ACOMAF Re-Read - Complete Notes, Quotes, and Criticisms

Don’t worry, Tam Tam. I’m on your side. 

Below is the full export of all of my highlights and notes, collected during my recent critical re-read of ACOMAF.  I tried my hardest to focus only on passages that showcased either the blatant revisionary approach SJM took to Tamlin, the blatant hypocrisy exhibited by both Feyre and Rhys, or if you're really lucky, both.

As you can see the infodump is massive, which leads whether or not SJM even tried to be careful about how she was even contradicting her own work.  My gut tells me that, much like Feyre, she's often enamored of her own cleverness, and thinks she was probably being like super-smart about dismantling every single thing Rhys did wrong in book one (to make it be right) and every good thing Tamlin ever did (to make it be wrong).  I can literally see the bullet-point list in my imagination, and her ticking off items one by one, cackling in glee. 

What she, and the less mentally independent readers out there, see as cleverness, I just see as laziness, because for all of her very thorough efforts to showcase Rhys as the good guy all along, she appears to have completely ignored the fact that she's created the two most blatantly oblivious characters in the history of YA/NA Fantasy Romance, neither of which have any awareness of the fact that they are actually not the heroes they think they are, but are instead sanctimonious, condescending Mary-Sues.  I’ve found that taking that perspective makes re-reads much more bearable, because I’m sure Feyre and Rhys will never get their comeuppance, and certainly not in the way Tamlin has. 

Notebook Export

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 2)

Maas, Sarah J.

---

Part One The House of Beasts

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 1 > Page 8 · Location 113

He never woke when the nightmares dragged me from sleep; never woke when I vomited my guts up night after night. If he knew or heard, he said nothing about it. I knew similar dreams chased him from his slumber as often as I fled from mine. The first time it had happened, I’d awoken—tried to speak to him. But he’d shaken off my touch, his skin clammy, and had shifted into that beast of fur and claws and horns and fangs. He’d spent the rest of the night sprawled across the foot of the bed, monitoring the door, the wall of windows. He’d since spent many nights like that. Curled in the bed, I pulled the blanket higher, craving its warmth against the chill night. It had become our unspoken agreement—not to let Amarantha win by acknowledging that she still tormented us in our dreams and waking hours.

Note - Chapter 1 > Page 8 · Location 120

So Feyre does check on Tamlin - I know the same thing happens with Rhys later on and I was curious as to whether she had bothered to run to him the same way, and she did. If he'd shaken off her touch, I don't believe it was out of some sort of disgust for Feyre or anything. Again, people experiencing PTSD deal with it in different ways, and not everyone wants to be touched or comforted in a physical manner after having a flashback or in the middle of a panic attack. I mean, they had sex earlier so obviously he has no issues touching her or being touched by her. And we still have no idea the specifics of what Tamlin went through or experienced with Amarantha, but if he is shifting into beast form and prowling the room, it obviously wasn't good.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 9 · Location 131

“And we’re still hunting down Amarantha’s beasts,” he said, mounting his horse in one fluid motion. Sometimes, I wondered if the horses were just to maintain an appearance of civility—of normalcy. To pretend that he couldn’t run faster than them, didn’t live with one foot in the forest. His green eyes were like chips of ice as the stallion started into a walk. “I don’t have the sentries to spare to escort you.” I lunged for the bridle. “I don’t need an escort.” My grip tightened on the leather as I tugged the horse to a stop, and the golden ring on my finger—along with the square-cut emerald glittering atop it—flashed in the sun.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 10 · Location 136

So this is the very beginning of what we see of Tamlin's controlling nature, but at this early point, I can hardly blame him for wanting her to have an escort.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 11 · Location 148

Now, only two weeks stood between me and the ceremony. If I didn’t get out of the manor, if I didn’t have a day to do something other than spend Tamlin’s money and be groveled to—

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 11 · Location 150

I mean, she has zero issues spending Rhys's money every day later on, so...

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 12 · Location 170

“Fine,” I breathed. I made myself look him in the eye, made myself smile. “Be careful,” I said, and meant it. The thought of him going out there, hunting the monsters that had once served Amarantha … “I love you,” Tamlin said quietly. I nodded, murmuring it back as he trotted to where Lucien still waited, the emissary now frowning slightly. I didn’t watch them go.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 12 · Location 174

Highlighted purely to illustrate the irony of Feyre worrying about him fighting those monsters. I'm sure Tamlin would feel the same way, if he ever let her leave.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 12 · Location 175

I hated the bright dresses that had become my daily uniform, but didn’t have the heart to tell Tamlin—not when he’d bought so many, not when he looked so happy to see me wear them. Not when his words weren’t far from the truth.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 12 · Location 176

Highlighting in retrospect, only to note that she seems to favor bright colors even when she's with the Night Court. Also, she says like three sentences later that it's actually Ianthe that's picking out the clothes.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 15 · Location 220

I was too watched—too monitored and judged. Why should the bride of the High Lord learn to fight if peace had returned? That had been Ianthe’s reasoning when I’d made the mistake of mentioning it at dinner. Tamlin, to his credit, had seen both sides: I’d learn to protect myself … but the rumors would spread.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 15 · Location 223

I take this as evidence of Ianthe's influence over Tamlin, and I wonder how much her whispering in his ear is feeding his paranoia. I can't say why he values her opinion so much, but here it is. Even Feyre admits that he's not a total caveman because he is trying to see her perspective on the situation as well. I also want to note that her reference to being watched and judged could refer to Tamlin, but I have a feeling she's speaking more here to how the people of the Spring Court judge and watch her.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 16 · Location 237

Honestly, Ianthe, with her bright gold hair, those teal eyes, elegant features, and supple body, looked more like Tamlin’s mate. His equal. A union with Tamlin—a High Lord and a High Priestess—would send a clear message of strength to any possible threats to our lands. And secure the power Ianthe was no doubt keen on building for herself.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 16 · Location 239

I know we wind up having zero proof of this (though we are well aware of Ianthe's ambition) but it does make me wonder how much her efforts in the Spring Court were at least in part working towards undermining Tamlin and Feyre's relationship so she could have him for herself. Ianthe never struck me as the type that would prefer having power through control of others (i.e. Feyre) if there was a way to have that power and influence herself (by marrying Tamlin).

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 18 · Location 264

Understatement. I hated the monstrosity of tulle she’d selected. Tamlin had, too—though he’d laughed himself hoarse when I showed him in the privacy of my room. But he’d promised me that though the dress was absurd, the priestess knew what she was doing. I’d wanted to push back about it, hating that though he agreed with me, he had sided with her, but … it took more energy than it was worth.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 18 · Location 267

I wish SJM would have elaborated on what she means by "Ianthe knows what she's doing" regarding the dress. I can see how dressing nicely and presenting a nice image sends the message she wants, but I can't imagine how letting Feyre pick her own (less poofy) dress would have been an issue. I suspect this is just a lazy aside to show how Tamlin values Ianthe's opinion over Feyre's, so that her leaving him later is that much more justifiable. I'm again curious over Ianthe's influence over Tamlin. I wish SJM would have explained why she has such a hold over him.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 21 · Location 305

I lay back on the pillows, listening to the steady, efficient sounds of him preparing for bed. He kept his own quarters, deeming it vital for me to have my own space. But he slept in here every night. I’d yet to visit his bed, though I wondered if our wedding night would change that. I prayed I wouldn’t thrash awake and vomit on the sheets when I didn’t recognize where I was, when I didn’t know if the darkness was permanent. Maybe that was why he hadn’t pushed the issue yet.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 21 · Location 309

I think Tam is trying to be considerate in wanting Feyre to have her own space, but I wonder how much of it might also have to do with him needing his own, since they're both dealing with issues. It isn't unusual for couples of the nobility to have kept separate quarters, even after they were married. Also, Feyre does admit that she's afraid of sleeping in an unfamiliar space, so while I know this again dropped here as yet another example of Tamlin taking away her choices, Feyre's also illustrating that she worries about this stuff herself, so it's really confusing.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 21 · Location 317

His callused hands grazed my hips, my waist, then held me there as he lowered his head, seizing the kiss. A brush of his tongue against the seam of my lips had me opening fully for him, and he swept in, claiming me, branding me.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 21 · Location 319

Noting the use of the word "branding" - interesting in that it's Rhys who literally "brands" Feyre with the tattoo.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 22 · Location 322

“Feyre,” he said against my lips, my name like a prayer more devout than any Ianthe had offered up to the Cauldron on that dark solstice morning.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 22 · Location 323

He literally worships her. His devotion at this point is without question, and it's not hard to see how feelings that strong could drive his paranoia and worries over her safety.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 23 · Location 337

I frowned as he withdrew at last—but he didn’t go far. He stretched out on his side, head propped on a fist, and traced idle circles on my stomach, along my breasts.

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 23 · Location 339

Just wanted to point out that if he saw her as nothing but a pet or an object he would definitely not stick around after sex.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 23 · Location 339

“I’m sorry about earlier,” he murmured. “It’s fine,” I breathed. “I understand.” Not a lie, but not quite true. His fingers grazed lower, circling my belly button. “You are—you’re everything to me,” he said thickly. “I need … I need you to be all right. To know they can’t get to you—can’t hurt you anymore.” “I know.” Those fingers drifted lower. I swallowed hard and said again, “I know.” I brushed his hair back from his face. “But what about you? Who gets to keep you safe?” His mouth tightened. With his powers returned, he didn’t need anyone to protect him, shield him. I could almost see invisible hackles raising—not at me, but at the thought of what he’d been mere months ago: prone to Amarantha’s whims, his power barely a trickle compared to the cascade now coursing through him. He took a steadying breath, and leaned to kiss my heart, right between my breasts. It was answer enough. “Soon,” he murmured, and those fingers traveled back to my waist. I almost groaned. “Soon you’ll be my wife, and it’ll be fine. We’ll leave all this behind us.”

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 23 · Location 348

The constant apologizing is hallmark language of an abuser (physical, mental, emotional, whatever). The important thing to note here is that he knows what he's doing is wrong. I think it's more important to note how he says that she's everything to him. Not because he's being sincere and romantic, but it's sad. It's sad to have everything, all of your self worth, tied up in your relationship to one person. It's statements like these that have me convinced that Tamlin has low self esteem, and that he doesn't value himself enough on his own. I wonder if Tamlin ever really valued himself much, given how he mentioned last book that his family and the rest of the court pretty much dismissed him as an animal. It would help explain his outbursts on some level too, though previously he had shown an ability to control his temper. Why he's lost control suddenly, I can only think it's because of the trauma he experienced - seeing the first person that made him feel like he wasn't just some "snarling beast" die. The desperation in this statement is just so heartbreaking.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 2 > Page 24 · Location 351

“Is everyone just going to call me ‘Tamlin’s wife’? Do I get a … title?” He lifted his head long enough to look at me. “Do you want a title?” Before I could answer, he nipped at my breast, then licked over the small hurt—licked as his fingers at last dipped between my legs. He stroked lazy, taunting circles. “No,” I gasped out. “But I don’t want people … ” Cauldron boil me, his damned fingers—“I don’t know if I can handle them calling me High Lady.” His fingers slid into me again, and he growled in approval at the wetness between my thighs, both from me and him. “They won’t,” he said against my skin, positioning himself over me again and sliding down my body, trailing kisses as he went. “There is no such thing as a High Lady.”

Note - Chapter 2 > Page 24 · Location 357

We are obviously meant to recall this when Feyre actually does become a High Lady later. Rhys = progressive and good, Tamlin = traditional and bad. To be fair, she is telling Tam that she doesn't think should could handle being a High Lady, but I wonder what would have happened if they'd gotten to that point, she'd changed her mind, and actually asked. We'll never know.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 3 > Page 25 · Location 367

Tamlin’s guilt must have hit him hard, because although he was gone the next day, Lucien was waiting with an offer to inspect the progress on the nearby village.

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 25 · Location 368

I don't understand how people can say that Tamlin never tried. It's not as if his first inclination was to just lock Feyre away, which is what Rhys would have you believe. It's obvious that's not true, but it does not excuse how he always seems to take two steps backware for every one forward. It does make me think how much the bargain with Rhys exacerbated the situation here, i.e. if Feyre didn't have to leave one week a month, would he have eventually snapped out of it?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 3 > Page 27 · Location 399

I forced a steady breath to fill my too-tight lungs. “For all that you refuse to interact with Ianthe, you certainly sound a great deal like her.” He hissed, “You have no idea how hard it is for him to even let you off the estate grounds. He’s under more pressure than you realize.” “I know exactly how much pressure he endures. And I didn’t realize I’d become a prisoner.” “You’re not—” He clenched his jaw. “That’s not how it is and you know it.” “He didn’t have any trouble letting me hunt and wander on my own when I was a mere human. When the borders were far less safe.” “He didn’t care for you the way he does now. And after what happened Under the Mountain … ” The words clanged in my head, along my too-tense muscles. “He’s terrified. Terrified of seeing you in his enemies’ hands. And they know it, too—they know all they have to do to own him would be to get ahold of you.”

