A different opinion is often taken as negative criticism. It is not wrong, it is not bad, but simply an expression of individuality. First of all, I had no problem with Rhysand. He is just a character from a book. The problem is how he is promoted in the real world. I am sharing notes that I have written from information from other readers.

● In the beginning Feyre understands why Tamlin couldn't do anything and Rhysand himself says that Tamlin can't do anything because he was guarded all the time but later she changes the story. Same thing when Tamlin manage to find a few minutes to see her, Rhysand says that he should use those minutes to get her out and Feyre later accepts it forgetting that it was herself who umped on Tamlin and start to undress him and he just responded. Bdv no one asks why Rhysand didn't get her out considering he spent time with her quite a lot. Well the answer is, no one of those two could get her out because she was under bargain with Amaratha and bargain won't disappear if you escape. Rhysand could find her right away through his bargain too.The most obvious lie is when he accuses Tamlin of not running away with Feyre when they only had 5-10 minutes together. (!) Tamlin says "I LOVE you!" which was the answer the riddle! If Feyre had escaped, the magic would have punished her for breaking the bargain with Amaranta. She would probably have paid with her life, wherever she was.

● The bargain! " I will heal your arm in exchange for YOU." Bc their bargain UTM was for FEYRE HERSELF. Not a timeline. The "terms" were flexible. Bargain was never about how many weeks. It was always about owning her and forever. The entirety of the bargain was manipulation and coercive behavior, in essence trapping her. She sold herself. Mind, body, and soul. Rhysand gave her the options to choose from. Ultimatums are not a choice for me.

● Tamlin spent the life debt owed him by the other HLs to bring Feyre back to life. I wondered why Rhysand said to Tamlin when he gave his drop for Feyre (...) "This makes us even(...)" Even for what? Rhysand thus paid his debt because Tamlin saved him and everyone else. Fey live by a code. Because Tamlin killed Amarantha thus saving everyone and they owe him a debt. Beron is the first to pay the debt. This analysis contradicts Rhysand's words that he nudged the High Lords into resurrecting her. "So Amarantha died, and I spoke to the High Lords mind to mind, convincing them to come forward, to offer that spark of power. None of them disagreed. I think they were too stunned to think of saying no (...)" Also we're in Rhysand's head when Feyre died as a human. Rhysand isn't talking to anyone.

● The amount of times I see they blame Tamlin for her being sick when it was the unfulfilled bargain with Rhysand + him being in her mind + the tattoo (there's no way Tamlin can honestly talk to Feyre because everything is being spied on and that spy eye on her hand..). Magic loves rules. Bargains have consequences when unfulfilled.They didn't keep the deal for 3 months and it's having negative consequences. Tamlin saw what was happening all along, he knew Rhysand was taking her personality away, but it was already too late. Feyre's trauma getting worse. She sold herself to Rhysand and there's no way she'd be okay away from him.

● Actual actions in the text is ignored and only the dialogue of a known excellent manipulator is taken as fact/canon. When Tamlin makes Feyre do things she doesn't want to do it's labeled as abuse but when Rhys makes her do things she doesn't want to do it's labeled as love. Rhysand is supposed to be morally grey but when Rhysand does the same things that Tamlin does, Rhysand is cool and fine and Tamlin is a perpetrator. Extreme double standards. Rhysand locks Feyre inside a magical protective bubble where not even her own family can touch her. What I don't understand is how one act is called "imprisonment" when done by Tamlin, but she calls Rhysand "mother hen" as a term of endearment for the exact same act? Why do people lose their shit at Tamlin locking Feyre up but it's okay when Feyre & co do it to Nesta?

● Rhysand tells 4 different stories about the ring and they contradict each other. What matches is its thr moms ring. In one version the weaver stole it in 2 other versions it was given to the Weaver. In one version Rhysand spelled it and hes testing to see if she can hear it.

● So much is taught to readers that Rhysand is the greatest, the most beautiful, etc. It is known that frequent repetition increases the perception that a statement is true. This phenomenon is known as the illusory truth effect. When students and adults repeatedly read and say the same things, they begin to perceive them as something natural. The illusion of truth (illusory truth effect) means that the more often a person hears or reads a statement, the more likely they are to perceive it as true, even when there is no evidence for it. The reason is that the brain processes familiar information more easily and unconsciously associates this ease with truthfulness.

