Bryce’s arrival (and all that will be learned because of it) WONT impact ACOTAR moving forward. As mentioned above, Bryce has some information that’s going to really rock the world of Prythian and I struggle to see how this information won’t change the direction of the story in ACOTAR 5 and 6. 

If everything involving Bryce occurs BEFORE the events of the next ACOTAR books then it’s safe the characters would all be aware of: 

The Dusk Court (reborn or not) 

The Asteri’s return

Other worlds

Bryce’s arrival 

The Starborn Fae

And whatever knowledge Rhys and Armen seem to have

That’s a lot of really important stuff that has huge implications for Prythian. The way I see it, if this is the route the timeline takes then readers will need to read both the entirety of the Crescent City and ACOTAR series, though this goes directly against what the author herself has told us.

Confused? Me too. 

Opt. 2: ACOSF –> ACOTAR 5 –> ACOTAR 6 –> Bryce’s Arrival

I don’t know what to really think of this potential timeline (but I might have convinced myself more and more of it while writing this), as there’s a whole lot of story left to cover, and if I’m remember correctly, there was only around a ~6-9 month gap between the end of ACOSF and Bryce’s arrival in Pythian at the end of HOSAB. That’s not a lot of time to solve all of the issues the ACOTAR characters are facing, at least in my opinion, especially when we still have: 

Koschei and his machinations + Vassa’s curse

Two more love stories that need to unfold

Lucien and his real father

Eris and his scheming / Autumn Court drama

Mor and her secret

Elain and her powers

The High King plotline

Feysand’s death pact

Truth-Teller and where it came from

Valkyries still aren’t fully formed / Bloodrite fallout

Tamlin still running around totally feral though I hope he stays that way

And the many unanswered questions regarding tertiary characters and newly introduced characters, like Gwyn, Emerie, Balthazar, Helion and Lady Autumn, etc. etc. 

That’s… a lot. THEN AGAIN, if I remember correctly, the entire events of the Throne of Glass series spanned over the course of ~one year, so maybe this timeline isn’t so farfetched after all… 

Though I do find this all to be a bit clunky. Readers of both series would be aware of Bryce’s arrival, other worlds, the Asteri’s attempt to reinvade Prythian, the lost Dusk Court, etc. all throughout the rest of the ACOTAR series. Seeing as CC3 is coming in January 24′, before the rest of the ACOTAR books, this timeline would also mean that readers of both series would have technically already seen the conclusion to both CC and ACOTAR by the time they finish HOFAS. 

Sarah does like to play with the concept of time (past, present, future) so perhaps this timeline might make sense in the end. This could also play into the theory that TOG was the past, CC the future, and ACOTAR the present… 

But now I’m giving myself a headache so let’s move on. If you’re still with me, you’re a saint and I hope your bookshelves are always full, your recs always good, and your pages never dog-eared. 

Opt. 3: ACOSF –> ACOTAR 5 –> Bryce’s Arrival –> Novella (?) –> ACOTAR 6

This is a pretty wonky timeline too (I’m starting to think they all are) but I could also see it potentially making sense given the fact the 6-9 month window between ACOSF and HOSAB might be enough time for one of the remaining ACOTAR stories to play out, given that Nesta’s story spanned around ~10 months to a year. Though this would mean we’d read about Bryce’s arrival at the END of ACOTAR 5, and thus would need some sort of mention of this monumental event in ACOTAR 6/the novella. This would also mean there would be one endgame ACOTAR couple already together during the events of CC3, though I don’t think this is a huge thing, seeing as House of Flame and Shadow is about Bryce. Could we get crumbs and hints? Sure, though seeing as Sarah likes to keep her endgames tight-lipped, I highly doubt we’ll get anything substantial. 

Speaking of the  Novella… If it does come after ACOTAR 5/Bryce’s arrival, could this be a good way to bring in the idea of the multiverse to ACOTAR-only readers? Perhaps the novella is about the time the Daglan ruled over Prythian?? Or maybe it’ll be about Queen Theia??? Maybe it’ll be about none of that?? 

Now my head hurts. 

Regardless of how the timeline shapes out I am so excited about where the story is going and can’t wait to see the new dynamics, lore, plots, and elements the crossover introduces. But now I want to know your theories! How do you think SJM will handle the crossover, the revelation of the Maasverse, the interconnected worlds of Prythian and Midgard, and all the goodness we still have left to explore in CC3/ACOTAR 5&6???

Thanks again for reading!

[romanticatheartt]

I have a headcanon that Nyx's power is neither of his parents... Feysand created a baby with a complete new power!!

[athena-85]

This will be my last post until after the next acotar comes out.

Elain’s book is next

Elriel is endgame (it’s obvious)

8th court is coming

This book will start the sisters’ healing process

Gwyn will have a similar arc to tamlin (not evil but has other motivations that makes her vulnerable to manipulation)

Sjm is going to throuple Lucien/ Vassa/ jurian

[gwyns]

E*riels always talk about how their ship is going to defy fate and a mating bond but then talk about how Elain & Azriel how are true mates ¿

yeah isn't that funny? pre acosf it was aaaalllll about defying fate and rejecting bonds but once acosf, and the bonus chapter, came out it suddenly switched... i wonder why that is?

it couldn't be because they saw what crumbs sjm dropped and don't like the flavor bread she chose, right?

