Newest, (probably most controversial) ACOTAR Theory
In canon, it was Tamlin. Someone I admire thought it may have been Lucien.
But what if it was Feyre herself?
Oop. Trust the process. Lemme cook.
ACOMAF, The time when Feyre is locked in the house:
Feyre is untrained in defense and magic at this time, right?
What if Feyre accidentally locked herself in, thus having the canon PTSD meltdown that started the whole thing against Tamlin in Spring?
(I know, I know… SUPER controversial.)
If theory were true: Feyre would still blame Tamlin, because she begged to be trained at a time when that might NOT be the wisest time to do so.
Feyre’s PTSD and How it is a Bitch
“You’re victim blaming!!” (Hardcore Feysands may say)
Absolutely not. I relate to Feyre in a lot of ways. I may not have gone through the exact same circumstances, but that doesn’t negate how I relate to her (or how any other reader who may relate to her).
PTSD is no joke.
It’s not something that gets cured, it’s something you learn to live with and grow from. And sometimes it makes reality blur and you don’t know who to trust at times. It can make you say stupid things that you regret later.
Relating to Prythian in the Hybern War (after the fall of Spring)
It could be that some of the HLs swept Feyre’s crashout under the rug because they understand it from that specific angle, but know that from a political standpoint, that is the last thing you do.
Feyre alone is someone they probably don’t trust. She has a strong will but some may see her as malleable, young, and unseasoned. Others may see her still as Cursebreaker and her affect on pre-war plans makes those feelings complicated.
Some HLs MAY IN FACT FEEL (Tarquin) that Feyre was the one who accidentally locked herself in the house and blamed it on Tamlin.
Feyre as Rhysand’s mate, who many may not trust, this puts her at an even bigger disadvantage for Feyre, and they might be seeing right through her limited narrative…
Limited narrative of…
“I think I’m gonna die in this HOUSE.” 🎶🎶🎶
Now, Concerning NESTA
The whole locking Nesta into the House of Wind rubbed me the WRONG WAY.
Is it not ODD for Feyre to be the one to LOCK NESTA in the HoW?
Feyre is pretty talented, still doesn’t give herself enough credit. Cuz, y’know. She’s used to being a go-getter but also used to being a victim. Growth takes time.
Amren called Feyre out for being like Tamlin. Loved that scene. But, again, made me consider…
Tamlin may have been the scapegoat. If it was Feyre the whole time — she locked HERSELF in — that makes that whole conversation really interesting.
Amren is a tricky thing. Going with the theory, perhaps Amren KNOWS it was Feyre (to her credit, Feyre could either not remember due to disassociation OR is working on that part). Perhaps, from limited Amren POV, she’s trying to catch Feyre in a lie? Feyre sticks to her guns that it “was” Tamlin — or, she’s struggling/back-peddling, not because she’s willingly lying, but because she’s uncomfortable. Or she could be lying. Either way.
If uncomfortable, she might be trying to own up to it. Or, it’s the catharsis that has her facing that ugly truth off page.
Personally, I interpreted Feyre’s response as uncomfortable. Whether she could have been lying or was facing some demons she hadn’t yet explored, Feyre was a distant narrator in that scene for me.
Couldn’t fully relate, cuz… You know:
Well, those points taken into consideration…
If Feyre had locked herself in Spring Manor (we don’t actually know because she’s an unreliable narrator), we would see more evidence of her power when she locks up Nesta in HoW.
Meaning:
• Untrained Feyre locks herself in Spring Manor, has a PTSD flashback spell; NO CONTROL. Unfortunately not taking responsibility of ownership and blames Tamlin who is (by comparison) “more capable”, despite Feyre having loads of raw power of her own. (Just untrained.)
• Trained Feyre locks her sister in House of Wind, has more control over what Nesta can do if she’s dead-set on leaving (via the stairs).
So, Nesta technically has an “out” if she’s brave enough to take the stairs, which she attempts multiple times.
But. The theory still points out that Feyre still has a lot of healing and self-reflection to do. And Tamlin still has some Feyre-related traumas to work through, if Maas is fully aware of them.
What do you think? Did Feyre lock herself in Spring Manor?
