Tamlin is probably one of the least-liked characters from A Court of Thorns & Roses, but unfortunately, I think a redemption arc is inevitable after Sarah J. Maas’ comments in A Court of Frost & Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames. When the Court of Thorns & Roses series opens, Tamlin serves as the main love interest for Maas’ heroine, Feyre Archeron. However, things quickly take a turn in A Court of Mist & Fury, with Tamlin becoming an abuser and a villain.

Tamlin’s behavior pushes Feyre into the arms of Rhysand and the Night Court, but that doesn’t make him disappear. Tamlin’s actions throughout A Court of Mist & Fury push him past the point of no return, and it’s hard to see how Maas can redeem him. However, I’m guessing the author is going to try. Recent additions to A Court of Thorns & Roses reference Tamlin, and I think I know where these mentions of the character are going. If I’m right, I’ll be a bit disappointed — and worried about how the books will handle it.

Tamlin Doesn’t Deserve A Redemption Arc (But Recent ACOTAR Books Make One Likely)

ACOFAS & ACOSF Both Reference Tamlin’s Struggles

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I’ll be the first person to say that Tamlin doesn’t deserve a redemption arc after A Court of Mist & Fury. However, it does look like he’s getting one at some point in Maas’ ACOTAR series. On the heels of the second ACOTAR book, Tamlin helps to save Prythian from the King of Hybern, acting as a spy and refuge for the villain for most of ACOWAR. Then, Maas’ Court of Frost & Starlight novella shows how far Tamlin has fallen, revealing that the Spring Court is in a state of disarray.

Tamlin is clearly distraught at the notion that Rhysand and Feyre may never forgive him, and this is left open-ended. He doesn’t play a prominent role in A Court of Silver Flames, but the 2021 installment reveals that he’s still struggling — so much so that he’s spending most of his time in his beast form. Rhysand seems invested in ensuring he’s well enough to lead the Spring Court. And by keeping this thread open and emphasizing Tamlin’s guilt, Maas is clearly setting the stage for his redemption.

Sarah J. Maas Will Have A Hard Time Redeeming Tamlin After A Court Of Mist & Fury

His Abusive Behavior & Past Actions Are Difficult To Look Past

It’s unclear if Maas will address Tamlin’s plight in his own ACOTAR book or someone else’s, but whatever project is tasked with redeeming him is fighting an uphill battle. Tamlin is controlling and even abusive in A Court of Mist & Fury, and Feyre isn’t the only person he treats poorly throughout ACOTAR. His role in the deaths of Rhysand’s mother and sister is impossible to overlook. And even his behavior towards Lucien is unacceptable and hurts their friendship. Tamlin may feel guilt over these things, but it’ll take more than that to bring fans back to his side.

Maas might have done too much of a 180 on Tamlin’s character in A Court of Mist & Fury because now it will be difficult to sell readers on a book about him. Even as an aside to another story, Tamlin’s redemption arc risks being too little, too late. I’ve certainly seen too much of his bad side to ever be interested in stepping into his perspective. I understand that he’s not a bad person all the way through, but he’s also not a character I care to sympathize with after everything he’s done.

A Court Of Thorns & Roses Is In A No-Win Situation With Tamlin

Sarah J. Maas Can’t Avoid Continuing His Story Now

Even if a Tamlin redemption arc is controversial, recent ACOTAR books have put the series in a no-win situation. I would have been happy to let Tamlin fade into the background after A Court of Wings & Ruin, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. ACOWAR arguably gives Tamlin a redemption story, too, even if it isn’t from his perspective. That said, he doesn’t need another one. And A Court of Thorns & Roses would be taking a risk by addressing his abusive behavior. While it could be handled well, any book that attempts this needs to tread very carefully.

Of course, after multiple follow-ups teasing a return to Tamlin’s character, Maas can’t exactly ignore him either. The hints that he’s struggling in A Court of Frost & Starlight and A Court of Silver Flames must pay off in a later novel. A Court of Thorns & Roses has backed itself into a corner in this regard. While it could have quietly stepped away from Tamlin after ACOWAR, it can no longer get away with this. His story will most likely be told, so I’ll just have to hope that Maas handles it with the care it requires.