BOOK 1 : A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES - RECAP AND SUMMARY
BOOK 1: A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
SUMMARY
Protagonist: Feyre Archeron, a 19-year-old huntress living in the mortal lands near the magical wall that separates her world from the faerie realm of Prythian.
Plot Overview:
Feyre is the sole provider for her impoverished family after their downfall from wealth. One fateful day while hunting in the woods, she kills a massive wolf, suspecting it might be a faerie in disguise, as the fae often take animal forms. Her suspicions turn out to be correct when a powerful faerie, Tamlin, a High Lord of the Spring Court, arrives at her home demanding retribution. Tamlin gives her a choice: death or life in Prythian as punishment for killing the fae wolf. Feyre chooses life and is taken across the magical wall to Prythian, where she must live out her days.
Initially, Feyre resents Tamlin and the faerie world, but as she spends more time in his beautiful and enchanted Spring Court, her feelings begin to shift. Tamlin, despite his intimidating power, proves to be a caring and protective ruler. As Feyre and Tamlin grow closer, she learns that a dark curse hangs over Prythian—a mysterious and powerful entity known as Amarantha has taken control of the land. This curse weakens Tamlin and his court, preventing them from fully using their powers.
Feyre discovers that Amarantha’s curse can only be broken if someone falls in love with Tamlin, but it must be done under specific, highly dangerous circumstances. The urgency intensifies as the curse’s deadline approaches, and Tamlin sends Feyre back to the mortal world for her safety. However, Feyre soon realizes she has fallen in love with Tamlin and decides to return to Prythian, willing to risk her life to save him.
Upon her return, Feyre is captured and taken to Under the Mountain, where Amarantha rules in a brutal court. To free Tamlin and Prythian from Amarantha’s curse, Feyre is forced to undergo three dangerous trials and solve a riddle. Each trial is designed to break her both physically and emotionally, testing her willpower and intelligence. Feyre barely survives the trials with the help of a mysterious fae named Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, who seems to have his own agenda.
In the final trial, Feyre manages to solve Amarantha's riddle, which allows her to break the curse. However, in the process, she dies. Tamlin, Rhysand, and the other High Lords of Prythian revive her by giving her a part of their own powers, turning Feyre into a High Fae.
***WORLD MAP***
***Chapter Recaps***
CHAPTER 1 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre Archeron, a 19-year-old human girl, is deep in the woods hunting for food to provide for her impoverished family. Winter has set in, making it even harder to find prey. Feyre reflects on how her family, once wealthy, lost everything, and now they rely on her to survive. Feyre's family includes her two sisters, Nesta and Elain, and her father, who became crippled after a failed business venture. Feyre, the youngest, has taken on the role of provider.
As she tracks a doe, Feyre’s thoughts are filled with bitterness and resignation. She muses about how, while she loves painting, survival has taken precedence over her passion. She carries a bow and arrow, determined to bring down the doe for much-needed food, but something else catches her eye—a large wolf. The wolf is massive, and Feyre suspects it might be a faerie in disguise, though she's unsure. The mortal lands where Feyre lives are separated from the faerie lands, Prythian, by a magical wall. Humans fear and despise faeries due to a long history of enslavement and violence.
With limited choices, Feyre decides to kill the wolf, whether it’s fae or not, to ensure it doesn't take the doe from her. She shoots it with an ash arrow—a rare weapon effective against faeries. Her arrow pierces its side, and she sends another arrow into its eye to ensure its death. Despite its size and potential power, the wolf dies quietly.
After the kill, Feyre skins the wolf, taking its fur for the market. The fur could fetch a decent price, and Feyre considers how it could help her family through the winter. As she prepares to return home with both the wolf pelt and the doe, Feyre feels the weight of her actions but pushes aside any lingering guilt or fear, focusing on survival.
This chapter establishes Feyre’s character as a strong and determined young woman, forced to take on the responsibility of providing for her family. It also hints at the larger, dangerous world of Prythian, and the faeries who inhabit it, foreshadowing the conflicts to come.
CHAPTER 2 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre drops the deer she hunted onto the table, and her sister Elain immediately asks if Feyre will clean it, with no offer to help. Despite their dire circumstances, Elain retains a sense of vanity and privilege, while Nesta exudes disdain and bitterness. Feyre, exhausted, brushes off their attitudes and prepares to take care of the deer herself.
Their father, sitting by the fire, offers faint praise for Feyre’s successful hunt. He is a broken man, both physically and emotionally, following a crippling injury that has left him unable to provide for his family. Though Feyre tries to avoid conflict, Nesta’s sharp tongue frequently brings tension into the home. Nesta, bitter about the loss of their wealth, continuously criticizes their father, who remains passive in the face of her anger.
As they discuss the spoils of Feyre’s hunt, Nesta and Elain begin bickering over who will get a new cloak or boots with the money from the wolf pelt. Feyre, biting back frustration, acknowledges that neither of her sisters is willing to put in the same effort she does to keep their family afloat. The burden of survival rests entirely on her shoulders.
Feyre’s father inspects the wolf pelt and quietly expresses concern about how dangerous her hunting trips have become. Feyre snaps back, reminding him that she has no other choice if they are to survive. His feeble attempts at sympathy only highlight his incapacity to contribute to their survival, leaving Feyre feeling bitter and unappreciated.
A conversation turns to Nesta’s potential suitor, Tomas Mandray, the woodcutter’s son. Nesta declares that Tomas wants to marry her, but Feyre objects, knowing that his family is nearly as poor as theirs. Feyre warns that love alone won’t feed them, but Nesta, ever prideful, accuses Feyre of jealousy and storms off. This conflict further demonstrates the strained dynamic between the sisters and Feyre's growing frustration with her role as the family’s provider.
The chapter closes with Feyre’s father speaking about the need for hope, though Feyre remains skeptical. Her cynical outlook has been shaped by years of hardship, and she struggles to believe in a better future. She reflects on the fading paintings she once used to adorn their home, realizing that they, like her dreams and efforts, are being slowly erased by the harshness of their reality.
This chapter deepens the reader's understanding of Feyre’s burdens. It highlights the family’s dysfunction and her isolation within it, portraying her as the sole responsible figure while her sisters and father continue to depend on her without offering much in return.
CHAPTER 3 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
As they reach the village, they encounter a group of acolytes from the Children of the Blessed, a religious faction that worships the High Fae. One of the women approaches them, asking if they would like to hear the "Word of the Blessed." Feyre, Nesta, and Elain are repelled by the group, knowing that the fae were once their overlords and that their promises of peace and wealth are hollow. Nesta, showing her usual fierce disdain, dismisses the acolyte with a harsh remark about their naive worship of the fae. The acolyte insists that a girl from a neighboring village went to Prythian and became a High Fae’s bride, but Nesta responds coldly, implying the girl was likely eaten or worse.
After avoiding further confrontation, Feyre parts ways with her sisters in the busy market. She needs to sell the wolf pelt and the doe hide, considering her options between familiar buyers and a new potential customer, a mercenary sitting by the fountain. The mercenary is intimidating, scarred, and heavily armed. Feyre cautiously approaches her and negotiates the sale. Despite Feyre’s initial wariness, the mercenary offers her a price far higher than expected. The mercenary, revealing a surprising kindness, admits she’s paying more as a way of repaying an old debt to someone who once helped her.
The mercenary warns Feyre to avoid the deeper parts of the forest, as dangerous fae creatures have been crossing the border more frequently. She describes terrifying fae monsters like the martax, massive creatures with lion heads and rows of sharp teeth. Feyre grows uneasy, knowing that fae attacks could be a real threat to her family. The mercenary further warns that even deadlier fae or High Lords could appear, making the martax seem tame in comparison. She shows Feyre her own scars from an encounter with a faerie, leaving Feyre deeply unsettled.
As Feyre finishes the transaction, her sister Nesta appears, dragging her away from the mercenary. Nesta, in an unusual show of concern, warns Feyre about trusting mercenaries, recounting a time when a different mercenary had robbed them. Despite their bickering, Nesta’s attempt to protect Feyre is notable, as she rarely shows concern for her younger sister.
Later, Feyre runs into Isaac Hale, her secret lover, in the market. Isaac, the eldest son of a wealthy farmer, is someone Feyre has been sleeping with for the past two years. Their relationship, though purely physical and without love, provides Feyre with a brief escape from her difficult life. Isaac inclines his head at her in a familiar way, signaling their plan to meet later in a nearby barn.
Before heading home, Feyre gives some of the money from the sale of the hides to Elain. Despite their earlier tensions, Feyre continues to look out for her sisters, even if she feels taken for granted.
After a quiet dinner with her family, during which her sisters whisper and laugh together, Feyre plans to ask Nesta about Tomas Mandray, her potential suitor. However, before she can speak, a loud roar erupts, and the door bursts open, filling the room with snow. A massive, growling figure stands in the doorway.
This chapter builds tension as Feyre learns more about the dangers lurking beyond the faerie wall, while her strained relationships with her sisters remain central to her life. The chapter ends on a suspenseful note, setting up the arrival of a new threat.
CHAPTER 4 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre is immediately thrust into danger as a massive, golden-furred beast with a wolf-like head, elk horns, and feline body bursts into her family's cottage. The creature bellows that they are "murderers." Feyre’s heart pounds, but despite the terror, she instinctively places herself between her family and the beast. Her hunting knife is drawn, though she’s unsure how it ended up in her hand.
The beast is not the martax Feyre had been warned about earlier but is still huge and powerful, with fangs and claws that could tear them all apart. As the beast accuses them of murder, Feyre realizes that this is no ordinary animal—it is a faerie. The wards on their cottage are useless, and Feyre quickly assesses that she stands no chance in direct combat.
Her father, terrified, tries to beg for mercy, but Feyre knows she must take the lead. She steps forward, trying to defend her family, though she knows that without iron, her weapons are futile. The beast snarls again, demanding to know who killed "the wolf"—the faerie that Feyre killed in the forest. The truth begins to dawn on Feyre as she realizes the wolf she hunted was one of the fae. She tries to negotiate with the beast, asking what kind of payment would settle the situation.
The beast angrily responds that under the Treaty between humans and faeries, a life must be given in exchange for the one Feyre took—a life for a life. The Treaty demands that for killing a faerie, a human life must be sacrificed. Despite the terror, Feyre admits that she was the one who killed the wolf. Her sisters are hysterical, and her father is paralyzed with fear. The beast questions her, asking whether the wolf had provoked her, and when she answers "no," he confirms that she knew the wolf was a faerie and still felt justified in killing it.
The faerie gives her a chilling choice: she can either die tonight, or she can come with him to Prythian and live there for the rest of her life, offering her life in another way by crossing the wall and remaining in the faerie realm. Feyre’s father, desperate to save his youngest daughter, urges her to go with the faerie. Feyre, aware that the faerie could easily kill her family if she tries to fight or run, knows she has no choice. The beast’s offer, though terrifying, presents a sliver of hope for survival.
After a tense moment, Feyre agrees to go with the beast. As the faerie snaps the ash arrow—the only weapon Feyre had that could have potentially killed him—he tells her they must leave immediately. Feyre's mind races as she tries to reconcile the reality of her situation. She prepares to leave, giving her father and sisters instructions for their survival in her absence, ensuring that they will have enough food for the coming weeks.
In a final, emotional exchange, Feyre warns her sister Nesta not to marry Tomas Mandray, revealing that Tomas’s father is abusive. Her father, in a rare moment of clarity, grabs her hands and tells her that she has always been too good for their small village and their family, urging her never to return if she finds a way to escape. With that bittersweet farewell, Feyre leaves her home and follows the beast into the night-shrouded woods, heading toward the unknown world of Prythian.
This chapter marks the turning point in Feyre's life as she is forced to leave her human realm and enter the dangerous world of the faeries. The tension builds as Feyre faces the consequences of her actions, and her sacrifice reflects her deep sense of responsibility to protect her family. The chapter also highlights the fractured dynamics within her family, particularly the emotional distance between Feyre and her father.
CHAPTER 5 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
As Feyre follows the beast through the forest, each step toward Prythian feels like it brings her closer to torment and misery. She doesn’t dare look back at her family’s cottage, resigned to her fate. As they enter the trees, Feyre sees a white mare waiting by a tree, unbound and calm, despite the monstrous beast standing next to her. The beast motions for Feyre to mount the horse, and though she is unfamiliar with riding, she climbs into the saddle and lets the mare follow the beast, who moves with an unsettling grace.
As they travel north, toward Prythian, Feyre's mind races. She reflects on the situation she’s found herself in—having to live out the rest of her mortal life on the beast’s lands. The Treaty forbids faeries from enslaving humans, but she fears the specifics of how she will live under his rule. She knows faeries are capable of great cruelty and begins to realize the enormity of her actions. She’s killed a faerie, a crime punishable by death, and she’s now being taken into the faerie realm, where her fate is unknown.
Despite her fear, Feyre’s survival instincts kick in. She thinks of her family and the precarious situation they are left in. Her thoughts alternate between the cruel satisfaction that her family will realize how important she was and the fear that they will starve without her. Feyre also considers the possibility of using her remaining knife to kill the beast if an opportunity presents itself, though she knows it’s unlikely she’ll succeed. Still, she watches his movements, searching for any sign of weakness.
As they journey through the night, Feyre wonders about the beast’s true identity. She asks him what kind of faerie he is and if he has a name, but the beast doesn’t respond. His silence is cold and unyielding, further fueling her dread.
The forest around them is eerily quiet, and Feyre becomes more aware of her vulnerability. She knows they will eventually reach the border between the human lands and Prythian, and once they cross the invisible wall, her family will never be able to find her. The fae realm is a mysterious and dangerous place, and Feyre can only imagine what horrors await her.
At some point during their journey, Feyre smells a metallic tang in the air—a telltale sign of magic. Before she can react, exhaustion washes over her, and she slips into unconsciousness, likely a result of the beast's magic. She awakens much later, still on the horse, her body held in place by invisible bonds. The sun is already high in the sky, and they are nearing a metal gate bordered by hedges. Feyre realizes that they have crossed into Prythian, and she’s been in an enchanted sleep for days, bypassing the entire journey.
