Summary
Tamlin is probably one of the least-liked characters fromA Court of Thorns & Roses,but unfortunately,I think a redemption arc is inevitable after Sarah J. Maas' comments inA Court of Frost & StarlightandA Court of Silver Flames. WhentheCourt of Thorns & Rosesseries opens, Tamlin serves as the main love interest forMaas' heroine, Feyre Archeron. However, things quickly take a turn inA Court of Mist & Fury,with Tamlin becoming an abuser and a villain.
Tamlin’s behavior pushes Feyre into the arms of Rhysand and the Night Court, but that doesn’t make him disappear.Tamlin’s actions throughoutA Court of Mist & Furypush him past the point of no return, and it’s hard to see how Maas can redeem him. However, I’m guessing the author is going to try. Recent additions toA Court of Thorns & Rosesreference Tamlin, and I think I know where these mentions of the character are going. If I’m right, I’ll be a bit disappointed — and worried about how the books will handle it.
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Tamlin Doesn’t Deserve A Redemption Arc (But Recent ACOTAR Books Make One Likely)
ACOFAS & ACOSF Both Reference Tamlin’s Struggles
I’ll be the first person to say thatTamlin doesn’t deserve a redemption arc afterA Court of Mist & Fury.However, it does look like he’s getting one at some point in Maas’ACOTARseries. On the heels of the secondACOTARbook, Tamlin helps to save Prythian from the King of Hybern, acting as a spy and refuge for the villain for most ofACOWAR. Then, Maas’Court of Frost & Starlightnovellashows how far Tamlin has fallen, revealing that the Spring Court is in a state of disarray.
By keeping this thread open and emphasizing Tamlin’s guilt, Maas is clearly setting the stage for his redemption.
Tamlin is clearly distraught at the notion that Rhysand and Feyre may never forgive him, and this is left open-ended. He doesn’t play a prominent role inA Court of Silver Flames,butthe 2021 installment reveals that he’s still struggling— so much so that he’s spending most of his time in his beast form. Rhysand seems invested in ensuring he’s well enough to lead the Spring Court. And by keeping this thread open and emphasizing Tamlin’s guilt, Maas is clearly setting the stage for his redemption.
Sarah J. Maas Will Have A Hard Time Redeeming Tamlin After A Court Of Mist & Fury
His Abusive Behavior & Past Actions Are Difficult To Look Past
It’s unclear if Maas will address Tamlin’s plight in his ownACOTARbook or someone else’s, but whatever project is tasked with redeeming him is fighting an uphill battle. Tamlin is controlling and even abusive inA Court of Mist & Fury,andFeyre isn’t the only person he treats poorly throughoutACOTAR.His role in the deaths of Rhysand’s mother and sister is impossible to overlook. And even his behavior towards Lucien is unacceptable and hurts their friendship. Tamlin may feel guilt over these things, but it’ll take more than that to bring fans back to his side.
It’s unclear if Maas will address Tamlin’s plight in his ownACOTARbook or someone else’s, but whatever project is tasked with redeeming him is fighting an uphill battle.
Maas might have done too much of a 180 on Tamlin’s character inA Court of Mist & Furybecause now it will be difficult to sell readers on a book about him. Even as an aside to another story,Tamlin’s redemption arc risks being too little, too late. I’ve certainly seen too much of his bad side to ever be interested in stepping into his perspective. I understand that he’s not a bad person all the way through, but he’s also not a character I care to sympathize with after everything he’s done.
A Court Of Thorns & Roses Is In A No-Win Situation With Tamlin
Sarah J. Maas Can’t Avoid Continuing His Story Now
Even if a Tamlin redemption arc is controversial,recentACOTARbooks have put the series in a no-win situation. I would have been happy to let Tamlin fade into the background afterA Court of Wings & Ruin,and I’m sure I’m not the only one. ACOWARarguably gives Tamlin a redemption story, too, even if it isn’t from his perspective. That said, he doesn’t need another one. AndA Court of Thorns & Roseswould be taking a risk by addressing his abusive behavior. While it could be handled well, any book that attempts this needs to tread very carefully.
Of course, after multiple follow-ups teasing a return to Tamlin’s character, Maas can’t exactly ignore him either. The hints that he’s struggling inA Court of Frost & StarlightandA Court of Silver Flamesmust pay off in a later novel.A Court of Thorns & Roseshas backed itself into a corner in this regard. While it could have quietly stepped away from Tamlin afterACOWAR,it can no longer get away with this. His story will most likely be told, so I’ll just have to hope that Maas handles it with the care it requires.
