A Court of Thorns and Rosesis one of the most popular romantasy book series of the past ten years, and it’s easy to see why. With sweeping love stories and exciting action-adventure narratives,ACOTARhas everything that fantasy lovers look for in a narrative while taking the romance angle of the story seriously.Written by Sarah J. Maas, who also penned the popular seriesThrone of GlassandCrescent City,the Fae appear in much of Maas' work. However, the best and worst parts of the Fae have come under direct scrutiny inA Court of Thorns and Roses.
Many of theharsh realities of the originalA Court of Thorns and Rosestrilogyhave lessened with time, as Maas has heard the comments from fans and critics alike and responded well.In the more recent books, the characters start to grapple with some of the structural issues with Fae cultureand the more problematic relationship dynamics. Though Maas has started touching upon other characters in her work, the majority ofACOTARhas focused on Feyre, with the audience learning about the intricacies of the Fae through her eyes.
5The Sexism Of Fae Society
This issue has been touched upon many times by fans and critics
As a romantasy book, it’s no secret thatACOTARleans into the spice and has plenty of explicitly intimate scenes. While this is part of the appeal of the series, there are times when the lines of consent are blurred in the story, andthe romantic pursuits in the book go from endearing to overbearing.While many of the romantic interests inACOTAR, like Rhysand, Cassian, and the other members of the Inner Circle, are framed as less problematic, there are still issues with their behavior.
Even though the more progressive male characters will sometimes speak out against this treatment, this is rarely acted upon, and little has been done to change the way Fae culture views women.
TheFae’s culture of toxic masculinity inACOTARleads to some problematic moments throughout the series, with many of the female characters having to fight hard for any sense of agency. The fact that Illyrian women are barred from being warriors and the entire concept of the mating bond is impossible to overlook, even if there have been exceptions to these rules through Nesta and Elain. Even though the more progressive male characters will sometimes speak out against this treatment, this is rarely acted upon, and little has been done to change the way Fae culture views women.
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
2019
2021
4The Fae’s Hatred Of Humans In ACOTAR
Humans are treated as backward and evil by the Fae
WhenA Court of Thorns and Rosesstarts, Feyre and her sisters are living in the aftermath of an epic war between the humans and Fae. This conflict has deeply impacted their way of life. While the humans and the Fae are fearful and suspicious of each other, the Fae’s hatred for humanity is pretty extreme. Since the humans fought back against the Fae for their freedom, it’s easy to side with them in this conflict. Since the High Fae have so much more power than the humans,their prejudice seems a little misplaced and unfair.
Hulu’s Court Of Thorns & Roses Show Must Acknowledge A Harsh Reality About The First Book
The A Court Of Thorns & Roses series by Hulu must acknowledge this harsh reality about the first book, which did not get addressed until later on.
While Rhysand and those in the Night Court fought on the side of the mortals, they’re the minority of the Fae,most of whom believe the humans to be regressive and stupid. Throughout the books, Feyre and her sisters are regarded as less than because of their human origins, even after they’re made into High Fae. As soon as she arrives in Prythian, the Fae are quick to belittle her and treat her as a second-class citizen, even though humans make up so much of the world.
3The Fae In ACOTAR Don’t Act Their Age
Despite being hundreds or thousands of years old, they behave immaturely
While it’s true that the Fae retain their youthful appearances throughout their lives, this doesn’t mean they’re not aging and gaining experience. WhenFeyre meets Tamlin and Rhysand, who are estimated to be in their 500s,they have experienced war and loss. Despite their advanced age, both of them act rashly and without thinking about the course of the books. They struggle to learn from their mistakes. While their mutual love for Feyre might cloud their judgment, they’re not the only Fae who don’t act their age.
Many of the grudges and conflicts that persist in Prythian could easily be solved or negotiated if the Fae were willing to compromise. This is a skill that’s often associated with age, as is the ability to evolve. One of the ways that the Fae’s refusal to move forward impacts the story is the wayfew people besides Rhysand and the Night Court want to incorporate progressive changesto the Fae world. Most of the longstanding leaders are hesitant to make changes for the good of all Fae.
2The Class System Makes No Sense
The difference between the High Fae and the Lesser Fae is intense
While it’s expected for any fantasy book to grapple with a fictionalized version of class and social structures, as this is a direct connection to the real world, the structure ofACOTAR’s version is confusing. The High Fae are the rulers of Prythian and were made to look human, while the Lesser Fae have more fantastical characteristics and are meant to primarily do the work the High Fae don’t want to do. In addition,the monetary disparity is intense inACOTAR, as Rhys and Feyre seem to have limitless funds.
Hulu’s Court Of Thorns & Roses Show Must Make A Difficult Choice About The Fae
Translating ACOTAR’s lore, particularly the intricate and sometimes problematic aspects of Fae culture, onto TV presents issues for Hulu.
However, even with all of this money, the High Lords never seem to do much to help lift the struggling populations of the Courts, specifically the Illyrians, who are in poverty. Whileeconomics isn’t a central part of the story inACOTAR,the lack of awareness that the people in power have about those they rule is astonishing. Additionally, the fact that the Fae despise humans, but the group that is in the highest position of power in the series looks the most like humans is a glaring contradiction inACOTAR.
1None Of The Fae Courts Get Along In ACOTAR
They’re constantly on the brink of going to war
ThenextA Court of Thorns and Rosesbook must address problemswith not only the characters inACOTARbut also the structure of the world. World-building has always been an underdeveloped part of the series, and this can be seen in the strained dynamic between the different courts. Whileit’s the history of alliances and conflicting loyalties that has led to so much tension,particularly between the Night Court and the Spring Court, this doesn’t make for a cohesive society.
Instead of being united in their common goals and enemies, each Court is frequently scheming about how best to undermine the rest and strengthen its own corner of the world.
Instead of being united in their common goals and enemies, each Court is frequently scheming about how best to undermine the rest and strengthen its own corner of the world. Though the Night Court is easily the strongest Court in all ofA Court of Thorns and Roses, it would make sense for Rhysand and his Inner Circle to be thinking more seriously about making peace throughout Prythian, as this is what will prevent further wars and devastation.