The gate opens on its own, and Feyre’s horse follows the beast through, whether she wants to or not. She is now entering the unknown world of Prythian, unsure if it will be her prison or salvation.
This chapter captures Feyre’s growing dread and realization of the danger she faces as she is taken into the faerie realm. It showcases her resilience, her thoughts constantly shifting between finding a way to survive and mourning the life she is leaving behind. The beast's silence and the use of magic emphasize how powerful and mysterious the faerie world is, deepening the sense of foreboding as Feyre crosses the border into Prythian.
CHAPTER 6 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre arrives at the faerie estate, a vast and opulent manor that sprawls across rolling green lands, surrounded by vibrant gardens bursting with life. The beauty and grandeur of the place, with its roses, ivy, balconies, and staircases, are overwhelming, even surpassing the manor her family once owned. Despite the magnificence, Feyre is uneasy. The silence and emptiness of the estate deepen her fear, and the scent of magic lingers in the air, reminding her that this world is unnatural, with its spring-like weather in stark contrast to the winter she left behind.
The beast leads Feyre to the grand entrance, and she briefly considers running, but her body is weak from hunger and exhaustion. Realizing she wouldn’t make it far without food or strength, she reluctantly follows him inside. The manor's interior is even more luxurious, with black-and-white marble floors, elegant doors, and vases overflowing with flowers. The opulence contrasts with the terrifying silence and the low growl that reverberates through the house, calling her to follow.
In the dining room, Feyre finds a long table overflowing with food. Though the food looks familiar and tempting, Feyre remembers the warnings from childhood: never eat faerie food, for it could enslave you to them in mind and soul. As she hesitates by the door, the beast sits at the head of the table and, in a flash of white light, transforms into a golden-haired High Fae—beautiful, strong, and masked. The golden mask, which covers part of his face, is studded with emeralds, and his features are both lethal and regal.
The beast, now in his Fae form, tells Feyre to eat, but she refuses, afraid of the consequences. He doesn’t press her, instead beginning to eat himself. At that moment, another faerie enters the room—a red-haired High Fae, also wearing a mask, but this one is shaped like a fox and hides most of his face, including a scar and a missing eye. The fox-masked faerie, Lucien, is furious about the death of Andras, the wolf-faerie Feyre killed, and expresses his anger at Feyre’s presence.
The conversation reveals that Andras was a friend of the golden-haired fae and Lucien. Lucien is disgusted by Feyre, calling her “scrawny” and questioning how she could have killed Andras with a single ash arrow. He even suggests that they should dump Feyre somewhere or kill her, as she’s nothing but a burden. The golden-haired faerie, however, insists that she stay, unharmed, as her life in her human world was "hell enough." Despite Lucien’s hostility, the golden-haired fae has offered Feyre mercy, though it remains unclear why.
Afterward, a servant named Alis, a masked faerie woman, escorts Feyre to her room. Though Feyre expects a cell or dungeon, she is surprised to find herself in a lavish bedroom. Alis and two other servants bathe Feyre, trim her hair, and offer her a dress, though Feyre refuses to wear it, preferring trousers and a tunic. The servants treat Feyre with some care, but she remains cautious, aware that faeries are unpredictable and dangerous.
Alis warns Feyre to keep quiet and observe rather than speak, as there are some faeries in the estate who might resent her presence. She reveals that Andras was a sentinel who knew the risks when he crossed into the human realm, and that while some may be upset about his death, Feyre should avoid conflict if she wants to stay safe. However, Alis hints that Lucien, in particular, could use someone to challenge him, though Feyre is unsure if she has the courage to do so.
This chapter introduces Feyre to the grandeur of the faerie world, but also the dangers lurking beneath its beauty. The estate, while stunning, is a place of potential threats, especially with the hostility of Lucien and the mysterious motivations of the golden-haired fae. Feyre's cautiousness reflects her awareness that, despite the hospitality, she is still very much in enemy territory, and her struggle to adjust to this new world continues. The chapter sets the stage for Feyre's complicated interactions with the High Fae and her growing understanding of their world.
CHAPTER 7 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre is brought back to the dining room, where Tamlin (the golden-haired High Fae) and Lucien are sitting, still sipping from golden goblets. The scene highlights the vast disparity in wealth between Feyre’s world and theirs, leaving her feeling out of place and powerless. The food still spread across the table beckons her, but she remains wary, knowing that faerie food can be dangerous for humans.
Tamlin reassures her once more that the food is safe for her to eat, and he points to the chair at the other end of the table, but Feyre hesitates. Lucien mocks Tamlin’s awkwardness in dealing with her, hinting that his social skills have become rusty after centuries of isolation. Feyre learns more about them through their banter—Tamlin, the High Fae in charge, and Lucien, his fiery-tempered emissary.
As Feyre sits down, her hunger is evident, but Tamlin insists on serving her, piling her plate with food. Feyre tries to maintain her composure, aware of the power dynamics in the room. Tamlin’s attempts at conversation are awkward and terse, showing how disconnected the faeries are from human concerns. When asked what she plans to do with her life, Feyre questions what her role will be in this place, worried that she may be turned into a slave.
Lucien coldly reminds her of her crime—killing Andras, their friend, with an ash arrow. He pushes Feyre to describe the moment of the kill, accusing her of ruthlessly finishing off Andras even when he didn’t fight back. Tamlin cuts off Lucien’s interrogation, clearly uncomfortable with the details, but Feyre pushes back, expressing her desperation to return to her family, who are starving without her. She accuses the faeries of not understanding human struggles, like hunger and survival.
Tamlin, in a rare moment of transparency, promises that her family is being taken care of—he’s ensured they won’t starve. This information shocks Feyre, and she demands to know why he didn’t tell her sooner. Tamlin reveals that he doubted she would have believed him. He also clarifies that if Feyre tries to escape, her family will no longer receive help, thus binding her to his estate and ensuring she doesn’t flee. The threat of her family’s well-being being tied to her compliance is now clear.
When Feyre attempts to leave the table, Tamlin uses magic to restrain her, making it clear that she must eat and obey his rules. The tension between them rises, but Feyre, realizing her powerlessness, reluctantly complies. She eats the food, which is better than anything she has had in years, and the invisible restraints are lifted once she finishes. Tamlin’s dominance over her is unmistakable, but Feyre is careful to maintain her composure, thanking them for the meal and excusing herself.
Lucien, ever sarcastic, pokes fun at her, teasing her about the men she left behind in the human world. Feyre admits she had been close with a man named Isaac but clarifies that she wasn’t in love with him. This line of questioning reveals the faeries’ curiosity about her human relationships, but Feyre sees it as another power play—an attempt to unsettle her.
The chapter ends with Feyre retiring for the night, her mind racing with thoughts about her family, the strange behavior of the faeries, and her own precarious situation. Tamlin’s mix of mercy and threat leaves her wondering about his true intentions, while Lucien’s hostility reminds her of the danger she is constantly in. The chapter also introduces a significant plot point: a magical sickness or blight spreading through Prythian, affecting the magic of the faeries. This "blight" caused the masks that the faeries are forced to wear and has left the once-bustling estate nearly empty.
This chapter adds depth to the relationships between Feyre, Tamlin, and Lucien. Tamlin’s awkward attempts at kindness contrast with his clear authority, while Lucien’s bitterness toward Feyre stems from his loyalty to his fallen friend. The revelation about the blight affecting Prythian's magic sets the stage for future conflict, adding a layer of mystery and danger to the world Feyre has been thrust into.
CHAPTER 8 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In this chapter, Feyre continues to explore her new surroundings, making mental notes about the layout of the estate and its gardens. She’s cautious and focused on survival, planning potential escape routes and considering where she might find weapons in case she ever needs to defend herself or escape. Feyre knows that she’s better off remaining within the estate for the time being, especially given the danger lurking in Prythian due to the blight. However, she also wants to find a way to plead her case to Tamlin and potentially return to her family.
As she walks through the garden, Feyre senses something strange. She hears footsteps and giggling but can’t see anything clearly. The experience unnerves her, making her aware that there may be unseen creatures or spirits watching her on the estate. The mysterious figures vanish when Alis calls her for lunch, but Feyre remains on edge.
That night at dinner, Feyre stealthily steals a knife, knowing she needs something to defend herself. She manages to hide it while Lucien talks to Tamlin about the malfunction of his magical, carved eye. Despite feeling out of place, Feyre is determined to keep a low profile and act compliant to avoid raising suspicions. Lucien's demeanor toward her continues to be condescending, mocking her humanity and ignorance about the faerie world.
During dinner, Lucien catches Feyre staring at his sword, and, with his typical sarcasm, asks if she’s admiring his weapon or thinking about killing him. Feyre denies it softly, knowing she has to be careful in how she responds. Tamlin, who had remained mostly silent, interjects by revealing that Feyre is a hunter—a fact he deduced from seeing her scarred hands and the bow and arrows in her home.
Throughout the dinner, Feyre tries to learn more about her captors and their way of life, attempting to gather useful information while maintaining a polite and restrained demeanor. However, the conversation turns more personal when Lucien asks Feyre how old she is. When she responds that she’s nineteen, Lucien comments on how young she is and that she’s already a skilled killer. Feyre feels her anger and frustration build, but she holds back, aware that she needs to appear docile and unthreatening to keep Tamlin and Lucien off guard.
The conversation shifts to Lucien making sarcastic remarks about the Treaty and faerie myths, such as faeries snatching human babies. Tamlin, however, interrupts and asks Feyre if her mother ever told her stories about the faeries, to which she responds that her mother had no time for such things. Feyre reveals that her mother died of typhus when she was eight, a rare moment of vulnerability in the conversation. Tamlin offers his condolences, which Feyre rejects internally, not wanting his pity.
After dinner, Feyre solidifies her resolve to persuade Lucien to speak on her behalf to Tamlin. She knows she’ll need to win Lucien over if she has any hope of negotiating her way out of the situation and back to her family. Feyre decides to approach Lucien the next day and test whether he can be an ally. Before heading to bed, she fills a satchel with a spare set of clothes and the stolen knife, preparing for the possibility of an escape or sudden departure.
This chapter highlights Feyre's growing awareness of her surroundings and the dangers lurking in Prythian. Her determination to survive and find a way out contrasts with her internal struggle to remain calm and composed in the face of Lucien’s mockery and Tamlin’s veiled authority. The mystery of the blight and its effects on the faeries adds tension to the story, while Feyre’s plan to appeal to Lucien introduces a potential new dynamic in her interactions with her captors.
CHAPTER 9 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In this chapter, Feyre prepares for the next step of her plan: to find Lucien alone and test if he can help her get free from the Treaty. After asking Alis for information, she learns that Lucien will be at the stables, preparing for border patrol.
As Feyre is heading toward the stables, she is stopped by Tamlin, who surprises her by appearing silently behind her. Tamlin is uncharacteristically dressed down, with his tunic off, sleeves rolled up, revealing his muscled forearms. He offers to show her the grounds and suggests they go on a ride together. Feyre, however, declines his offer politely, eager to find Lucien alone. Tamlin seems frustrated but doesn't push her further and leaves, allowing Feyre to continue to the stables.
At the stables, Feyre finds Lucien preparing for his patrol. True to his sarcastic nature, Lucien mocks Feyre for joining him, calling her a "Fae-killer" and challenging her to show off her abilities during a hunt. Lucien, still harboring a grudge over the death of Andras, is openly dismissive of Feyre but invites her to join him on patrol, curious about her hunting skills.
During the ride, Feyre marvels at the beauty of the forest, but she stays focused on her surroundings, noting the paths and possible hiding spots in case she ever needs to escape. The conversation with Lucien quickly turns to the Treaty, and Lucien reveals that there is no loophole to free her from the punishment for killing Andras. Despite Lucien’s sarcastic demeanor, he bluntly tells Feyre that if it were up to him, she would have already been killed, but Tamlin’s orders protect her. Lucien also advises against trying to survive on her own in Prythian, as the dangers beyond Tamlin’s estate are far too great for a human like her.
Their conversation shifts toward Lucien’s role as emissary and the blight affecting the lands of Prythian. Lucien explains that he’s filling in for Andras’s patrol and reveals a bit more about the blight, hinting that the magic is being affected and that there’s a she who might be responsible or involved in the chaos. Lucien grows anxious after mentioning her, clearly afraid of being overheard, even out in the open woods. This gives Feyre some valuable information—someone powerful is involved in the blight, and Lucien fears her.
Feyre tries to learn more about Lucien, asking about his scar and his powers. Lucien reveals that only Tamlin can shape-shift and explains that Andras was changed into a wolf to avoid being spotted as a faerie when he crossed into the mortal lands. Lucien also shares that he doesn't have any special powers, unlike other faeries with distinct abilities. Feyre then presses about the scar on Lucien's face, and he cryptically tells her that he received it as punishment for not keeping his mouth shut when he should have.
The conversation turns tense when Lucien warns Feyre against seeking out a Suriel, a dangerous faerie known for answering any question if caught. Lucien implies that these creatures are ancient and not worth the danger, but Feyre is intrigued by the idea, realizing that a Suriel might hold the answer to her predicament.
Suddenly, Lucien becomes alarmed and orders Feyre to stay calm. He instructs her to look straight ahead, not react, and keep her bow down, though it's clear something dangerous is nearby. Both Lucien and Feyre’s horses show signs of fear, their ears flattening, and the tension rises as Feyre feels something unnatural approaching.
This chapter continues to build on Feyre’s growing understanding of the faerie world and the dangers lurking within it. She learns valuable information about the blight and its potential connection to a mysterious female figure who seems to wield power over Prythian. Feyre’s attempts to gain Lucien’s help are met with sarcastic resistance, but she begins to realize that she may need to rely on other faeries, such as the Suriel, to find the answers she needs. The ominous presence that appears at the end of the chapter sets the stage for more danger ahead, as Feyre's journey in Prythian grows increasingly perilous.
