Two Court Of Thorns & Roses Characters Can Finally Push The Boundaries Of The Mating Bond

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The concept of fated mates has been a major theme found throughout Sarah J. Maas'A Court of Thorns and Rosesseries. That's sure to continue, as twoA Court of Thorns and Roses characters'future arcs may help to push the boundaries of how mating bonds currently operate in the books' lore. So far, the series has shown mating bonds to be successful in pairing two individuals—such as Feyre and Rhysand or Nesta and Cassian. However, the books have also hinted at the possibility of one rejecting or feeling unhappy with their fated partner.

Mating bonds are expected to match one with their complete equal, but it does not necessarily promise a romantic connection between the two individuals. In previous books, Maas revealed that both Rhysand's mother and Tamlin's parents were unsatisfied with their mating bonds, hinting that this scenario might again unfold in a future novel. With so much left to be explored, it is highly likely that Maas will choose to shake up the mating bond dynamics in the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book.

Tamlin & Elain Are Perfectly Poised To Offer New Perspectives Of ACOTAR's Mating Bond

A Mating Bond Rejection Would Help Grow The Stories' Lore

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The next ACOTAR installment will finally see Elain's story play out, and with a likely Tamlin redemption arc to also unfold, Maas has an opportunity to give audiences a fresh perspective behind the lore of mating bonds. Many details throughout the books suggest that Elain will reject her mating bond with Lucien, and there's even a convincing theory that argues Tamlin had previously done so with Amarantha. Each of these characters' romantic journeys has been tumultuous, to say the least, and the series needs to portray their mating bonds in an innovative way.

The ability to experience the books through Elain's perspective will also help readers understand the internal struggle fighting a mating bond might produce.

Throughout the series, it is clear Elain is uncomfortable with her mating bond with Lucien. While Maas has yet to really delve into their characters' relationship, creating such a conflict helps make Elain's story unique to those of her sister's. With a potential love triangle between Elain, Lucien, and Azriel, Maas has also set up the perfect scenario in which Elain can reject her mate—diverting from the series' current trend. The ability to experience the books through Elain's perspective will also help readers understand the internal struggle fighting a mating bond might produce.

What happens when one rejects their mate is still unknown, but if the next ACOTAR book does confirm Tamlin and Amarantha were once mates, it could give the series a chance to explore the conflict in further detail. The dynamics involved in rejecting a mating bond could also potentially affect how a character might pursue other relationships in the future—including whether they can ever bond with someone else. Tamlin's desperation to find love with Feyre—no matter the cost—could be a clue about the long-term effects a rejection could yield.

The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Should Shake Up The Series Fated Mates Trope

Maas Should Challenge The Trends Predictability

Sarah J. Maas' Court of Thorns & Roses books with a red book covered in question marks and a 6 on it

Aside from the world Maas has built in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the theme of fated mates is one found in many fantasy books today. While the trope proves to be a popular one, it would be refreshing to see Maas challenge the trends predictability and avoid a repetitious storyline throughout the series. Since Maas has given attention to the choice between accepting or rejecting a choice in the books, one can assume she has given thought to exploring other aspects of mating bond lore with future characters.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Covers on a castle background

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While readers have only seen characters accept a mating bond thus far, the elements Maas has laid out for Elain's book hint that a potential mating bond rejection is to come. Elain's love triangle between Lucien and Azriel will likely test the limits of how strong an influence a mating bond has over one's fate, and add depth to Elain's character should she choose to reject it. The deviation from the series' original fated mates pattern would give the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book a much more surprising and unforeseen twist.