A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Breaking Curses: A Dissection of A Court of Thorns and Roses
Introduction
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces readers to a dark and enchanting fantasy world filled with danger, romance, and magical intrigue. First published in 2015, the novel is the first installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, which blends elements of Beauty and the Beast with high fantasy and faerie lore. The story follows Feyre Archeron, a mortal girl who becomes entangled in the politics and intrigue of the faerie realm. In this article, we will closely examine three critical aspects of Maas' work: the characters, the plot, and the structure of the text.
Warning: This article has many spoilers and is intended to be read after completing the novel.
1. Characters: Secrets and Motive
Feyre Archeron: Savior of the Realm or Sacrificial Pawn?
While Feyre often demonstrates remarkable courage and strength, much of her journey is shaped by forces beyond her control, and her actions usually stem from a sense of duty rather than personal choice, particularly in the context of the first book.
From an early age, Feyre is burdened with the responsibility of providing for her impoverished family. Her father’s crippling injury and refusal to provide for his daughters left Feyre, the youngest of her siblings, as the sole provider. Her decision to hunt and risk her life in the deadly, faerie-infested woods stems not from personal ambition but from necessity. Feyre’s childhood consists of a series of sacrifices to ensure her family’s survival, and her needs and desires are constantly sidelined. Her sisters, Nesta and Elain, initially show little appreciation for her efforts, further reinforcing her role as someone who exists to serve others rather than pursue her own happiness.
Feyre’s killing of the faerie wolf, an act to feed her family, sets her on a path not of her choosing. When Tamlin arrives to demand her life in retribution, Feyre has no real agency. Though she makes the decision to go with him, it is driven by obligation rather than a genuine desire to leave her mortal life behind. Had she refused, her family would have been killed. In the Spring Court, Feyre finds herself navigating a world she does not understand, where her presence is tied to the fulfillment of Tamlin’s curse. Tamlin’s unwillingness to fully disclose the truth about the curse or his motives leaves Feyre in the dark, highlighting how she is being used as a pawn in a much larger game. The curse was that if Feyre or any mortal woman was to fall in love with the ‘beast’, Tamlin, the Spring Court could be saved.
The most explicit example of Feyre as a sacrificial pawn comes during her time Under the Mountain. Feyre, in an act of anger, refused to admit her love for Tamlin. Therefore, causing the curse to not be fulfilled. The creator of the curse, Amarantha then had full control over Tamlin and his court. Feyre found out that she had the ability to save others by confessing her feelings to Tamlin, she decided that in an act of love she would find his captor and agreed to endure Amarantha’s trials to save Tamlin and his citizens of the Spring Court. Though, the trials themselves expose how little control she has. Feyre’s love confession felt forced and under the pressure of the war, how is it clear she really meant it? Feyre was often neglected and was desperate for care, love, and affection. Tamlin provided for her when she was struggling and gained her trust. An important detail to note, Tamlin is immortal and over a thousand years old, Feyre was only nineteen. Her low maturity level, lack of education, and proper upbringings contributes to her romantic decision making. For example, Under the Mountain where Feyre had the chance to see Tamlin for a short moment, rather than comfort each other, they kissed without emotion for a rushed scene that lacked passion. This leads the reader to believe that their relationship was not appropriate and revolving around want and not love.
Amarantha used Feyre’s love for Tamlin as leverage, subjecting her to physical and emotional torment to achieve her own sadistic goals. She was put under three trials, life threatening challenges, that allowed Feyre to try and reverse the curse. Amarantha forced her to survive a physical challenge of defeating a magical creature, then to a logical challenge testing her reading ability in a form of a riddle, and finally a mental challenge forcing her to kill three innocent faeries. Her choices are stripped away, whether it’s being forced to kill innocents during one of the trials or relying on Rhysand (a slave of Amarantha)’s bargain to survive. Solving Amarantha’s riddle resulted in Feyre’s death. This was her final act of heroism, which underscores the ultimate sacrifice she must make.
From childhood to her journey Under the Mountain, Feyre’s life in the first book is characterized by sacrifice imposed by external forces. She sacrifices her happiness and safety for her family, her freedom for the faerie realm, and ultimately her humanity to save Tamlin. While her resilience and determination shine through, these traits are largely reactive rather than proactive. Feyre’s journey is not one of self-empowerment in A Court of Thorns and Roses, but rather one of enduring the manipulations and expectations of others, a token of her role as a sacrificial pawn.