CHAPTER 10 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre and Lucien are in the woods, when they encounter something terrifying — the Bogge, a creature of unimaginable horror. Though they cannot see it clearly, they can feel its cold, dark presence as it circles them, whispering in Feyre’s mind to look at it. The voice promises to grind her bones, drink her marrow, and devour her, yet Lucien warns her to ignore it. Feyre fights the overwhelming temptation to look, knowing that if she does, it would mean death. The experience is chilling, and though Feyre manages to resist, she is left deeply shaken by the encounter.
When the danger passes, Lucien explains that the Bogge is a creature that shouldn’t be in these lands. It cannot be hunted or killed, even with her ash arrows, and it becomes real only when it is acknowledged. Feyre mentions hearing the Bogge’s voice in her mind, to which Lucien responds with relief that she hadn’t looked at it — as cleaning up the aftermath would have ruined his day. His casual response contrasts with the terror of the moment, and it further unsettles Feyre.
After an hour of riding in silence, Feyre probes Lucien with more questions, asking if he is a warrior. Lucien humors her but reveals that while he can handle weapons, he isn’t as skilled as Tamlin. Their banter grows sharper, with Lucien continuing to mock Feyre, yet there’s a growing camaraderie in their exchanges, especially when Feyre snaps back at him, earning a grin from Lucien. Despite their light-hearted bickering, Lucien’s earlier insult about humans being hateful cowards still lingers in the air.
Back at dinner, things grow tense between Feyre and Tamlin. Tamlin seems agitated, clearly having noticed that Feyre brushed him off earlier. As they sit down to eat, Lucien eventually breaks the silence by mentioning their encounter with the Bogge. Tamlin’s reaction is swift and deadly — his claws destroy the fork in his hand, and his usually composed demeanor cracks as he stands and leaves to hunt the Bogge. His calm departure, despite his clear rage, is unnerving to Feyre.
Lucien explains that while the Bogge cannot be killed by normal means, Tamlin has the strength to face it. This shocks Feyre, as it becomes evident that Tamlin is far more dangerous and powerful than she initially thought. Lucien brushes off the tension, but Feyre remains curious and unsettled by Tamlin's ability to take on such a fearsome creature.
Later, as Feyre watches the moonlit garden from her room, sharpening her hidden knife, she waits to see if Tamlin will return. Hours pass with no sign of him. As the moonlight bathes the garden, Feyre notices movement — someone in the garden, a figure walking closer to the house.
To her shock, the figure is not Tamlin, but her father.
This chapter heightens the tension by introducing the Bogge, a creature that embodies the darker, more terrifying side of Prythian. It also reinforces Feyre’s growing awareness of Tamlin’s lethal capabilities, as she watches him prepare to confront a threat that even Lucien fears. The chapter ends on a cliffhanger, with Feyre’s father mysteriously appearing in the garden, leaving readers wondering how and why he has come to Prythian.
CHAPTER 11 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre is shocked to see her father outside her window, beckoning her to escape with him. Without giving herself a moment to think, she hurriedly packs, layering her tunics and stuffing the stolen knife in her boot. Despite her instincts telling her something is wrong, the sight of her father seemingly coming to save her pushes her to act. She quickly descends the trellis outside her window and sneaks across the grounds, following her father toward the gates. She believes he has come to take her home, away from the danger and blight of Prythian.
As she approaches the gate, just feet away from her supposed freedom, Tamlin appears behind her, gripping her arm and stopping her in her tracks. Panic surges through her, fearing that Tamlin will kill her and her father. But when Tamlin tells her to look again, she turns to see that her father isn’t there. Instead, there are only illusions—objects and figures that shimmer and disappear. What she thought was her father is revealed to be a puca, a faerie that lures humans to their deaths by using their desires against them. Tamlin scolds Feyre, reminding her that her human senses could easily betray her in Prythian.
Feyre is furious and defensive, snapping that she had no choice but to act, given that her father appeared to be in danger. She questions why she would stay in Prythian for a Treaty that has nothing to do with her, especially when it allows faeries to kill humans. Tamlin is clearly agitated, his claws still out, but he controls his temper and tells Feyre that her family is being taken care of—perhaps even better than when she was with them.
The revelation hits Feyre hard. If Tamlin speaks the truth (and faeries cannot lie), then her family is safe, fed, and comfortable. This forces her to confront the fact that her vow to her mother—to take care of her family—is already fulfilled. This realization leaves Feyre feeling hollow and lost, unsure of her place or purpose now that her family no longer relies on her for survival.
As they walk back to the manor, Feyre asks Tamlin about the other sentries, curious why she never sees any of them. Tamlin explains that the sentries patrol the borders, but he is powerful enough to protect the lands himself. When Feyre presses further, Tamlin reveals that he was trained as a warrior in his father’s war-band. However, running these lands wasn’t meant to be his role, implying that his current position as High Lord came after some unforeseen event.
Feyre continues to ask about the dangers lurking in the woods, and Tamlin explains that the puca that tricked her uses desires to lure humans to their deaths. He also reveals that Prythian used to be well-guarded, with dangerous creatures kept in check by the High Lords. But now, with the sickness (the blight) affecting the land, the wards are weakened, and creatures like the puca are free to roam. This vulnerability adds another layer of danger to Feyre's predicament.
Over the next few days, Feyre joins Lucien on patrols while Tamlin hunts the Bogge. During these patrols, Lucien grows more comfortable with Feyre’s presence, though his occasional teasing continues. Feyre reflects on her role in the manor and struggles with her identity now that she no longer has to worry about her family. She finds herself unable to shoot a healthy doe she spots during the patrol, realizing that her drive to kill has diminished without the desperation that once motivated her.
During one of their dinners, Lucien expresses concern for Tamlin, who has become increasingly obsessed with hunting the Bogge. Tamlin's isolation and brooding nature worry Lucien, and it becomes clear that Tamlin carries a heavy burden as High Lord. Lucien explains that while Tamlin doesn’t want help hunting the Bogge, he continues to bear the weight of protecting his lands alone.
That night, Feyre has a nightmare about the wolf she killed (which had been Andras, a faerie in disguise). In the dream, her hands are covered in blood as she holds his skin, a haunting reminder of the consequences of her actions. The dream leaves her shaken, filled with guilt and shame, even though she had only been trying to protect her family. This emotional weight lingers, as Feyre is left grappling with the cost of her survival in Prythian.
This chapter reveals Feyre's emotional struggle as she confronts the reality of her situation. Though her family is safe, the sense of purpose she once had is now gone, leaving her uncertain of what to do next. The danger of Prythian is ever-present, with creatures like the puca and Bogge threatening her life at every turn. Tamlin's isolation and Lucien’s concern for him hint at the deeper responsibilities and struggles that come with power in Prythian, and Feyre begins to see the toll it takes on those in charge.
CHAPTER 12 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre struggles to shake off the horrific dream she had about killing Andras and skinning him. Unable to sleep, she starts wandering the dark halls of the manor with a piece of paper and a pen, attempting to map out the layout of the house, marking exits, windows, and potential hiding places. Though she cannot write well or read more than the basic letters, she uses her limited skills to create a makeshift map. In her mind, it is essential to have a way out in case things go bad.
As she continues mapping, Tamlin enters the hall in his beast form, limping and bleeding from his encounter with the Bogge. His massive presence fills the space, and the sight of the blood trails he leaves behind unnerves Feyre. His clothes are shredded, and he looks deeply exhausted. Despite his injuries, Tamlin shifts back into his fae form as he reaches Feyre, though his mind seems distant, as if he’s still processing the battle he had just endured. When Feyre asks if he killed the Bogge, Tamlin gives a cold, detached "yes," as if it barely mattered.
Despite his coldness, Feyre points out that his hand is still bleeding. Tamlin seems almost unaware of his injuries, as if he’s in shock. His exhaustion is so deep that even Feyre feels sorry for him, understanding the immense weight he must carry. Tamlin eventually leads her to a small infirmary, where she cleans and bandages his injured hand. The act of helping him brings an odd intimacy to the moment. His hand, despite being bloodied and injured, radiates immense heat. Surprisingly, he doesn't lash out or allow his claws to emerge, and instead, he quietly lets her tend to his wound.
After she finishes, Tamlin—still trapped in his exhaustion—acknowledges Feyre’s abilities and asks how she learned to hunt and survive. Feyre explains that necessity drove her to learn, as she had others depending on her. Tamlin tells her she is not what he expected from a human, giving her a rare, if backhanded, compliment. The conversation leaves Feyre puzzled, not entirely sure what to make of him as she heads back to her room.
The next morning, Feyre hopes to explore the art in the manor and take time to admire the paintings she has been curious about. However, as she moves through the halls, she overhears a conversation between Tamlin and Lucien. Their voices are tense, and Feyre quietly eavesdrops from the shadows.
During the conversation, Lucien confronts Tamlin about the growing threat to their lands. He criticizes Tamlin for sulking and not acting fast enough to prevent the worsening situation. Lucien points out that the barriers between the courts are crumbling, and creatures like the Bogge are slipping through. He seems frustrated by Tamlin's reluctance to take action. Tamlin, in turn, is conflicted, revealing his deep guilt over what his father did to humans and their lands in the past. He doesn't want to repeat his father’s mistakes, but Lucien accuses him of risking everything with his inaction.
As Feyre tries to listen more closely, she accidentally makes a small noise, which alerts both of them to her presence. Lucien covers for her, suggesting that Tamlin accompany Feyre on a ride, but Feyre declines, admitting that she hates hunting. Tamlin, surprisingly, agrees and asks what she would like to do instead.
Tamlin leads Feyre through the manor, commenting on how she’s gone on hunts with Lucien, but she never seems interested in actually catching anything. Feyre cautiously asks how Tamlin’s hand is healing, and he thanks her for treating it. He explains that the Bogge’s bite was designed to slow the healing process of the High Fae, but despite this, Feyre’s bandaging had been helpful. The two share a quieter, more personal moment as they walk together, and Tamlin even compliments Feyre’s skill at tending to wounds.
However, Tamlin shifts the conversation, showing he is fully aware of the knife Feyre had stolen from the dining table. He teases her about how ineffective a dinner knife would be against faeries, but adds that her habit of eavesdropping might prove more useful in the long run. Embarrassed by his remark, Feyre asks more about the blight affecting Prythian, referring to Lucien's earlier comment about running out of time.
Tamlin dodges the question at first but admits that the blight is weakening their lands, allowing creatures like the Bogge and puca to infiltrate. He brushes off Feyre's concerns, saying he is immortal and has all the time in the world. His tone, however, suggests that something much larger and more dangerous is unfolding in Prythian, though he refuses to elaborate.
The chapter ends with Tamlin leading Feyre to a set of double doors, opening them to reveal the study she had requested to see. The sight of the study fills Feyre with an unsettling feeling, as she realizes that everything in Tamlin’s estate holds more weight and mystery than she initially imagined.
This chapter reveals Tamlin's emotional and physical toll from being responsible for the lands and the growing danger from the blight. His reluctance to act, stemming from guilt over his father's legacy, contrasts with Lucien's frustration and urgency. Feyre continues to uncover more about Prythian, learning that the threats to the land are far worse than she realized, and the tension between Tamlin and Lucien hints at deeper political and magical problems that could soon engulf her.
CHAPTER 13 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Tamlin leads Feyre to the study, and with a wave of his hand, a hundred candles spring to life. The display of power leaves Feyre unnerved, highlighting the gap between the magic of the fae and her human limitations. As she enters the opulent study, lined with books, she feels a wave of anxiety. Despite her desire to write a letter to her family to let them know she is safe, Feyre's inability to properly read and write weighs heavily on her.
Her mind drifts to the neglect of her education in childhood, recalling how neither her mother nor her sisters had bothered to teach her after the family’s downfall. Still, she attempts to make sense of the words in front of her, whispering the lines and underlining words she doesn’t understand. The effort is frustrating, and her list of unfamiliar words grows longer.
As she moves around the library to stretch her legs, Feyre is drawn to a massive mural that spans one wall. The mural tells the story of Prythian, beginning with a cauldron in the hands of a glowing, slender female figure. The cauldron's liquid spills out to form the world, depicting the territories and ancient faerie lands. The map details how the fae lost territory to humans, with the human lands represented as a blurred, insignificant part of the world. The map outlines the courts of Prythian, including the Spring Court, which is full of blooming trees and spring imagery, and Feyre traces the small, insignificant human lands south of the wall.
Her exploration of the mural brings her to the Night Court, painted in shades of darkness and stars, with lurking eyes and sharp teeth hidden in the shadows. She is disturbed by the power and mystery the mural exudes and steps away, realizing just how little she knows about Prythian. The overwhelming scale of the world beyond her village sinks in, and Feyre returns to her little table, where she tries to read a children’s book. Despite its simplicity, she struggles with it.
Frustrated and embarrassed by her inability to read, Feyre crumples her list of words and throws it in the rubbish bin. Tamlin surprises her by offering to help her write the letter to her family, and while Feyre initially assumes he will mock her ignorance, Tamlin shows no interest in humiliating her. Instead, he says he owes her for tending to his injured hand. However, Feyre's pride makes her reject the offer, despite her inner turmoil.
Tamlin senses her mistrust and calls her out on it, asking if she doesn't trust him simply because he's fae. Feyre responds by pointing out how little she knows about him, despite their time together. Their exchange grows tense as Tamlin admits she isn’t the kind of human he expected, and Feyre is reminded of her insecurities—feeling ignorant and insignificant, as her sister Nesta often made her feel. She leaves the study without letting Tamlin help, despite his quiet attempt to bridge the gap between them.
Later, Feyre notices that her crumpled list of words has been taken from the bin, and her pile of books has been disturbed. This small detail fills her with unease, though she tells herself it was likely a servant who cleaned up. Nevertheless, Feyre is filled with regret for rejecting Tamlin's offer of help. The scene leaves her reflecting on her shortcomings, and on how foolish it was to think someone like Tamlin might understand her struggles.