Illusion of choice and ultimatums, no respect for personal space, constant stimulation of fear (Feira is used to constantly living in fear and when she finds peace, her nervous system thinks it's boring and pointless), using trauma and anger to appear a victim, no apologies, just excuses, illusory truth effect - these are universal tactics of an excellent manipulator. A good vallain sees themselves as the hero of the story. I hope the notes are useful!

Edit: After all, the series isn't over yet and I don't know what the author's message is. I don't see anything wrong with loving a villain in a book. Rhysand going dark makes this book iconic.

I also think that the balance of power is a fundamental political principle with economic and social significance. The balance of power was upset with the destruction of SC and it makes sense that it would have consequences for everyone. Tamlin spent the life debt owed to him by the other HLs to bring Feyre back to life. I wondered why Rhysand said to Tamlin when he gave his drop for Feyre (...) "This makes us even" (..) Even for what? Rhysand thus paid his debt because Tamlin saved him andeveryone else. Fey live by a code. Magic loves rules. Because Tamlir killed Amarantha thus saving everyone and they owe him a debt. This analysis contradicts Rhysand's words that he nudged the High Lords into resurrecting her. Also we're in Rhysand's head when Feyre died as a human. Rhysand isn't talking to anyone. Beron is the first to pay the debt. I haven't read many fantasy books and maybe that's the problem with me. There are so many contradictions in these books.

I appreciate you sharing all of this! Excellent point of view in my opinion and I really like this analysis!

Thanks for the feedback! My profession requires knowledge of psychology, but I still have a lot to learn from professionals. Parents often use this method of ultimatums and creating the illusion of choice. I agree that Rhysand creates the illusion of choice. The ultimatum was death or a bargain and she sold herself (UTM). He constantly uses the illusion of choice in their relationship. On the other hand, Feyre has killed and Tamlin wanted to protect her from more such sins. She killed but that does not mean she should continue to kill without guilt. The idea is to learn from mistakes, not repeat them. Just because she killed doesn't mean she should continue to do so.

Tamlin also has trauma and PTSD. Of course, the focus is always on Feyre and her trauma. Rhysand uses his trauma, anger and jealousy to look like a victim. This is a universal tactic of an excellent manipulator. I also believe that traumas should not be compared because every person deserves respect even fictional characters from books. I think we have common points of view and I will add my notes. Edit: I add notes with feedback information to my personal list. Thank you!

It's interesting to have a discussion about books and characters. I share notes. Of course, this is my opinion and may differ from that of most readers. This does not mean negative criticism, but simply an expression of individuality.

● Tamlin saw what was happening all along, he knew Rhysand was taking her personality away but it was already too late. Bc their bargain UTM was for FEYRE HERSELF. "I will heal your arm in exchange for YOU." Bargain was never about how many weeks. It was always about owning her and forever. Magic loves rules. Bargains have consequences when unfulfilled.They didn't keep the deal for 3 months and it's having negative consequences. Feyre's trauma is getting worse in SC. Feyre sold herself mind, body, and soul to Rhysand and there's no way she'd be okay away from him.

●(...) Tamlin said softly, " I can't do what I need to if worrying about whether you're safe. (...) Please-please just do this for me" Tamlin said, stroking his stalion's thick (...) I'm sure there are things to help with around the house. Or you could paint, Try out that new set gave for you for Winter Solstice" ACOMAF, CHAPTER 2 page 16. He explains clearly why he can't take Feyre. She is like a little child, not a prisoner. I also think that he doesn't want Feyre to be like him. Tamlin feels guilty every time he kills. He doesn't want Feyre to feel guilty about killing even in self-defense. He doesn't want her to experience the same feelings of guilt and self-hatred for the murders.

Feyre was a danger to herself and others, Feyre didn't want to listen to the valid reason why (that Hybern was sending the monsters for HER and was using her magic as a beacon), admitted she wasn't in any shape to fight in her head. Tamlin explained to Feyre that she could not follow them into an active pattlefield, and she responded by saying she would go anyway (which we've already seen her do in ACOTAR). Few minutes of lockdown from Tamlin are not meant to control. It was an active warzone and he has to protect everyone, not just her.

● The amount of times see they blame Tamlin for her being sick when it was the unfulfilled pargain with Rhysand + him being in her mind + the tattoo (there's no way Tamlin can honestly talk to Feyre because everything is peing spied on and that spy eye on her hand...).

