10 Years Later, Re-Reading The First Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Makes Me Want A Long Overdue Story In Book 6 Even More

A Court of Thorns and Roses turns 10 years old in May, and that makes it the perfect time to revisit the first book in Sarah J. Maas’ fantasy series — though doing so is making me more desperate for one story in book six. A sixth Court of Thorns and Roses book is already confirmed to be Maas’ next project, but the author has yet to reveal a release timeline, тιтle, or which character the story will follow. Given that A Court of Silver Flames tells Nesta and Cᴀssian’s story, many are hoping Elain Archeron will be next in line.

And that would be a relief, as re-reading the first ACOTAR book is reminding me that we’re long overdue for another supporting player’s story. Given that Feyre spends much of book one at the Spring Court, the first installment focuses heavily on characters who adopt more minor roles later on. Unfortunately, Maas has yet to return to these side characters, despite some of them being obvious contenders for their own narratives. If the next Court of Thorns and Roses book does turn out to be Elain’s, there’s a chance we’ll get another long-awaited story, too: Lucien’s.

Re-Reading A Court Of Thorns & Roses Is A Reminder Of How Great Lucien’s Character Was

His Character Development Drops Off In The Later ACOTAR Books

This is a shame, as Lucien brings much-needed humor to the narrative in book one, along with redeeming qualities that leave you wanting more of him — and a backstory that demands to be explored in depth. The original ACOTAR trilogy doesn’t deliver on that, though. In fact, it feels as though Lucien’s character development completely drops off, despite later books revealing that he’s Elain’s mate. Because Lucien isn’t as compelling in later sequels, I’d forgotten how great he was at the beginning. After revisiting book one, I really want ACOTAR book six to return to him.

Revisiting The First ACOTAR Book Makes Me Want Lucien’s Story In Book 6 Even More

Giving Us His POV Would Make Up For Prior Sequels Sidelining Him

After experiencing what a great character Lucien was in the first book, I really want Maas to give us Lucien’s story in book six. It’s possible we’ll get dual perspectives in the next sequel, just as A Court of Silver Flames features both Nesta and Cᴀssian chapters. Maas could make up for sidelining Lucien after book one by offering his POV, allowing readers to see the character’s snarky wit, loyalty, and other redeeming traits again. Giving him his own narrative could also allow him to set things right with Feyre and Tamlin, neither of whom he’s fully back to normal with.

If the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book goes this route, it would give the series an opportunity to dig deeper into other aspects of Maas’ world.

Telling Lucien’s story wouldn’t just be satisfying from a character standpoint, either. If the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book goes this route, it would give the series an opportunity to dig deeper into certain aspects of Maas’ world, like faerie and human relations and the Autumn Court. Lucien is strongly connected to both, and these storylines are ripe for expansion in future books. With a properly characterized Lucien, such narratives could prove compelling additions to Maas’ series. And there’s a good chance we will get Lucien’s story when ACOTAR returns, if one common belief proves true.

Why Sarah J. Maas Is Likely To Give Us This Overdue Story When ACOTAR Returns

If The Next Book Is Elain’s, Lucien Needs A Prominent Role

Sarah J. Maas' Court of Thorns & Roses books with a red book covered in question marks and a 6 on it — Custom Image by Yailin Chacon

Although Maas hasn’t confirmed that the next Court of Thorns and Roses book will follow Elain, it seems like a natural progression after telling Feyre’s and Nesta’s stories. And if the upcoming novel is centered on Elain, as so many readers are expecting, this all but guarantees that Lucien will have a prominent role. After all, Lucien is revealed to be her mate in the original ACOTAR trilogy, and Maas has yet to dig deeper into that twist. Even if Maas subverts her usual fated mates trope, Lucien still needs to be present to reveal what becomes of the pair.

This gives me confidence that Lucien will get the storyline he deserves, even after being pushed aside for so many ACOTAR books. And after revisiting the original 2015 novel, I’m even more excited by that prospect. It would be a waste to craft such a compelling character in A Court of Thorns and Roses, just to drop them permanently. For that reason, I’m hoping Maas is just saving the best parts of Lucien’s arc for a book more heavily focused on him.