Determined to learn more about the blight threatening Prythian and the possible ways out of her situation, Feyre seeks out Lucien. She finds him in his bedroom, which is decorated in warm autumnal colors, much like his fiery personality. Lucien reveals he had been on official emissary business dealing with unrest at the northern border. Their conversation takes a witty turn, with Lucien teasing Feyre about her earlier spat with Tamlin, but the banter quickly shifts when Feyre subtly brings up the Suriel, a faerie creature known for giving information when trapped.
Feyre hints that she wants to trap a Suriel to learn more about the blight, and surprisingly, Lucien gives her the information she needs. He explains that if she were to trap a Suriel, she would need a double-loop snare and a grove of young birch trees in the western woods, as well as freshly slaughtered chickens to lure the creature. He also warns her to be ready to run toward the nearest running water, as the Suriel hates crossing it. Though he pretends indifference, Lucien clearly knows she is serious and offers her one of his hunting knives to take with her.
As Lucien leaves to "conveniently" be out of the way while Feyre undertakes her risky plan, he warns her that Tamlin would be furious if he discovered what she was up to. However, he leaves the door open for her to proceed, hinting that if she screamed for help, he might be close enough to hear. Despite his warnings, Lucien seems to admire her boldness, ending the chapter on a note of cautious camaraderie.
This chapter sees Feyre wrestling with her own insecurities, particularly around her inability to read and her pride in refusing help. Despite the tensions between her and Tamlin, she remains determined to learn more about Prythian and the blight, and this leads her to Lucien, who gives her the tools she needs to take a dangerous step toward understanding the world she has been thrust into. The mural in the study serves as a reminder of the vast and powerful fae world she now inhabits, and her interaction with Lucien shows that while she may be at a disadvantage, Feyre is not afraid to take risks to protect herself and her family.
CHAPTER 14 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre follows Lucien's instructions precisely as she heads into the western woods in search of the Suriel. Armed with a bow, a quiver, and Lucien’s knife, she also carries a freshly slaughtered chicken to lure the Suriel. The forest is ancient and alive in a way that makes her feel like the first human to walk its paths in centuries. As she ventures deeper, the woods feel more alive, and occasionally she catches glimpses of shimmering figures in the corners of her vision, though she brushes them off.
Eventually, Feyre finds a glen of birch trees near a stream, just as Lucien had advised. She carefully sets up her double-loop snare and positions the chicken to make it appear as though the bird had been caught by accident. After making several careful routes to and from the stream, Feyre climbs up a tree to wait, armed and ready with her bow.
Hours pass, and Feyre grows restless, but soon the forest goes unnaturally silent, and she feels a ripple of tension in the air. Something is approaching. With her muscles strained from staying still for so long, she listens carefully, hearing a dragging sound and sniffing from the clearing below. Her trap is successful, and a terrifying scream pierces the forest as the Suriel is snared.
Feyre climbs down from her tree and approaches the creature, expecting something terrifying—and the Suriel does not disappoint. It is a veiled, skeletal figure, its body covered in thin, tattered robes, with a grotesque face that looks like dried bone. Its eyes are swirling pits of milky white, and it speaks with a voice that is both one and many, both old and young.
The Suriel immediately recognizes that Feyre has captured it and asks her what she wants to know. Despite every instinct telling her to run, Feyre holds her ground and questions the Suriel. Her first question is if there’s any way for her to go home. The Suriel bluntly tells her that if she leaves, she will be killed, and her family will be in danger, so she must stay. Feyre swallows her disappointment and moves on to her second question: What does the Suriel know about Tamlin?
The Suriel reveals that Tamlin is not just any faerie lord—he is the High Lord of the Spring Court, one of the most powerful faeries in Prythian. Feyre is stunned by this revelation, realizing that Tamlin had never fully explained the extent of his power. The Suriel continues, explaining that Prythian is divided into seven courts—Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Dawn, Day, and Night—each ruled by a High Lord, and that these High Lords are more than just powerful; they are Power itself.
Feyre also questions the Suriel about the blight that is affecting Prythian’s magic. The Suriel warns her to stay close to Tamlin, as he will protect her from the blight, and not to seek any more answers, as doing so could lead to her being devoured by the shadow spreading across Prythian. Though the Suriel is cryptic, it insists that Tamlin is her safest option.
When Feyre presses further about the origin of the blight, the Suriel begins to tell her about a faerie king across the sea in the land of Hybern. This powerful and wicked king resents the Treaty that the High Lords of Prythian signed to end the war with humans, and for the last fifty years, he has been plotting to undo it. The Suriel starts to explain how the king’s commanders infiltrated various faerie courts as spies, but before it can finish, it suddenly goes rigid.
The Suriel tells Feyre that they are no longer alone. It warns her that the naga—faeries made of shadow, hate, and rot—are approaching, having heard the Suriel’s scream and smelled Feyre. The Suriel begs her to release it from the trap and flee back to Tamlin’s manor for safety, as the naga will kill both her and the Suriel if they are caught.
Before Feyre can release the Suriel, she sees four shadowy, monstrous figures emerging from the birch trees. The naga have found them.
This chapter deepens Feyre’s understanding of the world she’s trapped in, revealing major information about Tamlin’s status as a High Lord and the structure of the Prythian courts. The Suriel’s warnings about the blight and the King of Hybern hint at a larger, darker threat looming over the faerie realm, and Feyre’s entrapment in this world is solidified by the Suriel’s insistence that she cannot return home. As the chapter ends with the approach of the dangerous naga, Feyre faces an immediate life-or-death situation, highlighting the ever-present danger of the faerie lands.
CHAPTER 15 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In this intense and gripping chapter, Feyre faces off against the terrifying naga, creatures straight out of a nightmare. The four naga, serpentine creatures with humanoid features and sharp claws, spot Feyre and the Suriel in the clearing. Their leader immediately labels Feyre as "a meal" and begins closing in with the others. Feyre knows she doesn’t have much time to act and quickly assesses her options.
With her bow aimed, Feyre chooses to free the Suriel, shooting the arrow to break the snare holding it. The Suriel escapes in a flash of darkness, but this leaves Feyre alone with the naga. With her first arrow hitting one of the naga, she immediately starts running for her life. The remaining naga chase after her, tearing through the forest as she desperately tries to stay ahead, hoping Lucien would come to her aid as he had promised.
Despite her careful planning and quick thinking, the naga close in on her. As Feyre fights to evade them, she manages to take down one of the naga with a knife to the throat, but the remaining ones overpower her, breaking her bow and pinning her to the ground. Feyre is in a terrifying situation, but just as she’s about to be killed, a deafening roar shakes the forest.
Tamlin appears in his beast form, tearing through the naga with brutal efficiency. He swiftly kills the remaining creatures, displaying his terrifying power and predatory strength. Covered in blood, he approaches Feyre, who is shaken and bloodied but still alive. Although Tamlin’s claws and fangs remain extended, the primal rage in his eyes gradually fades as he helps her to her feet.
Feyre learns that Tamlin had been tracking the naga and heard her scream, which led him to her. Tamlin, still feeling responsible for the danger that lurks on his lands, expresses regret that the naga had gotten so far and endangered her. Despite her terror, Feyre acknowledges that Tamlin had saved her life.
As they walk back to the manor together, both covered in blood, Feyre reflects on what she learned from the Suriel, particularly the warning to stay close to Tamlin and not seek further answers about the blight. She also struggles with the reality that her family might never know the full danger they are in and that she cannot return home to warn them.
Feyre notices Tamlin’s lack of triumph in his victory over the naga; instead, he seems burdened with shame and defeat. The chapter closes with Feyre deciding that, for now, she will heed the Suriel’s warning and stay close to Tamlin, though the shadow of the blight and the knowledge she gained from the Suriel still lingers heavily on her mind.
This chapter serves as a turning point for Feyre as she not only survives a deadly encounter but also gains new insights into the dangers of Prythian, the complexities of Tamlin, and the role she will need to play in staying close to him to ensure her survival.
CHAPTER 16 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
After her harrowing experience in the western woods, Feyre takes comfort in the bath and enjoys the feel of Alis brushing her hair. Alis tends to Feyre, offering her molten chocolate, which helps soothe her nerves. But as Feyre reflects on what happened in the woods, she brings up her concerns about the increasing number of faeries crossing borders and attacking, hinting at the potential for war. Alis warns Feyre not to ask such questions, saying it's none of her concern and warning her that asking about the king of Hybern brings bad luck.
Alis reveals personal details when Feyre questions her dedication to family. Alis lost her sister and her mate fifty years ago, leaving her to care for her nephews, whom she works hard to protect. Feyre, seeing a parallel to her own situation, apologizes for her questioning and gains insight into the deep bond between faeries and their young, who age very slowly compared to humans.
Alis also chastises Feyre for her dangerous attempt to trap the Suriel and says that Lucien's advice was unnecessary. Instead of using dead chickens, all Feyre needed to do was offer the Suriel a new robe, which would have made it more than willing to share its secrets. This adds a note of humor to the otherwise serious conversation, as Feyre realizes how she could have avoided much of the danger she faced.
When Feyre joins Tamlin and Lucien for dinner, Lucien expresses light-hearted regret at not being able to help during the earlier events, but Feyre gives him a nod, signaling that his secret about the Suriel is still safe with her, despite her dangerous encounter. Lucien teases Feyre by complimenting her, but she brushes off his words, remarking that she thought faeries couldn’t lie. This leads Lucien to reveal that faeries can, in fact, lie and that the idea they couldn’t was a trick to earn human trust long ago. This revelation shakes Feyre, who begins to question all the truths and lies she’s been told since arriving in Prythian.
As Lucien leaves the dinner, Feyre finds herself alone with Tamlin. Despite the danger she faced earlier, she holds her ground and refuses to be intimidated by him. Tamlin, genuinely concerned, asks her about her experience, and Feyre admits that she tried to catch the Suriel. Tamlin is stunned that she actually managed to snare it. Although she was interrupted by the naga before she could learn much, Tamlin is still impressed by her courage.
Tamlin then brings up a crumpled piece of paper: Feyre’s list of words she didn’t understand from her attempts at reading earlier. Embarrassed, Feyre tries to leave the conversation, but Tamlin offers to help her write to her family, displaying unexpected kindness and understanding. He also expresses surprise at how much Feyre has sacrificed for her family, acknowledging her dedication to them in a way that leaves her feeling seen but vulnerable. Tamlin then reveals that he has already ensured that Feyre’s family is safe, glamoring their memories so that they believe she is helping a wealthy aunt on her deathbed. He has also warned them about the threat in Prythian and given them instructions to flee at the first sign of danger.
This news is a relief to Feyre, as she realizes her family is better off than she imagined, though she grapples with the faerie arrogance of having their memories altered. Her sense of purpose, once tied to protecting her family, begins to feel hollow now that they are safe without her.
Finally, when Tamlin offers Feyre the materials to paint—something that she tentatively requests—he seems genuinely pleased to give her the tools she needs. He also invites her to see the gallery in his manor, which had been closed off but holds a collection of art that Feyre would undoubtedly appreciate. Tamlin’s openness and willingness to support her artistic interests spark a shift in Feyre’s perception of him, and she leaves with the sense that Tamlin is different from the harsh, indifferent faeries of legend.
CHAPTER 17 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Feyre wakes abruptly from a nightmare, haunted by the events of the previous day and visions of the Suriel, the naga, and a faceless woman who torments her in her sleep. As she catches her breath, she hears shouts and screams from the front hall of Tamlin’s manor, prompting her to investigate.
Rushing downstairs, Feyre witnesses Tamlin bringing in a badly wounded faerie, a member of the Summer Court, whose wings have been brutally torn off. Blood gushes from the faerie's back as he screams in agony, repeatedly crying out that "she took my wings." This mysterious "she" is an unnamed entity who seems to be causing havoc across the courts. Tamlin and Lucien are visibly distressed by the faerie's injuries, but Lucien, overcome with horror, vomits and flees the scene, leaving Feyre and Tamlin to tend to the dying faerie.
Feyre steps in to help, pinning the faerie down to stop him from thrashing and making his wounds worse. The faerie’s injuries are severe—his wings have been sawed off, leaving raw, bloody stumps that refuse to clot. Tamlin, using what little magic he has left, is unable to heal the faerie’s wounds, and it becomes clear that the faerie is beyond saving.
In a deeply emotional moment, Feyre takes the faerie’s hand and comforts him, making him a false promise that he will get his wings back. She lies to ease his passing, telling him everything will be all right, though she knows it won’t. Tamlin recites an ancient prayer as the faerie dies, his hand growing limp in Feyre’s grasp. The scene is one of immense grief, and Feyre remains with the faerie's body for a while, holding his hand and stroking his hair, unable to let go.
As the faerie’s blood pools around her, Feyre is consumed by guilt and sorrow, wondering if the faerie had believed her false vow. Tamlin eventually touches her shoulder, guiding her away from the body, but Feyre insists that they cannot leave the faerie there. Tamlin agrees to bury the faerie but tells her he must do it alone, to which Feyre reluctantly agrees.
Before she leaves, Tamlin asks her why she helped the faerie, given her usual dislike of faeries and what happened with Andras. Feyre reveals a vulnerable side, admitting that no one deserves to die alone, whether human or faerie, and that she regrets killing Andras. She apologizes to Tamlin, expressing sorrow for the hate she once held in her heart. Tamlin doesn’t respond verbally but nods in acknowledgment.
As Tamlin carries the faerie’s body out into the moonlit garden to bury him, Feyre watches from the window, feeling the weight of guilt and sorrow on her shoulders. The chapter ends with Tamlin disappearing into the fields, never looking back.
This chapter showcases Feyre’s evolving emotional landscape, as she grapples with guilt, compassion, and her growing understanding of the faerie world’s brutality. It also strengthens the connection between Feyre and Tamlin, as both share moments of vulnerability and sorrow.