Newest, (probably most controversial) ACOTAR Theory
In canon, it was Tamlin. Someone I admire thought it may have been Lucien.
But what if it was Feyre herself?
Oop. Trust the process. Lemme cook.
ACOMAF, The time when Feyre is locked in the house:
Feyre is untrained in defense and magic at this time, right?
What if Feyre accidentally locked herself in, thus having the canon PTSD meltdown that started the whole thing against Tamlin in Spring?
(I know, I know… SUPER controversial.)
If theory were true: Feyre would still blame Tamlin, because she begged to be trained at a time when that might NOT be the wisest time to do so.
Feyre’s PTSD and How it is a Bitch
“You’re victim blaming!!” (Hardcore Feysands may say)
Absolutely not. I relate to Feyre in a lot of ways. I may not have gone through the exact same circumstances, but that doesn’t negate how I relate to her (or how any other reader who may relate to her).
PTSD is no joke.
It’s not something that gets cured, it’s something you learn to live with and grow from. And sometimes it makes reality blur and you don’t know who to trust at times. It can make you say stupid things that you regret later.
Relating to Prythian in the Hybern War (after the fall of Spring)
It could be that some of the HLs swept Feyre’s crashout under the rug because they understand it from that specific angle, but know that from a political standpoint, that is the last thing you do.
Feyre alone is someone they probably don’t trust. She has a strong will but some may see her as malleable, young, and unseasoned. Others may see her still as Cursebreaker and her affect on pre-war plans makes those feelings complicated.
Some HLs MAY IN FACT FEEL (Tarquin) that Feyre was the one who accidentally locked herself in the house and blamed it on Tamlin.
Feyre as Rhysand’s mate, who many may not trust, this puts her at an even bigger disadvantage for Feyre, and they might be seeing right through her limited narrative…
Limited narrative of…
“I think I’m gonna die in this HOUSE.” 🎶🎶🎶
Now, Concerning NESTA
The whole locking Nesta into the House of Wind rubbed me the WRONG WAY.
Is it not ODD for Feyre to be the one to LOCK NESTA in the HoW?
Feyre is pretty talented, still doesn’t give herself enough credit. Cuz, y’know. She’s used to being a go-getter but also used to being a victim. Growth takes time.
Amren called Feyre out for being like Tamlin. Loved that scene. But, again, made me consider…
Tamlin may have been the scapegoat. If it was Feyre the whole time — she locked HERSELF in — that makes that whole conversation really interesting.
Amren is a tricky thing. Going with the theory, perhaps Amren KNOWS it was Feyre (to her credit, Feyre could either not remember due to disassociation OR is working on that part). Perhaps, from limited Amren POV, she’s trying to catch Feyre in a lie? Feyre sticks to her guns that it “was” Tamlin — or, she’s struggling/back-peddling, not because she’s willingly lying, but because she’s uncomfortable. Or she could be lying. Either way.
If uncomfortable, she might be trying to own up to it. Or, it’s the catharsis that has her facing that ugly truth off page.
Personally, I interpreted Feyre’s response as uncomfortable. Whether she could have been lying or was facing some demons she hadn’t yet explored, Feyre was a distant narrator in that scene for me.
Couldn’t fully relate, cuz… You know:
Well, those points taken into consideration…
If Feyre had locked herself in Spring Manor (we don’t actually know because she’s an unreliable narrator), we would see more evidence of her power when she locks up Nesta in HoW.
Meaning:
• Untrained Feyre locks herself in Spring Manor, has a PTSD flashback spell; NO CONTROL. Unfortunately not taking responsibility of ownership and blames Tamlin who is (by comparison) “more capable”, despite Feyre having loads of raw power of her own. (Just untrained.)
• Trained Feyre locks her sister in House of Wind, has more control over what Nesta can do if she’s dead-set on leaving (via the stairs).
So, Nesta technically has an “out” if she’s brave enough to take the stairs, which she attempts multiple times.
But. The theory still points out that Feyre still has a lot of healing and self-reflection to do. And Tamlin still has some Feyre-related traumas to work through, if Maas is fully aware of them.
What do you think? Did Feyre lock herself in Spring Manor?