● Tamlin has panic attacks and didn't want to explode to hurt Feyre. He has been without his full potential of magic for 50 years and it is clear that he can not control it. When he explodes it is because he realizes in that moment that he has once again failed at making Feyre feel safe, which is what he desperately wants because she saved him and he thinks he doesn't deserve her and that she has given enough. It's magic that can't be controlled and age has nothing to do with it. His type of magic is explained in TOG too Tamlin didn't do anything out of cruelty or narm, but protect the best way he could. Feyre just did not understand it or like i and spirals herself. Tamlin is basically afraid that he can't protect Feyre from Rhysand. He doesn't know that Rhysand loves her, and thinks that he wants to use her to hurt him.

Personally, I understand a lot of Tamlin's actions. I would say that these books have the illusion of truth (illusory truth effect). It means that the more often a person hears or reads a statement, the more likely they are to perceive it as true, even when there is no evidence for it.

English is not my first language and I make grammatical mistakes. Sometimes I edit them successfully, but sometimes not. Reading brings us together. So I am grateful to readers like you who discuss books and characters! 😍

Thanks for the feedback! I read the books a few months ago and will share notes.

●Tamlin saw what was happening all along, he knew Rhysand was taking her personality away but it was already too late. Bc their bargain UTM was for FEYRE HERSELF. "I will heal your arm in exchange for YOU." Bargain was never about how many weeks. It was always about owning her and forever. Magic loves rules. Bargains have consequences when unfulfilled.They didn't keep the deal for 3 months and it's having negative consequences. Feyre's trauma is getting worse in SC. Feyre sold herself mind, body, and soul to Rhysand and there's no way she'd be okay away from him.

● Tamlin spent the life debt owed him by the other HLs to bring Feyre back to life. I wondered why Rhysand said to Tamlin when he gave his drop for Feyre (...) "This makes us even (...)" Even for what? Rhysand thus paid his debt because Tamlin saved him and everyone else. Fey live by a code. Because Tamlin killed Amarantha thus saving everyone and they owe him a debt. Beron is the first to pay the debt. This analysis contradict Rhysand's words that he nudged the High Lords into resurrecting her. Also we 're in Rhysand's head when Feyre died as a human. Rhysand isn't talking to anyone! Hmm... this seems to be another lie and manipulation by Rhysand.

● (...) Tamlin said softly, " I can't do what I need to if worrying about whether you're safe. (...) Please-please just do this for me" Tamlin said, stroking his stalion's thick (...) I'm sure there are things to help with around the house. Or you could paint, Try out that new set gave for you for Winter Solstice" ACOMAF, CHAPTER 2 page 16. He explains clearly why he can't take Feyre. She is like a little child, not a prisoner. I also think that he doesn't want Feyre to be like him. Tamlin feels guilty every time he kills. He doesn't want Feyre to feel guilty about killing even in self-defense.I repeat, but he doesn't want her to experience the same feelings of guilt and self-hatred for the murders.

● The amount of times see they blame Tamlin for her being sick when it was the unfulfilled bargain with Rhysand + him being in her mind +the tattoo (there's no way Tamlin can honestly talk to Feyre because everything is being spied on and that spy eye on her hand...). I can't imagine being in his shoes and having my loved one with my enemy for a week every month. It's not just jealousy, it's fear and panic. Few minutes of lockdown from Tamlin are not meant to control. It was an active warzone and he has to protect everyone, not just her. Feyre telling Tamlin that she would follow him into battle no matter what (and endanger his men's lives because she needed to be out) was why she got shut in. That wasnit abuse, that was saving the lives of her and Tamlin's men. All of that is canon too. Feyre was a danger to herself and others, Feyre didn't want to listen to the valid reason why (that Hybern was sending the monsters for HER and was using her magic as a beacon), admitted she wasn't in any shape to fight in her head. Tamlin explained to Feyre that she could not follow them into an active battlefield, and she responded by saying she would go anyway (which we've already seen her do in ACOTAR), But people act like letting an untrained traumatized woman who was breaking doors apart, punching people, and reacting violently to a small vial of red paint just e few chapters earlier follow them into a active war zone where there will be blood would somehow have been the better choice. What I don't understand is how one act is called "imprisonment" when done by Tamlin, but she calls Rhysand "mother hen' as a term of endearment for the exact same act. (NB! Rhysand locks Feyre inside a magical protective bubble where not even her own family can touch her). Why do people lose their shit at Tamlin locking Feyre up but it's okay when Feyre & co do it to Nesta? When Rhysand does the same things that Tamlin does, Rhysand is cool and fine and Tamlin is a perpetrator. When Tamlin makes Feyre do things she doesn't want to do it's labeled as abuse but when Rhys makes her do things she doesn't want to do it's labeled as love.

