Sarah J. Maas' ACOTAR is even banned in some U.S. states. However, a closer look at the original trilogy reveals some inconsistencies and underdeveloped elements, as well as failing to avoid some of the weaknesses of the romantasy subgenre overall. ​

Some of the inconsistencies throughout the ACOTAR series can be attributed to the trilogy's unprecedented mass success, which led to it being continued past its original intended ending. Yet some of the genre trappings and changes are still not well executed. If the series had stayed as a trilogy, it would have been underwhelming. However, it has since received much better character development, including tie-ins to other Maasverse timelines.

10 There's A Lot Of World Building Missing In ACOTAR

The Exposition On Prythian Is Limited In The First Three ACOTAR Books

The original trilogy lacks the depth of world-building present in the later books, leaving much about the Fae courts, their history, and their society a mystery. Ironically, this world-building problem could benefit the Hulu ACOTAR TV show. In the first book, Maas immediately hooks readers with the romance between Feyre and Tamlin. This intense love story drives the narrative, overshadowing other potential plot developments. As a result, the world-building and ing character development in the initial novel are somewhat limited, as Maas prioritizes laying the foundation for future personal storylines.

Too much world-building early on can read like an info dump. As the series progresses, Maas gradually unveils the intricate lore of Prythian through Feyre's perspective. This narrative, filtered through an outsider's lens, provides an effective way to introduce readers to this enchanting setting. However, Feyre's limited understanding of Prythian inevitably restricts the depth of world-building within the original trilogy. It is much better explored by other perspectives, such as Cassian's in A Court of Silver Flames.

9 Tamlin's Character Arc Is Inconsistent

Tamlin Undergoes A Shocking Character Change In The Second ACOTAR Book

Tamlin's characterization is often criticized for being inconsistent. His transition from a charming and protective figure to a villainous ab can feel abrupt and underdeveloped. While the first novel hints at Tamlin's possessive and controlling tendencies, it doesn't fully prepare readers for the extent of his cruelty in the second book. The stark contrast between Tamlin's protective behavior in the first installment and his abusive actions in the second is jarring. This demonstrates how Tamlin could also be improved in Hulu’s ACOTAR TV show.

To truly win back readers' favor, Tamlin's character would require a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal.

While the third book, A Court of Wings and Ruin, attempts to redeem Tamlin, it ultimately falls short. Later, A Court of Frost and Starlight and the novel A Court of Silver Flames suggest that Tamlin continues to grapple with the consequences of his actions. However, this inconsistency in Tamlin's character arc leaves readers uncertain about his future. While there is an expectation for his redemption, his problematic behavior makes it difficult to sympathize with him. To truly win back readers' favor, Tamlin's character would require a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal.

8 ACOTAR's Stakes Are Pretty Low

None Of The Main ACOTAR Characters Can Die

The original A Court of Thorns & Roses trilogy has a major stakes problem. Compared to the later installments, the stakes in the original trilogy feel relatively low. While there are dangerous situations and emotional turmoil, the overall plot lacks the larger-scale drama of the most recent book. Additionally, Maas' series has a notable tendency to shy away from killing off major characters, especially within the Inner Circle. Given Prythian's long history of conflict, the danger should feel real. Readers should be genuinely concerned for the safety of their beloved characters, anticipating potential casualties and tragic losses.

While ruthless antagonists like Amarantha and the King of Hybern meet swift and permanent ends, characters d with the Night Court seem largely immune to mortal danger. This discrepancy has led to criticism that the series lacks genuine stakes and emotional impact. Maas ramps up the stakes later in A Court of Silver Flames by binding Feyre and Rhysand's lives together; however, it now comes across as a rather selfish decision rather than romantic, as it could leave Nyx without either parent.

7 Fae Culture Is Toxic

The Fae In Prythian Are Terrible In Many Ways

Something else that is underexplored in the trilogy is that the Fae are kind of terrible in ACOTAR. It is difficult to say whether High Fae culture or Illyrian culture is worse in how they treat females in their society. However, this is complicated by the fact that Velaris is painted as a utopian society, especially in A Court of Mist and Fury. Velaris is used to deliberately offset the Spring Court's backward attitudes toward their females and their lower-class citizens. This idyllic view is also a gloss on significant issues in Illyrian culture that are explored later in the series.

However, something not even the later books have fully addressed is the issue of money among the ruling Fae elite in the ACOTAR trilogy. Feyre states several times that Rhysand possesses essentially bottomless wealth that they cannot even put a dent in. Yet for some reason, there are "slums" in Velaris. It is clarified that they are only considered slums relative to the luxury elsewhere in the City of Starlight. However, it is still questionable whether there need to be slums at all.

6 Mating Bonds Are Overused

Maas Has Historically Made Mating Bonds Too Comoon

Arguably, the fated mates trope is overused in all of Maas' works. This trope is beloved in the romantasy genre and persists throughout ACOTAR. One point of tension that will hopefully be addressed in the next book is that Elain is resisting her mating bond with Lucien. However, this does not diminish the issue of the story element overall. Overusing fated mates takes away from a variety of romance storylines in which partners actively choose each other despite the lack of a mating bond.

