Sarah J. Maas filled theA Court of Thorns and Rosesbooks with dramatic reveals; the author is also not one to shy away from creating complex characters, developing complicated dynamics that are woven throughout the narrative. These complex relationships highlight powerful themes within this story, including second chances, the importance of family, and self-discovery, all of which contribute to an overarching motif of redemption. Due to this, there are few antagonists in any Maas book who are too far gone to be redeemed.
Maas has managed to transform from antagonistic, selfish characters into heroes. Nesta Archeron is a great example of this, widely disliked untilA Court of Silver Flames, which dove into her personal journey. However,Maas could subvert expectations again and repeat the success ofACOSFby finally focusing onTamlin’s redemption arc in the nextACOTARbook. Furthermore, given how terrible Tamlin’s actions are in the series and how problematic he is as a character, his redemption would be an even more impressive and interesting feat if executed properly.

The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Can Top Nesta’s Redemption By Focusing On Tamlin
Tamlin Needs Redemption More Than Any Other Character And It’s Time He Gets It
Despite any initial misgivings about the fifthACOTARbook,ACOSFmade Nesta one of the best charactersof the series in one of its most powerful and important stories in the series. Nesta’s previous choices are contextualized, and it becomes difficult to dislike her once her backstory is revealed in this way. However,part of what made Nesta’s redemption so captivating was the journey she had to go through to changeand become a better person. Other characters in theACOTARuniverse could use a similar redemption; one known character could be even more surprising than Nesta.
Redeeming Tamlin would also solidify overarching themes of growth, selflessness, and second chances.

Nesta’s transformation unfolding is compelling andthe same thing can now be done for Tamlin, but at a much larger scale. Tamlin has done far worse things than Nesta, and his persistence to work against the Night Court makes his transgressions more unforgivable than hers. This means if Maas usesa futureACOTARbookto focus on Tamliln’s redemption arc, now that he’s at rock bottom, it could be even more rewarding in the end. Redeeming Tamlin would also solidify overarching themes of growth, selflessness, and second chances.
Redeeming Tamlin Could Be More Impressive Than A Court Of Silver Flames' Story
Making Tamlin Likable Is Quite The Challenge But Maas Can Do It
Maas masterfully develops characters like Nesta and Tamlin, revealing their true motivations in a way that makes them more sympathetic. This is particularly impressive when it comes to disliked characters, as it allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level. Exploring a hated character’s perspective can highlight the obstacles they face and how those challenges reshape them into better versions of themselves.NoACOTARcharacter needs this transformation more than Tamlin,whose journey of self-discovery could involve atoning for his past betrayals.
I’ll Be So Disappointed If The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Confirms This Tamlin Mate Theory
This A Court of Thorns and Roses mate theory suggests that Tamlin and Elain belong together, but it doesn’t hold up for many reasons.
Tamlin has hurt nearly every beloved character inACOTAR,including Feyre, Rhysand, and even the innocent Elain Archeron. With a long list of wrongs to make up for, his story could easily fill an entire book. Yet his journey could showcase a fascinating transformation, diving into the layers of his guilt and potential for growth.

Tamlin initially won the hearts of many in A Court of Thorns and Roses and could do it again.
Tamlin initially won the hearts of many inA Court of Thorns and Rosesand could do it again. His trauma from being Under the Mountain influences his behavior in the second book, creating the negative image he now carries. While many of his actions are inexcusable, the beauty of a redemption arc lies in exploring the deeper complexities and strugglesthat contextualize a character’s mistakes. Tamlin will likely get this chance, especially as he has already shown signs of selflessness, such as when he gives his power to save Rhysand. His redemption could be both thrilling and satisfying.

A Court of Thorns and Roses
2015
A Court of Mist and Fury
2016
A Court of Wings and Ruin
2017
A Court of Frost and Starlight(novella)
2018
2021
A Court of Thorns and Rosesbook #6