CHAPTER 18 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
After waking up the next morning, Feyre notices that the bloodstains from the dead faerie have been cleaned from the entry hall. She lingers at the top of the stairs, contemplating apologizing to Tamlin for killing Andras, and wanting to express her regret. As she gazes out a window at the peaceful scene beyond the manor, Tamlin and Lucien emerge from another part of the manor, discussing border patrol. Lucien quickly exits the house without a word, leaving Tamlin to talk to Feyre.
Tamlin proposes they go on a ride together, as her painting supplies haven’t arrived yet and he has no pressing meetings. Feyre agrees, and they set off with Lucien, who joins them reluctantly.
They arrive at a breathtakingly beautiful glen, where the landscape seems to be an embodiment of harmony, colors, and light. Feyre is captivated by the serene beauty of the place, feeling that it is exactly what she needed after witnessing so much death. Tamlin points to a blanket they’ve brought, but Feyre chooses to sit directly on the soft grass, marveling at the perfection of the environment.
As Feyre absorbs the surroundings, Tamlin and Lucien exchange light-hearted banter, and for the first time since arriving in the faerie realm, Feyre laughs and engages with them in a playful manner. Tamlin, who is pleased to see her relaxing, invites her to explore another part of the glen.
He leads her to a silver pool, where the water sparkles with what looks like starlight. Tamlin explains that it is starlight, though he doesn’t know how the pool came to be. He teases Feyre about swimming in the magical water, and after some hesitation, she boldly decides to join him. Feyre removes her clothing, leaving only her undergarments, and steps into the warm, silken water.
While swimming, Tamlin asks about Feyre's past, and she opens up about her family’s fall from wealth. She explains how her father lost his fortune when his ships sank, leading to their life of poverty and forcing her to learn to hunt to provide for her family. Tamlin listens intently, and the conversation turns to Lucien’s past. Tamlin reveals the tragic story of how Lucien’s lover was executed by his father, the High Lord of the Autumn Court, for being of a lower social class. Lucien’s father made him watch the execution, and his brothers later tried to kill him. Lucien fled to the Spring Court, where Tamlin saved his life.
As they ride back to the manor after a peaceful afternoon of swimming and relaxing, Feyre tries to thank Lucien for his advice on trapping the Suriel, even though it had placed her in great danger. Lucien admits that he hesitated before coming to her aid when she screamed, and he regrets breaking his word to protect her. As a gesture of respect, Lucien gives Feyre a jeweled hunting knife, asking her not to stab him in the back with it. This act of goodwill from Lucien signifies a shift in their relationship, as both characters acknowledge the danger they’ve faced and begin to understand each other better.
CHAPTER 19 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 19, Tamlin takes Feyre to a previously unexplored wing of the manor to show her the gallery of paintings. Feyre is overwhelmed by the art, which evokes intense emotions in her. Tamlin gives her access to the gallery and encourages her to visit whenever she wants. Later, Feyre is provided with all the painting supplies she could dream of, and she begins to paint daily, even though she is rarely satisfied with her work.
Weeks pass, and Feyre’s days are filled with painting and exploring the Spring Court with Tamlin. She feels herself growing comfortable in this world, but her dreams are still haunted by the deaths she has caused and witnessed. Despite this, she remains close to Tamlin, finding safety and peace in his presence.
One day, Feyre is struck by the realization that her family has moved on without her and that she has been forgotten. She is overwhelmed by anger and frustration, feeling as though she has been erased from their lives. That night, Feyre wanders into the garden, and Tamlin finds her. They have an emotional conversation where Feyre admits her guilt over leaving her family, and Tamlin reassures her that her feelings are valid. He kisses her hands, healing the cuts from the rose thorns, and tells her not to feel bad for doing what brings her joy.
The next day, while walking in the woods, Feyre lays a trap for Tamlin and catches him, but he easily frees himself. They share a lighthearted moment, and Tamlin gives Feyre a humorous series of poems, poking fun at her list of difficult words. Later, Feyre learns more about Tamlin’s past, including his family and the brutal world of the High Fae. Tamlin reveals that his father and brothers were cruel and that he never wanted the title of High Lord, but it was thrust upon him after their deaths. He speaks of his mother with sadness, and Feyre begins to understand the weight of Tamlin’s burdens.
As they return to the manor, Tamlin mentions the upcoming festival of Calanmai (Fire Night), a spring ceremony that helps regenerate the land’s magic. He warns Feyre to stay away from the faeries who will gather for the event.
Later, Tamlin and Lucien encounter a sinister, invisible faerie creature delivering a message. The creature speaks of a powerful "she" who is watching Tamlin’s actions and growing impatient. The encounter leaves Feyre shaken, and she realizes that there is a much larger threat looming over Tamlin and the Spring Court.
CHAPTER 20 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 20, as the day of Calanmai—Fire Night—approaches, Feyre finds herself increasingly curious about the ritual. After spending the day alone and painting a chilling image of the Attor, she is drawn by the sound of drums and the mysterious energy in the air. Tamlin, preparing for the Great Rite, warns her to stay in her room with the doors locked, insisting it is too dangerous for her to witness.
Despite his warnings, Feyre’s curiosity and the lure of the drums compel her to leave her room at night. She follows the sounds to the Calanmai celebrations in the hills, where she encounters groups of faeries gathered around bonfires. Glamours prevent her from seeing the faeries' faces clearly, adding to the strangeness of the event.
As Feyre explores, she is grabbed by three faeries who recognize her as human and intend to harass her. They restrain her, taunting her and dragging her towards the forest. Just as she begins to fear the worst, a mysterious stranger intervenes, saving her from the faeries' grasp.
The chapter ends with Feyre turning to thank her savior, only to find herself face-to-face with the most beautiful man she’s ever seen, leaving a sense of intrigue about who this stranger might be.
CHAPTER 21 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 21, Feyre encounters a stranger who radiates power and sensuality, a figure who is clearly High Fae but not of the Spring Court. With short black hair, violet-blue eyes, and an easy grace, this male exudes danger and mystery. Feyre feels drawn to and terrified by him as he circles her, toying with her with questions and riddles about her presence at Calanmai. Despite his polite demeanor, there’s a predatory edge to his movements and words, making Feyre feel as though she’s traded one danger for another.
As their tense conversation concludes, Lucien suddenly appears, furious and frightened by her presence at the Rite. He drags her back to the manor, explaining the dangerous nature of Fire Night and the Great Rite. Lucien reveals that during the Rite, Tamlin becomes the Hunter, possessed by powerful magic, and must couple with a chosen Maiden to release the magic that will bless the land for the coming year. Lucien warns Feyre that if Tamlin had sensed her presence during the Rite, he would have chosen her, but it wouldn’t have been the Tamlin she knew—it would have been the wild, primal fae version of him, driven by instinct rather than reason.
After being left in her room, Feyre awakens in the middle of the night, the drumming having stopped. When she encounters Tamlin in the hallway, he is still riding the wild magic of the Rite, his body marked with blue paint from the ritual. Tamlin, filled with lingering desire from the Rite, pins Feyre against the wall, confessing that he had searched for her and that his instincts had driven him mad. In his primal state, he expresses a possessive, almost animalistic desire for her, teasing her with the idea of what might have happened if he had chosen her during the Rite.
Despite the heat and tension between them, Feyre strikes Tamlin after he bites her, standing her ground and asserting her independence. The encounter leaves both of them frustrated, and Tamlin stalks away, leaving Feyre in a swirl of conflicting emotions—wanting him and resenting his dominance all at once.
CHAPTER 22 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 22, Feyre wakes up the morning after her encounter with Tamlin, still bruised and reeling from their charged interaction. Determined not to hide the bruise he left on her neck, she purposefully lets it show, a silent statement of defiance as she joins Tamlin and Lucien for lunch. Tamlin is unashamed when questioned by Lucien about the mark, but Feyre is angry at his casual attitude toward the events of the previous night, sparking an argument between them.
Despite their heated exchange, Feyre finds solace in painting, channeling her emotions into her art. That evening, Tamlin apologizes, bringing her a bouquet of white roses, and the two reconcile over dinner. For the first time in a long while, Feyre sleeps peacefully, comforted by the return of the Tamlin she’s come to know.
The following night, Feyre dons an elegant gown, stepping out of her comfort zone and into a more formal version of herself. Tamlin is visibly affected by her appearance, and as the night progresses, their conversation shifts from playful banter to something deeper. Feyre leads him to her painting room, revealing her works for the first time. She presents Tamlin with a gift—a painting of the glen with the pool of starlight, a representation of a cherished memory between them. Tamlin is touched by the gesture but is drawn to another painting—one that captures the cold, desolate forest Feyre once called home.
Their conversation turns serious as Feyre presses Tamlin for answers about the blight, the masks, and the power he’s lost. Tamlin, however, insists that it is his burden to bear and that the dangers he faces are beyond her comprehension. Despite the gravity of his struggles, he admits that he couldn’t bear to send her away, even though it may have been the more practical choice. Tamlin’s vulnerability is laid bare when he confesses that none of his past lovers truly understood the weight of his responsibilities, but Feyre, through her paintings, reminds him that he is not alone.
Their connection deepens as Feyre realizes that she has become more to Tamlin than just a duty or a distraction. The chapter closes with Feyre choosing not to lock her bedroom door that night, signaling her growing trust and affection for Tamlin.
CHAPTER 23 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 23, Feyre and Tamlin share a peaceful day together in a quiet glen, basking in the sun and the beauty of nature. Lucien, claiming work obligations, leaves them alone, and they spend time in a serene, almost magical setting—though without any visible enchantments like the ones they've seen before. As they relax, Tamlin reveals that even the willow tree nearby sings, though Feyre, as a human, cannot yet experience such wonders.
Teasingly, Tamlin offers to let Feyre fully experience the magic of his world, but in exchange, he requests a kiss. Feyre reluctantly agrees, and after a tender, almost reverent kiss on her eyelids, Feyre's senses* are awakened to the magic around her. She is overwhelmed by the vibrant, otherworldly beauty of the forest—the sounds, sights, and smells that had been hidden from her human senses.
However, what captivates her most is Tamlin himself. In this heightened state, she sees him as he truly is—glowing with an ethereal, almost godlike beauty. His presence is magnetic, powerful, and utterly mesmerizing. She reaches to remove his mask but finds that it remains firmly in place, still bound by magic. Disappointed but fascinated, Feyre struggles to reconcile this glimpse of the "real" Tamlin with the one she knows.
As the daydream fades and Tamlin glamours himself back to normal, Feyre playfully tries to fulfill her side of the deal by kissing his hand instead of his lips, making Tamlin laugh. Sleep begins to overtake her as the magic-filled day and the warmth of the moment lull her into a peaceful slumber. Tamlin lies beside her, gently stroking her hair, and as Feyre drifts off, she hears him murmur that she is exactly as he dreamed she would be, deepening their connection.
CHAPTER 24 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 24, Feyre wakes up confused, hearing a strange buzzing noise. She finds a faerie woman in her room who she doesn’t recognize at first, only to realize it’s Alis—glamoured to look like a High Fae. Feyre's newfound ability to see past the glamours reveals a whole host of faeries in the Spring Court that she had never noticed before, including bizarre creatures with iridescent wings and bark-like skin. Tamlin and Lucien explain that they had glamoured the faeries and their world to prevent overwhelming her, knowing she would have been too frightened initially.
As Feyre processes this new reality, her mind returns to the horrors she witnessed, particularly the faerie whose wings had been brutally torn off. Tamlin explains that creatures like the naga and the puca weren't affected by his glamour because they don't belong to his court, unlike the other faeries she hadn’t seen.
The chapter takes a darker turn when Feyre stumbles upon a gruesome scene in the garden: the decapitated head of a male High Fae impaled on a fountain statue. Horrified, Feyre realizes the gravity of the threat that the Night Court poses. Tamlin and Lucien examine the scene, concluding that it’s a message from the Night Court, a deadly and sadistic group known for torturing and killing without remorse.
As Tamlin tries to reassure Feyre that the Night Court's taunt is nothing more than posturing, Feyre reflects on the power dynamics among the faerie courts and her growing awareness of their cruelty. The disturbing scene of the severed head, along with the revelation of faerie politics, leaves Feyre shaken. The chapter closes on a reflective note, as Feyre considers Tamlin's past, his relationship with his father, and the horrors humans endured when they were enslaved by the faeries. Despite her growing understanding, the emotional weight of these realizations leaves her unable to paint that day.
CHAPTER 25 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 25, Feyre awakens to a world shifting with the dangers of the blight, but also the beauty and joy of the Summer Solstice. After finding a decapitated head in the garden, Feyre is filled with anxiety as Tamlin is called away to the borders of his land, signaling that the blight is worsening. Despite the fear and uncertainty, preparations for the Summer Solstice celebration begin, with the estate being decorated with ribbons, streamers, and maypoles.
As Feyre is dressed in a flowing blue gown and adorned with wildflowers, she is struck by how much her body has changed during her time in the Spring Court. For the first time in months, she sees herself as more than just the thin, hardened figure she had been.
When Tamlin returns from his border duty, unharmed and radiant, he greets her warmly, clearly affected by her appearance. As the celebration begins, Feyre marvels at the sheer number of faeries, their beauty, and the otherworldly atmosphere. She indulges in faerie wine, despite Lucien's warnings, and becomes drunk on the magic of the night, losing herself in the music and the dancing.
Tamlin, playing a fiddle, watches over her, his eyes never leaving her as she dances with joy and abandon. Their connection grows deeper as they share a magical moment under the stars. Tamlin's music becomes a gift just for her, and as the celebration winds down, he leads her away from the festivities to a meadow where they witness will-o’-the-wisps, ethereal spirits celebrating the solstice.
In this intimate setting, Tamlin and Feyre share a deeply emotional moment, culminating in their first passionate kiss. As the dawn breaks, they sit together, watching the world bathed in golden light, and Feyre realizes that she is experiencing the happiest moment of her life. The chapter ends with the sense that Feyre is finally beginning to see the beauty and possibility in life, something she never thought she could feel before.