Do you know what makes me believe that the mate bond between Elucien isn't fake? Firstly, the fact that Elain herself comments that she feels it deeply connected to her ribcage. Secondly, they have instincts of mates with each other.
But the main thing is that Elain heard his heart through the stone.
In ACOSF, one of the first times Nesta is going down the stairs, she hears a heartbeat through the stone of the staircase. She thinks it's hers, but it's clearly Cassian's. I think that scene is there mainly to reference Elain's line. And to show that it's something that happens within the bond.
2ndchapterbooks has a peculiar looking image that looks like a generic Night Court book cover. Right? RIGHT?
Now, read this quoted bit from Books.Iced Lattes.Blessed.:
Purple is mixed with red and blue. It has a balance of red’s stimulation and blue’s calming properties. It is traditionally associated with royalty, majesty, nobility, mystery, magic, and sorcerers. It also has a strong connection with power and leadership. Darker shade of purple often represent luxury, while lighter shades are quite feminine, sentimental, or even nostalgic.
If the math ain’t mathin’…Gurl I think it’s gonna be about what really went down back then for Spring and Night to get where they are today.
Maybe it involves the Archeron sisters?
Maybe it involves Elain’s seer abilities?
Maybe Rhysand is doing some funky timejump thingy that Cassian has alluded to but Rhys is being super edgy about it?
Because the Suriel might be a little dead, but I think we’re about to get some TEA.
Additionally, if we get more “Aliens” from other worlds coming into Prythian, what if we could be seeing Manorian (Manon + Dorian from ToG)? Dorian’s colors are cobalt blue like Az. Manon has the Crochan red cape. Red + blue = purple = luxury and nostalgia and royalTEA.
For reference, links:
I have an obsession with book covers because they can be so captivating, and yes I do sometimes judge books based on the cover. It’s okay, y
I just think it's very poignant how Sarah wrote Elain saying goodbye to the first man she ever loved then the moment he became ash on the wind she wrote Elain's mate, the one she'll share a connection to forever, showing up at her side.
How she wrote tears sliding down Elain's face while saying goodbye to her father only to have those tears replaced by the small smile blooming on her lips after tragedy, all because of her mates words.
That's why this in between stage doesn't bother me, the Elain "turning around and suddenly ignoring Lucien in the novella and SF" one.
It's all just filler, the tension to overcome, the stuff for these characters to work through. But Sarah made it very obvious who Elain's future will be with when all is said and done, in this scene and in many others.
Lucien who tried to get to her before she was forced into the Cauldron. Lucien who went to her immediately after. Lucien who had devastation on his face at seeing her depression. Lucien who was willing to risk his own life to carry out her vision. Lucien who showed up at her side the moment she said goodbye to her father. Lucien who has only cared about her wellbeing even if that doesn't include him.
Looking back it's clear that it's always been Lucien and it always will be, no matter the obstacles they'll need to face as individuals and together.
Omg…Fed the critters. Got hay all over. It’s in my hair, in my hoodie, in my boots, somehow in my shirt under my hoodie. Right?
Just now realized that after Feyre boot-scooted with Isaac in the barn…She probably has hay in her hair the whole time Tamlin is breaking down the door like the Archerons owe him rent. 💀 And he probably smells sex and shame on her cuz she hasn’t taken a bath in the dirty bath water.
Omg…Fed the critters. Got hay all over. It’s in my hair, in my hoodie, in my boots, somehow in my shirt under my hoodie. Right?
Just now realized that after Feyre boot-scooted with Isaac in the barn…She probably has hay in her hair the whole time Tamlin is breaking down the door like the Archerons owe him rent. 💀 And he probably smells sex and shame on her cuz she hasn’t taken a bath in the dirty bath water.
I’m going to say something bold: I know who the next ACOTAR books will follow and in what order.
Sarah J Maas told us already. And I have receipts. Not from interviews or old screenshots or interpretations, but actual receipts. From the books.
Starting with A Court of Frost and Starlight’s description on SJM’s site:
We know that ACOFAS bridges the events for the series. And the first novel post ACOFAS is A Court of Silver Flames, which focuses on Nesta and Cassian.