Additionally, mating bonds are supposedly rare in Fae society. However, such bonds are handed out to three noble couples, with two of them accepting the bond. Maas' series typically depicts mating bonds as a result of mutual attraction and romantic pursuit; Elain and Lucien's relationship presents an opportunity to subvert this. If Maas chooses to explore a forced or unwanted mating bond, it could lead to a compelling and unconventional storyline. This untapped narrative potential offers hope for future developments that challenge now-cliched tropes.

5 Rhysand's Trauma Is Resolved Too Soon

The ACOTAR Trilogy Focuses On Feyre's Traumatic Experiences

Rhysand's traumatic past is briefly explored in the original trilogy. While his character arc is compelling, the resolution of his trauma feels rushed and incomplete. Rhys often reflects on his time Under the Mountain and the personal sacrifice he made to protect Velaris. However, the specific sexual trauma he endured is underexplored and too easily resolved, with additional conversations about it implied to happen out of the purview of the reader.

This creates a discrepancy between how the male and female traumas are treated in the ACOTAR series. Feyre has a whole book – A Court of Mist and Fury – dedicated to learning to live with the trauma of what she endured Under the Mountain and her entrapment at the Spring Court following it. She is also granted vengeance in A Court of Wings and Ruin. In contrast, Rhys' trauma seems brushed over when the trilogy is predominantly focused on Feyre's arc.

4 Elain's Character Is Underdeveloped

The Second Archeron Sister Also Has An Inconsistent Character

Elain's breadcrumbed character development is deliberate, and planting seeds for the next book. However, this does not make it any less frustrating for some readers. Elain Archeron remains a relatively enigmatic figure throughout the original trilogy. Rather than inherent mystery, her lack of development stems from Maas' tendency to prioritize a few central characters per book. This approach, while effective for character-driven narratives, can sometimes leave secondary characters seeming underdeveloped. While Elain's arc has potential, it has been overshadowed by the dominant storylines of Feyre, Rhysand, Nesta, and Cassian.

This uneven focus impacts the overall pacing and depth of the series. Focusing only on how Elain presents herself to the world in the original trilogy limits the readers' ability to discern her hidden depths. Rhysand does address this directly in A Court of Silver Flames; he tells Feyre he suspects there is more than meets the eye. However, this seems like too little, too late after several books of her being infantilized. Hopefully, the next book will redeem this character's storyline.

3 The Timeline Of The ACOTAR Trilogy Is Rushed

The Amount Of Time The ACOTAR Books Take Up Is Confusing

One frustration of the original trilogy is that, compared to other books, ACOTAR's timeline is baffling. While the exact timeline of the series is not explicitly stated, it appears to span a few years. Key events, such as the Winter Solstice, can be used to estimate the age of time. Additionally, Feyre's age at the beginning of the first book and her subsequent age throughout the series provide some temporal context. However, the ACOTAR series' timeline remains somewhat ambiguous, leaving readers to piece together the puzzle.

The first book starts in winter and wraps up by fall, meaning Feyre's entire experience unfolds in less than a year. A Court of Mist and Fury picks up right at the Winter Solstice and concludes by spring – again, a remarkably short window for everything that transpires. Finally, A Court of Wings and Ruin takes the cake for compressed timelines. This war-filled story somehow manages to play out in just a few short months. The pace of events seems to slow down thereafter, with A Court of Silver Flames unfolding over Feyre's long Fae pregnancy.

2 Feyre's Father's Story Is Disappointing

Feyre's Father Is Only Important When The Story Needs Him To Be

While Feyre's father may not have significant page time, he plays a crucial role in shaping her character. His financial struggles and neglectful parenting contribute to Feyre's decision to hunt, which ultimately leads to her transformative journey in Prythian. The trauma inflicted upon Feyre and Nesta by their father's actions continues to influence their lives throughout the series. However, despite his significant impact on the story, Mr. Archeron's character arc remains underdeveloped, leaving readers wanting more.

Initially portrayed as a neglectful father, he is later redeemed as a heroic figure.

Mr. Archeron's character arc in the original trilogy is also inconsistent and confusing. Initially portrayed as a neglectful father, he is later redeemed as a heroic figure. His abrupt disappearance in the second book and his subsequent reappearance in the third create a jarring narrative shift. This is illustrative of a common criticism of the series, as it undermines the emotional impact of certain plot developments. It is done in the service of a twist, but at some point, the reader would be forgiven for noticing the pattern, undermining the shock factor.

1 Lucien's Character Is Wasted

Lucien Is Initially Set Up As An Interesting Main Character

Another harsh reality of re-reading the trilogy is that Lucien shows so much promise, both in the first book and A Court of Mist and Fury. However, as soon as he discovers Elain is his mate, ACOTAR’s Lucien becomes overlooked. Maas sends Lucien away to the continent on a mission but seems to be withholding a lot about him until later in the series. This results in him being merely kept out of the way of the storylines she wants to focus on.

This is disappointing because Lucien is painted as a powerful character in the original ACOTAR book. He is both cunning and comionate, making him a popular figure among readers. His unwavering care for Feyre, even after her betrayal of the Spring Court, highlights his complex and empathetic nature. However, Maas seems to be exploring Lucien more in A Court of Thorns and Roses, with more of his motivations outside of Elain shown in A Court of Frost and Starlight, at least addressing this problem with the trilogy.