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 27 · Location 407

I'm still not sure why the need for order and rankings is suddenly so necessary for post Amarantha survival, and I don't get where this pressure is coming from either (I'm guessing Ianthe?) The only thing I can think is that the need for order and rankings is not something required for the court's survival so much as it is an indication of Tamlin's need to exert control after having pretty much zero control over anything for 50 years? That's kind of my headcanon, especially since Tamlin gave no indication as to this need for control and iron-fist ruling in book one; Alis made it very clear that he was a kind, respected high lord. My gut tells me that this is just the excuse to explain Tamlin's behavior and thus justify Feyre's escape to the Night Court. As far as enemies here, is he talking about the Night Court? I mean, he's pretty screwed there already because of the bargain, but I'm also thinking if he's referring to Hybern on some level. What's interesting in light of that is that Hybern essentially does wind up owning Tamlin (except not really) via Feyre - not by physically kidnapping her but by promising a way to get her back.

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 28 · Location 413

What pressure? From who? Is it Ianthe? Again, this whole conversation seems like it's here solely to justify Feyre escaping to Rhys - Tamlin has changed and now wants to keep her locked up whereas before he didn't. Tamlin is bad and Rhys is good. Lucien makes two good points - things have changed - Tamlin's feelings for Feyre and consequently how scared he is of losing her. The choice of saying he's scared of seeing her in enemy hands (and not that he's terrified that she'll die again) is extremely curious. Curious because any time Tamlin says he won't let Feyre do something it's because he's scared she'll get hurt, and not necessarily by enemies, and it's always expressed with love - Lucien here makes it sound like Feyre has (or is) something that could be advantageous to his enemies and he's being greedy and hoarding power, an interesting assertion given that much later on Rhys pretty much says that Tamlin was keeping Feyre in hiding so he could keep her power all to himself. Anyway, Feyre again mentions that Lucien appears to be parroting Ianthe's ideas about tradition and order, which given that he hates her and probably doesn't give a shit what she thinks, are being passed on by Tamlin. But again, why is Tamlin listening to her now when he had no cares for traditions and order and rank before? SJM never explains it, but one can only assume it's because he's really scared about another Amarantha situation. Ostensibly he has more to lose now than he did before (Feyre) so he's willing to go against his prior beliefs to keep what he loves safe? It's just curious because Lucien is echoing these ideas about tradition through the lense of possessiveness and control - I'm sure this is because SJM wants the reader to see that Tamlin is a control freak (bad) and we're supposed to clearly juxtapose it with Rhys' willingness to give her her freedom (I mean he fucking says she'll never be caged like every other sentence), and thus have Feyre's abandonment of Tamlin make sense and allow Rhys to swoop in like the literal progressive angel he is. Bottom line, all I'm really seeing here is the influence Ianthe has and the sway she's holding over Tamlin, and I can't help but think that she sees his paranoia, his desire to be strong again after fifty years of weakness, and is feeding off of it in order to have power and influence (and potentially allow Hybern to just walk right in to Prythian when he's ready).

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 3 > Page 29 · Location 426

“So give him time, Feyre,” Lucien said. “Let’s get through the wedding, then the Tithe next month, and then … then we can see about the rest.” “I’ve given him time,” I said. “I can’t stay cooped up in the house forever.” “He knows that—he doesn’t say it, but he knows it. Trust me. You will forgive him if his family’s own slaughter keeps him from being so … liberal with your safety. He’s lost those he cares for too many times. We all have.” Every word was like fuel added to the simmering pit in my gut. “I don’t want to marry a High Lord. I just want to marry him.” “One doesn’t exist without the other. He is what he is. He will always, always seek to protect you, whether you like it or not. Talk to him about it—really talk to him, Feyre. You’ll figure it out.”

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 29 · Location 433

I feel like the reference to his family's slaughter is kind of a low blow, but again I wonder how much SJM is trying to actually make this all make sense as opposed to just quickly laying the needed groundwork to get Feyre over to Rhys. Tamlin's family was not kind to him, with the exception of his mother. So I doubt he misses his father or brothers much given how they treated him, and I can't imagine that would be impetus for his overprotective nature. So why would this cause him to be overprotective of Feyre? Is Lucien just saying here that Tamlin feels threatened by the Night Court specifically? That makes way more sense, given that the bargain is already in place. So why not just say that? Why not say he's specifically threatened by Rhys?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 3 > Page 29 · Location 439

“There was no magic spell, no miracle to bring her back. There were no gathered High Lords to resurrect her. I watched, and she died, and I will never forget that moment when I heard her heart stop beating.” My eyes burned. “Tamlin got what I didn’t,” Lucien said softly, his breathing ragged. “We all heard your neck break. But you got to come back. And I doubt that he will ever forget that sound, either. And he will do everything in his power to protect you from that danger again, even if it means keeping secrets, even if it means sticking to rules you don’t like. In this, he will not bend. So don’t ask him to—not yet.” I had no words in my head, my heart. Giving Tamlin time, letting him adjust … It was the least I could do.

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 30 · Location 445

This, right here, I think is explanation enough for why Tamlin would feel the need to control Feyre the way he does. It's an explanation, not an excuse, and it falls much more in line with what we know about Tamlin's personality from book one. I'm just emphasizing the fact that making Tamlin a man who is paranoid over losing the woman he loves again is sufficient enough to explain his controlling behavior; so the 180 personality change from some progressive, kind High Lord into someone so concerned with tradition and order and the Tithe really isn't needed from a narrative perspective.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 3 > Page 31 · Location 466

“No. Amarantha had … camps for them. The nobles and favored faeries were allowed to dwell Under the Mountain. But if the people of a court weren’t working to bring in goods and food, they were locked in camps in a network of tunnels beneath the Mountain. Thousands of them, crammed into chambers and tunnels with no light, no air. For fifty years.” “No one ever said—” “It was forbidden to speak of it. Some of them went mad, started preying on the others when Amarantha forgot to order her guards to feed them. Some formed bands that prowled the camps and did—” He rubbed his brows with a thumb and forefinger. “They did horrible things. Right now, they’re trying to remember what it is to be normal—how to live.”

Note - Chapter 3 > Page 32 · Location 472

So the Spring Court was in no way free during Amarantha's reign. Why mention it at this point though? Is this to explain the need for order that drives Tamlin's behavior (and explains the personality change)? It doesn't make sense that the Tamlin of book one would force something like the Tithe on people that had already suffered like that though. Little details like this are interesting, but largely not needed to drive the story as a whole.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 4 > Page 40 · Location 590

My vision narrowed on him, on my High Lord, his wide eyes glistening as I stepped onto the soft grass, white rose petals scattered down it—And red ones. Like drops of blood amongst the white, red petals had been sprayed across the path ahead. I forced my gaze up, to Tamlin, his shoulders back, head high. So unaware of the true extent of how broken and dark I was inside. How unfit I was to be clothed in white when my hands were so filthy.

Note - Chapter 4 > Page 41 · Location 594

I'd bet my next paycheck that it was Ianthe that picked the roses, not Tam. Whether she did it on purpose to needle Feyre or out of ignorance remains to be seen.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 72 · Location 1059

“I am telling you for two reasons,” he said, his face so cold, so calm, that it unnerved me as much as the news he was delivering. “One, you’re … close to Tamlin. He has men—but he also has long-existing ties to Hybern—” “He’d never help the king—” Rhys held up a hand. “I want to know if Tamlin is willing to fight with us. If he can use those connections to our advantage. As he and I have strained relations, you have the pleasure of being the go-between.”

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 72 · Location 1063

Obvious foreshadowing, knowing what happens. Tamlin has no ties to Hybern, directly. His father did. Funny thing here is that Rhys is essentially wondering if Tamlin would do exactly what he winds up doing, yet they still find it so hard to believe that Tamlin isn't truly loyal to Hybern.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 74 · Location 1094

“But I know you—more than you realize, I think—and I don’t believe for one damn minute that you’re remotely fine with being a pretty trophy for someone who sat on his ass for nearly fifty years, then sat on his ass while you were shredded apart—”

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 74 · Location 1096

Three things: First, the fact that Rhys is implying here just how well he knows Feyre is so creepy. It almost sounds like he's been inside her head rooting around without her knowing. Second, Tamlin didn't sit on his ass for fifty years - he spent insane amounts of time protecting his borders again Amarantha, and he was tasked with sending his own damn sentries out for slaughter in the hopes of breaking the curse. I mean, Feyre complains all the time in book one about how much time Tamlin spends working and patrolling and whatnot. Third, Tamlin sitting on his ass while she was shredded apart? What the fuck did Rhys do? How was Tamlin any more able to do anything with Amarantha around than Rhys was? You can't exactly blame the guy for not giving you cheat codes telepathically because he doesn't, say, have telepathic powers or anything, could you?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 80 · Location 1187

“It’s none of your business.” “Right. You’ll probably ignore it, anyway. Sweep it under the rug, like everything else.”

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 80 · Location 1188

Hmmm, so everyone knows about their avoidance? Just further proof of how badly they needed to talk it out.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 82 · Location 1217

But he kept scouring my face, my neck. And then he rotated me, examining my back, as if he could discern through the clothes. I tore out of his grip. “I said no one touched me.” He was breathing hard, his eyes wild. “You’re all right,” he said. And then said it again. And again.

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 82 · Location 1220

How can anyone read this and say Tam'sbehavior is coming from a place of anger and misogyny? How????

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 82 · Location 1221

“He can harm you in other ways,” Tamlin croaked, closing his eyes against my touch. “I know—but I’m all right. I truly am,” I said as gently as I could. And then noticed the study walls—the claw marks raked down them. All over them. And the table they’d been using … that was new. “You trashed the study.” “I trashed half the house,” he said, leaning forward to press his brow to mine. “He took you away, he stole you—” “And left me alone.” Tamlin pulled back, growling. “Probably to get you to drop your guard. You have no idea what games he plays, what he’s capable of doing—” “I know,” I said, even as it tasted like ash on my tongue. “And the next time, I’ll be careful—” “There won’t be a next time.” I blinked. “You found a way out?” Or perhaps Ianthe had. “I’m not letting you go.” “He said there were consequences for breaking a magical bargain.” “Damn the consequences.” But I heard it for the empty threat it was—and how much it destroyed him. That was who he was, what he was: protector, defender. I couldn’t ask him to stop being that way—to stop worrying about me.

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 83 · Location 1231

So Feyre's statement that she couldn't ask Tam to stop being a protector shows two things - that Feyre is aware on some level that Tamlin has a natural inclination to protect, but more importantly that she's abused; the language is classic victim language, i.e. I can't ask him to change if that's how he is, etc. I do think it's important to note that there's never a mention of a trashed study or room prior to Feyre being taken away to fulfill her bargain, and certainly nothing about this kind of behavior in book one, which infers that it's the trauma of UTM that is driving the overprotectiveness and the outbursts. As far as whether or not Tamlin's fears are valid, consider that Tamlin knows a side of Rhys that Feyre is largely unaware of at this point, plus Tam has no idea that Rhys is anything other than the face he presents to the rest of the world. He saw him murder people UTM, literally everyone in Prythian thinks the Night Court is filled with sadists because they insist on being so goddamned secretive, so really, what is Tamlin supposed to think is happening to Feyre in the Night Court?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 83 · Location 1244

I took in the shredded walls, the scuffed and chipped furniture. What nightmares had he suffered, waking and asleep, while I was away? What had it been like, to imagine me in his enemy’s hands, after seeing what Amarantha had done to me?

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 84 · Location 1245

Again, this is to show that Feyre is a VICTIM, with a capital V. I'm not sure this is real empathy for the way UTM affected Tamlin so much as it is a vehicle by which SJM can show how Feyre is the one that cares and is considerate, not Tamlin, and is thus being victimized by his outbursts. It's not an implausible statement though, because Feyre mentions his nightmares earlier, so now the fact that she's been taken by Rhys, his mortal enemy, someone that to all appearences aided Amarantha and has previously poked the Tamlin bear, you have all the motivation you need for a trashed study. So while it achieves the purpose of further bolstering Feyre's victimhood, it does also show that Tamlin has a natural inclination to protect that's strong enough that it's recognized by others.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 84 · Location 1252

“I didn’t realize I was a spy.” Lucien shifted in his seat, but Tamlin said, “As much as I hate your bargain, you’ve been granted access into the Night Court. Outsiders rarely get to go in—and if they do, they rarely come out in one piece. And if they can function, their memories are usually … scrambled. Whatever Rhysand is hiding in there, he doesn’t want us knowing about it.” A chill slithered down my spine. “Why do you want to know? What are you going to do?” “Knowing my enemy’s plans, his lifestyle, is vital. As for what we’re going to do … That’s neither here nor there.” His green eyes pinned me. “Start with the layout of the court. Is it true it’s under a mountain?”