This chapter focuses on the contrast between the threat of the blight and the magical joy of the solstice celebration, highlighting Feyre’s growing emotional connection with Tamlin and her gradual healing from the hardships of her past.
CHAPTER 26 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 26, Feyre, Tamlin, and Lucien sit together for a meal, but the mood quickly shifts from playful to serious when Lucien shares devastating news: the blight is spreading, and the Winter Court has lost two dozen children to it, their minds and magic destroyed. This chilling revelation shocks Feyre, who learns for the first time that the blight can not only infect but also kill faeries in cruel and horrific ways.
Before they can fully process the news, Tamlin suddenly senses something ominous. His claws unsheathe, and Lucien immediately springs into action, pulling Feyre to the window and using glamour to hide her presence. The atmosphere becomes tense as Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court, enters the room.
Feyre recognizes Rhysand as the mysterious faerie who saved her from danger during Fire Night, but now, his presence is far more threatening. He engages in a tense conversation with Tamlin, his words dripping with menace and arrogance. Rhysand taunts Tamlin about the blight, hinting that Tamlin has done nothing to save his lands. The interactions between them reveal a deep history of rivalry and resentment, with Rhysand constantly pushing Tamlin and Lucien to the edge.
Rhysand’s power is evident as he easily intimidates Lucien, mocking his loyalty to Tamlin and making sharp remarks about Lucien’s family. The tension in the room reaches its peak when Rhysand’s attention shifts toward Feyre. He quickly realizes that she is glamoured and, with terrifying ease, strips away the magic hiding her. Rhysand recalls their previous encounter and begins to invade her mind, forcing Feyre to relive her intimate thoughts about Tamlin, exposing her desires and embarrassing her in front of the others.
As Rhysand threatens to report Feyre’s presence to Amarantha, a malevolent figure who looms over all of Prythian, Tamlin is forced to beg Rhysand to keep Feyre a secret. The chapter ends with Tamlin humiliated, bowing before Rhysand, who eventually leaves after extracting this humiliating submission from Tamlin and Lucien. Rhysand departs, leaving a lasting sense of dread and foreshadowing about the greater danger posed by Amarantha and the blight.
This chapter underscores the political tensions between the courts, the danger of the blight, and the complex dynamics between Tamlin, Lucien, and Rhysand, with Feyre caught in the middle of forces far beyond her control.
CHAPTER 27 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 27, the aftermath of Rhysand's visit leaves Feyre reeling, as the terrifying encounter continues to haunt her. Tamlin enters her room later that night, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. He apologizes for what happened and, much to Feyre's shock, informs her that he’s sending her home to protect her from the looming threats of Amarantha and the growing blight. Despite Feyre’s protests, Tamlin is adamant. He cannot protect her from the dark forces encroaching on Prythian, and his fear for her safety overrides everything else.
Feyre, heartbroken and confused, pleads to stay with him, but Tamlin insists on her departure. The conversation grows heated as Tamlin reveals the danger Feyre would face if she stays, particularly with creatures like the Attor and others under Amarantha's control. The idea of leaving Tamlin devastates Feyre, and they share a deep, passionate moment, making love for the first time. Feyre tries to hold onto the intimacy of the moment, knowing that she’ll soon be forced to leave the Spring Court.
Their connection is intense, raw, and full of emotion, with Feyre surrendering herself entirely to Tamlin in a desperate attempt to cling to their time together. After their first encounter, they make love again, slower this time, as Feyre tries to memorize every detail of him before she is sent away.
As they lay in bed afterward, Tamlin reminds her that she must leave at dawn, despite her desire to stay. The chapter ends with Feyre drifting off to sleep in his arms, her heart heavy with the knowledge that this could be the last time she sees him. In her half-conscious state, she believes she hears Tamlin whisper, "I love you, thorns and all," though when she wakes, he is gone, and she is unsure if it was a dream.
CHAPTER 28 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 28, Feyre is reluctantly sent back to the mortal world by Tamlin, who insists that it’s for her own safety as the looming threat of Amarantha grows stronger. Despite her pleas to stay and help, Tamlin is resolute, ensuring that Feyre is returned to her family where she’ll be safe from the dangers overtaking Prythian.
As Feyre prepares to leave, she says her farewells to Alis and Lucien—Lucien, in particular, is upset that Tamlin won’t even allow Feyre a few more days before sending her away. Feyre, dressed in fine, confining mortal clothes, feels disconnected from the person she has become during her time in Prythian, even though she is technically returning home.
Feyre’s journey back is filled with heartache, particularly as she grapples with her unspoken feelings of love for Tamlin. His words and touch still linger with her, and the fear of not seeing him again weighs heavily on her. As the carriage transports her back to her family's new home, Feyre drifts into a magically induced sleep, only to awaken in front of an unfamiliar chateau—her family's fortunes restored thanks to Tamlin’s intervention.
Upon her arrival, Nesta and Elain greet her warmly, albeit with some formality, as they don’t immediately recognize her. Feyre learns that her family’s newfound wealth came from a mysterious benefactor (Tamlin) who had helped their father recover his lost ships and investments. The contrast between the faerie world she left behind and her family's now comfortable life makes Feyre feel out of place, despite her sister Elain’s excitement.
Though her family is relieved to see her, Feyre feels a growing sense of unease. She struggles with the idea of having left Tamlin behind in such danger, despite his reassurances. Her connection to the Spring Court and Tamlin feels like a tether she can’t escape, and the Suriel’s warning to stay with the High Lord echoes in her mind. While she’s reunited with her family, Feyre is haunted by the nagging feeling that leaving Prythian was a terrible mistake. The chapter closes with Feyre grappling with the increasing shadow of doubt and dread that clouds her heart.
CHAPTER 29 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 29, Feyre struggles to adjust to her return to the mortal world, inventing a story about her time with her “Aunt Ripleigh” to explain her newfound wealth. The trunks of clothing she returned with from the Spring Court are also filled with gold and jewels, making Feyre an incredibly wealthy woman. Her father is revitalized, taking inventory of the riches and recovering from his earlier afflictions thanks to the tonic Tamlin had secretly provided. Her family’s fortunes have completely reversed.
While Elain is content and joyful with their newfound wealth, Nesta remains cold and distant, rarely speaking and avoiding most social interactions. Elain tries to rekindle her bond with Feyre, sharing her excitement for her garden and plans for the future. However, Feyre feels increasingly disconnected, haunted by her time in Prythian and the shadow of Tamlin and the impending threat of Amarantha. Though Elain notices Feyre’s changes, Feyre remains guarded about her experiences, offering little explanation for her altered demeanor.
Feyre eventually visits the old cottage where she and her family once lived, walking the familiar path from the manor to the rundown house. Standing before the cottage, she reflects on the contrasting ways she and Elain viewed their past. To Elain, the cottage represented a shelter and hope, while to Feyre, it had been a prison, a symbol of hardship and suffering. This realization leaves Feyre contemplating the strength that Elain had drawn from finding the good in difficult situations, while Feyre herself had only seen darkness.
Despite being surrounded by wealth and comfort, Feyre is burdened by the nagging fear that something terrible is happening in Prythian, particularly to Tamlin. His words, “I love you,” echo in her mind, fueling her growing sense of unease and longing to be by his side. The chapter ends with Feyre feeling conflicted between her new reality and the bond she has left behind in Prythian, unsure if she made the right choice in leaving.
CHAPTER 30 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 30, Feyre returns to her village to complete one final task before her father's ball: giving away small bags of silver and gold to the impoverished villagers. Though some try to refuse her generosity, she leaves the money regardless, feeling a deep sense of responsibility for the people she once lived among. As she moves through the village, she encounters Tomas Mandray, who gives her a lecherous look, causing Feyre to reflect on why Nesta may have rejected him. Feyre also crosses paths with Isaac Hale and his new wife. Seeing them happy together, Feyre feels nothing but a faint sense of gratitude for her past with Isaac, wishing them well as she moves on.
Back at her father’s manor, preparations for the ball are in full swing, with Elain taking charge of planning. Although Feyre participates in some activities, like digging out a new garden bed for Elain, she feels distant and restless, her mind constantly drawn back to Tamlin and the impending danger in Prythian. Despite her surroundings, she is haunted by the sense that she made a mistake in leaving.
Feyre’s sister Nesta eventually confronts her, revealing that she had not been affected by Tamlin’s glamour and knew Feyre’s real situation all along. Nesta’s iron will had made her immune to the magic, and she had even attempted to rescue Feyre by journeying to the wall between the human and faerie lands. Nesta’s actions reveal her deep, though often hidden, love and loyalty for Feyre, as she had been willing to risk her life to save her.
Feyre is moved by Nesta’s confession and shares the true story of her time in Prythian, including her relationship with Tamlin. This newfound bond between the sisters leads to Nesta asking Feyre to teach her how to paint, a gesture that symbolizes the mending of their relationship. The painting lessons provide an escape from the chaos of the upcoming ball, allowing them to spend time together in a quieter space.
As the preparations for the ball continue, Feyre notices how happy her father and Elain seem in their new life of wealth and ease, yet Nesta still harbors resentment towards their father for letting them suffer during their years of poverty and for not doing more to save their mother. Nesta's bitterness and anger, which she confesses to Feyre, stem from her belief that their father failed them when they needed him most. Feyre acknowledges Nesta’s feelings but also reflects on her own love for Tamlin, admitting that she would have gone to great lengths to save him if necessary.
This chapter deepens the relationship between Feyre and Nesta, revealing the hidden strength and care beneath Nesta’s cold exterior while also showing Feyre’s ongoing internal struggle as she grapples with the consequences of leaving Prythian and her growing realization that her heart still belongs there.
CHAPTER 31 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 31, the ball hosted by Feyre’s father in her honor is a blur of dancing, suitors, and aristocratic splendor. Feyre spends much of the evening beside Nesta, who intimidates the curious men interested in Feyre's newfound wealth. Despite the glittering atmosphere, Feyre's thoughts remain preoccupied with Tamlin. She reflects on her growing guilt over leaving him in Prythian without trying harder to help or even telling him that she loves him.
The next afternoon, during a quiet lunch with her family, Feyre overhears a conversation about the tragic burning of the Beddor family’s home, which claimed the lives of the entire household. Feyre realizes with horror that she is responsible for this, having given Clare Beddor’s name to Rhysand. The realization sickens her, confirming that Clare and her family were tortured and murdered in place of Feyre. This pushes her to the breaking point, and she makes the decision to return to Prythian to find out what has happened.
Feyre urgently warns her family about the potential danger looming from Prythian and tells them to prepare to flee if anything unusual happens. Nesta, with her characteristic sharpness, understands the gravity of the situation. She encourages Feyre to leave without looking back, acknowledging that she and Elain will be able to take care of themselves. Feyre gives Nesta advice on faeries, including their ability to lie and the protective powers of ash wood, and tells her to use the money Feyre has left behind to fortify themselves.
Nesta’s strength and resolve surprise Feyre. When Feyre prepares to leave, she realizes how much her relationship with her sister has changed—Nesta had tried to rescue her from Prythian, and her iron-willed nature had resisted Tamlin’s glamour magic all along. As they part, Feyre promises to one day return if it becomes safe, though Nesta shows no interest in the faerie world.
With supplies and a horse prepared by Elain, Feyre sets out for Prythian. After a long journey, she finds the invisible wall that separates the human and faerie realms. Following the wall, Feyre eventually finds a gate marked by two stones with carved symbols, which allows her to cross over. She continues through the familiar woods toward Tamlin’s manor.
However, upon arriving at the estate, Feyre finds the gates wrenched open and the manor in shambles. The house is eerily silent, its windows shattered and furniture destroyed. Feyre frantically searches for Tamlin and Lucien, but there is no sign of them. Alone in the devastation, Feyre sinks to her knees, realizing that Tamlin is gone.
CHAPTER 32 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 32, Feyre returns to the ravaged Spring Court estate, finding it in utter disrepair with signs of a violent struggle but no bodies. As she searches for answers, Alis finds her and reveals the devastating truth about what has happened: Tamlin and most of his court have been taken by Amarantha to her stronghold, Under the Mountain. Alis explains that Amarantha is not just a random threat but the High Queen of Prythian, a title she has taken by force after betraying and cursing the seven High Lords nearly fifty years ago.
Feyre learns the full history of Amarantha—once a general in the War against mortals, she is fueled by hatred for humans after her sister Clythia was betrayed and killed by Jurian, a mortal warrior. Amarantha has since sought revenge on both humans and faeries alike, tricking the High Lords into trusting her before she stripped them of their power and enslaved them. Tamlin, among the High Lords, was cursed by Amarantha, who was once infatuated with him. To break the curse, Tamlin had to make a human girl with a hatred of faeries fall in love with him and confess it before the end of the forty-nine years. Feyre's killing of Andras set this plan in motion, but she failed to say the words that would have broken the curse, dooming Tamlin and his court.
Alis reveals that Amarantha took Tamlin and the others to her court Under the Mountain after Feyre left. If Tamlin doesn’t agree to become Amarantha’s lover, he will remain her slave, and Prythian will stay under her control. The blight Feyre had heard about is revealed to be Amarantha herself, the true sickness destroying Prythian. Alis warns Feyre that there’s nothing she can do to help and tries to convince her to return home, but Feyre refuses, determined to go Under the Mountain to face Amarantha and save Tamlin.
The chapter ends with Alis reluctantly agreeing to take Feyre to Amarantha’s court, knowing it could be a death sentence for her, but Feyre is resolute—she cannot live with herself knowing she could have saved Tamlin and didn’t act.
CHAPTER 33 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 33, Feyre, determined to rescue Tamlin, prepares herself for the perilous journey ahead. Armed with a quiver of arrows, two daggers, and a bow, she sets out with Alis, who leads her to an ancient cave that serves as a shortcut to Amarantha’s court Under the Mountain. The journey through the silent and eerie woods heightens Feyre’s anxiety, but her resolve remains strong as she recalls that her failure to admit her love for Tamlin had allowed this nightmare to unfold.