Is Feyre a savior of the realm or sacrificial pawn? Sacrificial pawn.
Tamlin, High Lord of the Spring Court: Lover or Captor?
Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, is one of the central figures in A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). In the first book of the series, his character alternates between being Feyre’s protector and, arguably, her captor. His complex persona: shaped by his upbringing, the burdens of his title, and the traumatic events of his past, makes him a figure of both romance and control, leaving readers to question his true intentions and motivations.
Tamlin was born into the powerful and noble family of the Spring Court. He became a leader of one of the seven courts of Prythian, a realm inhabited by Fae. As a High Lord, Tamlin is responsible for governing his court and protecting his people. His upbringing, while privileged in terms of status, was also fraught with hardship. The lands of the Spring Court were once vibrant and full of life, but after the war with the dark forces of the Blight (black magic) and the curse cast upon the courts, Tamlin and his court were left in an enduring state of misery.
In addition to the curse, Tamlin was affected by the loss of his family. His father had died during the war and his mother was eventually taken by the Blight. These traumatic experiences left Tamlin with a deep sense of responsibility for his court and a fierce desire to protect those he loves. However, the trauma also made him emotionally closed off and somewhat burdened by his role as a leader.
Tamlin’s journey toward becoming a captor, in a figurative sense, stems from both his personal struggles and the pressures of his position. When Feyre, a mortal woman, is brought to the Spring Court after killing a wolf (who was, in fact, a faerie in disguise), Tamlin initially appears as her captor. Though he showed a very different side of himself because contrastingly, he offers her safety in his lavish home. He treats her with kindness and seems to genuinely care for her. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Tamlin's protection comes with significant restrictions.
The central tension in their relationship arises from Tamlin's deep fear of losing control. After the curse is broken and the lands of Prythian are free from the Blight, Tamlin is still haunted by the trauma of the war, the curse, and the psychological scars it left on him and his court. His desire to protect Feyre becomes obsessive, and he isolates her in the Spring Court, limiting her freedom and keeping her under close surveillance. Tamlin's well-intentioned attempts at care turn into a form of emotional and psychological captivity.
Tamlin's actions are not necessarily driven by malice, but by fear and love in its most possessive form. His upbringing as a leader who must always protect his people has made him overly cautious and deeply afraid of losing the things he loves. This fear manifests in controlling behaviors, from locking Feyre in the court to forbidding her from leaving, even when it is clear that she is in emotional distress. He views his actions as protective, but his inability to see Feyre as her own person and that she is capable of making her own decisions, turns him into a captor in the eyes of the reader. When Feyre was risking her life Under the Mountain in an act of love, he did not encourage her, attempt to help, or even look at her. Although under Amarantha’s watch, he offered her no comfort, especially during the quick moment they escaped to share together.
Tamlin’s transformation from a lover to a captor is a tragic reflection of the psychological damage caused by his traumatic past. His story serves as a poignant example of how love, when distorted by fear and past wounds, can become a source of entrapment rather than freedom.
Is Tamlin a lover or captor? Captor.
Rhysand, High Lord of the Night Court: Evil Monster or Secret Savior?
Rhysand emerges as a figure cloaked in vagueness, his actions appearing both self-serving and subtly as acts of redemption. While his motives remain a complete mystery, there are moments that suggest he might be working towards a greater purpose.
From the first meeting of him and Feyre at Calanmai, a yearly Spring Court formal, Rhysand demonstrates an uncanny ability to appear precisely when she is most vulnerable. Though his intervention seems calculated to serve his own interests, it also spares her from danger. Later, under Amarantha's rule, Rhysand’s actions are similarly dual edged. His deal with Feyre might have been seen as opportunistic for himself, a bargain in which he offered her temporary health relief. However, it also ensures her survival in a hostile environment where her mortality makes her an easy target.
Rhysand’s behavior during Feyre’s trials provides further evidence of his complex role. While his public persona under Amarantha is that of her willing ‘servant’; his subtle assistance, such as ensuring Feyre is capable of completing the challenges, indicates a hidden agenda. Additionally, his insistence on marking Feyre with the Night Court’s insignia, a binding spell that connects her to his court by a ceremonial tattoo-like marking along her arm, might appear as an assertion of power, it serves the dual purpose of protecting her from other threats. They might feel less likely to cause her difficulty upon seeing this, considering Rhysand is the most powerful High Lord in Prythian.
