
The next A Court of Thorns and Roses the book needs to tell the story of Elain Archeron, and the two best episodes of Sarah J. Maas' fantasy series highlight why. One sixth ACOTAR The book is already confirmed, but readers don't have many details about its plot or character perspective. Although the first three installments (and the Ice Court and Starlight novella) unfolds from Feyre's point of view, the latest addition to the series puts Nesta in the spotlight. With the later ACOTAR books that straddle the line between sequels and spinoffs, the point of view will likely shift again in book six.
Many are waiting to see the next A Court of Thorns and Roses novel addresses the character of Elain, as she does not receive as much attention as her sisters throughout the series. Elain has an intriguing companion situation and psychic powers, which only makes her narrative that much more exciting. And if Maas finally focuses on Elain, the sixth ACOTAR the book will likely follow in the footsteps of the two best additions to the series: A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Silver Flames.
The two best A Court of Thorns and Roses books have one important detail in common
ACOMAF and ACOSF explore their heroines and their traumas in depth
ACOMAF and ACOSF they are the two best A Court of Thorns and Roses books, and they share a common quality that makes them the strongest in the series. Both sequels delve deep into the minds of their heroinesunraveling her trauma in surprisingly satisfying ways. A Court of Mist and Fury puts a lot of focus on Feyre's PTSD, which is justified after everything she went through in the previous novel. About that, A Court of Silver Flames takes a closer look at Nesta's trauma and destructive coping mechanisms, sending her on a similar healing journey.
ACOTAR books in order |
Year of release |
---|---|
Cutting thorns and roses |
2015 |
A Court of Mist and Fury |
2016 |
A Court of Wings and Ruin |
2017 |
A Court of Ice and Starlight |
2018 |
A Court of Silver Flames |
2021 |
Both of these ACOTAR books are based on the complexity of their heroinesand they are not afraid to start conversations about difficult topics. They take realistic approaches to characters' mental health, which isn't something that happens often in the fantasy genre. The other three A Court of Thorns and Roses books are all fun, but they just don't go as deep as ACOMAF and ACOSF. Of course, these two books are so compelling because of their approach. And the sixth ACOTAR the novel could be equally great, assuming it follows Elain.
The success of ACOMAF and ACOFAS shows why the next book needs to be Elain's story
The best trend of the best books would continue
Both Feyre and Nesta have entire books dedicated to trauma and healing, so it's only fair that Elain also receives a narrative chronicling her journey. She's the last Archeron sister, and it makes sense that her spinoff would follow Nesta's. And if Maas decides to focus on Elain, she'll likely continue the trend of exploring her main character's trauma and how it shapes her. This is exciting for several reasons, the biggest of which is that it almost guarantees the sixth ACOTAR the book will be among the strongest episodes of the series.
Although Maas is known for her central novels her books that focus on her heroines' mental health are the ones that really stand out. This is a great strength when she leans into it, and she does this several times throughout ACOTAR. It's something she should do more often, and telling Elain's story gives her the opportunity to do it. It's about time the series unraveled Elain's trauma anyway, like the previous one A Court of Thorns and Roses the books kind of gloss over that.
For some time now, a court of thorns and roses has needed to resolve Elain's trauma
Previous ACOTAR books gloss over this
All three Archeron sisters suffered childhood trauma and also experienced hardships during the Maas series. Feyre's time under the mountain and abusive relationship with Tamlin contribute to her PTSD, while Nesta and Elain struggle with the consequences of being placed in the Cauldron. Elain has difficulty becoming a fairy – and a seer at that – in A Court of Wings and Ruin. However, the novel doesn't have time to give the character adequate attention to resolve this.
It's about time Maas' series addressed Elain's trauma, as she remains in the background while other characters receive more attention.
Happily, one sixth ACOTAR the book may finally unravel Elain's feelings about everything that happenedoffering more insight into the most neglected Archeron sister. It's about time Maas' series addressed Elain's trauma, as she remains in the background while other characters receive more attention. Cutting thorns and roses can do Elain justice by telling her story and can answer a lot of questions about her powers and mate status. Hopefully Maas takes a look ACOMAF and ACOSF and decides to give Elain something similar.