At the cave entrance, Alis offers crucial advice: don’t drink the wine, don’t trust anyone, and be cautious about making deals, even if Feyre’s life depends on it. Alis also hints that part of the curse on Tamlin is something Feyre will have to discover on her own, as it's something too dangerous for her to speak of directly.
With that final warning, Alis leaves Feyre at the cave’s mouth, and Feyre enters, knowing that this may be a death sentence but unwilling to give up on Tamlin. The cave is dark and treacherous, but after a long, nerve-wracking walk, Feyre comes across a passageway lit by torches and echoing with strange, unsettling voices. Despite her fear, she presses on, keeping Alis’s advice in mind.
Just as Feyre is about to move deeper into the passage, she is caught by the Attor, the monstrous creature that had once terrified her. It greets her with a malevolent smile, setting the stage for the dangers that lie ahead.
CHAPTER 34 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 34, Feyre is dragged by the Attor to Amarantha's throne room. The sight of the opulent chamber contrasts starkly with the danger she faces. The court is filled with High Fae and faeries alike, many observing her with cruel interest. Amarantha herself is beautiful, but her cold and sinister demeanor makes her even more terrifying. Tamlin, sitting silently beside her, does not react to Feyre's presence, his face a mask of indifference, which stabs at Feyre's heart as she pleads to claim him.
Amarantha mocks Feyre for falling in love with a faerie and reveals that she had tortured and killed Clare Beddor, the girl whose name Feyre had given to Rhysand to protect her family. Feyre is devastated by Clare's brutal death, feeling responsible for the innocent girl's suffering.
Amarantha offers Feyre a cruel bargain: to complete three deadly tasks or solve a riddle, and if she succeeds, Tamlin and his court will be freed, and the curse will be broken. If she fails, she will die. With no other choice, Feyre agrees to the deal, even as Tamlin’s subtle warning suggests that she shouldn’t. But Feyre’s love for Tamlin and her determination to free him overpowers her fear.
As soon as Feyre agrees, Amarantha orders her minions to give Feyre a "greeting worthy of the hall." Feyre is brutally beaten, passed between the faeries like a punching bag, her bones crunching under the relentless blows. The chapter ends with Feyre losing consciousness, blood filling her mouth as she succumbs to the brutal attack.
CHAPTER 35 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 35, Feyre wakes up in a dungeon cell after being brutally beaten by Amarantha’s faeries. Her body aches with the pain of her injuries, especially her broken nose. She struggles to maintain her composure as she assesses her injuries and listens to distant screams from other captives, wondering if she will sound like them when Amarantha's first trial begins. Feyre reflects on her guilt over Clare Beddor’s torture and death, which was a result of her giving Rhysand the wrong name.
Lucien sneaks into Feyre's cell and, despite his scolding her for coming back, sets her broken nose using magic. He informs her that the guards are drunk but will be replaced soon, so they don't have much time. He also tells her that the High Lords are all trapped Under the Mountain, and no one is allowed to leave until her trials are over. He reminds her of what Tamlin sacrificed to get her out, hinting at the weight of her decision to return.
Lucien shares the gruesome story of Jurian, whose eye and finger bone are now trophies of Amarantha, keeping his soul imprisoned in her ring as a form of eternal torment. Before he leaves, Lucien urges Feyre to survive the trials.
Feyre is later dragged to Amarantha’s throne room, where she encounters Rhysand and Lucien’s brothers among the assembled faeries. Amarantha mocks her, claiming that humans like her are not worthy of fae love. When Feyre refuses to reveal her name, Amarantha threatens Lucien’s mind, using Rhysand's powers to mentally break him. Feyre, unable to watch Lucien suffer, finally gives her name: Feyre.
Amarantha presents her with a riddle, promising that if Feyre can solve it, she will free Tamlin, his court, and everyone else. If she fails, however, the consequences will be dire. Feyre is unable to decipher the riddle on the spot, and Amarantha taunts her by saying she can answer it anytime during her trials. But the weight of the challenge is crushing, and Feyre is left questioning whether she can outwit the cunning faerie queen.
As the chapter ends, Feyre is thrown back into her cell, knowing her first trial is fast approaching. The terror of the unknown tasks ahead gnaws at her, while the riddle lingers in her mind, offering a slim chance of victory.
CHAPTER 36 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 36, Feyre is taken to an arena, where she is presented with her first trial under Amarantha's cruel gaze. The arena is filled with a riotous crowd of faeries, all eager to see her fail. The High Lords, including Rhysand, stand nearby, and Tamlin sits cold and impassive at Amarantha's side. Feyre is thrown into a mud-filled maze of trenches, and her task is to survive against a terrifying creature—a massive worm with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth.
Amarantha taunts Feyre, forcing her to hunt the creature as the crowd bets on how long she'll last. Feyre realizes that she is severely outmatched by the blind but deadly worm, which uses its keen sense of smell to track her through the labyrinth. She frantically runs through the maze, slipping and sliding in the mud, narrowly escaping death several times. At one point, she becomes stuck in a crack in the wall, and the worm nearly catches her, but she manages to free herself just in time.
After a close call, Feyre finds herself in a pit filled with bones—the remains of the worm's previous victims. Realizing she needs to set a trap, she breaks bones to create sharp spikes and sticks them into the muddy ground. She then covers herself in mud to mask her scent, making her invisible to the worm's sense of smell. Using the bones as steps, she climbs out of the pit and lures the worm into it. The creature impales itself on the bone spikes, and Feyre emerges victorious, having successfully killed the worm.
As Feyre stumbles back to Amarantha's platform, she is filled with rage. Despite the pain and exhaustion, she defiantly throws a bone at Amarantha's feet, splattering mud on her gown. The faerie queen is unimpressed but slightly amused, commenting on how most of her court had bet on Feyre's death. Only one person had believed in her survival.
Feyre is badly injured, with a bone shard protruding from her forearm. She can barely walk as she is dragged back to her cell, consumed by pain and exhaustion, but she has survived the first task.
CHAPTER 37 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 37, Feyre is left suffering in her cell after the first trial, with a severe wound in her arm that has not stopped bleeding. The bone shard sticking out of her forearm continues to cause her immense pain, and she begins to fear that the injury is becoming infected. As her condition worsens, fever and nausea set in, making her situation even more dire.
No one comes to help her, and Feyre finds herself battling not just the physical pain but also the mental and emotional strain of being trapped in the dungeons. As she drifts between feverish sleep and moments of fear, Rhysand appears in her cell, his presence unnerving and unwelcome. He taunts her about her sorry state, noting how poorly Tamlin's champion is faring.
Rhysand offers to heal Feyre's arm, but at a cost—he proposes a bargain: if Feyre agrees to spend two weeks of every month with him in the Night Court after the trials, he will save her. Feyre initially refuses, knowing that making deals with faeries is dangerous. But as Rhysand reveals more about her condition and the punishment Lucien received for trying to help her after the first trial, Feyre is forced to confront the fact that she might die without intervention.
After a tense negotiation, Feyre agrees to spend one week each month in the Night Court in exchange for Rhysand healing her. Rhysand accepts, and the deal is sealed. The magic of the bargain is marked on Feyre’s left arm in the form of an intricate black tattoo that covers her hand and forearm, including a large eye on her palm. Rhysand laughs at her shock and discomfort, leaving her to realize that he has not only saved her life but also furthered his scheme to get under Tamlin’s skin.
Though Feyre’s life is no longer in danger, she feels the weight of her decision and the permanent consequences of the bargain she’s made with Rhysand. She is left with a mix of relief and dread as she contemplates the tattoo and the deeper implications of her agreement with the High Lord of the Night Court.
CHAPTER 38 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 38, Feyre finds herself stuck with yet another impossible task. After her first trial, she is forced to scrub the filthy marble floors, only to find the more she scrubs, the dirtier they become. The guards threaten that if she doesn't finish by supper, they will roast her over a spit. Desperate and exhausted, Feyre tries her hardest but makes no progress—until an unexpected visitor arrives.
The Lady of the Autumn Court, Lucien’s mother, appears briefly, thanking Feyre for saving Lucien by giving Amarantha her name. As repayment, she quietly blesses the water in Feyre’s bucket, and suddenly, it’s clean. With this magical help, Feyre easily completes her impossible task, leaving the guards frustrated.
The next day, Feyre is tasked with sorting lentils from ash in a dark bedroom. While she works tirelessly, it seems like a pointless, endless task. When the occupant of the room returns, she’s shocked to discover that it’s Rhysand. In his usual mocking tone, Rhysand admits he has no interest in the task she’s been given and seems amused by her predicament. Feyre confronts him about lying to Amarantha about Clare’s identity and mentions the possibility that this task is another test or game.
Rhysand teases her with his power, transforming part of his body into something terrifying: wings, talons, and feet like those of a bat, similar to the Attor. He explains that his powers are not fully taken away by Amarantha, leaving him dangerous but restrained. Feyre asks him if he knows the answer to Amarantha's riddle, but Rhysand claims that even if he wanted to help, Amarantha’s orders prevent him or anyone else from revealing it to her.
However, Rhysand uses his power to clean Feyre of the soot and ash from her work as a small "gift" for her audacity to ask for help. He also glamours the guards, commanding them to stop giving her menial tasks and to never touch her again. As Feyre leaves, Rhysand smugly reminds her that she owes him a debt.
Once again, Feyre is reminded of the bargain she made with Rhysand, and the unsettling sense that she is now bound to him deepens. Despite his help, she remains wary of his motives, realizing that Rhysand’s games are far from over.
CHAPTER 39 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 39, Feyre’s imprisonment takes a surreal and haunting turn. After Rhysand’s interference, fresh meals begin appearing in her cell, but instead of gratitude, Feyre curses his name while trying to solve Amarantha’s riddle, which continues to elude her. The screaming in the dungeons is her only company, and she fixates on the eye tattoo on her palm, even speaking to it, unsure if it is truly watching her.
A few days later, two shadowy female faeries arrive, and without a word, they take Feyre from her cell, walking her through walls as though they were mere illusions. They bathe and paint her body, covering her with blue-black designs similar to the tattoo Rhysand gave her. The dress they force her to wear is barely more than strips of gossamer, exposing most of her body, which enrages Feyre. When she tries to remove it, Rhysand appears, stopping her and revealing that the paint is enchanted—if anyone touches her, he will know. He coldly claims Feyre as his, both to protect her and to make it clear she is his belonging.
As they enter Amarantha’s throne room for a Midsummer celebration, Feyre is painfully aware of how exposed she is. She feels the weight of judgment as faeries gawk at her, and Lucien’s brothers sneer. Feyre and Rhysand approach the throne where Tamlin sits by Amarantha, but Tamlin remains impassive. Rhysand reveals the bargain he struck with Feyre in front of everyone, saying she is bound to spend one week with him every month for the rest of her life. Tamlin remains cold, refusing to react, while Amarantha is mildly intrigued by the news.
Rhysand later forces Feyre to drink faerie wine, which causes her to blackout. Each night thereafter, she is painted and dressed similarly, and each night, she endures humiliations under the influence of the wine. She is made to dance for Rhysand and sit in his lap, her body marked with his blue-stained hands. The paint tells her she hasn’t been violated beyond touching, but the experience leaves her exhausted and demoralized.
During one of these nights, Lucien visits Feyre in her cell and offers his cloak to warm her. He expresses frustration over the bargain she made with Rhysand, insisting he would have helped her if she’d waited. Lucien also reveals that Tamlin remains silent, not because of a spell, but to avoid giving Amarantha clues about what tortures him most.
The chapter ends with Feyre being dragged to another of Amarantha’s cruel games. She watches as Rhysand is ordered to shatter the mind of a Summer Court faerie who tried to escape. Instead, Rhysand mercifully kills the faerie, even as Amarantha criticizes his actions. As the chapter closes, Feyre realizes that Rhysand’s motivations are complex—his actions appear both strategic and compassionate, making him even more of an enigma.
CHAPTER 40 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 40, Feyre faces her second trial under Amarantha’s twisted rule. She is led to a smaller cavern, a gilded space without much decoration, where Tamlin and Amarantha are waiting. Though Tamlin stands by emotionless, Amarantha taunts Feyre, giving her another impossible task. This time, Lucien is chained on the other side of an iron grate that divides the chamber in two, and above them, large spiked grates are slowly descending, heated to a dangerous glow.
To save both herself and Lucien, Feyre must solve a riddle carved on the wall by pulling one of three levers—each marked with I, II, III. The task is simple in concept but impossibly difficult for Feyre, who is unable to read the inscription. With the spiked grate descending rapidly, threatening to crush both of them, Feyre's illiteracy puts her at a severe disadvantage.
In her desperation, she contemplates the meaning of the numbers. She tries to reason out which lever to pull, but Rhysand’s tattooed eye on her palm sends searing pain when she reaches for the wrong one. Ultimately, when she attempts to pull lever II, the pain stops her, and Rhysand’s presence in the crowd catches her attention. Trusting him once again, she pulls lever III, stopping the spikes just in time. Despite surviving, she feels hollow because it was not her own victory, but Rhysand’s intervention that saved her.
Emotionally and physically drained, Feyre breaks down in her cell afterward, overwhelmed by her near-death experience and the realization that her illiteracy nearly cost her life and Lucien's. She spirals into despair, feeling trapped and incapable of defeating Amarantha.
Just when Feyre is at her lowest, Rhysand appears. His unorthodox comfort involves licking away her tears, which disgusts and shocks her enough to stop crying. In his usual mocking tone, Rhysand teases Feyre about her inability to read but hints that he won’t expose her secret. He even proposes the idea of teaching her to read when she inevitably comes to his court. Feyre is left conflicted by Rhysand’s behavior—he's infuriating but has also kept her from completely falling apart.
This chapter underscores Feyre’s vulnerability—both her illiteracy and emotional fragility. Rhysand's intervention once again shows that his motives are complex and leaves Feyre dependent on his help, whether she likes it or not.