Despite his outward cruelty and manipulation, Rhysand’s rare moments of honesty hint at a deeper understanding of Feyre’s struggles. He recognizes her strength and potential, often providing her with the tools or knowledge she needs to endure, even if his methods appear harsh or self-serving. His layered actions suggest a long game that prioritizes Feyre’s survival and, perhaps, her eventual freedom from Amarantha’s grasp. At the end of the novel, he admits that he was encouraging her from the sidelines and even placing bets on her survival, winning large sums of money. This is a testament to his trust and commitment to see her succeed.
Is Rhysand an evil monster or secret savior? Secret Saviour.
Elain and Nesta Archeron: Traumatized or Ungrateful?
Elain and Nesta, Feyre's sisters, display behaviors that can be difficult to interpret, particularly when viewed through the lens of Feyre’s sacrifices for their family. Throughout the first book, Feyre shoulders the burden of survival, hunting and providing for her family in the face of relentless poverty and danger, while her sisters contribute little to ease her struggles.
After their family lost all their wealth, as their merchant father’s ships of valuables sank during transport, the lavish lifestyle they were once accustomed to was destroyed. Mr. Archeron became depressed considering his life’s work all went down the drain and his wife recently died he was left in the small cabin they managed to find and live in. The four: Feyre, Elain, Nesta, and their father, were struggling to survive. That was until their misfortune became even worse. A worker of Mr. Archeron was furious because of the money that was lost, had broken into their home, stolen the few things they managed to acquire, and attacked the father brutally. Mr. Archeron’s knee was shattered in front of his three daughters that never fully healed due to their poverty and lack of healthcare. They were traumatized and scared, leaving with scars from this event.
Elain, the middle sister, is portrayed as sweet and gentle but largely detached from the harsh realities of their situation. Despite Feyre’s tireless efforts to put food on the table, Elain focuses on tending to the garden or expressing a desire for a life of beauty and comfort; pursuits that seem trivial given their dire circumstances. She does little to acknowledge Feyre's sacrifices or the risks she takes to keep the family alive, often appearing oblivious to the severity of their plight.
Elain seems to think she is a weak and frail little girl, she is constantly being cared for by Nesta that spends her days helping her with everyday tasks like brushing her hair. Considering Feyre is the youngest and the baby of the family, this leaves the reader confused at Elain’s lack of maturity. It is possible to believe that Elain was not taught proper life skills, however her younger sister is a fully functional and an independent woman.
Famine is a reoccurring issue in their household. Feyre barely hunts enough for their family, tends to the house, sells fur for cash, and buys her sisters small gifts with extra money when she can. Elain, who contribute absolutely nothing to her family, only cares to use her money on flower seeds to satisfy her love for gardening. If she was grateful enough to recognize the sacrifices Feyre takes daily, she could have contributed by buying vegetable seeds at least to provide extra food for her family.
Nesta, the eldest sister, is sharp-tongued, cold, and openly critical of Feyre. While she occasionally shows flashes of protectiveness, she generally distances herself from the family's struggles. Despite being physically capable of helping Feyre with their survival, Nesta refrains from contributing. Instead, she harbors resentment and pride that manifest as disregard for Feyre’s role as the family's provider. Her refusal to acknowledge Feyre’s sacrifices, coupled with her focus on maintaining, appearances, social status, and coddling Elain, highlights her ingratitude.
The sisters’ reliance on Feyre becomes even more glaring when contrasted with Feyre’s relentless determination to keep them alive, even at the expense of her own well-being. Neither Elain nor Nesta seems to fully grasp the depth of Feyre's sacrifices or express significant gratitude for her efforts. They blame their attitudes on the trauma from past events, however Feyre has an equal amount but managed to help her family regardless. Their passivity and preoccupation with their desires, rather than the family's survival, add to the perception of their ingratitude.
Are Elain and Nesta traumatized or ungrateful? Ungrateful.