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 84 · Location 1258

I had to point this out because Tamlin almost sounds exactly like Rhys here. He has a whole network of spies in other courts to "gather info on enemies", and while Feyre has no idea about that right now, she doesn't seem nearly as upset by it when Rhys does inform her. She also volunteers herself as a spy on behalf of the Night Court, on several occasions, without nearly as much ardor as she does here. I assume that this interaction is more to showcase Tamlin's paranoia so he can be further villainized and Feyre's escape justified. By contrast, Rhys is not paranoid in spying on other courts, he's justified, despite the fact that the Night Court is easily the most secretive and cagey of all the courts (hiding Velaris and all). Yet another example of identical behaviors that are acceptable in Rhys, but not in Tamlin. You can't even say the motivations are different - they're both trying to protect their courts from "enemies" and they've both used Feyre to attempt to do so.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 7 > Page 85 · Location 1272

Lucien said at last, “It’s a power other High Lords might kill for.” It was an effort not to fidget while his metal eye whirred, as if detecting whatever power ran through my blood. “My father, for one, would not be pleased to learn a drop of his power is missing—or that Tamlin’s bride now has it. He’d do anything to make sure you don’t possess it—including kill you. There are other High Lords who would agree.”

Note - Chapter 7 > Page 85 · Location 1275

Highlighted to illustrate that while Tamlin is paranoid, he is not baselessly paranoid, and not controlling Feyre just for the sake of controlling her. Rhys does say at some point that Tamlin wanted to use her powers and that's why he locked her away, but if that was the case I think Tamlin might have wanted her to learn how to use them? So the paranoia is based on a perfectly valid fear, just taken to an unreasonable level.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 9 > Page 97 · Location 1449

“I shouldn’t have said those things,” he breathed onto my skin. “To you or Lucien. I didn’t mean any of them.” “I know,” I said, and his body relaxed against mine. “I’m sorry I snapped at you.” “You had every right,” he said, though I technically didn’t. “I was wrong.” What he said had been true—if he made exceptions, then other faeries would demand the same treatment. And what I had done could be construed as undermining. “Maybe I was—” “No. You were right. I don’t understand what it’s like to be starving—or any of it.”

Note - Chapter 9 > Page 98 · Location 1454

He obviously seems willing to change, and to see Feyre's perspective to an extent. He doesn't move fast enough, but there's an awareness and an acknowledgement that his behavior is wrong and that it needs improving.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 9 > Page 98 · Location 1458

Please not a crown. Though surely, a crown or diadem would be in something less … rudimentary.

Note - Chapter 9 > Page 98 · Location 1459

She's all too willing to accept crowns from Rhys later on.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 9 > Page 99 · Location 1475

“I know. But … ” I faced him. Met his stare—the full power of the High Lord of the Spring Court. “I’m harder to kill now. I’m faster, stronger—” “My family was faster and stronger than you. And they were murdered quite easily.” “Then marry someone who can put up with this.” He blinked. Slowly. Then he said with terrible softness, “Do you not want to marry me, then?” I tried not to look at the ring on my finger, at that emerald. “Of course I do. Of course I do.” My voice broke. “But you … Tamlin … ” The walls pushed in on me. The quiet, the guards, the stares. What I’d seen at the Tithe today. “I’m drowning,” I managed to say. “I am drowning. And the more you do this, the more guards … You might as well be shoving my head under the water.” Nothing in those eyes, that face. But then—I cried out, instinct taking over as his power blasted through the room. The windows shattered. The furniture splintered. And that box of paints and brushes and paper … It exploded into dust and glass and wood.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 10 > Page 102 · Location 1502

“I’ll try,” he breathed. “I’ll try to be better. I don’t … I can’t control it sometimes. The rage. Today was just … today was bad. With the Tithe, with all of it. Today—let’s forget it, let’s just move past it. Please.” I didn’t fight as he slid his arms around me, tucking me in tightly enough that his warmth soaked through me. He buried his face in my neck and said onto my nape, as if the words would be absorbed by my body, as if he could only say it the way we’d always been good at communicating—skin to skin, “I couldn’t save you before. I couldn’t protect you from them. And when you said that, about … about me drowning you … Am I any better than they were?” I should have told him it wasn’t true, but … I had spoken with my heart. Or what was left of it. “I’ll try to be better,” he said again. “Please—give me more time. Let me … let me get through this. Please.” Get through what? I wanted to ask. But words had abandoned me. I realized I hadn’t spoken yet. Realized he was waiting for an answer—and that I didn’t have one. So I put my arms around him, because body to body was the only way I could speak, too.

Note - Chapter 10 > Page 102 · Location 1512

Ugh, this makes me so so sad. For both of them. They're both two broken people, wholly unable of talking to each other about something that needs talking about. This is why I am such a proponent of therapy, for anyone - keeping things bottled inside, refusing to talk about them, it's bad, and it never ever ends well.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 10 > Page 103 · Location 1516

Tamlin didn’t stop apologizing for days. He made love to me, morning and night. He worshipped my body with his hands, his tongue, his teeth. But that had never been the hard part. We just got tripped up with the rest. But he was good for his word. There were fewer guards as I walked the grounds. Some remained, but no one haunted my steps. I even went on a ride through the wood without an escort. Though I knew the stable hands had reported to Tamlin the moment I’d left—and returned. Tamlin never mentioned that shield of solid wind I’d used against him. And things were good enough that I didn’t dare bring it up, either.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 10 > Page 106 · Location 1564

“Feyre,” he said, reaching for me, but I stepped out of range. “Why do you need to know these things? Is it not enough for you to recover in peace? You earned that for yourself. You earned it. I relaxed the number of sentries here; I’ve been trying … trying to be better about it. So leave the rest of it—” He took a steadying breath. “This isn’t the time for this conversation.” It was never the time for this conversation, or that conversation. But I didn’t say it. I didn’t have the energy to say it, and all the words dried up and blew away. So I memorized the lines of Tamlin’s face, and didn’t fight him as he pulled me to his chest and held me tightly.

Note - Chapter 10 > Page 106 · Location 1567

Actions speak louder than words, at the end of the day. Tam is either ignoring the signs of Feyre being upset and unable to talk about it or he just doesn't recognize it.  It's hard to say whether he's genuine or not, but the most I can say here is that I'm positive scenes like this were inserted because it's like textbook abuser language.  The only thing Tam has in his corner here is the fact that I'm pretty sure Rhys has never apologized for anything.  Made excuses as to why he has done stuff, sure, but apologize?  No.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 10 > Page 107 · Location 1574

Only for Tamlin to appear behind me, and shove that hand down. “You end her bargain right here, right now, and I’ll give you anything you want. Anything.” My heart stopped dead. “Are you out of your mind?” Tamlin didn’t so much as blink in my direction. Rhysand merely raised a brow. “I already have everything I want.” He stepped around Tamlin as if he were a piece of furniture and took my hand. Before I could say good-bye, a black wind gathered us up, and we were gone.

Note - Chapter 10 > Page 107 · Location 1578

The desperation in Tamlin's request is palpable.  I'm sure Rhys would say it's only because he doesn't want to lose Feyre-the-weapon, but we all saw how he begged for human Feyre in book one, so yeah.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 11 > Page 110 · Location 1617

“I want your help, not to manipulate you,” he snapped. His flare of temper made me at last lift my head. “You want my help because it’ll piss off Tamlin.” Shadows danced around his shoulders—as if the wings were trying to take form. “Fine,” he breathed. “I dug that grave myself, with all I did Under the Mountain. But I need your help.” Again, I could feel the other unspoken words: Ask me why; push me about it. And again, I didn’t want to. Didn’t have the energy to. Rhys said quietly, “I was a prisoner in her court for nearly fifty years. I was tortured and beaten and fucked until only telling myself who I was, what I had to protect, kept me from trying to find a way to end it. Please—help me keep that from happening again. To Prythian.” Some distant part of my heart ached and bled at the words, at what he’d laid bare. But Tamlin had made exceptions—he’d lightened the guards’ presence, allowed me to roam a bit more freely. He was trying. We were trying. I wouldn’t jeopardize that.

Note - Chapter 11 > Page 111 · Location 1626

This is possibly the most self-aware I've even seen Feyre about the dynamic between her, Tamlin, and Rhys. He's antagonized Tamlin repeatedly, both before UTM (as when he made him literally beg not to tell Amarantha about Feyre) and during UTM. Tamlin is trying and Feyre does see that. He's not trying hard enough, but he doesn't really know that because they haven't spoke about any of this explicitly. What I'm trying to point out here is that Tamlin literally went from 0-80 in terms of his overprotective nature, and maybe if they had talked in detail about what Feyre was feeling, things wouldn't have ended up like they did.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 11 > Page 113 · Location 1653

Rhys kept the plate beyond reach. He spoke again, and as if the words tumbling out loosened his grip on his power, talons of smoke curled over his fingers and great wings of shadow spread from his back. “Months and months, and you’re still a ghost. Does no one there ask what the hell is happening? Does your High Lord simply not care?” He did care. Tamlin did care. Perhaps too much. “He’s giving me space to sort it out,” I said, with enough of a bite that I barely recognized my voice. “Let me help you,” Rhys said. “We went through enough Under the Mountain—” I flinched. “She wins,” Rhys breathed. “That bitch wins if you let yourself fall apart.”

Note - Chapter 11 > Page 113 · Location 1653

Yes, Amarantha does win if you let yourself fall apart, and yes Tamlin is trying, but why do I feel like Feyre doesn't really believe it? It's like she recognizes that he's trying in one breath and then a controlling bastard in the next.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 11 > Page 115 · Location 1682

I wanted to believe him. I knew he’d do anything to achieve it. He made me again walk through every detail I had learned at Rhys’s home. Every conversation, however brief. I told him everything, each word quieter than the last. Protect, protect, protect—I could see the word in his eyes, feel it in every thrust he made into my body that night. I had been taken from him once in the most permanent of ways, but never again. The sentries returned in full force the next morning.

Note - Chapter 11 > Page 115 · Location 1684

Again, acknowledgement of what Tamlin's experience UTM might have done to him, and how it drove his behavior and his need to protect afterward, but why why why can't you just discuss it? Tamlin's behavior is again coming from a place of love, and while that doesn't excuse going overboard, the only bad thing happening here is that this crap isn't being talked about.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 12 > Page 118 · Location 1719

They will hunt her, and kill her, Ianthe had hissed at Lucien. Lucien had growled back, They’ll do it anyway, so what’s the difference? The difference, Ianthe had seethed, lies in us having the advantage of this knowledge—it won’t be Feyre alone who is targeted for the gifts stolen from those High Lords. Your children, she then said to Tamlin, will also have such power. Other High Lords will know that. And if they do not kill Feyre outright, then they might realize what they stand to gain if gifted with offspring from her, too. My stomach had turned over at the implication. That I might be stolen—and kept—for … breeding. Surely … surely no High Lord would go so far. If they were to do that, Lucien had countered, none of the other High Lords would stand with them. They would face the wrath of six courts bearing down on them. No one is that stupid. Rhysand is that stupid, Ianthe had spat. And with that power of his, he could potentially withstand it. Imagine, she said, voice softening as she had no doubt turned to Tamlin, a day might come when he does not return her. You hear the poisoned lies he whispers in her ear. There are other ways around it, she had added with such quiet venom. We might not be able to deal with him, but there are some friends that I made across the sea …

Note - Chapter 12 > Page 119 · Location 1731

So here Ianthe is doing her best Grima Wormtongue impression. I'm convinced she recognizes Tamlin's paranoia and feeds it as a means of undermining him and gaining whatever power she can in preparation for the coming war with Hybern. It's so fucking obvious that she's conspiring with people who are scheming to take over Prythian, and using her history with the Spring Court and Tamliin's emotional vulnerability, both when it comes to Feyre specifically and as a whole, to do it.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 12 > Page 121 · Location 1767

I followed him, blurting, “There will always be some threat. There will always be some conflict or enemy or something that keeps me in here.” He slowed to a stop just inside the towering oak doors, so lovingly restored after Amarantha’s cronies had trashed them. “You can barely sleep through the night,” he said carefully. I retorted, “Neither can you.” But he just plowed ahead, “You can barely handle being around other people—” “You promised.” My voice cracked. And I didn’t care that I was begging. “I need to get out of this house.” “Have Bron take you and Ianthe on a ride—” “I don’t want to go for a ride!” I splayed my arms. “I don’t want to go for a ride, or a picnic, or pick wildflowers. I want to do something. So take me with you.” That girl who had needed to be protected, who had craved stability and comfort … she had died Under the Mountain. I had died, and there had been no one to protect me from those horrors before my neck snapped. So I had done it myself. And I would not, could not, yield that part of me that had awoken and transformed Under the Mountain. Tamlin had gotten his powers back, had become whole again—become that protector and provider he wished to be. I was not the human girl who needed coddling and pampering, who wanted luxury and easiness. I didn’t know how to go back to craving those things. To being docile.

Note - Chapter 12 > Page 122 · Location 1780

Again acknowledgement of his need to protect. And yes, she's the one that died and felt her neck snap, but is it so hard for her to conceive of the fact that that affected Tamlin just as badly, but in a different way? She can admit to herself that she's different and can't be treated the same way she was before UTM (where Tamlin again tried to protect her, but she definitely objected to it less then), but why not just sit him the fuck down and say all of this to him??? I just keep thinking this exchange would have been productive if they had only chosen to have it outside of a heated argument, and had instead just sat down and talked calmly.