CHAPTER 41 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 41, the weight of Feyre’s situation becomes increasingly oppressive as she sinks deeper into despair, accepting that she might not survive her final trial. The second trial has left her emotionally and physically drained, and she now clings to the moments when Rhysand gives her faerie wine, allowing her to escape her reality. She stops thinking about the riddle, convinced it’s impossible for her, a mere illiterate human, to solve it. Thoughts of Tamlin only make things worse, as she wrestles with the realization that even if she survives, their time together would be brief in the grand scope of his immortal life.
During one of her routine walks to the dressing chamber with Rhysand's two shadow-servants, they encounter the Attor and another guttural-voiced creature. Feyre and her escorts hide, using a magical tapestry to conceal them. As they eavesdrop, the two creatures discuss Amarantha's alliance with the King of Hybern and the consequences of her past failures during the war with Jurian. The King of Hybern, it seems, is displeased with Amarantha’s actions, and the conversation hints at looming trouble. Feyre's mind turns to her family, particularly Nesta, hoping they will escape the coming danger.
As days blur together, Feyre sinks deeper into hopelessness. However, one evening, a hauntingly beautiful melody reaches her in her cell. It stirs her soul, providing a brief moment of peace and solace. The music is unlike any she’s heard before—full of joy and sorrow, a piece of art that connects her to the beauty she thought she’d lost forever. It fills her mind with color, light, and visions of a peaceful palace in the sky, a place of safety and love. The music reminds her of Tamlin—his presence, his touch, and the reason she’s fighting.
Though the music fades, its impact lingers, giving Feyre a temporary reprieve from her despair. For a moment, it strengthens her resolve and allows her to remember what she’s fighting for: love and the life she dreamed of with Tamlin. Despite the looming third trial, she clings to that memory as a source of hope, even as the darkness threatens to overwhelm her once again.
This chapter portrays Feyre’s deepening struggles with despair, survival, and her growing reliance on the fleeting moments of beauty that keep her tethered to hope.
CHAPTER 42 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 42, Feyre attends another party Under the Mountain, fully aware that it might be her last. The faeries around her continue to celebrate, indifferent to the upcoming final trial. Dressed in a sunset pink gown, Feyre waits for Rhysand to summon her as usual, but her attention shifts when Tamlin silently approaches and brushes his fingers against hers, rekindling the love and desire between them. Seizing the moment, Tamlin leads her to a hidden door, and they embrace passionately, desperate to hold onto each other for what might be the final time.
Their brief reunion, however, is interrupted by Rhysand, who mockingly shames them for their actions, reminding them of the danger they’re in. Tamlin quickly complies with Rhysand's command to straighten his clothes and leaves without a backward glance, but not before telling Feyre, "I love you." Rhysand takes over, pinning Feyre to the wall, his anger boiling over. He accuses her of foolishness, warning that Amarantha would have found out and punished not only them but Lucien as well. Feyre questions why Rhysand would care, and the tension between them escalates until Amarantha herself enters the room, with Tamlin by her side.
In a dramatic moment, Rhysand kisses Feyre to mask the true reason for their encounter, claiming her as his in front of everyone. Amarantha, accompanied by her court, laughs at the spectacle, calling Feyre "typical human trash." Rhysand quickly dismisses Feyre after smearing the paint on her body, ensuring that the court believes he was responsible for the mess. She is left humiliated and confused, with Tamlin turning his back on her.
Later that night, Rhysand visits Feyre in her cell, seeking a moment of respite from his exhausting service to Amarantha. In an uncharacteristically candid conversation, he reveals his deep frustration and weariness. He admits that Amarantha has enslaved him as her "whore" because of the history between their courts—Rhysand's father killed Tamlin's father and brothers, and Amarantha took special pleasure in punishing Rhysand for it. The two share a moment of vulnerability as Rhysand explains his motives. He acknowledges the high stakes they face and hints at his true loyalty, suggesting that he’s been playing a long game to ensure Tamlin’s ultimate victory over Amarantha.
Despite everything, Feyre begins to understand that Rhysand has been keeping her alive all along, even if his methods are twisted. He admits that he could have bargained for more time with her but chose not to. His final words before disappearing—"I know"—leave Feyre pondering the complexity of his character. Rhysand, despite his ruthlessness, appears to be acting for more than just his own gain, possibly hinting at a deeper connection to Feyre’s survival.
CHAPTER 43 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 43, Feyre prepares for her final task, dressed in her old, tattered clothes as she is escorted to the throne room. This time, the room is eerily silent. Instead of the usual jeers and mockery, the faeries look at her with quiet respect, as if already mourning her inevitable death. Some even offer her a gesture of farewell. Feyre walks toward Amarantha, who smiles wickedly, confident that this task will be the one to break her.
As Amarantha addresses the crowd, she reveals that Feyre’s last task is to kill three innocent faeries who are brought in, their heads covered in hoods. Amarantha presents Feyre with three ash daggers, emphasizing the cruelty of the task. Feyre is given a choice: kill the faeries and live, or refuse and die. The weight of the decision overwhelms Feyre, but she knows she must do whatever it takes to save Tamlin and Prythian, no matter the cost to her soul.
When the first faerie’s hood is removed, Feyre sees a young, pleading faerie with sky-blue eyes. Despite his desperate pleas, she forces herself to stab him, killing him and condemning herself in the process. The faeries in the crowd wail, and Feyre struggles to hold herself together as she faces the second victim, a female faerie who whispers a prayer, asking for a swift and painless death. With tears streaming down her face, Feyre kills the second faerie, feeling something inside her break irreparably.
As Feyre approaches the third faerie, she’s horrified to discover that it is Tamlin kneeling before her. Realizing that the Tamlin beside Amarantha was just an illusion, Feyre is consumed by despair. Amarantha taunts her, giving her the choice to kill Tamlin and save herself, or forfeit her life and condemn him and all of Prythian to eternal enslavement.
Just as all seems lost, Feyre remembers something important: the cryptic hints she overheard in conversations between Tamlin and Lucien about Tamlin's heart. In a flash of insight, she realizes that Tamlin’s heart is made of stone—a part of the curse. She can’t truly kill him because a blade cannot pierce his heart. Trusting in her revelation, Feyre plunges the ash dagger into Tamlin’s chest, hoping beyond hope that she is right.
As she does so, Feyre professes her love for Tamlin, willing to risk everything for the chance to save him and Prythian from Amarantha’s rule.
CHAPTER 44 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 44, Feyre faces the climax of her trials, the final and most brutal task. As she plunges the ash dagger into Tamlin's chest, there's a moment of sickening fear when his blood spills, but then the dagger hits something solid—Tamlin's heart of stone. The curse had rendered him physically unkillable by the blade. His wound starts to heal, though slowly, leaving Feyre in a state of relief mixed with horror.
The faeries murmur in the background, some calling for their freedom, but Amarantha, furious and vengeful, denies them, twisting her promise. She had never said when she would free them, and now she uses Feyre’s assumption against her. With a venomous smile, Amarantha lashes out, her magic surging to torture Feyre.
The pain Feyre experiences is beyond anything she has ever felt before. Her bones shatter, her body is thrown repeatedly against the floor, and every fiber of her being is consumed with agony. Rhysand, watching from the sidelines, shouts her name and attempts to help by lunging at Amarantha with the ash dagger, but he is easily overpowered and violently thrown aside by her magic.
As Feyre is torn apart, both physically and mentally, Amarantha sneers, demanding Feyre to admit that she doesn’t truly love Tamlin. She tortures her, breaking her bones and bringing her back from the brink of unconsciousness to ensure she feels every moment of it. Rhysand, bloodied and broken, tries to rise again, but Amarantha’s magic keeps him down. The pain and memories assault Feyre, pushing her to the edge of despair.
Throughout the torture, Feyre refuses to give in to Amarantha’s cruelty, clutching to the one truth she still holds: her love for Tamlin. Despite the torment, she recalls moments of happiness with him—his green eyes, the meadows, and their time together. These memories become her lifeline as her body nears complete destruction.
Finally, Tamlin, still weakened, crawls toward Amarantha and begs her to stop, offering apologies for the past, but Amarantha ignores him, fixated on Feyre. As her body breaks further, Feyre realizes the answer to Amarantha’s riddle—the one thing Amarantha had sworn to free them all if Feyre could solve.
Through the pain, Feyre breathes out the word: “Love.”
Everything goes still for a moment as Feyre, choking on her own blood, utters the solution to the riddle. Amarantha’s face contorts in rage, but before anything else can happen, Feyre’s spine snaps, and she collapses, fading into darkness.
CHAPTER 45 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Chapter 45 begins with Feyre viewing the scene of her own death through Rhysand’s eyes, witnessing Tamlin’s grief as he holds her broken body. Feyre, lying lifeless on the ground, sees through the eyes of Rhysand as Lucien removes his mask, revealing the brutal scars beneath, his face filled with sorrow and tears. The faeries and High Fae around them stare at Feyre's body in silent shock.
Tamlin, still wearing his mask, is consumed by rage. His love for Feyre and the betrayal of Amarantha fuel a terrifying transformation. As he shifts into his beast form, Tamlin attacks Amarantha with savage fury. She tries to defend herself with magic, but her power is useless against the golden shield surrounding him. Tamlin grips her by the throat, and after a brief struggle, he drives a sword into her head and tears out her throat with his powerful jaws. The silence that follows Amarantha’s death is heavy and final.
Tamlin shifts back to his Fae form and falls to his knees, scooping Feyre’s lifeless body into his arms. Overwhelmed by grief, he sobs and cradles her close, while Lucien and the other High Fae, including Tamlin’s fellow High Lords, look on in sorrow. The scene is somber as many faeries shed tears, knowing that Feyre sacrificed herself to save their world.
One by one, the High Lords approach and bestow a glittering seed of light upon Feyre, starting with the High Lord of the Autumn Court, followed by the Summer and Winter Courts. They each offer a spark of their power, a gift of life to repay Feyre for what she gave to Prythian. The High Lord of Dawn and the High Lord of Day add their gifts, bowing to Tamlin and acknowledging her sacrifice.
When Rhysand steps forward, carrying the piece of Feyre’s soul that was tethered to him, he speaks to Tamlin. He explains that this act of restoration makes them “even” for the bargain Feyre had struck with him. As Rhysand lets the glowing seed of life fall upon Feyre, the bond between them pulses, and Feyre’s view of her body from the outside fades.
Finally, Tamlin, still holding Feyre, whispers, "I love you," as his own hand glows with golden light. He kisses her and gently places his hand on her heart, bestowing his own final gift of life.
Through the collective power of the High Lords, Feyre is returned to life.
CHAPTER 46 RECAP - A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
In Chapter 46, Feyre regains consciousness, swimming through a golden, inky warmth before gasping for air. As she opens her eyes, she realizes she’s alive but transformed—she has become High Fae. The sensation of her new body is overwhelming; she feels stronger, faster, and different. Standing amidst the quiet crowd in Amarantha’s throne room, Feyre is stunned by her new immortal form.
As she processes this, Feyre notices Amarantha’s lifeless body, her throat ripped out, lying beneath Clare’s decayed remains. Amarantha is truly dead, and Tamlin, now unmasked, approaches Feyre, cradling her face and revealing his familiar, beloved features. Their quiet moment is bittersweet as Feyre wrestles with the memory of the innocent Fae she had killed during her final task, unable to reconcile her actions with her freedom.
In the aftermath, Feyre and Tamlin are finally able to share a moment alone. Tamlin inspects her few remaining wounds and heals them. However, Feyre is still haunted by what she had done Under the Mountain, feeling hollow and unable to fully celebrate their victory. She struggles with her guilt over the Fae she had killed to break the curse, the blood on her hands weighing heavily on her conscience.
As they sit together, Feyre finds it difficult to express her emotions. Tamlin, however, reassures her of his gratitude and love. Despite his attempts to comfort her, Feyre avoids discussing the most painful topics, especially the bargain she made with Rhysand. Instead, she pulls Tamlin closer, seeking solace in his touch, needing to remind herself that he is real, and that they have made it through.
Later that night, Feyre is pulled from her sleep by an unseen force, and she knows it’s Rhysand summoning her. She follows the pull up a narrow set of stairs to a balcony, where she finds Rhysand waiting. As they talk, Rhysand explains that he came to say goodbye before Tamlin takes her back to the Spring Court. Feyre acknowledges the bargain that still binds her to him, but Rhysand brushes it off with a smile, revealing a vulnerability that surprises her.
Rhysand explains that he fought against Amarantha to ensure he wouldn’t be remembered as someone who stood on the sidelines. He admits that he didn’t want Feyre to fight or die alone, which touches her deeply. Despite the banter, there’s a deeper connection between them, a mutual understanding of the horrors they’ve both endured.
As Rhysand prepares to leave, something changes. His face goes slack with shock as he stares at Feyre, as if seeing something unexpected in her. Without explanation, he disappears, leaving her confused and unsettled.
The next day, Feyre and Tamlin, along with the other High Fae, leave Under the Mountain for good. As they walk through the cave, sealing it behind them, Feyre can’t help but think of the two Fae she killed and Amarantha’s burning body. She acknowledges a faint understanding of Amarantha’s motives, but the weight of what she has done stays with her.
When they finally emerge into the sunlight, Feyre is struck by the beauty of Tamlin’s estate—her home. The sight of Alis and her children playing freely brings tears to her eyes, and she and Tamlin share a quiet moment, standing together in the peace they fought so hard to reclaim.
Feyre knows that there will be time in the future to face the darkness inside her, but for now, she allows herself this moment of peace and joy. Taking Tamlin’s hand, she smiles and says, “Let’s go home.”
Hope you enjoyed this detailed recap of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas! Feyre's journey through heartbreak, sacrifice, and resilience has set the stage for an even greater adventure. The battles she fought, both internal and external, have only begun to shape the future of her and the world of Prythian. Stay tuned for more twists, magic, and passion as we explore what happens next in this breathtaking series.
Thank you for reading—be sure to check back for more book recaps and let us know what you thought of this story! 🌟📚
READ BOOK 2 RECAP : A COURT OF MIST AND FURY