2. Plot: Storyline and Themes
Brief Storyline
A Court of Thorns and Roses begins with Feyre Archeron, a 19-year-old mortal girl, who lives with her family in dire poverty. Feyre is the primary breadwinner, hunting in the forest to provide for her sickly father and two sisters. An element that never made sense was that Feyre was described as frail, weak, and practically all ‘skin and bones’ however she constantly hunted and gathered firewood for her family. When Feyre kills a wolf, described to be significantly larger than any animal she has ever seen to feed her family, she unknowingly kills a faerie in disguise. However, she had previous been warned by a warrior that was traveling through her village explaining that her hunting trails are way to close to the faerie realm entry. The fierce soldier informed her to not trust any suspicious creatures which lead the reader to be confident Feyre knew the abnormally large wolf was not normal. As punishment for killing it, she is taken to the Spring Court in the faerie realm by Tamlin. Feyre’s imprisonment is initially harsh, but she soon learns of a dark curse afflicting the faerie lands, a curse that will only be broken by a mortal girl who can pass three trials. The curse affected the Spring Court and her lover Tamlin. Had a mortal fallen in love with the ‘beast’ (Tamlin), freedom and peace would be restored. Though she had not confessed her feelings in time, he was enslaved by the evil witch Amarantha. Feyre begged to the woman holding the love of her life captive to let her have a second chance at saving him. Being entertained by the idea of a powerless mortal playing her games, Amarantha accepted and gave her three trials. One physical, one logical, and one mentally challenging. As the story progresses, Feyre’s understanding of love, power, and her own capacity for strength is tested, culminating in an emotional, self-sacrificial act that threatens her life but gives her the chance to change everything.
Themes and Symbolism
Love and Sacrifice: The theme of love is central to the novel, particularly the tension between romantic and self-sacrifice. Feyre is constantly faced with difficult decisions where her feelings for Tamlin and her desire to protect him often lead her to sacrifice her own happiness and safety.
Power and Control: Power dynamics play an important role in the relationships and political structures within the faerie world. Tamlin’s initial protectiveness of Feyre is later revealed to be a form of control, and this theme extends to Feyre’s struggle to find agency in a world that seeks to harm her. Tamlin chose to lie to her, hide details like the current war between the courts, and simultaneously lock her in his residence.
The Beast and Beauty: The novel draws heavily on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, using the faerie world and its politics to reframe the classic story. Feyre, like Beauty, is drawn to someone perceived as monstrous (Tamlin’s beastly curse), but she sees beyond his outward appearance and recognizes his humanity. The deeper symbolism of beauty versus monstrosity also relates to how Feyre grapples with her own internal conflict, what does it mean to be “beautiful”, considering she was too young to remember her wealthy upbringings. Or what does it mean to be “beastly,” and how are these labels used to manipulate power?
Curses and Redemption: The curse that plagues the faerie lands serves as a symbol of the consequences of selfishness, greed, and unhealed trauma. The story’s central conflict revolves around breaking the curse, an act that Amarantha put into place. The curse was that a mortal woman had to fall in love with the beast given a timeframe or all of Tamlin’s magic and freedom was submitted to Amarantha. This journey toward redemption reflects not only the need to free the faeries from their suffering but also the characters’ need for personal healing. Feyre herself is also undergoing a transformation, both as a character and as a figure of redemption.
Freedom vs. Enslavement: The faerie courts, though beautiful and alluring, are ultimately systems of political control. Feyre’s journey is symbolic of a desire for freedom, both from the physical constraints imposed upon her in the Spring Court and from the mental and emotional traps she faces. Her ultimate act of courage in breaking free from the curse symbolizes the broader human desire for autonomy and self-determination.
3. Structure of Text: Flow and Vocabulary
Narrative Perspective: First-Person Immersion
The novel is told from Feyre’s first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the world of the fae through her eyes. This perspective enhances the emotional connection to Feyre’s character and her internal struggles. Her voice is raw, honest, and filled with vulnerability, which keeps the reader emotionally engaged. However, the first-person narration can also limit the scope of the story, leaving certain events and characters' motivations only partially revealed.
Pacing
The pacing in A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas is carefully calibrated to engage the reader and maintain a balance between world-building, character development, and plot progression.
The story begins with Feyre hunting in the woods to provide for her impoverished family. These chapters establish Feyre’s harsh life in the mortal world, her resourcefulness, and her sense of obligation. For example, when Feyre kills a wolf that was later revealed to be a faerie in disguise, she unknowingly set up her future for the rest of the series. It’s deliberate and slower paced, allowing readers to absorb Feyre’s motivations and the bleakness of her reality.
When Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court, arrives to ‘claim’ Feyre as reparation for the wolf’s death (a tradition where the killer takes the place of the killed soldier), the pacing remains steady. This allows for the gradual transition from the mortal world to the faerie realm. Maas uses this time to build the foundation of the faerie world through introducing its rules, dangers, and wonders. For instance, Feyre’s journey to the Spring Court and her initial awe at its beauty is contrasted by her fear of the unknown.
