There are currently no updates as to when Sarah J. Maas will be releasing her next Sarah J. Maas' fantasy books have commonly agreed that the misogynistic fae culture depicted in A Court of Thorns and Roses is extremely problematic—especially its toxic treatment of women throughout the series. While Maas does attempt to speak on this topic in the latter books, it's yet to be explored in any great detail.

However, there's one way in which Maas could address the many faults of the fae while equally ing two underused characters throughout her narrative. Both Lucien and Tamlin have been somewhat sidelined since their early roles in the series, and their storylines have severely suffered. But, as the sixth A Court of Thorns and Roses book is likely to be written from Elain's POV, it's possible readers will get more page-time with each character. Maas' inclusion of Lucien and Tamlin's story could really help to unpack Prythian's fae toxicity, and do so in a way that doesn't feel forced.

The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Needs To Unpack The Series' Toxic Fae Culture

Maas' Previous Attempts Don't Go Far Enough

The toxic masculinity of fae culture in A Court of Thorns and Roses is one of the series' biggest issues, and the toxic masculinity and treatment of women seen throughout needs to be resolved in Maas' sequels. Not only do many of the fae assert their dominance and power over women, they think that it's their right, and it's clear women are undervalued in Prythian's current society. This was seen in Tamlin's relationship with Feyre in ACOMAF, but also in the horrible treatment of women in the Illyrian war camps, where women aren't allowed to fight and are often maimed to be kept from doing so.

While Maas has attempted to address these issues in previous books, the narrative didn't have time to expand on its importance adequately.

While Maas has attempted to address these issues in previous books, the narrative didn't have time to expand on its importance adequately. So far, several characters throughout the series are aware of these conditions, but don't believe they yet have the means to make any significant changes. This is incredibly frustrating, as everyone, including Rhysand and the Inner Circle, seems to be waiting for some miracle to make things right. Maas' A Court of Silver Flames began to lay down the groundwork for this narrative, but it's important that she examines the issue in full in the next ACOTAR novel.

The Sixth ACOTAR Book Could Use Lucien & Tamlin To Address The Fae's Biggest Problem

Fae Toxicity Has Affected The Two Characters, Albeit Quite Differently

If Maas' next A Court of Thorns and Roses book does center around Elain, it's possible both Lucien and Tamlin could be reintroduced to the story in a major way—and further delve into the two characters' experiences with fae toxicity. Both Lucien and Tamlin have been affected by their society's issues in the past, albeit quite differently from the other. Lucien was directly affected by the misogynistic fae culture, as his first love, Jesminda, was executed by his own father. Tamlin's upbringing, on the other hand, impacted his ability to view society's problems objectively but is no excuse for his behavior.

These two narratives could give Maas a lot of material to work with in exploring the effects fae culture has on Prythian's society, and hopefully bring about change in future A Court of Thorns and Roses novels. Lucien's tragic backstory seems far from resolved, and his need for revenge against his father gives Maas the perfect opening. This could also be accomplished through Tamlin's likely redemption arc, as his period of reflection has shed light on his past behavior. While Lucien and Tamlin have been underused thus far, their characters' history can still prove significant to the overall narrative.