[velidewrites]

Elucien’s book is going to give us so much political drama and I’m SO here for it. An Autumn Court version of Game of Thrones. A Paternity Day Court scandal (“Mister Vanserra, you are NOT the father” *crowd cheers*). A Spring Court uprising and Lucien “I did not sign up for this” Vanserra. A literal Mortal Lands civil war since one of the queens got turned into a BIRD. Actual DEATH GODS rising in power. I can’t wait.

[loonylooly]

can't lie, kinda interesting that both Rowan Whitethorn, Dorian Havilliard, and Lucien Vanserra all had an ex lover that was killed (in their eyes) because of them but only 2/3 have ended up with the girl no one in-story expected them to end up with.. lets make it 3 for 3 SJM.. give the ppl what they want

[edanmaia]

2024 SJM predictions

CC3

The story is a flop, SJM tried to put too many things into one book

There will be a cliffhanger and there will be a CC4

Someone "important" dies — Tharion?

Throne of glass gets hinted at as one of the worlds but isn't incorporated into the story like ACOTAR

Virtual tour is a whole lot of nothing

Paperback release virtual event is a whole lot of NOTHING

Dusk's truth is dusk court and is important for ACOTAR 5

UK paperback continues to use AI generated "art" and no one says anything

We get no teasers, only whatever tf bloomsbury is doing right now with their sketches

ACOTAR 5

is announced but the main couple isn't revealed

title reveal — "A Court of Golden Shadows"

release date early 2025

cover is purple? (i wish it were pink but acowar took it)

The item on the cover is the 4th dread trove item

Truthteller evolved / leveled up like a pokemon

General

SJM is pregnant again

Twilight of the Gods is the next book after ACOTAR 5

SJM continues to remain silent on major issues in the world, but does make a post about voting

ACOTAR TV show sends out casting calls

[viscericorde]

neat little unintentional feature of the local bookstore i like is that when certain authors are especially prolific they essentially conquer entire shelves. there's a designated george rr martin shelf, designated terry pratchett shelf, shelf that is literally just copies of dune. and who could forget the accursed sarah j maas shelf.

[angel-maybe-alive]

Unpopular opinion maybe but

If you as an author have to do a character assassination to one of the guys in the love corner so the main character choice seems "valid" you did a shitty job as an author

And as we are already here

If the only thing keeping your characters together is a magical unbreakable mating bond and sex you are also a crappy author

Develop your characters relationship for fucks sake don't take the shortcuts

[moonybeam3]

Putting this out there now: I FULLY believe we will get a Dr Strange level entrance from our queen Aelin Ashryver Whitethorn Galathnius coming through a portal with her whole entourage ready to kick ass and take names right when everything seems hopeless

Idk if this will be in CC3 or a later book but I’m manifesting the queen’s return

[acourtofquestions]

I’m literally on Chapter 2 of EoS & I’m already afraid of all this foreshadowing

[utterlyazriel]

ahh but what were your thoughts on fourth wing the people want to know!!

(is it okay if i go by an emoji? i have sent you an embarrassing amount of asks lmao like the dragons and the gibbon and abbreviated title for sloane 😌😽 ily)

u can absolutely pick any emoji u like if u would like me to know it’s u! i’m more than okay with that 😚

also fourth wing thoughts……

i saw someone else on here put it perfectly which is like; it’s not a good book but i had a good time reading it.

like yes, i did devour it in about 2 days but also it was insanely predictable. about 5 pages in i called out the reveal at the end lmao. the dragons were fun, but also…. predictable (omg she gets the biggest one even tho she’s so tiny! omg not one but TWO???) (tho i did get very hyped up for them)

it did lots of other things well- the romance wasn’t so cookie cutter (minus dain, i feel i’ve read that storyline a dozen times lol) & violet’s fragility/brokenness of her body was done really well that she didn’t just Suddenly Overcome it which i appreciate a lot. it had a lot of casual language that i wasn’t such a fan of (i love prose! beautiful prose!) but like i said, i was decently entertained !

basically no one’s coming for azriel’s spot anytime soon >:)

[titsthedamnseason]

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN i’m changing my url….but i’m indecisive. i have a feeling which way this will go because i know who makes up my followers, but i am going to post a poll anyways for funsies 🫡 wish you all luck for when i probably once again ignore the consensus

[cassain-thelordof-bloodshed]

acotar universe predictions:

• Tampon get a redemption arc and as a part of that gets with Elain. Ew.

• Amren dies - for real. She’s weak now and tbh someone from the inner circle I think has to die for the story to be “believable”.

• The coming books will have alot to do with Mor, as she is a very underdeveloped character compared to the others.

• Mor being ✨gay✨ will be revealed to the inner circle.

• {have not read TOG or CC- don’t kill me} But I’ve heard lots of people talking about how Feyre is somehow “born different” and is “star born” I don’t really know what I means but I’ve heard some convincing evidence.