Readers are eagerly awaiting Sarah J. Maas' next Tamlin will have a redemption arc in the next book—which seems likely given Maas' various mentions of his destitute state in the latter ACOTAR novels. Maas has spent time drawing attention to Tamlin's character arc throughout the series—first as the love interest, then the villain, and now the outcast. And while his character has changed, Maas seemingly still has a role for him to play.

However, I don't believe Tamlin's looming redemption arc needs to at all be centered around his relationship with Feyre—as Maas has made it pretty clear that she and Rhys have moved on easily without any desire for reconciliation. Plus, Tamlin had already decided to let Feyre go at next Court of Thorns and Roses novel should use Tamlin's redemption arc to repair his and Lucien's friendship.

Tamlin & Lucien's Friendship Is One Of The Saddest Casualties Of The ACOTAR Books

Their Friendship Is Genuine In The Early Novels

Some may argue Lucien's friendship was born out of a sense of loyalty to Tamlin after he was given a place of refuge in the Spring Court—and that plays a major part—but I believe their relationship was founded on their mutually traumatic upbringings. The two had suffered a lot at the hands of their fathers, and knowing Lucien's experience with his brothers, it's unlikely he would willingly befriend Tamlin if he thought him to be anything like them. Instead, Maas makes readers aware that Lucien can see Tamlin's many flaws, but chooses to remain friends with him regardless.

However, Tamlin's struggles with PTSD after Feyre's near-death and his controlling behavior in both ACOMAF and ACOWAR is what ultimately strained their relationship. It's clear that throughout the narrative, Lucien attempts to reason with Tamlin and advocate for Feyre on multiple occasions, but in the end, he isn't able to get through to him. Lucien's departure from the Spring Court ended their friendship, and the two never converse again, but I think it's possible they can repair the damage in a future Court of Thorns and Roses novel should Lucien find it hard to give up on his old friend.

I Hope Tamlin & Lucien Repair Their Relationship In The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book

Found Family And Acceptance Is A Major Theme Throughout The Series

When Lucien finally leaves the Spring Court and Tamlin in A Court of Wings and Ruin, it's not necessarily out of his wish to abandon his friend, but more so acting on the need to find his mate, Elain. Yes, Lucien was appalled by many of Tamlin's actions throughout the narrative, which helped influence his decision to leave—but it's clear from his and Feyre's later conversation that Elain was always his main motivator. And Lucien may have even decided to stay behind in an attempt to further reason with Tamlin and save him from self-destruction had Elain not been in the picture.

While I do think Tamlin deserves to sit with the consequences of his actions for a time, Maas clearly isn't done exploring his character.

In the latter novels, Maas' depictions of Tamlin show just how much he has given up—as his court is in tatters, and he has no loyal friends remaining. While I do think Tamlin deserves to sit with the consequences of his actions for a time, Maas clearly isn't done exploring his character. This gives me reason to believe Lucien will attempt to rebuild their friendship if their paths cross again in the sixth Court of Thorns and Roses novel. Even more so, knowing that found-family and unconditional friendship are common themes throughout the series—like Nesta in Court of Silver Flames.

Lucien & Elain's Story Is The Perfect Place For Tamlin's Much-Needed Redemption Arc

Elain's Book Could Bring Both Lucien & Tamlin Back Into The Story

Elain's future Court of Thorns and Roses book will assumedly center around Lucien to some extent, and finally bring his character back into the story in a major way—making it the perfect place to reintroduce his and Tamlin's friendship. Lucien is one of many ACOTAR characters who have been pushed to the sidelines, but despite a lacking character arc, the series has continually touched upon his importance to the narrative. I'm unsure if Elain and Lucien will actually end up together, but a larger focus on Elain will still give Lucien's story the background and attention it deserves.

It is revealed in A Court of Wings and Ruin that Lucien's true father is Helion, High Lord of the Day Court.

I'm hoping a greater focus on Lucien will also enable him to become High Lord of either the Autumn or Day Court in a future A Court of Thorns and Roses novel, and give Lucien a change in status that could force his and Tamlin's characters to interact. Currently, Lucien spends his time primarily in the human lands with Jurian and Queen Vassa, and only visits Prythian for the chance to see Elain. However, giving Lucien a larger political role—such as High Lord—would provide Maas a way to realistically reintroduce their characters and potentially salvage their friendship.