So let’s dive deeper…
THE EVIDENCE
Exhibit 1
In Chapter 2, we have Rhysand’s conversation with Cassian asking a very important question of Cassian: Are you … happy?
Cassian is the first character to be asked if they were happy and gave a response that showed a need for character growth, one that Rhysand observed and wanted to support.
And whose book, along with his love interest, was first in the upcoming novels in the series? Cassian and Nesta’s.
The first character to be asked Are you happy? was the first character to find his happiness in the first spin-off novel.
Exhibit 2
In Chapter 12, the question is again repeated, this time from Feyre to Elain, who asks her sister: Are you—all right?
Elain is now the second character to be asked if they were “happy/all right” and respond in such a way that indicates that no, they aren’t fully all right but they want to try.
Elain’s book will be next as she is the second person to be asked the question by our narrators, Feyre and Rhysand. Who also happen to be SJM's stand-ins for propelling the narrative in ACOFAS.
Exhibit 3
And finally, in Chapter 18, Feyre and Mor are catching up Solstice morning and the subject of Elain and Nesta is discussed:
Feyre wants to “fix everything” for Nesta and Elain aka help them find their happiness (which is later supported by the Feysand’s infamous “let's focus on helping one sister before we start on the other” from their ACOSF Bonus Chapter, but I digress).
But they won't find their happiness in ACOFAS. The sisters must find it in their books, which Nesta did with Cassian in his.
And then for a third and final time, it’s now Mor’s turn to hear the same question, this time from Feyre: And you—are you happy?
Mor isn’t ready to answer honestly. At least, not yet. Because her time will come. In her book. Which will be third.
Which leads me to...
CONCLUSION
SJM gave us the order of the ACOTAR sequel series when she had Feyre and Rhysand ask their closest companions: Are you happy?
And what order were they asked?
Cassian. Then Elain. Then Mor.
And that’s the order we will get our answers. In their books. First, second, then third.
Before I read the books, I assumed he just ran away after his magic exploded? or dismissed it or something. Instead?
He apologizes immediately?
And in his explanation, he says that the rage wasn't directed towards her but rather at himself, out of fear that he was the same as Amarantha and everyone who ever hurt her
...and spends the next several days trying to make it up to her.
Upset SJM didn't give Thesan's Peregryn general lover a name.
Upset we got no content of them.
Upset the Dawn Court is being ignored when they have magic and tech combined and tinkerers and healers and an openly gay High Lord.
On another note...Mor? You're afraid to come out, why? There's an openly gay High Lord! And not one singular person, not even Beron, has said a word against him.
But ALSO, I love unproblematic Thesan so much. He's so over the drama. One of my FAVE ACOTAR quotes is from him bc it sums up my entire fandom experience like his experience with the other High Lords:
"This does not bode well."
And as an aside, y'all already know how feral I am for more Nuan content as well.
Tamlin was absolutely justified in thinking that Rhysand fucked with Feyre's mind, and not because of the disappearance or the letter.
What should have finally convinced him was Lucien's encounter with Feyre in the woods.
If you remove Feyre's inner monologue which, contrary to her expectations, is not projected above her head in big shiny letters, the scene reads just like every anime episode where the villain turns the main love interest evil. I half expected Lucien to get his henshin brouch out and say something like "this isn't you, Sailor Feyre, this is Queen Metalia talking".
No wonder Tamlin, who heard about this interaction from Lucien, who never misses a chance to put a little spin on a story, was 1000% convinced that Feyre had Rhysand's fingers stuck right in her brain.
the way the fandom is, you’d think that post UTM Tamlin becomes a rage monster that destroys everything without thought and has no consideration for anyone.
but he consistently apologizes? admits he was wrong? admits he doesn’t understand poverty because he’s never experienced it.
and even tells Feyre that she had every right to yell at him.
sorry is the abuse in the room with us?
but even beyond that, Feyre admits to herself that he was right about the tithe. Exceptions can’t be made for everyone, especially for a court that has a LOT of rebuilding to do
The gods each giving her a gift = Each HL giving Feyre a kernel of power
The Ouroboros showed Feyre her truest nature.