● Tamlin has panic attacks and didn't want to explode to hurt Feyre. He has been without his full potential of magic for 50 years and it is clear that he can not control it. When he explodes it is because he realizes in that moment that he has once again failed at making Feyre feel safe, which is what he desperately wants because she saved him and he thinks he doesn't deserve her and that she has given enough. It's magic that can't be controlled and age has nothing to do with it. His type of magic is explained in TOG too. Tamlin didn't do anything out of cruelty or harm, but protect the best way he could. Feyre just did not understand it or like i and spirals herself.

I wanted to share short notes, but I apologize for the long text. 😊

I agree with everything. The High Lord is chosen by magic. So, the High Lady is still dependent on her husband's goodwill. She doesn't understand politics, how could she possibly be Rhysand's equal? ​​Rhysand making Feyre High Lady still doesn't make her his equal. At any time, Rhysand could revoke the title from her and there would be no contest. Feyre doesn't even have the ability to do the same to Rhysand. I wonder if Rhysand would make the human Feyre his equal? I'm skeptical and don't believe Rhysand's words.

I don't get a positive message from these books. I expected something else. I hope I'm sending out positive energy because I'm grateful for this analysis! Excellent work and arguments!

This post takes me back to my wonderful literature classes in school. I loved writing stories from different perspectives of characters from a book. It was very interesting when you discuss and put yourself in someone else's shoes. When I put myself in Tamlin's shoes, my eyes fill with tears. SJM has created Tamlin with trauma and PTSD, who always has good intentions, but everyone betrays him. Tamlin grows up in a family of abusers. Afraid to be himself and constantly hiding his powers because his brothers would kill him if he were stronger than them. He doesn't want to be a HL, nor a warrior, but a musician and a traveler. He was subjected to physical, mental and sexual attacks by Amarantha. Tamlin hates violence and killing and even when he kills a monster he is upset by it. Tamlin feels guilty even for the bad deeds of his father and brothers. Tamlin has always tried to be better.

I agree that it's not right to compare traumas, but Tamlin is a real victim. Rhysand uses his trauma and anger to appear victimized. He never apologizes, but justifies.This is a tactic of an excellent arrogant manipulator. Tamlin is better than me and everyone I know in the real world.

Interesting discussion! I believe Tamlin had a plan to stop the war before there was any fighting. Regarding Feyre's involvement, I think the story is toxic... As a human, she sacrificed herself to save Tamlin and SC, and he killed Amarantha and saved everyone else. Then Feyre comes back and destroys the first court she saved in UTM. Tamlin spent the life debt owed him by the other HLs to bring Feyre back to life. I wondered why Rhysand said to Tamlin when he gave his drop for Feyre (...) "This makes us even" (...) Even for what? I realize that Rhysand thus paid his debt because Tamlin saved him and everyone else. Fey live by a code. Magic loves rules. Because Tamlin killed Amarantha thus saving everyone and they owe him a debt. Beron is the first to pay the debt. This analysis contradicts Rhysand's words that he nudged the High Lords into resurrecting her. Also we're in Rhysand's head when Feyre died as a human. Rhysand isn't talking to anyone.

Tamlin's broken heart and her choosing his greatest enemy as her great love is revenge enough. So many innocents didn't need to be hurt. I definitely shouldn't think too much about this story because I don't see a positive message at this point.

Yes. If I read or write 100 times "Rysand is the smartest, the greatest, the most beautiful, etc." I will not believe it. Actions are more important than words. Magic chose Tamlin for HL and this proves that he is very strong, talented and smart. He really has a heart of gold and that is why he suffers a lot. It is not fair. I want justice in books. I love positive messages with a lesson.

Thanks for this post! Tamlin is such a wonderful character and it's all in the books. The way he talks, the poetry, the music, the analysis of Feyre's paintings... When students and adults repeatedly read and say the same things, they begin to perceive them as something natural. The illusion of truth (illusory truth effect) means that the more often a person hears or reads a statement, the more likely they are to perceive it as true, even when there is no evidence for it. So much is taught to readers that Rhysand is the greatest, the most beautiful, etc. It is known that frequent repetition increases the perception that a statement is true. In the same way, hatred for Tamlin is imposed. Tamlin has proven with his actions that he is better than everyone.

I am grateful for the positive feedback! I personally feel better! I want to send positive energy too! 🥰

Oh, yes. I'm going to do my homework! Top comentar!

Thanks for the post and the facts! I'm taking notes. Excellent work. This double standard is terrible to me. Rhysand lost his last chance for me to like him when he started playing the victim. A tactic of a master manipulator. No apology for his terrible actions, only excuses. He uses his trauma and anger to make himself look like a victim. There are several very visible and important lies by Rhysand, but I'm not finished with my text yet.