Part Two The House of Wind

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 15 > Page 155 · Location 2236

But Rhys said, “I’m thinking that I spent fifty years locked Under the Mountain, and I’d sometimes let myself dream of this place, but I never expected to see it again. I’m thinking that I wish I had been the one who slaughtered her. I’m thinking that if war comes, it might be a long while yet before I get to have a night like this.”

Note - Chapter 15 > Page 155 · Location 2239

So why didn't you slaughter her? You had the opportunity, but you said yourself you were just waiting for the curse to be broken so Tamlin could rip her throat out? Why give him the pleasure if you wanted it so much for yourself?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 15 > Page 156 · Location 2246

“I’m thinking that I was a lonely, hopeless person, and I might have fallen in love with the first thing that showed me a hint of kindness and safety. And I’m thinking maybe he knew that—maybe not actively, but maybe he wanted to be that person for someone. And maybe that worked for who I was before. Maybe it doesn’t work for who—what I am now.”

Note - Chapter 15 > Page 156 · Location 2249

Ah, and there we have it. A rare moment of astuteness from Feyre. Not only does she admit that he showed her kindness and safety, but that she wanted to be protected, at least initially, and Tamlin has an inherently protective nature. I do think Tamlin wants to be that for someone, but the fact that Feyre couldn't be up front enough with him about everything she's finally admitting here (and yeah I know she left but she still has the option to go back or to at least communicate this to Tamlin in some way, but no, she literally says she's not talking about it, and she never does), but Feyre obviously doesn't realize (or does and doesn't care) about the damage that can do to someone, how leaving without explanation like that can hurt someone, especially someone who desperately wants someone to love. Fuck you, Feyre.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 19 > Page 211 · Location 3054

“The reading,” I said, sliding my feet into fleece-lined, thick-soled slippers. “That’s why you insisted on the lessons. So if your suspicions were true and I could harness the Book … I could actually read it—or any translation of whatever is inside.” A book that old might very well be written in an entirely different language. A different alphabet.

Note - Chapter 19 > Page 211 · Location 3057

So Rhys didn't help Feyre learn to read out of the goodness of his heart? You mean he had ulterior motives that benefited him in multiple ways??? SO SHOCKED.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 19 > Page 211 · Location 3057

“Again,” he said, now striding for the dresser, “had you started to work with me, I would have told you why. I couldn’t risk discovery otherwise.” He paused with a hand on the knob. “You should have learned to read no matter what. But yes, when I told you it served my own purposes—it was because of this. Do you blame me for it?” “No,” I said, and meant it. “But I’d prefer to be notified of any future schemes.”

Note - Chapter 19 > Page 211 · Location 3060

Lol - wants to be notified of future schemes. Lol. Wait til ACOSF, honey.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 19 > Page 212 · Location 3072

Rhys looked up, hands braced on my thighs. Bow, he’d once ordered Tamlin. And now here he was, on his knees before me. His eyes glinted as if he remembered it, too. Had that been a part of his game—that façade? Or had it been vengeance for the horrible blood feud between them?

Note - Chapter 19 > Page 212 · Location 3074

First, Feyre recalls how Rhys debased Tamlin, and second, she fucking gets off on it.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 19 > Page 213 · Location 3086

“So I’m your huntress and thief?” His hands slid down to cup the backs of my knees as he said with a roguish grin, “You are my salvation, Feyre.”

Note - Chapter 19 > Page 213 · Location 3088

This is one of those quotes you see stans using all the time to be all swoony over Rhys, but looking at it in context it's basically Rhys admitting that he's using Feyre (because he definitely is). Never mind that he's literally sending Feyre into the lion's den with zero explanation about what the Weaver is, which literally has nothing to do with the fact that the ring she's pulling out of there will be her eventual engagement ring (barf). He could have said "help me get my ring" and been a little more explicit about how fucking dangerous the Weaver is.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 20 > Page 215 · Location 3110

I made to jump off the stone, but he gripped my chin, the movement too fast to detect. His words were a lethal caress as he said, “Did you enjoy the sight of me kneeling before you?” I knew he could hear my heart as it ratcheted into a thunderous beat. I gave him a hateful little smirk, anyway, yanking my chin out of his touch and leaping off the stone. I might have aimed for his feet. And he might have shifted out of the way just enough to avoid it. “Isn’t that all you males are good for, anyway?” But the words were tight, near-breathless. His answering smile evoked silken sheets and jasmine-scented breezes at midnight. A dangerous line—one Rhys was forcing me to walk to keep me from thinking about what I was about to face, about what a wreck I was inside. Anger, this … flirtation, annoyance … He knew those were my crutches. What I was about to encounter, then, must be truly harrowing if he wanted me going in there mad—thinking about sex, about anything but the Weaver of the Wood.

Note - Chapter 20 > Page 216 · Location 3118

What's most interesting here is how Feyre immediately assumes that Rhys is getting her all worked up so she goes in to the Weaver's hut angry - not that he's just being a creepy perv and baiting her with sexual innuendo based on thoughts he's literally stealing out of her mind without her realizing it. Rhys is continually given the benefit of the doubt, despite the fact that Feyre really doesn't know him that well at this point.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 22 > Page 239 · Location 3464

I rubbed the back of my bare neck. “I want them to hear your story. And know that there is a special strength … ” As I spoke I realized I needed to hear it, know it, too. “A special strength in enduring such dark trials and hardships … And still remaining warm, and kind. Still willing to trust—and reach out.”

Note - Chapter 22 > Page 239 · Location 3467

You could take some of your own advice here, Feyre hun. Do you know anyone else that endured really bad trials and maybe needed someone to reach out to them? Hmmmmmmmmmm?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 22 > Page 241 · Location 3488

Below, ahead, behind, the vast, blue sea stretched. Above, fortresses of clouds plodded along, and to my left … A dark smudge on the horizon. Land. Spring Court land. I wondered if Tamlin was on the western sea border. He’d once hinted about trouble there. Could he sense me, sense us, now? I didn’t let myself think about it. Not as I felt the wall.

Note - Chapter 22 > Page 241 · Location 3491

And again, a refusal to acknowledge what happened with Tamlin and total unwillingness to talk about it.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 23 > Page 249 · Location 3598

“That lord built a wall to keep the Fae out. My High Lord wanted to keep me caged in.” “Why? He let you come back here all those months ago.” “To save me—protect me. And I think … I think what happened to him, to us, Under the Mountain broke him.” Perhaps more than it had broken me. “The drive to protect at all costs, even my own well-being … I think he wanted to stifle it, but he couldn’t. He couldn’t let go of it.” There was … there was much I still had to do, I realized. To settle things. Settle myself.

Note - Chapter 23 > Page 249 · Location 3603

This right here is the worst thing about Feyre. She is fully fucking aware of the motivations behind Tamlin's actions, but never once does she make moves to really talk to him about it, before or after she left. Again, she acknowledges that she has to settle things, but only with herself.

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 24 > Page 251 · Location 3615

Cassian let out a low whistle as he turned in place, surveying the grand entry hall, the ornate furniture, the paintings. All of it paid for by Tamlin—initially. He’d taken such care of my family, yet his own … I didn’t want to think about his family, murdered by a rival court for whatever reason no one had ever explained to me. Not now that I was living amongst them—He’d been good—there was a part of Tamlin that was good—Yes. He’d given me everything I needed to become myself, to feel safe. And when he got what he wanted … He’d stopped. Had tried, but not really. He’d let himself remain blind to what I needed after Amarantha.

Note - Chapter 24 > Page 251 · Location 3620

Feyre, your selfishness is showing. In the space of two sentences she admits that Tamlin not only took good care of her family, he also gave her everything she needed to be herself. The he allegedly stopped trying. Where are the receipts for that? He let himself remain blind to what she needed after Amarantha - fair point, but fairer point neither of you really talked that bit out. He was apparently supposed to read your mind and body language, but not all guys pick up on queues we think are obvious. In my experience, men are notoriously bad on deciphering non-verbal queues, and the only time Feyre really said outright about being smothered was the night he locked her in the house and she immediately left. She bring up to Tamlin that she needed more, and he gave her more, which again didn't work for Feyre, but she says repeatedly how she didn't have the heart to tell him various things (about how she hated dresses, about how she didn't feel like painting right now, how she didn't want to go on rides with Ianthe, etc), but did she tell any of this to Tamlin? No, she didn't.

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 24 > Page 260 · Location 3768

“Your sisters mean well, or one of them does. But seeing them, sitting at that table … I hadn’t realized it would hit me as strongly. How young you were. How they didn’t protect you.”

Note - Chapter 24 > Page 260 · Location 3768

So basically Nesta and Elain are responsible for taking care of Feyre just because they're older? He tells Feyre that she doesn't need protecting and then acts all angry and gets her worked up by saying nobody protected her?? More gaslighting from our favorite high lord.

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 25 > Page 263 · Location 3811

He didn’t push the matter, thankfully—didn’t ask why shape-shifting might be the one power I’d never bother to pull apart and master. Perhaps for the same reason I didn’t particularly want to ask about one key piece of his history, didn’t want to know if Azriel and Cassian had helped when the Spring Court’s ruling family had been killed.

Note - Chapter 25 > Page 263 · Location 3813

Yes, because if you did that Feyre, you might have to face the fact (and more importantly, the reader would) that Tamlin isn't the asshole you're suddenly remembering him as and that there's more to his past that might help explain his current behavior, that you have such issues with??

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 26 > Page 268 · Location 3878

I started—at the claim he’d made of me, and at the words. “You knew—you knew he was hunting me?” “I was curious who wanted to snatch you the first moment you were alone.” I didn’t know where to start. So Tamlin was right—about my safety. To some degree. It didn’t excuse anything. “So you never planned to stay with me while I trained. You used me as bait—” “Yes, and I’d do it again. You were safe the entire time.” “You should have told me! ” “Maybe next time.”

Note - Chapter 26 > Page 268 · Location 3883

Uses Feyre as bait, admits using Feyre as bait, doesn't tell her, and she actually almost gets taken by the fucking Attor. But she was safe the whole time? How, because Rhys says so and he's Rhys? And Tamlin is wrong for being paranoid like he was????

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 28 > Page 275 · Location 3967

The Attor said, “Do you think it is not common knowledge that you took her from Tamlin?” I knew that already. That had been Azriel’s task these days: monitor the situation with the Spring Court, and prepare for our own attack on Hybern. But Tamlin had shut down his borders—sealed them so tightly that even flying overhead at night was impossible. And any ears and eyes Azriel had once possessed in the court had gone deaf and blind. “The king could help you keep her—consider sparing you, if you worked with him …”

Note - Chapter 28 > Page 276 · Location 3972

I had to note this here because to me it seems really obvious that the Attor is trying to manipulate Rhys. I'd bet a million dollars that after he's released he says the same exact thing to Tamlin knowing that he loves Feyre and lost her, only Tamlin falls for it - he accepts Hybern's offer to get Feyre back in exchange for his help (even though it wound up he was spying the whole time). I know it's the Attor saying this, but if it's common knowledge that Rhys, high lord of the big bad Court of Nightmares (the only part of the Night Court that anyone outside of the Night Court knows anything about) took Feyre, and Tamlin is wrong for thinking that all this bad stuff could be happening to her? He's wrong to be paranoid about her being taken? I mean, it's not like Amarantha went after her family, so it's not like it's completely without reason that Feyre could be taken again, right, riiiiiiight? Special side note that Tamlin was considered a fucking nutball for wanting Feyre to spy in the Night Court, but it's okay for Rhys to want to spy in other courts - and you can bet your fairy ass he has spies in all other courts, because enemies.

Highlight(pink) - Chapter 28 > Page 276 · Location 3984

Tamlin had closed his borders. “What situation with the Spring Court?” “None. As of right now. But you know how far Tamlin can be driven to … protect what he thinks is his.” The image of paint sliding down the ruined study wall flashed in my mind.

Note - Chapter 28 > Page 277 · Location 3986

Yes, Feyre, and alot of times Rhys is doing the driving. Like literally how many times did he poke the bear and then they act all shocked when the bear goes bear? Not many people are strong enough to brush off that kind of needling...except Rhys, because he is the strongest high lord in like, ever. In all seriousness, how many times does Rhys freak out to protect Feyre, after they're mated? Is it okay because they're mated? Is it okay because it's Rhys? FYI, Tamlin never once referred to Feyre as "his" or said stuff like "she's mine" outside of the context of Rhys antagonizing him. Of course he'd want to protect Feyre from Rhys - he killed his family, plus he's in charge of a court of literal nightmares and psychos; he has no fucking idea he's not really as evil as he presents himself to be. Rhys cultivates that image, throws the bargain in Tamlin's face every chance he gets, and then blames Tamlin when he acts overprotective of Feyre with regard to her relationship Rhys. If anything, Rhys is the one treating Feyre like a possession, what with branding her with a tattoo and manipulating her into spending time with him and all.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 282 · Location 4057

Awed, perhaps a little intimidated, but … no fear. It was so unusual that I kept silent, merely observing them—their world. The normalcy that they each fought so hard to preserve. That I had once raged against, resented. But there was no place like this in the world. Not so serene. So loved by its people and its rulers.

