One important character in theories about A Court of Thorns & Roses to spring up years later, and for the various strengths of the series to keep that well-deserved spotlight.
While those strengths can be found in other stories — there are many great romantasy series to read while waiting for more ACOTAR — the original A Court of Thorns & Roses trilogy does have a few unique aspects that make it stand out. One of those elements is its villains, as their cruelty puts our favorite characters in several terrible situations, making it even more satisfying when they're defeated. That being said, out of the two major villains in the trilogy, one stands out more than the other, as the series never sured her great arc: Amarantha.
Amarantha Was A Great Villain In A Court Of Thorns & Roses, But The Series Never Topped Her
Amarantha's Motivations Were Well Established And Carried Out
Amarantha, from the first installment in the Court of Thorns & Roses series, was a great villain whose storyline was never topped in any of the other original books. Despite only appearing after the halfway mark of the book, Amarantha was set up to be a well-done villain from the opening chapters of the trilogy. Tamlin and Lucien's fear of her, as well as the apparent evidence of her cruelty through the fae's ripped wings, showcased just how diabolical she could be while still leaving Feyre and readers in the dark about how far she would go.
10 Years Later, Re-Reading The First Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Makes Me Want A Long Overdue Story In Book 6 Even More
Re-reading A Court of Thorns and Roses makes me realize how overdue one story is, 10 years after its release. I hope book 6 finally delivers it.
Once Under The Mountain, those capabilities for cruelty and her motivations came to light, increasing the tension of the narrative impressively. Amarantha's hold over Tamlin and Rhysand alike was revealed in small doses, the rest left for the audience to infer, building further fear for our protagonists. The answer to Amarantha's riddle also created a great psychological component to the terror, giving Feyre another thing to struggle against beyond the physical challenges. After her death, though, A Court of Thorns & Roses struggled to replicate that same payoff, despite introducing what was meant to be a more formidable enemy.
The King Of Hybern Was An Underwhelming Foe For ACOWAR After Amarantha
The King Of Hybern Was Not Set Up As Well As Amarantha
Even though he was meant to be a larger villain than Amarantha, the King of Hybern was ultimately not set up as well, making him an underwhelming A Court of Thorns & Roses villain. Much like Amarantha, the menace of the King of Hybern was set up early on through the stories Rhys told of him and his actions outside the protagonists' purview. This highlighted his aggressive nature and unshakable worldview. His scene in the second book did add to this, his trap and the transformation of Nesta and Elain showcasing that he was exactly as bad as his reputation suggested.
The King of Hybern first appeared in Chapter 63 of A Court of Mist & Fury.
However, by the time the third book came around, that work became undone through his minimal appearances and inaction. The King of Hybern had ample opportunities to showcase his individual power, but instead, he largely hid behind the force of his armies and used them to strike. Being bested as easily as he was in the end only ruined that image further, his arrogance subtracting from his might. This made his arc one of the harsh realities of rereading ACOTAR's original trilogy. Fortunately, A Court of Thorns & Roses 6 has the chance to avoid this with its next series villain.
The 6th Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Has A Chance To Finally Sur This Book 1 Strength
Koshei's Curse & Use Of The Queens Show He Will Be Better Than Amarantha
The next book in the A Court of Thorns & Roses series has a chance to sur Amarantha through Koshei, who has already topped some of Amarantha's strengths. A Court of Silver Flames's ending saw the death of Briallyn but largely left the threat of Koshei unresolved — though his machinations are to blame for some of the book's events, as well as past ones. Between his curse on Vassa and the clear fear he inspires in others, Koshei has the potential to become a villain on par with Amarantha if Maas lets him.
Koshei already displays the same magical affinity and talent for manipulation Amarantha had.
Koshei already displays the same magical affinity and talent for manipulation Amarantha had, so book 6 must let him showcase it to the protagonists in the same way. Unlike Hybern, whose powers were not truly explored, Koshei's abilities need to be further showcased through both an outright assault or through a subtle manipulation of the Inner Circle to create distrust and discord in Velaris. Either way results in Koshei becoming just as strong a villain in A Court of Thorns & Roses, his puppet master-like techniques testing the Inner Circle in ways they may not be prepared for.
- Publisher(s)
- Bloomsbury Publishing
- Publication Date
- 2015-05-05
- Franchise
- A Court of Thorns and Roses
- ISBN#
- 9781619634442
- Author(s)
- Sarah J. Maas
- Genre(s)
- Fantasy, Romance
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