Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for the Court of Thorns & Roses and Throne of Glass series.

A Court of Thorns & Roses paints a compelling romance narrative, especially in its early installments, but I wish it would follow one trend from the Throne of Glass books. Sarah J. Maas’ fantasy series excel when it comes to relationships, but ACOTAR focuses more heavily on romantic bonds than her young adult novels. Throne of Glass has heavy romance subplots as well, but its story feels more balanced. The characters are invested in their romantic relationships, but they also have a lot of other things going on throughout the series’ run.

Comparing Celaena Sardothien — later known as Aelin Galathynius — with Feyre Archeron is difficult to do, as Maas’ fantasy heroines are incredibly different. For the most part, their differences make them more interesting, setting the two stories apart from one another. However, there is one element of Celaena’s story that I wish Maas would replicate during Feyre’s journey. Even if Feyre is no longer the central focus of the Court of Thorns & Roses books, it’s not too late to make this change.

I Wish Feyre Had Stronger Relationships With The Other Women In ACOTAR

Feyre’s Only Friendships Are Formed Through Rhysand

Although Feyre is a compelling heroine in her own right, I can’t help but feel that her story throughout A Court of Thorns & Roses is missing something. And it’s something Throne of Glass does very well. While Feyre’s relationship with Rhysand is well-developed, most of her other bonds in ACOTAR are formed through him. The majority of Feyre’s friendships are with members of the Night Court, and her only other prominent relationships are with her sisters. She doesn’t get along with Nesta or Elain very well, so that doesn’t count for much.

It’s a shame that Feyre doesn’t have any of her own friends before leaving for Prythian, and she doesn’t make any truly compelling friendships after joining the world of the Fae. In fact, the members of the Inner Circle prove they’re Rhysand’s friends over hers in A Court of Silver Flames, when they keep important secrets from Feyre. Feyre’s only friend who isn’t Rhysand’s first is Lucien, and she has a falling out with him after ACOMAF. Plus, I’d love to see Feyre befriend other women in the ACOTAR books, but she mainly sticks to Rhysand’s Inner Circle and acquaintances like Ressina.

A Court Of Thorns & Roses Would Have Benefited From This Throne Of Glass Trend

Throne Of Glass Excels At Portraying Female Friendships

I’m surprised A Court of Thorns & Roses doesn’t feature more well-written female friendships, as Maas excels at portraying these types of bonds in Throne of Glass. Although most of Celaena’s relationships start off a bit rocky, she ends the series with numerous connections with other women, all of which are compelling and fully her own. Her friendship with Nehemia in the first two Throne of Glass books has its issues, but it sees the two women growing to be incredibly fond of one another — at least until Crown of Midnight completely wastes Nehemia’s character.

Even after Nehemia’s death, her memory pushes Celaena to move forward, highlighting the strength of their bond. And she isn’t the only woman to positively affect Celaena’s life and mission throughout the Throne of Glass books. Ansel and Celaena form a strong friendship in The Assassin’s Blade, and despite a major betrayal, Ansel comes to her friend’s aid in Empire of Storms. Lysandra also starts the series as Celaena’s enemy, but they grow to trust one another when Celaena takes back her identity and attempts to reclaim her throne.

Why Celaena’s Relationships In Throne Of Glass Are More Satisfying Than Feyre’s

They Feel More Earned & They’re Her Own

None of Celaena’s female friendships in Throne of Glass start on the best footing, but this is why they feel more satisfying than any of Feyre’s bonds in A Court of Thorns & Roses. While Feyre falls in with Rhysand’s Inner Circle pretty easily, Celaena’s platonic relationships in Throne of Glass feel earned. We get the opportunity to see the characters grow closer to one another, and we’re able to understand what brings them together in the first place. Feyre’s friendships feel like a result of her circumstances, while Celaena’s start that way and become more intentional.

Additionally, while Celaena’s romance with Rowan is a major element of Maas’ Throne of Glass series, it doesn’t overshadow her other relationships. Celaena’s friends and allies don’t come from her mate; she forms her own alliances and friendships, with Rowan and his friends supporting her as well. I think this makes her female friendships feel much more authentic than Feyre’s do in A Court of Thorns & Roses. It’s a shame, as Maas’ other series has several great female characters — they just aren’t utilized to their full potential, especially in relation to Feyre.