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 282 · Location 4060

This is literally like the second place Feyre has ever visited. She's never been to a city before, how in god's name would she know this? Also, is it just me or is she suddenly awed by being....awed? Not too long ago she was freaking out when people in the Spring Court reacted literally the same way to her.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 283 · Location 4077

“The traders were saying the prices might rise, High Lord, especially if rumors about Hybern awakening are correct.” Down the table, I felt the others’ attention slide to us, even as they kept talking. Rhys leaned back in his seat, swirling his goblet of wine. “We’ll find a way to keep the prices from skyrocketing.” “Don’t trouble yourself, of course,” the owner said, wringing her fingers a bit. “It’s just … so lovely to have such spices available again—now that … that things are better.”

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 283 · Location 4081

In addition to everything else he does, Rhys also keeps the prices of spices down. Spices. Is it just me or are these assholes a little too casual about everything? I mean, I know they deserve to relax after what they had been through, but they also talk every other sentence about how war is coming and get ready for Hybern and they're just chilling and talking about spices. Lastly, how bad could things have gotten in Velaris if the worst thing this bitch had to deal with was the LACK OF SPICES. Meanwhile, other courts are falling apart and half their citizens are dead or imprisoned, but Karen here can't get her special Icelandic salt, jdougoohjdkliue.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 283 · Location 4085

I—I remembered feeling that way. After painting from morning until night. Once, that was all I had wanted for myself. I looked to the dishes, then back at her, and said, “I’ve lived in the mortal realm, and lived in other courts, but I’ve never had food like this. Food that makes me … feel awake.” It sounded about as stupid as it felt coming out, but I couldn’t think of another way to say it. But the owner nodded like she understood and squeezed my shoulder. “Then I’ll bring you a special dessert,” she said, and strode into her kitchen.

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 284 · Location 4089

In case you didn't know, the Night Court has the best food of anywhere in the world. It is the best court.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 285 · Location 4103

But Azriel—Azriel said, his eyes wholly on Mor, “I’m in.” “Of course you are,” Cassian grumbled, frowning at him. “Don’t you have to be off at dawn?” Mor’s frown now mirrored Cassian’s—as if she realized where and what he’d be doing tomorrow. She said to Azriel, “We don’t have to—” “I want to,” Azriel said, holding her gaze long enough that Mor dropped it, twisted toward Cassian, and said, “Will you deign to join us, or do you have plans to ogle your muscles in the mirror?” Cassian snorted, looping his elbow through hers and leading her up the street. “I’ll go—for the drinks, you ass. No dancing.” “Thank the Mother. You nearly shattered my foot the last time you tried.” It was an effort not to stare at Azriel as he watched them head up the steep street, arm in arm and bickering with every step. The shadows gathered around his shoulders, like they were indeed whispering to him, shielding him, perhaps. His broad chest expanded with a deep breath that sent them skittering, and then he set into an easy, graceful stroll after them.

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 285 · Location 4112

Mor is terrible, and the way she treats Azriel is terrible, and the way she uses Cassian to treat Azriel terrible is terrible.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 287 · Location 4140

“Marrying me means a life with a target on your back—and if there were offspring, then a life of knowing they’d be hunted from the moment they were conceived. Everyone knows what happened to my family—and my people know that beyond our borders, we are hated.” I still didn’t know the full story, but I asked, “Why? Why are you hated? Why keep the truth of this place secret? It’s a shame no one knows about it—what good you do here.”

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 287 · Location 4144

Um, they're hated because Rhys had admitted to keeping up a front and making the Court of Nightmares the face of his court and telling nobody about Velaris. You're not allowed to be mopey about being hated when you WILLINGLY act like you should be hated.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 288 · Location 4152

“But along the way, despite his best intentions, darkness grew again—not as bad as it had once been … But bad enough that there is a permanent divide within my court. We allow the world to see the other half, to fear them—so that they might never guess this place thrives here. And we allow the Court of Nightmares to continue, blind to Velaris’s existence, because we know that without them, there are some courts and kingdoms that might strike us. And invade our borders to discover the many, many secrets we’ve kept from the other High Lords and courts these millennia.”

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 288 · Location 4156

So yeah, you're admitting that you actively let this horrible place continue to thrive, let them do horrible things, just to keep a select few safe? Because you're scared about getting attacked? How is this any different than anything Tamlin might have done to keep the Spring Court safe? Except he didn't have the benefit of ancient spells, he was just out there for fifty fucking years, not sitting on his ass like you previously said Rhysie, but doing all of the protecting and border patrol HIS OWN DAMN SELF.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 289 · Location 4173

“You,” I breathed, not taking my eyes from the musicians playing so skillfully that even the diners had set down their forks in the cafés nearby. “You sent that music into my cell. Why?” Rhysand’s voice was hoarse. “Because you were breaking. And I couldn’t find another way to save you.”

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 289 · Location 4176

I'm sure there was other stuff you could have done, asshat. Like heal her without forcing her into a bargain for her time? Maybe?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 290 · Location 4195

I wrote back, Let’s hope my licking is better than yours. I remember how horrible you were at it Under the Mountain. Lie. He’d licked away my tears when I’d been a moment away from shattering. He’d done it to keep me distracted—keep me angry. Because anger was better than feeling nothing; because anger and hatred were the long-lasting fuel in the endless dark of my despair. The same way that music had kept me from breaking.

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 291 · Location 4199

Yes, Rhys' motivations were purely to keep you from breaking Feyre, because it's not like he could have talked to you, used calming words, hugged you even. Licking your face was the only solution.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 29 > Page 291 · Location 4199

Lucien had come to patch me up a few times, but no one risked quite so much in keeping me not only alive, but as mentally intact as I could be considering the circumstances. Just as he’d been doing these past few weeks—taunting and teasing me to keep the hollowness at bay. Just as he was doing now.

Note - Chapter 29 > Page 291 · Location 4202

What. The. Actual. Fuck. How goddamn ungrateful is she here? Lucien just patched her up a couple of times??? Nobody risked as much as fucking Rhys had risked? Where is she even getting this shit from? Taunting and teasing her trumps risking Amarantha's wrath repeatedly to heal her? Wasn't Lucien whipped and tortured for that??? Does Feyre even realize how awful this sounds? Does Maas?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 294 · Location 4242

My tattoo, I realized, had been made with Illyrian markings. Perhaps Rhys’s own way of wishing me luck and glory while facing Amarantha.

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 294 · Location 4244

No, Feyre, I'm pretty sure that's more like a brand - Rhys inappropriately manipulated you into a bargain with him to save your life (something Lucien did for free) and then branded you so everybody knew exactly who that tattoo (and you by extension) belonged to. And Tamlin is the one that treated you like a possession. Ha.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 294 · Location 4247

“So,” Cassian said, gulping down the water. Behind us, Rhys and Azriel clashed, separated, and clashed again. “When are you going to talk about how you wrote a letter to Tamlin, telling him you’ve left for good?” The question hit me so viciously that I sniped, “How about when you talk about how you tease and taunt Mor to hide whatever it is you feel for her?” Because I had no doubt that he was well aware of the role he played in their little tangled web.

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 294 · Location 4251

Way to deflect, Feyre. Because it's not like it should be something that's ever talked about.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 295 · Location 4254

But the question he’d asked swarmed in my skull. You’ve left for good; you’ve left for good; you’ve left for good. I had—I’d meant it. But without knowing what he thought, if he’d even care that much … No, I knew he’d care. He’d probably trashed the manor in his rage. If my mere mention of him suffocating me had caused him to destroy his study, then this … I had been frightened by those fits of pure rage, cowed by them. And it had been love—I had loved him so deeply, so greatly, but …

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 295 · Location 4258

So here is where the really nasty retconning begins. Tamlin did trash the study, but after Rhys stole Feyre away right before they WERE GOING TO GET MARRIED. I don't care at this point that Feyre was internally screaming that she didn't want to marry him - point is she never once mentioned it to Tam, and he's obviously been clueless to her misgivings, and then Rhys shows up when she's walking down the aisle and for all Tamlin knows kidnaps her. WHAT IS HE SUPPOSED TO THINK? So yeah, he trashed the fucking study, but think how it looked from his perspective, with his fiancee that he loves (probably a little too much) was stolen away right before he married her for an entire fucking week during which he has no idea what's going on. Add to this that we later find out that all Tamlin, or anyone for that matter, knows about the Night Court is what they choose to present to the world, which is the WORST FACETS POSSIBLE, literally the worst aspects of themselves. So essentially Tam just saw his beloved taken away by the High Lord of a court of sadists and psychos, and he's entirely in the wrong for losing his temper, which to this point he's done a remarkable fucking job controlling given his history. What the fuck ever, Feyre.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 296 · Location 4276

We both knew “fine” was a lie. I had done everything—everything for that love. I had ripped myself to shreds, I had killed innocents and debased myself, and he had sat beside Amarantha on that throne. And he couldn’t do anything, hadn’t risked it—hadn’t risked being caught until there was one night left, and all he’d wanted to do wasn’t free me, but fuck me, and—

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 296 · Location 4279

So basically all of the Feysand stans are going right back to this little gem from Feyre when they point out that Tamlin didn't nothing for Feyre UTM and Rhys did everything, because it was never ever once mentioned before this. Not even after Feyre had time to ponder. So now Tamlin just sat there the whole time? Could he have possibly been in shock? She described him as out of it and dazed several times. Did she ever actually think to talk about it with him? Did he finally maybe snap out of it that last night because it finally hit him that you were probably going to die the next day (which wound up happening, fyi). And do I even need to mention that Feyre didn't bother to try and snap him out of it when he was trying to "fuck her." Instead, she tried to fuck him in turn. It's not like Amarantha ever let him out of her site to the point he could have done something. I mean, I guess Rhys never had one opportunity in fifty fucking years where he could have done the same, right? But Rhys is noble and just trying to protect his court (fuck all the other courts, just his), whereas Tamlin is selfish and couldn't possibly be completely dazed? Let's also remind everyone how Tamlin, who apparently cares nothing for the fact that FEYRE SACRIFICED ALL, says repeatedly that he's keeping her from doing things, not because he wants to keep her as a pet or a prisoner, but because he knows she sacrificed everything and doesn't want her to have to worry about anything that important ever again. They're wholly misplaced good intentions, to be sure, but all of this would have been avoided if they had talked to each other. Tam also says multiple times that Feyre has no idea what seeing her die did to him (as if him spending nights pacing their bedroom in his beast form wasn't a big enough indication). So when I read this, I like to picture SJM sitting in her study and being like, "oh shit, if I want Rhys and Feyre to start banging soon and not have Feyre come off like a fickle horny bitch, I have to officially justify her quickly getting rid of a guy that she actually died for."

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 297 · Location 4291

And maybe I was exhausted and broken, but I breathed, “I killed them.” I hadn’t said the words aloud since it had happened. Cassian’s lips tightened. “I know.” Not condemnation, not praise. But grim understanding. My hands slackened as another shuddering sob worked its way through me. “It should have been me.”

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 297 · Location 4294

Yes, Feyre, it should have been you.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 30 > Page 298 · Location 4299

“You will feel that way every day for the rest of your life,” Rhysand said. This close, I could smell the sweat on him, the sea-and-citrus scent beneath it. His eyes were soft. I tried to look away, but he held my chin firm. “And I know this because I have felt that way every day since my mother and sister were slaughtered and I had to bury them myself, and even retribution didn’t fix it.” He wiped away the tears on one cheek, then another. “You can either let it wreck you, let it get you killed like it nearly did with the Weaver, or you can learn to live with it.”

Note - Chapter 30 > Page 298 · Location 4303

See, Rhys feels bad for all the bad stuff he's done. He feels bad because he knowingly gave up Claire Beddor for torture in Feyre's place, not to mention whatever else he did, but he feels bad so it's OK. He gets a pass because he feels bad, but Tamlin, who also feels bad (he says he does, plus he obviously is in a bad way, even if he refuses to talk about it) is up the creek. And do I even need to add the fact that Rhys is basically admitting that he sent Feyre into the Weaver's hut knowing she was not in the best place either emotionally or mentally? But it's okay. It will all be okay.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 31 > Page 304 · Location 4393

“The Summer Court is full of hotheaded fools and arrogant pricks,” he warned. “I should join you.” “You’d fit right in,” Amren crooned. “Too bad you still aren’t going.” Cassian pointed a finger at her. “Watch it, Amren.” She bared her teeth in a wicked smile. “Believe me, I’d prefer not to go, either.” I clamped my lips shut to keep from smiling or grimacing, I didn’t know. Rhys rubbed his temples. “Cassian, considering the fact that the last time you visited, it didn’t end well—” “I wrecked one building—”

Note - Chapter 31 > Page 304 · Location 4398

So it's okay for Cassian to destroy buildings?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 31 > Page 305 · Location 4403

Rhys said too casually, “There is also a great deal of treasure to be found in the Summer Court. If the Book is hidden, Amren, you might find other objects to your liking.” “Shit,” Cassian said, throwing up his hands again. “Really, Rhys? It’s bad enough we’re stealing from them, but robbing them blind—” “Rhysand does have a point,” Amren said. “Their High Lord is young and untested. I doubt he’s had much time to catalog his inherited hoard since he was appointed Under the Mountain. I doubt he’ll know anything is missing. Very well, Rhysand—I’m in.”

