The anticipation surrounding the title of A Court of Thorns & Roses book six continues, provoking a range of theories and even some playful pranks on April Fool’s Day with fictitious names. One of these creative suggestions hints at a potential redemption narrative for Tamlin, a long-awaited development in the series. Although Sarah J. Maas has confirmed that the sixth installment is her next project, details about its character focus or storyline remain under wraps.
Unlike its predecessor, A Court of Silver Flames shifted the focus away from Feyre and Rhysand. The upcoming novel is expected to explore new characters, not necessarily following Nesta and Cassian again. There are numerous compelling supporting characters from the ACOTAR series who truly warrant deeper exploration, such as Elain Archeron, Lucien Vanserra, and yes, even Tamlin. Notably, one humorous April Fool’s prank proposed a title for book six that would center on Tamlin as the protagonist, suggesting a much-needed narrative following the tumultuous events of A Court of Mist & Fury.
A Court Of Gentle Claws: A Redemption Arc for Tamlin After 9 Years
A Satisfying Resolution for Tamlin’s Story After Four ACOTAR Installments
On April Fool’s Day 2025, @kalia.books humorously suggested via Instagram that the next installment of the ACOTAR series could be titled A Court of Gentle Claws, implying that it would spotlight Tamlin. Though this announcement was simply a jest, the idea of Tamlin receiving a redemption arc is appealing to many fans. This narrative twist would finally address threads dating back to A Court of Mist & Fury, bringing closure to lingering questions from 2016.
Initially, Tamlin played the role of Feyre’s primary love interest in the first installment of ACOTAR. However, his character takes an alarming turn in A Court of Mist & Fury, where he becomes abusive after the tables turn, transitioning Feyre’s affections to Rhysand. This transformation complicates Tamlin’s narrative, leaving him in a precarious state as he navigates his guilt and the ramifications of his past actions over two subsequent books. Therefore, it’s critical for Maas’ narrative to provide him with a transformation that brings his story to a satisfying resolution.
Why Tamlin Deserves His Own A Court Of Thorns & Roses Novel
The Weight of Guilt and Grief in Tamlin’s Character Development
While some may dismiss the need for Tamlin’s redemption arc, it is increasingly apparent that such an exploration is critical to the ongoing story. Recent books frequently highlight the declining condition of the Spring Court alongside Tamlin’s mental struggles, underscoring his importance within the overarching narrative. Despite his unlikable actions—unjustifiable under any circumstances—Tamlin’s redemption arc is essential not only for his character arc but for the Spring Court itself, an integral element of the ACOTAR universe.
Additionally, the portrayal of Tamlin throughout the series reveals certain inconsistencies. His dramatic character shift between the first and second books is jarring. The narrative oscillates between his moments of guilt and flashes of decency, indicating the presence of deep-seated trauma. It is crucial for Maas to delve into these complexities to create a well-rounded character that readers can better comprehend. While forgiveness for his past actions may not be warranted, a well-crafted arc is essential for Tamlin’s progression and resolution.
The Fake Title for the Next ACOTAR Book Is Intriguing, but Tamlin Shouldn’t Lead Book 6
The Urgency of Telling Elain Archeron’s Story Before Tamlin’s
While the playful title of A Court of Gentle Claws would certainly usher in a much-anticipated narrative for Tamlin, it is essential to consider that his story should not overshadow the forthcoming book. Instead, the focus should rightfully rest on Elain Archeron, a character who has remained in the shadows for too long. Her unique abilities as a Seer and her relationship with Lucien cry out for exploration, and readers have waited patiently for Maas to unravel these narrative threads.
Structurally, the series has highlighted the arcs of Feyre and Nesta—as both have taken leading roles in earlier volumes—making it imperative that Elain receives her moment to shine as the third Archeron sister. Her journey deserves as much attention, and clarifying her fate will imbue the series with a sense of closure, even if additional A Court of Thorns & Roses books are anticipated down the line.