Once Feyre is settled in the Spring Court, the pacing begins to quicken as more layers of the plot are revealed. The beauty of the Spring Court: lush gardens, enchanting estates, and magical creatures, hides the underlying tension of the curse affecting Tamlin’s lands. For example, Feyre’s interactions with Lucien the emissary, and Tamlin are laced with subtle hints about the curse. Her curiosity about the masquerade masks the faeries wear, and the growing danger posed by Amarantha’s looming influence adds to the intrigue. Learning about the masks was the start to her understanding the realities that were being hidden from her. Being told about Amarantha’s curse and that she commanded all the guests that attended the ceremonial masquerade ball fifty years ago to be unable to take them off in an act of shame against the Spring Court.
The pacing here becomes rapid and intense, with a series of life-threatening trials that Feyre must endure. Each trial, from solving the riddle to facing the wyrm, tests Feyre’s wit, courage, and endurance. An example was when Feyre had to kill two faeries during her trials to save herself and others, highlighting the moral complexity of her journey. The emotional stakes peak when Feyre confronts Amarantha and solves the riddle, breaking the curse but dying in the process. This moment is charged with tension, grief, and triumph. Maas wonderfully combines physical danger, emotional turmoil, and magical elements to create a gripping climax.
After Feyre is resurrected by the High Lords, the pacing slows down to allow for reflection. Feyre grapples with the trauma of her actions Under the Mountain and her transformation into a High Fae. The emotional resolution between Feyre and Tamlin provides closure while leaving threads open for future exploration, such as Feyre’s bargain with Rhysand and the political unrest in Prythian. This slower pace gives readers a moment to breathe while building anticipation for the next book.
Vocabulary and Language
Maas’ vocabulary is rich and descriptive, painting vivid images of the faerie courts, magical creatures, and the otherworldly beauty that defines the novel’s setting. She blends elegance with rawness, especially in describing Feyre’s inner turmoil and the complex emotions between the characters. For instance, descriptions of Tamlin’s shifting appearance, half-beast and half-human, mirror the ambiguity of his character, while the dangerous beauty of the Spring Court is captured through lush, sensory language.
The dialogue in the book is equally compelling, often laden with tension and emotional subtext. Feyre’s internal monologue is reflective, often filled with doubt and self-recrimination, yet it also shows her growth as she becomes more aware of her own strength and resilience. Maas balances lyrical descriptions with moments of stark, brutal dialogue, often reflecting the contrasting aspects of the faerie world, beauty, violence, passion and fear.
Use of Foreshadowing and Symbolism
The structure of the book is rich with foreshadowing. Early hints about Feyre’s potential role in breaking the curse or the true nature of her relationship with Tamlin are woven into the narrative, but they remain subtle enough to maintain suspense. Symbolism also plays a crucial role, with recurring imagery of thorns, roses, and other motifs tied to the faerie world’s dual nature, beautiful yet dangerous.
The architecture of the Spring Court, the labyrinthine faerie politics, and even the trials that Feyre faces all symbolize themes of entrapment and the struggle for freedom. These symbols are not just surface-level decorations; they resonate with the central emotional arcs of the characters, particularly Feyre’s own internal battle between surrender and independence.
Conclusion
In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas weaves together a compelling narrative that combines rich character development, a fast-paced and emotionally charged plot, and a carefully constructed narrative structure. Feyre's journey from a helpless mortal to a powerful figure within the faerie realm reflects the book's broader themes of transformation, sacrifice, and survival. Through vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a mix of fantasy and romance, Maas creates a world that feels both familiar and entirely new. This novel not only stands as the first installment in a beloved series but also establishes Maas as a talented author known for weaving intricate tales of magic, love, and power.
An article published by Kate McDonald
Special thanks to Sarah J. Maas, author of A Court of Thorns and Rose.
Author’ Note
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a book and series that means a lot to me. This was the first time reading a Romance Fantasy book. It truly made me love this genre. Although I have some issues with this novel, the rest of the series just gets better, reaching its peak in the third book A Court of Wings and Ruin. Sarah J. Maas has a way with fantasy by being so inventive of creating new worlds and creatures, she is amazing at her work and her series Throne of Glass will be my next read.
