I'll Be So Disappointed If The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Confirms This Tamlin Mate Theory

Every epic series by Sarah J. Maas involves characters going through trials and tribulations that lead them to meet their fated mates - their other halves. The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is no different, and I've always seen it as one of the series' most compelling concepts. While both Feyre and Nesta are already mated, their sister hasn’t accepted her mating bond or experienced a romantic storyline; meaning the next ACOTAR book will center around Elain’s journey.

Theories about Elain’s true mating bond have been swirling since she turned Fae and Lucien Vanserra claimed to be her mate immediately. However, the debate about who Elain's real mate is has no end in sight, until Elain herself makes a choice (which will likely be a big part of the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book). One ACOTAR theory suggests that Elain and Tamlin may actually be endgame due to unique similarities they share, but for many reasons, including Elain’s already-developed romantic storylines, this theory just doesn’t hold up for me.

I Hope The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Debunks This Tamlin Mate Theory

It Really Doesn't Make Sense For These Two Characters To End Up Together

One ACOTAR theory dives into great detail about the reasons Elain and Tamlin may actually be mates. However, I don't see it as a realistic theory, as the jump of logic it takes me to reach that conclusion is pretty extreme. This theory highlights small Easter eggs throughout the series that point towards this mateship; such as Elain’s childhood dresser drawer having flowers on it. Some interesting points are made about fate and foreshadowing, but I don't see this couple working out due to their vastly different temperaments and complex history.

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The main argument supporting Elain and Tamlin being mates is the way Elain is consistently described with floral and springtime imagery. Since the first book, it's hinted (and even blatantly written a couple times) that Elain would fit perfectly in the Spring Court. This floral word choice to describe Elain’s personality suggests that Maas believes she embodies the energy of spring and the beauty of the season, not that she necessarily should be with Tamlin. I hope the next book in the series and Hulu’s upcoming A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show will likely prove this theory wrong because Tamlin would probably dim Elain's shine.

Tamlin & Elain Wouldn't Work Together After Previous ACOTAR Books

Their History Would Be Too Complicated To Overcome

Not long ago in the series, Tamlin and Elain had a traumatic re-introduction that left Elain emotionally scarred. Since Tamlin clearly has lots of work to do on himself while he claws at his own redemption arc, and Elain is traumatized...it's not a great setup for an epic romance. Had Elain and Tamlin met in a way that didn’t involve her human death, I may be able to picure her opening herself up to the romance, but especially knowing how Tamlin treated Feyre, this coupling doesn’t make sense. Even if Tamlin is redeemed, his anger issues remain a big concern for me.

Key Background Facts:

• Tamlin and Feyre had a romance throughout all of book one, that ended terribly in Feyres eventual harm and mistreatment.
• Tamlin betrays the Inner Circle in A Court of Mist and Fury, causing Elain to be turned Fae in the first place.
• Elain inherits the power of a Seer when she is dipped in the Cauldron, which she uses throughout the series.

Tamlin may not be irredeemable; he even sacrificed himself to save Elain’s life during her escape from Hybern’s camp, but because he's the reason Elain was turned Fae, portraying them as a couple would be a strange dynamic that I don't think Maas should tackle. Besides that, Tamlin has a history with Elain’s sister, Feyre Archeron, who he treated terribly and continued to harass even after their break-up. Due to this complicated history, Elain and Tamlin would have too much to overcome if this coupling attempted to rival the chemistry Lucien and Azriel already have with her.

A Court Of Thorns & Roses Already Set Up Two Better Love Interests For Elain

Elain Is Not Desperate For Love Interests, She Has Too Many Already

While it may be easy become invested in the idea of Elain and Tamlin falling in love, but it draws focus away from two ongoing and promising romance storylines that already exist for Elain. In my opinion, both Lucien and Azriel have much better chances of wooing Elain: Lucien is her mate and her chemistry with Azriel is palpable. Both potential love interests would bring out a different aspect of Elain’s personality if they were chosen in Elain's book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

If Lucien’s romance with Elain develops, it will likely center around their growth as characters and slow-burn, wholesome love story. If Elain chooses Azriel, her story automatically becomes one of rebellion against Rhys and follows a forbidden romance trope. Both of these options would provide Elain with more opportunities to shine and develop as a well-rounded character than a life in the Spring Court, pacifying Tamlin ever could. After waiting for five books to learn more about Elain, pairing her with Tamlin during the most pivotal parts of her P.O.V would be very disappointing and repetitive.

Tamlin & Elain Should Both Defy Sarah J. Maas' Usual ACOTAR Tropes

Why Should Either Character Go Along With Expectations?

My close analysis of the series makes it clear that the fated mates trope has been overdone throughout A Court of Thorns and Roses. With the first books revolving around Elain’s sisters finding their mates (Feyre and Rhysand, Nesta and Cassian) Elain might get a slightly different love story. Elain is the first main character introduced that is involved in a love triangle with her mate, suggesting she will have to make a choice between what is expected of her and finally subverting expectations. Elain hasn’t historically shown consistent conviction or strength, so her potential decision really intruiges me.

As for Tamlin, I think he should be on his own for a bit to grow and atone for his mistakes. Despite other characters receiving mating bonds, these bonds are supposed to be rare in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series; every character doesn't need one! Tamlin should prove his dedication to growth by doing everything he can to apologize to the Archeron sisters, not romancing them. If Maas intends to give Tamlin a future in the series, the longevity of his character will be lengthened if he truly improves his character and focuses on his redemption arc.

Based on the A Court of Thorns and Roses fantasy novel series, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a television adaptation that follows Feyre Archeron, a young woman dragged into the world of faeries after slaying one of their kind. The series will follow her journey through the lands of Prythian and her relationship with one of its lords, Tamlin.