Note - Chapter 31 > Page 305 · Location 4408

Yeah, just gonna waltz in here under the guise of friendship, take advantage of the Summer High Lord's naivetee and steal this magic book, and since we'll already be there, just let Amren take whatever she wants. I mean, it's not like they could explain the situation to the Summer Court and try to collaborate? Work together? But then they'd risk good ol' Velaris getting destroyed, because Enemies and whatever, and if that gets destroyed then Mor will have nowhere to get drunk and Rhys can't get his grilled salmon with those special salts he likes so much, and then where would we be??? Not for nothing, but it's hilarious that their paranoia over "enemies" find out about the Night Court is played off like erring on the side of caution, in the mean time Tamlin's paranoia (and his lands actually border the fucking wall and he would be the literal first line of defense against Hybern) are just crazy ol' Tamlin being a paranoid asshole.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 32 > Page 312 · Location 4507

Calanmai wouldn’t be too long after that. My stomach twisted. If Tamlin was intent on upholding tradition, if I was no longer with him … I didn’t let myself get that far down the road. It wouldn’t be fair. To me—to him.

Note - Chapter 32 > Page 312 · Location 4509

No, it certainly wouldn't be fair to him. But it's interesting that Tamlin still abstains from the "festivities", because he still loves her. If he was as callous an asshole as popular opinion leads one to believe he'd be banging every female in sight.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 32 > Page 315 · Location 4555

I’d written to him, told him to stay away. And he wasn’t foolish enough to start a war he could not win. Not when he wouldn’t be fighting other High Fae, but Illyrian warriors, led by Cassian and Azriel. It would be slaughter. So I said, bored and flat and dull, “Try not to look too excited, princess. The High Lord of Spring has no plans to go to war with the Night Court.” “And are you in contact with Tamlin, then?” A saccharine smile. My next words were quiet, slow, and I decided I did not mind stealing from them, not one bit. “There are things that are public knowledge, and things that are not. My relationship with him is well known. Its current standing, however, is none of your concern. Or anyone else’s. But I do know Tamlin, and I know that there will be no internal war between courts—at least not over me, or my decisions.” “What a relief, then,” Cresseida said, sipping from her white wine before cracking a large crab claw, pink and white and orange. “To know we are not harboring a stolen bride—and that we need not bother returning her to her master, as the law demands. And as any wise person might do, to keep trouble from their doorstep.” Amren had gone utterly still. “I left of my own free will,” I said. “And no one is my master.” Cresseida shrugged. “Think that all you want, lady, but the law is the law. You are—were his bride. Swearing fealty to another High Lord does not change that. So it is a very good thing that he respects your decisions. Otherwise, all it would take would be one letter from him to Tarquin, requesting your return, and we would have to obey. Or risk war ourselves.”

Note - Chapter 32 > Page 315 · Location 4568

I'm surprised she thinks Tamlin wouldn't be that stupid, unless she's just saying that, or that she thinks a note would be sufficient, given the nature of their relationship and all. It seems, however, that Tamlin is not the only high lord that adheres to traditional values (like the Tithe). I thought that was interesting to note in that Feyre presents his return to the Tithe (still something I think that is largely part of his retcon, since his character in book 1 gave every indication that he would never, ever institute something like that) as barbaric and backwards but doesn't seem to think so negatively of the Summer Courts adherence to archaic values.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 32 > Page 316 · Location 4576

“We all made sacrifices,” Rhysand said, the icy boredom now shifting into something razor-sharp. “And you now sit at this table with your family because of the ones Feyre made. So you will forgive me, Tarquin, if I tell your princess that if she sends word to Tamlin, or if any of your people try to bring her to him, their lives will be forfeit.” Even the sea breeze died. “Do not threaten me in my own home, Rhysand,” Tarquin said. “My gratitude goes only so far.” “It’s not a threat,” Rhys countered, the crab claws on his plate cracking open beneath invisible hands. “It’s a promise.”

Note - Chapter 32 > Page 316 · Location 4581

The sense of entitlement Rhys feels because of the sacrifice Feyre made is kind of astounding, especially when they feel no such sense of entitlement when it comes to everything Tamlin did for Feyre. I know, I know, he didn't die for her, but he would have. Also, Feyre doesn't bat an eye for Rhys threatening to literally kill these people for letting Tamlin know she's here, something they would be 100% in their right to do. When Tamlin said/acted in line with statements like this, he's a beast, but I'm pretty sure this is thrown in here to show us Rhys's devotion and just as a basic flex. Just another example of something being romantic when Rhys does it, and horrible when Tamlin does.  Also, I feel like I should note that Feyre's sacrifice was technically a selfish one, since she went to save Tamlin, and not all of Prythian.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 33 > Page 319 · Location 4618

No one was my master—but I might be master of everything, if I wished. If I dared.

Note - Chapter 33 > Page 319 · Location 4619

I think this is supposed to come off as some empowering, girlboss-type statement but it just sounds petulant and arrogant.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 33 > Page 320 · Location 4632

Rhys stared at me for a moment longer, his face unreadable, before he strode to the door. He stopped with his fingers on the sea urchin–shaped handle. “He locked you up because he knew—the bastard knew what a treasure you are. That you are worth more than land or gold or jewels. He knew, and wanted to keep you all to himself.” The words hit me, even as they soothed some jagged piece in my soul. “He did—does love me, Rhysand.” “The issue isn’t whether he loved you, it’s how much. Too much. Love can be a poison.”

Note - Chapter 33 > Page 320 · Location 4636

What a presumptuous asshole Rhys is. It's also an outright lie. Tamlin was introducing Feyre to his court, even as he was encouraging her to stay home so she would be safe. So the idea that he was keeping her secret or something is insane. I think what Rhys really means here is that he was keeping Feyre away from Rhys, and Rhysie didn't like that, and was jealous. At this point Feyre doesn't know about the mating bond, but Rhys does, so this is absolute animalistic, marking-your-territory behavior - again, romantic when Rhys does it, bad when Tamlin does. Possessiveness, in the world of SJM, or at least concerning Rhys/Tamlin, is considered instinctual when looked at in the context of a mating bond (and thus acceptable). When it's done out of love that is not driven by some biological impulse, and thus a choice, it's bad. I personally don't see the difference, only that Maas is using the former to romanticize Rhys's behavior and the latter to demonize Tamlin. What I will say is that Rhys is 100% correct in saying love can be a poison. It is, and it has essentially poisoned Tamlin's mind - but only in light of their experiences with Amarantha UTM. That right there is the driving factor, because Tamlin was never once overpossessive or inclined to locking Feyre up prior to that.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 33 > Page 323 · Location 4684

“I am a young High Lord,” he said. “Barely eighty years old.” So he’d been thirty when Amarantha took over. “Perhaps others might call me inexperienced or foolish, but I have seen those cruelties firsthand, and known many good lesser faeries who suffered for merely being born on the wrong side of power. Even within my own residences, the confines of tradition pressure me to enforce the rules of my predecessors: the lesser faeries are neither to be seen nor heard as they work. I would like to one day see a Prythian in which they have a voice, both in my home and in the world beyond it.”

Note - Chapter 33 > Page 324 · Location 4689

This echoes what Tamlin said in book one, which makes his turn in book two that much more inexplicable.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 34 > Page 332 · Location 4802

Ask it now—ask him for the Book instead. But that would require trust, and … kind as he was, he was a High Lord.

Note - Chapter 34 > Page 332 · Location 4803

Her distrust would make sense if she didn't so willingly accept every explanation that Rhys offers for every bad thing he's ever done, because ya know, he's a High Lord too.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 34 > Page 332 · Location 4811

“But I meant it—you have … sway with Rhysand. And he is notoriously difficult to deal with. He gets what he wants, has plans he does not tell anyone about until after he’s completed them, and does not apologize for any of it.

Note - Chapter 34 > Page 332 · Location 4813

So even others see it. But again, this kind of behavior is accepted in Rhys based solely on his status as the hero of the series and main love interest, not because the text offers any kind of explanation for why he constantly keeps things secret. I can understand the paranoia and not wanting to trust anyone, but again, why is paranoia-driven secrecy acceptable when Rhys does it, but not Tamlin?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 34 > Page 333 · Location 4821

“I know I’m supposed to look at you,” Tarquin said, “and see that he’s made you into a pet, into a monster. But I see the kindness in you. And I think that reflects more on him than anything. I think it shows that you and he might have many secrets—”

Note - Chapter 34 > Page 333 · Location 4823

An interesting turn of phrase given that Tamlin is often accused of parading Feyre around like she was his pet, something that Rhys does far more than Tamlin ever did (if he ever did it, which is debatable). But again, acceptable for Rhys, but not for Tamlin.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 34 > Page 336 · Location 4874

“I was jealous—of that. That I’m not … that sort of person. For anyone. The Summer Court has always been neutral; they only showed backbone during those years Under the Mountain. I spared Tarquin’s life because I’d heard how he wanted to even out the playing field between High Fae and lesser faeries. I’ve been trying to do that for years. Unsuccessfully, but … I spared him for that alone. And Tarquin, with his neutral court … he will never have to worry about someone walking away because the threat against their life, their children’s lives, will always be there. So, yes, I was jealous of him—because it will always be easy for him. And he will never know what it is to look up at the night sky and wish.”

Note - Chapter 34 > Page 337 · Location 4879

So Rhys has unsuccessfully been trying to get rid of class divides for years? When? How? Why was he unsuccessful? Is it possibly because he continues to allow the baser elements of his court room to thrive (the entire Court of Nightmares, and the misogyny of the Illyrians)? This is obviously thrown in as another aside to once again emphasize that Rhys isn't really the bastard and he really is progressive. I mean, Tamlin said the same damned thing in book one and still instituted the Tithe and was excoriated for it, but Rhysie can play both sides of those fields because....he's Rhys, and there is literally no other explanation. Also, poor emo Rhysie, ever the dreamer. Nobody has had it as hard as you and has come out the other side as good as you /s

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 35 > Page 342 · Location 4946

Remember that I saved you, that I fought the Middengard Wyrm—forget the threat … Tarquin’s eyes held mine—for a moment too long. In the span of a blink, I hurled my silent, hidden power toward him, a spear aimed toward his mind, those wary eyes.

Note - Chapter 35 > Page 342 · Location 4948

Feyre is leveraging her sacrifice as a means to get what she wants in exchange, which is pretty gross just because, but also hypocritical because she seems to pick and choose when she wants to be thanked for that and when she wants to be humble. Also, she is violating the mind of someone that she'd already deemed trustworthy and good. Gross. But, Rhys told her to, because reasons, so it has to be done.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 35 > Page 343 · Location 4975

“He’ll never forgive me,” I breathed. “He’ll never know.” Rhys angled his head, silky dark hair sliding over his brow. “You get used to it. The sense that you’re crossing a boundary, that you’re violating them. For what it’s worth, I didn’t particularly enjoy convincing Varian and Cresseida to find other matters more interesting.”

Note - Chapter 35 > Page 344 · Location 4977

This is not the first nor the last time Rhys excuses inexcusable behavior simply by saying he doesn't like it. He rarely, if ever, offers any explanation for it outside of it being necessary (because reasons, usually kept secret) or just because it's for the general greater good. But again, wrong things done for the right reason are okay when it's Rhys, and bad when it's Tamlin.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 36 > Page 346 · Location 5006

Liar, thief, deceiver—that’s what they’d call me soon. I hoped they’d know—that Tarquin would know—that we’d done it for their sake.

Note - Chapter 36 > Page 346 · Location 5007

All the bad stuff the IC ever does needs to be forgiven because they're doing it to save the world. Because they know best. It's not like they could have, I don't know, explained the threat and asked for it and worked together? Something Tarquin already expressed interest in doing? But then we wouldn't get the cool underwater heist scene, so it's worth it in the end.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 38 > Page 363 · Location 5255

“I debated it for a good while, you know,” he said, staring out at his city. “Whether I should just ask Tarquin for the Book. But I thought that he might very well say no, then sell the information to the highest bidder. I thought he might say yes, and it’d still wind up with too many people knowing our plans and the potential for that information to get out. And at the end of the day, I needed the why of our mission to remain secret for as long as possible.” He drank again, and dragged a hand through his blue-black hair. “I didn’t like stealing from him. I didn’t like hurting his guards. I didn’t like vanishing without a word, when, ambition or no, he did truly want an alliance. Maybe even friendship. No other High Lords have ever bothered—or dared. But I think Tarquin wanted to be my friend.”