The Cauldron…The Mother possessed her for a tick before it took Rhys from her…! MEANING!! = Feyre’s true power/nature was WITHOUT RHYS!
Yes Feyre was a little shit on her own. But she had other qualities that made her tolerable and even lovable at times. Her truest nature was without Rhys. Even if the Mother decided Feyre was Rhys’s mate…Feyre would’ve had to hold her own without Rhys’s influence. Now Feyre is pretty powerful on her own. But with influence of Rhys guiding every little thing…Mmm. One could argue he guided her to her powerful or that he puppeteer’d her until maybe there was an accidental influence with the Mother and mate bonds. (Still, Sarah has confirmed that Feysand are end game. So whether they’re the real deal as in canon, or if in crack theory they’re mates by Rhys’s accidental manipulation…Either way, they worked out being together in the end.)
However!
With Rhys’s current behavior as of late…what does this mean for their relationship? Will they work through it together as a couple? Or will Feyre flee again instead of addressing communication barriers?
:) I think either option would work, from a writing perspective. I would like to see Feyre break out of her mold and work things out with her partner and for it to ON THE PAGE work out in a healthy way for both parties. Complete with character growth.
That’s what I would like…But if Feyre continues to go with her mold of “OOOO it’s hard I don’t wanna do that talking stuff, I’m just gonna boogie outta here and pop a squat in this court and watch it burn”…Yeah, that Feyre. I hope not, but if that’s the route SJM goes with…I wouldn’t really complain. 😂
If Feyre revisits her anti-Rhysand era, I could see her truest nature returning. Cuz imo Feyre acts differently when she’s around Rhys, or any male for that matter.
Look, I adored her scenes with Nesta when it was just the two of them. Their sibling relationship was so sweet. It’s like whenever there’s a 🍆 nearby, Feyre forgets her marbles and can’t function on her own. She’s young, so I can give her some slack. But I wanna see her grow more as a [fictional] person as the series progresses. Remember: we’re supposed to root for her.
If Feyre is both Persephone and Pandora…idk, that makes sense to me, anyway.
That would make Rhysand both Hades and Zeus.
Nesta would be Hecate. Hades and Hecate don’t get along. She’s the Lady of the Keys… which would make Nesta…Lady of the Wyrd Keys. 👀
I saw this on Stephanie’s insta Stories, so a screenshot she took from Yaz and I screenshot this.
I dunno if ToG had anything to do with the arrow. It would be interesting, if Aelin made another cameo in the ACOverse.
But I freaking knew it. Whew. So it’s not a multi book drop. It’s just ACO6.
Now, I’m posting this after my little angry huff about the license pull that none of us are happy about.
I figured that it would be something big when we saw the news about the license, but had not seen what it would do to creators. Am I getting ahead of myself by assuming the idea that it’s going to be a big deal kind of book as far as the overall plot of the series? No idea.
I don’t know why before announcing more details about aco6, SJM would yank from creators… That (1) doesn’t seem ethical, and (2) doesn’t seem like a smart business move. You want people to be able to afford your book and promote it like what has been done for a decade. The fandom has become a resource, so why 86 that resource??
Could it be due to the fandom wars??? Remove the power from certain ships because it’s “too hectic” and sell only canon ship merch? That’s one possibility. Still, it seems controlling, no?
I really believe that she would save her business/empire if she would at least come online and public address this. She runs the risk of further boycotts (because it’s been slowly happening already from the controversies surrounding her books). I truly see her tanking if she continues this path. It’s scary but, I mean what else is there??
Fans aren’t entitled to know everything little thing, sure. But the art, the music, the memes, the tumblr posts all happened before TikTok/booktok. 👀 So um, Ma’am, why are you acting like Feyre sabotaging Spring here?
I think a public explanation is at least in order. Because once this pretty penny comes out in an official book announcement…I dunno if any small business creators are going to be able to afford it on top of all the copies with various bonus scenes. Why go broke to make a creator more rich after the fandom helped get her there? And then actions happen without explanation or addressing the big elephant in the room?? Why more radio silence???
Obviously I’m still irked about it… I’m confused beyond words I’ve already shared. 😞