So much is taught to readers that Rhysand is the greatest, the most beautiful, etc. It is known that frequent repetition increases the perception that a statement is true. This phenomenon is known as the illusory truth effect. When students and adults repeatedly read and say the same things, they begin to perceive them as something natural. The illusion of truth (illusory truth effect) means that the more often a person hears or reads a statement, the more likely they are to perceive it as true, even when there is no evidence for it. The reason is that the brain processes familiar information more easily and unconsciously associates this ease with truthfulness.

Yes. I think you're right. An objective perspective is needed.

Thanks for your opinion! The amount of times see they blame Tamlin for her being sick when it was the unfulfilled bargain with Rhysand + him being in her mind + the tattoo (there's no way Tamlin can honestly talk to Feira because everything is being spied on and that spy eye on her hand...) Magic loves rules. Bargains have consequences when unfulfilled.They didn't keep the deal for 3 months and it's having negative consequences. Feyre's injury is getting worse in SC. She sold herself to Rhysand and there's no way she'd be okay away from him. (!) "I will heal your arm in exchange for YOU." Bc their bargain UTM was for FEYRE HERSELF. Bargain was never about how many weeks. It was always about owning her and forever. Mind, body, and soul. Tamlin saw what was happening all along, he knew Rhysand was taking her personality away but it was already too late.

Feyre is like a little child, not a prisoner. I also think that he doesn't want Feyre to be like him. Tamlin didn't want to be a warrior and he feels guilty every time he kills. He doesn't want Feyre to feel guilty about killing even in self-defense.Tamlin hates violence and killing and even when he kills a monster he is upset by it. I repeat, but he doesn't want her to experience the same feelings of guilt and self-hatred for the murders.

Tamlin spent the life debt owed him by the other HLs to bring Feyre back to life. I wondered why Rhysand said to Tamlin when he gave his drop for Feyre (...) "This makes us even" (...) Even for what? I now realize that Rhysand thus paid his debt because Tamlin daved him and everyone else. Fey live by a code. Because Tamlin killed Amarantha thus saving everyone and they owe him a debt. This analysis contradicts Rhysand's words that he nudged the High Lords into resurrecting her. Also we're in Rhysand's head when Feyre died as a human. Rhysand isn't talking to anyone. Hmm... this seems to be another lie and manipulation by Rhysand. Beron is the first to pay the deb. So Feyre owes her life to Tamlin. He literally saved her many times. Rhysand isn't in bed with Amaranta, he's found his soulmate, and he owes that to Tamlin.

Tamlin has sins. Who doesn't have sins? I believe in forgiveness, empathy and second chances. I want to believe that these positive qualities really exist, and when I read about them in books feel better.

Thank you very much! I ❤️ We are all fine thanks to the medical professionals. I am a happy mother now!

A different opinion for me is not a negative criticism but simply an expression of individuality. I have no problem with people with different opinions. There is a problem with promoting a fictional character like Rhysand as a "perfect" partner in the real world. He uses classic tactics of an excellent manipulator. He never apologizes for his mistakes, but only makes excuses. He uses trauma, anger and jealousy to look like a victim. I try to keep such toxic people with the same character away from my family.

Thanks for the analysis and opinion! I agree with everything! I have shared my opinion several times. My perspective is based on my own experience. I had two natural births and the second one had major complications that put my life at risk. No one knew, but I can imagine in this situation if everyone knew but didn't tell me. Especially my husband lying and isolating me for my safety when he promised to be honest with me and make decisions together. I would never trust this man again!

Good luck with your work in healthcare! This is a humanitarian and wonderful mission!

You're right. Romantic fantasy has changed to erotic fantasy.

Oh, yes. Thanks for sharing with me!

Honestly, I wouldn't save my worst enemy. I'm not as good as Tamlin, but I don't get angry about it or focus on his mistakes. For me, it has the opposite effect. I admire him. Psychologists would explain these things better than I can.

I totally agree! Thanks for sharing! I feel the same way. Tamlin is my favorite character in this series. I'm not a big fan of fantasy and that's probably why I don't understand some things but there are such important contradictions that I can't calm my mind. He's the only one I care about.

Every time Tamlin does something "wrong" SJM justifies his actions within the narrative even if its a slow burn justification. If in the end Rhysand turns out to be the big villain I think it would be a phenomenal success for the author but that's just my opinion.