Note - Chapter 38 > Page 363 · Location 5261

Yet another example of Rhys's ill behavior needing to be excused because of the alleged good intentions behind them. It's not like he's a mind reader or anything and wouldn't be able to discern whether Tarquin's intentions are genuine or anything. Plus it's not like he liked it. He never likes it, but he does it anyway and we are supposed to forgive him because he DiDn'T LiKe iT.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 38 > Page 364 · Location 5273

“You’ve been told you are now public enemy number one of the Summer Court and you’re fine with it?” “No. But I don’t blame you.”

Note - Chapter 38 > Page 364 · Location 5274

You don't blame him but it's literally his fault?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 38 > Page 367 · Location 5313

“Am I supposed to deny,” he drawled, but something sparked in those eyes, “that I find you attractive?” “You’ve never said it.” “I’ve told you many times, and quite frequently, how attractive I find you.” I shrugged, even as I thought of all those times—when I’d dismissed them as teasing compliments, nothing more. “Well, maybe you should do a better job of it.” The gleam in his eyes turned into something predatory. A thrill went through me as he braced his powerful arms on the table and purred, “Is that a challenge, Feyre?” I held that predator’s gaze—the gaze of the most powerful male in Prythian. “Is it?”

Note - Chapter 38 > Page 367 · Location 5319

There Feyre is again, getting drunk on power. I can't even with this exchange. It's so sad.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 38 > Page 371 · Location 5373

“It was a dream,” I said. His hand was so cold. “It was a dream.” Again, the dark paused. I sent my own veils of night brushing up against it, running star-flecked hands down it. And for a heartbeat, the inky blackness cleared enough that I saw his face above me: drawn, lips pale, violet eyes wide—scanning. “Feyre,” I said. “I’m Feyre.” His breathing was jagged, uneven. I gripped the wrist that held my throat—held, but didn’t hurt. “You were dreaming.” I willed that darkness inside myself to echo it, to sing those raging fears to sleep, to brush up against that ebony wall within his mind, gentle and soft … Then, like snow shaken from a tree, his darkness fell away, taking mine with it.

Note - Chapter 38 > Page 371 · Location 5379

I went back to the beginning of the book to confirm that Feyre does attempt to comfort Tamlin when he has similar nightmares, and she definitely did. The difference is that Tamlin shakes her off, and often winds up shifting to his beast form and prowling the bedroom for intruders. Rhys welcomes her attempts to calm him down. There are a few important things that I think need to be noted: First - That Tamlin and Rhys experienced similar trauma and are having similar nightmares as a result, but they are not dealing with those nightmares in a similar way. Second - Tamlin, as far as we are told, never reacted to Feyre's attempts to wake him up by physically grabbing her. I know SJM makes it very explicit that he's holding her down, but not hurting her (he's good remember?) but you'd think that the way Feyre recalls his outbursts and violent temper that he would have grabbed Feyre or freaked out that way, but he didn't. Last, I think Feyre's ability to calm Rhys down here has everything to do with their mating bond (still not recognized by her); Rhys is able to calm down because he recognizes Feyre on some sort of subconcious level. Tamlin might not have, or maybe he simply didn't want to be touched at that point, as is his right.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 38 > Page 372 · Location 5399

I pushed up onto my knees and kissed his cheek, his skin warm and soft beneath my mouth. It was over before it started, but—but how many nights had I wanted someone to do the same for me?

Note - Chapter 38 > Page 372 · Location 5401

I feel like this is a pointed dig directly at Tamlin, at how he never comforted her and how basically he's a big meanie and Rhys is perfect. I do think it's important to say that we do never see Tamlin comforting Feyre after a nightmare, and I think particularly of the time where she wakes up from one, sees him sleeping and wonders if he hears her and is just ignoring her; he twitches, and I always wondered if that's her thinking that he's awake and just ignoring her or that he's having his own dreams. I choose to see it as him having his own dreams, and the fact that he is otherwise affectionate with her physically, I have a hard time believing that he would not comfort her if he saw her in pain and realized it. There's every chance that Tamlin was mired too deeply in his own paranoia to even comprehend what was going on, which makes him not so much cruel as it does just in need of help.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 39 > Page 378 · Location 5481

Knowing who my power had come from, Rhys said, was as important as learning the nature of the power itself. We never spoke of shape-shifting—of the talons I could sometimes summon. The threads that went along with us looking at that gift were too tangled, the unspoken history too violent and bloody.

Note - Chapter 39 > Page 378 · Location 5483

I think the continued, concerted effort to just ignore Tam and everything that went on with him is crazy, but not surprising because they ignored their issues when they were together, which was like 99% of their problem.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 39 > Page 378 · Location 5486

On the days when Rhys was called elsewhere, to deal with the inner workings of his own court, to remind them who ruled them or mete out judgment, to prepare for our inevitable visit to Hybern, I would read, or sit with Amren while she worked on the Book, or stroll through Velaris with Mor. The latter was perhaps my favorite, and the female certainly excelled at finding ways to spend money. I’d peeked only once at the account Rhys had set up for me—just once, and realized he was grossly, grossly overpaying me.

Note - Chapter 39 > Page 378 · Location 5490

I just wanted to note the differences here, in that Tamlin was often seen off doing High Lord duties as well, but Feyre doesn't mind being left to her own devices here. I'm not sure if that's because she has better company than Ianthe (because anyone would be better company than Ianthe, even Mor) or if it's because she has an actual city to go explore. The Spring Court always seemed to be rather isolated, and there's never any mentions of cities like Velaris or Adriata. So I'm not sure if she's content to do pretty much the same crap she was left to do in the Spring Court because by comparison the Night Court has a lot more to offer? Not sure, just thought the juxtaposition was interesting in that the same thing that's boring in the Spring Court is fine in the Night Court.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 40 > Page 384 · Location 5572

Amber eyes slid to me. To my crown. Then Rhys’s. “An emissary wears a golden crown. Is that a tradition in Prythian?” “No,” Rhysand said smoothly, “but she certainly looks good enough in one that I can’t resist.”

Note - Chapter 40 > Page 384 · Location 5574

Ugh. He's insufferable. And totally presumptuous not only that he puts Feyre in a crown but that she thinks literally nothing of it. I mean, hun, you've been Fae for like three months and in the Night Court for a few weeks and already you're dressing like you're they're ruler? Someone's getting ahead of themselves. I do have to admire the queen here for calling Rhys out on his bullshit.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 40 > Page 386 · Location 5599

“Oh?” said the eldest, her wrinkles seeming to harden, deepen. “The High Lord of the Night Court asks us to join with him, save lives with him. To fight for peace. And what of the lives you have taken during your long, hideous existence? What of the High Lord who walks with darkness in his wake, and shatters minds as he sees fit?” A crow’s laugh. “We have heard of you, even on the continent, Rhysand. We have heard what the Night Court does, what you do to your enemies. Peace? For a male who melts minds and tortures for sport, I did not think you knew the word.”

Note - Chapter 40 > Page 386 · Location 5604

Rhys's all important facade keeps coming back to bite him in the ass, and Feyre keeps acting like people not wanting to be around the guy that was Amarantha's cronie for fifty years is completely unfounded. Surely he can't be shocked here.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 40 > Page 387 · Location 5616

The eldest queen swapped a glance with the golden one before saying gently, placatingly, “You are young, child. You have much to learn about the ways of the world—” “Do not,” Rhys said with deadly quiet, “condescend to her.” The eldest queen—who was but a child to him, to his centuries of existence—had the good sense to look nervous at that tone. Rhys’s eyes were glazed, his face as unforgiving as his voice as he went on, “Do not insult Feyre for speaking with her heart, with compassion for those who cannot defend themselves, when you speak from only selfishness and cowardice.”

Note - Chapter 40 > Page 387 · Location 5621

Um, except it's true? She doesn't know much of the world, she doesn't know how things work. I want to scream every time Rhys inflates Feyre's ego like this. I don't care what they tell you on Sesame Street or whatever. You cannot do anything if you just put your mind to it.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 40 > Page 387 · Location 5621

“Many atrocities,” Rhys purred, “have been done in the name of the greater good.”

Note - Chapter 40 > Page 387 · Location 5622

Yes, Rhysand, and you are responsible for so many of them /eyeroll

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 41 > Page 392 · Location 5698

“The gist of it, girl,” she said to me, “is that Miryam was given as a wedding gift by the queen to her betrothed, a foreign Fae prince named Drakon. He was horrified, and let Miryam escape. Fearing the queen’s wrath, she fled through the desert, across the sea, into more desert … and was found by Jurian. She fell in with his rebel armies, became his lover, and was a healer amongst the warriors. Until a devastating battle found her tending to Jurian’s new Fae allies—including Prince Drakon. Turns out, Miryam had opened his eyes to the monster he planned to wed. He’d broken the engagement, allied his armies with the humans, and had been looking for the beautiful slave-girl for three years. Jurian had no idea that his new ally coveted his lover. He was too focused on winning the War, on destroying Amarantha in the North. As his obsession took over, he was blind to witnessing Miryam and Drakon falling in love behind his back.” “It wasn’t behind his back,” Mor snapped. “Miryam ended it with Jurian before she ever laid a finger on Drakon.”

Note - Chapter 41 > Page 393 · Location 5706

How much is this supposed to echo Feyre, Rhys, and Tamlin? Because it's obvious in this story that Tam is Jurian, Feyre Miryam, and Rhys Drakon.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 41 > Page 395 · Location 5742

And Rhys … He had enough going on. And he hadn’t objected when I stated I was going for a walk. He hadn’t even warned me to be careful. If it was trust, or absolute faith in the safety of his city, or just that he knew how badly I’d react if he tried to tell me not to go or warn me, I didn’t know.

Note - Chapter 41 > Page 395 · Location 5745

And another subtle dig at Tamlin. I'd say it's more the absolute safety of his city than anything. Who knows how Tamlin would have behaved if he had an option like Velaris at his disposal? He was off fighting threats every single day though. I know we're supposed to read this as Rhys trusts Feyre and is good and better than Tamlin, who obviously didn't trust Feyre and that is bad. But you need to remember that he did see Feyre get murdered, which was like his worst nightmare come true. Plus, his issue with letting Feyre go out had nothing to do with trust and everything to do with fear of her getting hurt or killed again. They're two different things. You can hardly blame Tamlin for not having an option for Feyre comparable to Velaris at his disposal. It's good that Rhys lets her go without saying anything, but they do also have the benefit of a mental bond to communicate trouble, so they're different situations, again with different people reacting....differently. Tamlin should have been better about allowing Feyre to learn to defend herself or to go out on excursions, but again I just can't help but think that if Feyre had sat down and explained to Tamlin sooner what it was doing to her he might have tried harder. He did try when she did ask, but he obviously wasn't fully grasping the effect his overprotectiveness was having on her until it was too late. I know, Rhys would have immediately because he's a feminist and trusts all women implicitly no matter what, buttttt, Tamlin is obviously not that guy, and guys like that need to be talked to. You can only fault them for continue to do the wrong thing after you let them know they're doing the wrong thing (when it's not something obviously wrong like murder).

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 399 · Location 5782

I was not frightened. Not of the role that Rhys had asked me to play today.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 399 · Location 5783

Gonna be honest but I find this shocking because she was really fucking scared the first time he did it to her UTM....but I guess in this case warning and consent goes a long way?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 401 · Location 5811

“During sex, an Illyrian male can find completion just by having someone touch his wings in the right spot.”

