Rumors of an upcoming release for the next book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series have sparked renewed interest in the character of Tamlin, both for his positive qualities and shortcomings. While fans eagerly await the sixth installment, questions surrounding the future of the ACOTAR television adaptation remain unresolved. With that project currently suspended, attention is firmly back on author Sarah J. Maas and her much-anticipated next book.
The recent buzz began with a lighthearted phony announcement poking fun at the series. This is not the first instance of parody focused on Tamlin, which raises intriguing points regarding the narrative perspectives within the ACOTAR saga. The creator’s quip, “Elain, anyone?” refers to Tamlin and critiques the oversimplification of Elain’s character as merely tied to his redemption. While Maas successfully implemented multiple perspectives in A Court of Frost and Starlight, Elain’s storyline needs to be fully developed in the forthcoming book.
Understanding A Court of Gentle Claws: The False Title of ACOTAR Book 6
The Title as an April Fools’ Joke that Reflects Fan Aspirations
On April Fool’s Day 2025, Instagram user @kalia.books teased the release of A Court of Gentle Claws, touting a Tamlin-centric plot set for a September debut. Despite the playful nature of the announcement, it spurred meaningful conversations regarding the possibility of Tamlin’s redemption—a narrative arc that has captivated followers since the release of A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016. If it were genuine, it would represent an almost decade-long journey within the ACOTAR universe. The enthusiastic reactions to this fictitious title suggest a strong demand for the actual sixth book.
The Importance of Elain’s Narrative Before Tamlin’s Redemption
Elain’s Character Deserves Deeper Exploration
The narrative flow from Nesta’s perspective in A Court of Silver Flames naturally sets the stage for Elain to take center stage in the next installment. Hints dropped towards the conclusion of the previous book, particularly Rhysand’s speculation regarding Elain’s depth, illuminate the potential for her character development. Should the sixth book shift focus to Tamlin’s perspective without adequately fleshing out Elain’s story, it may disappoint many readers. Additionally, there are lingering emotions between Elain and Azriel that require attention, especially given Azriel’s bonus chapter in A Court of Silver Flames.
The intriguing dynamic between Elain and Azriel adds layers to the narrative, particularly given the potential for inter-Court tensions due to Elain’s connection with Lucien, her “fated mate.” Diving into Tamlin’s redemption at this juncture could undermine the careful buildup of Elain’s relationships. Also, a shift away from the established dynamic feels premature, particularly when readers might find a non-mated couple engaging, considering existing pairings among the Inner Circle.
Focusing on Elain first not only enriches her character but also aligns with the overarching themes of the series. Elain has immense potential as a character that remains largely unexplored—an intentional decision perhaps on Maas’s part. It is imperative that the next book acknowledges Elain’s significance and development, as she could very well emerge as the most compelling sister in the A Court of Thorns and Roses narrative.
Sources: Reddit, @kalia.books