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 401 · Location 5812

This whole conversation is so cringe and so try hard. Obviously Feyre didn't inherit any flirting powers from any of the High Lords.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 402 · Location 5828

Azriel and Cassian were there in an instant, their colored shields shrinking back into their Siphons. The three of them forces of nature in the pine forest, Rhysand didn’t even look at me as he ordered Cassian, “Take her to the palace, and stay there until I’m back. Az, you’re with me.” Cassian reached for me, but I stepped away. “No.” “What?” Rhys snarled, the word near-guttural. “Take me with you,” I said. I didn’t want to go to that moonstone palace to pace and wait and wring my fingers.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 402 · Location 5832

Interesting that Rhys's first instinct here is to send her away. Like immediately, and then gets pissy when she questions it. Obviously the difference is (and the parallels are so obviously highlighted here that it's like being in the face with a brick) that he actually listens to her, but my point is that initial instinct leads both Tamlin and Rhys to react in the same way. Rhys is obviously more willing to hear Feyre out (again, could SJM have been any more fucking obvious about it?) whereas Tam doesn't. It's just speculation but it makes me wonder if Tam would have changed if he'd been given a chance. Obviously RhYs Is BeTtEr for listening to her off the bat, but expecting two different people to react in exactly the same way is dumb, especially when they're supposed to be bad/good parallels of each other. Point being, that if they're s

Bookmark - Chapter 42 > Page 405 · Location 5872

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 405 · Location 5873

A queen—a queen who bowed to no one, a queen who had faced them all down and triumphed. A queen who owned her body, her life, her destiny, and never apologized for it.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 405 · Location 5875

I wonder how many aspiring girlbosses highlighted this. Bonus points if you get it tattooed on you.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 406 · Location 5890

He was clothed in black, a silver circlet atop his head. His brown eyes were like old soil as he said to her, “Where is he?” No greeting, no formality. He ignored me wholly. Mor shrugged. “He arrives when he wishes to.” She continued on. Her father looked at me then. And I willed my face into a mask like hers. Disinterested. Aloof. Her father surveyed my face, my body—and where I thought he’d sneer and ogle … there was nothing. No emotion. Just heartless cold.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 406 · Location 5894

And why should he pay attention to you? You're literally nobody to him. I know Kier is like the biggest asshole alive, but it's astounding to me that Feyre is arrogant enough already at this point that she expects people to notice and acknowledge her wherever she goes (when she's not whining about people fawning over her, but only in the Spring Court, remember). But I guess this is what happens when you have a guy blowing smoke up your ass every chance you gets and putting crowns on your head whenever.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 408 · Location 5919

Good. They should be afraid of them. Afraid of me.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 408 · Location 5920

Oh my gooooddddd, the arrogance is INSANE.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 409 · Location 5942

Rhys’s hand slid along my bare waist, the other running down my exposed thigh. Cold—his hands were so cold I almost yelped. He must have felt the silent flinch. A heartbeat later, his hands had warmed. His thumb, curving around the inside of my thigh, gave a slow, long stroke as if to say Sorry.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 409 · Location 5944

See he's a feminist. He said he was sorry.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 410 · Location 5946

Rhysand whispered to me, his other hand now stroking the bare skin of my ribs in lazy, indolent circles, “Try not to let it go to your head.” I knew they could all hear it. So did he. I stared at their bowed heads, my heart hammering, but said with midnight smoothness, “What?” Rhys’s breath caressed my ear, the twin to the breath he’d brushed against it merely an hour ago in the skies. “That every male in here is contemplating what they’d be willing to give up in order to get that pretty, red mouth of yours on them.”

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 410 · Location 5950

It's already gone to her head /eyeroll.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 413 · Location 5996

Rhys didn’t dare break from his mask, but the light kiss he pressed beneath my ear told me enough. Apology and gratitude—and more apologies. He didn’t like this any more than I did. And yet to get what we needed, to buy Azriel time … He’d do it. And so would I.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 413 · Location 5998

Yeah, he doesn't like anything he does, but he somehow powers through it. Makes me wonder if he was this regretful UTM.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 414 · Location 6017

Because the fire would let them all know I wasn’t normal—and no doubt Keir would inform his almost-allies in the Autumn Court. Or one of these other monsters would.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 414 · Location 6018

Wasn't Tamlin wrong for wanting to keep your powers a secret from people like Beron?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 42 > Page 419 · Location 6087

The High Lord whose power had not scared me. Whose wrath did not wreck me.

Note - Chapter 42 > Page 419 · Location 6088

But why? Why is Tamlin trashing his office when he's upset at his fiancee essentially being kidnapped scary but Rhys liquifying bones for no real reason and enjoying it okay?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 420 · Location 6098

But it had been my choice. To play that role, to wear these clothes. To let him touch me.

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 420 · Location 6099

Your choice this time. You were not given a choice UTM, but he was DoInG iT tO pRoTeCt you so it's all good.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 420 · Location 6100

He’d protected me Under the Mountain, but that primal, male rage he’d just shown Keir … A shattered study splattered in paint flashed through my memory.

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6101

Protected you under the mountain by publicly humiliating you and essentially sexually assaulting you? All for the sake of HIM keeping up HIS precious facade?? And then she has the nerve to compare Rhys liquifiying bones for funsies to Tamlin wrecking his study, which literally hurt nobody but a bunch of office furniture? I know such displays of temper are not a good sign but at the very very least Rhys and Tam are on even footing here.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6101

Rhys rasped, “I will never—never lock you up, force you to stay behind. But when he threatened you tonight, when he called you … ” Whore. That’s what they’d called him. For fifty years, they’d hissed it. I’d listened to Lucien spit the words in his face. Rhys released a jagged breath. “It’s hard to shut down my instincts.” Instincts. Just like … like someone else had instincts to protect, to hide me away. “Then you should have prepared yourself better,” I snapped. “You seemed to be going along just fine with it, until Keir said—” “I will kill anyone who harms you,” Rhys snarled. “I will kill them, and take a damn long time doing it.” He panted. “Go ahead. Hate me—despise me for it.”

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6108

First, going completely unhinged like that at someone calling her a whore sounds a bit like something someone else would have done and been villified for, no? Second, it's hard to shut down his instincts? I'm honestly shocked Feyre called him on this even after acknowledging the parrallels to Tam. Second, he's threatening to kill anyone that harms her, something Tamlin surely would have done even if he never stated outright that he would, and now it's just a part of him "defending his true court"? So Tamlin is a physically violent rageaholic and Rhys is being noble and defending his court???

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6112

“I will never be him, act like him. He locked you up and let you wither, and die.” “He tried—” “Stop comparing. Stop comparing me to him.”

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6114

Um, you were literally comparing yourself to him? You do it like constantly.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 421 · Location 6115

“You think I don’t know how stories get written—how this story will be written?” Rhys put his hands on his chest, his face more open, more anguished than I’d seen it. “I am the dark lord, who stole away the bride of spring. I am a demon, and a nightmare, and I will meet a bad end. He is the golden prince—the hero who will get to keep you as his reward for not dying of stupidity and arrogance.”

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 422 · Location 6118

Wait, let me turn on Spotify and play "Cry Me a River."

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 423 · Location 6141

I knew he and Tamlin were different. Knew that Rhysand’s protective anger tonight had been justified, that I would have had a similar reaction. I’d been bloodthirsty at the barest details of Mor’s suffering, had wanted to punish them for it.

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 423 · Location 6143

Okay....I don't even know where to start with this one. How are Rhys and Tamlin different here? When were any of Tamlin's outbursts not a direct reaction to something being done to Feyre? That first one, after Rhys takes her at the wedding - How should Tam feel if someone that has the reputation Rhys cultivated for himself and an already tenuous murdery relationship with takes the woman he loves? The others are the same. She admits to being bloodthirsty over what happened to Mor, but Tamlin can't be bloodthirsty when he thinks something similar is happening to Feyre? Let's say Rhys's reaction to Keir was justified, but how is Tamlin's reaction to anything (excluding locking her up) NOT? Where is the distinction? This is just another example of SJM making statements and not backing it up.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 43 > Page 424 · Location 6157

The person who had sent music into that cell; who had picked up that knife in Amarantha’s throne room to fight for me when no one else dared, and who had kept fighting for me every day since, refusing to let me crumble and disappear into nothing.

Note - Chapter 43 > Page 424 · Location 6159

Er, what? He also manipulated you into a bargain, plus drugged you without your consent, paraded you around naked in public, and made you give him lapdances in front of the guy you supposedly loved at that point. But he SeNt YoU mUsIc.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 44 > Page 439 · Location 6378

“I’m wishing I could take back that kiss Under the Mountain.” I sometimes forgot that kiss, when he’d done it to keep Amarantha from knowing that Tamlin and I had been in the forgotten hall, tangled up together. Rhysand’s kiss had been brutal, demanding, and yet … “Why?” His gaze settled on the hand I’d painted instead, as if it were easier to face. “Because I didn’t make it pleasant for you, and I was jealous and pissed off, and I knew you hated me.”

Note - Chapter 44 > Page 439 · Location 6381

Take back the kiss but not anything else? At least he admits he's jealous and pissed off. Progress.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 442 · Location 6412

Traitor. Even if I’d left Tamlin, I was a traitor. I’d been gone for two months—just two. In faerie terms, it was probably considered less than a day. Tamlin had given me so much, done so many kind things for me and my family. And here I was, wanting another male, even as I hated Tamlin for what he’d done, how he’d failed me. Traitor.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 442 · Location 6415

I'm going to say that Feyre is not a traitor or in the wrong for the reasons she thinks she is. It's 100% okay to fall out of love with someone and in love with someone else, and to decide you want to leave them (for any reason, or no reason at all). I'll even go so far as to say that you don't even owe them an explanation for it, because I like to think that nobody owes anyone but themselves anything. Her problem is holding Tamlin and Rhys to different standards for the SAME behavior. That's IT. That's her (main) issue.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 443 · Location 6432

They each wore Siphons of varying colors on the backs of their hands, the stones smaller than Azriel and Cassian’s. And only one. Not like the seven apiece that my two friends wore to manage their tremendous power.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 443 · Location 6433

Just in case you forgot that Cassian and Azriel are VERY VERY VERY POWERFUL, just like Rhys, who is also VERY VERY VERY POWERFUL, more powerful than ANYONE, EVER, IN HISTORY. ......don't forget now....powerful.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 444 · Location 6440

First, the girls, as you were clearly told by Cassian, are to train before chores, not after. Get them out on the pitch. Now.” I shuddered at the pure command in that tone.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 444 · Location 6441

Feminist Rhys is a Feminist!

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 444 · Location 6450

I almost laughed. But the warriors were now assessing the threat Rhys had established me as—and coming up short with answers. I gave them all a small smile, anyway, one I’d seen Amren make a hundred times. Let them wonder what I could do if provoked.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 444 · Location 6452

I'm laughing too, but not for the same reason you are!

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 445 · Location 6463

But all I heard were those two words he’d said, echoing against the steady beat of traitor, traitor: She’s mine.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 445 · Location 6465

So possessiveness and threats are hawt when Rhys does it and wrong if Tamlin does? O-kay.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 446 · Location 6474

“Some camps issued decrees that if a female was caught training, she was to be deemed unmarriageable. I can’t fight against things like that, not without slaughtering the leaders of each camp and personally raising each and every one of their offspring.”

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 446 · Location 6476

So why don't you, if the fucking alternative is girls having their wings clipped and being treated as little better than slaves?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 446 · Location 6481

“I did just now. But most camp-lords never would have given the three of us a shot at the Blood Rite. Devlon let a half-breed and two bastards take it—and did not deny us our victory.”

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 446 · Location 6482

Butttt he can continue other abhorent behaviors?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 448 · Location 6502

Rhys smiled a bit, but the amusement died as he said, “Tamlin was younger than me—born when the War started. But after the War, when he’d matured, we got to know each other at various court functions. He … ” Rhys clenched his jaw. “He seemed decent for a High Lord’s son. Better than Beron’s brood at the Autumn Court. Tamlin’s brothers were equally as bad, though. Worse. And they knew Tamlin would take the title one day. And to a half-breed Illyrian who’d had to prove himself, defend his power, I saw what Tamlin went through … I befriended him. Sought him out whenever I was able to get away from the war-camps or court. Maybe it was pity, but … I taught him some Illyrian techniques.” “Did anyone know?” He raised his brows—giving a pointed look to my hand. I scowled at him and summoned songbirds of water, letting them flap around the clearing as they’d flown around my bathing room at the Summer Court. “Cassian and Azriel knew,” Rhys went on. “My family knew. And disapproved.” His eyes were chips of ice. “But Tamlin’s father was threatened by it. By me. And because he was weaker than both me and Tamlin, he wanted to prove to the world that he wasn’t. My mother and sister were to travel to the Illyrian war-camp to see me. I was supposed to meet them halfway, but I was busy training a new unit and decided to stay.” My stomach turned over and over and over, and I wished I had something to lean against as Rhys said, “Tamlin’s father, brothers, and Tamlin himself set out into the Illyrian wilderness, having heard from Tamlin—from me—where my mother and sister would be, that I had plans to see them. I was supposed to be there. I wasn’t. And they slaughtered my mother and sister anyway.” I began shaking my head, eyes burning. I didn’t know what I was trying to deny, or erase, or condemn. “It should have been me,” he said, and I understood—understood what he’d said that day I’d wept before Cassian in the training pit. “They put their heads in boxes and sent them down the river—to the nearest camp. Tamlin’s father kept their wings as trophies. I’m surprised you didn’t see them pinned in the study.”

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 449 · Location 6519

So did Tamlin tell his family about Rhys's mom and sister with intention, or did he thoughtlessly relay information that Rhys gave Tamlin in conversation? I might say the former, but the fact that Rhys emphasizes "from me" leads me to believe that it was unintentional on Tamlin's part. And him accompanying his father and brothers as a way to curry favor with them makes no sense at all since he's already established that he hated them and wanted to be nothing like them, and Rhys said the same.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 449 · Location 6525

Rhys merely continued, “When I heard, when my father heard … I wasn’t wholly truthful to you when I told you Under the Mountain that my father killed Tamlin’s father and brothers. I went with him. Helped him. We winnowed to the edge of the Spring Court that night, then went the rest of the way on foot—to the manor. I slew Tamlin’s brothers on sight. I held their minds, and rendered them helpless while I cut them into pieces, then melted their brains inside their skulls. And when I got to the High Lord’s bedroom—he was dead. And my father … my father had killed Tamlin’s mother as well.” I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “My father had promised not to touch her. That we weren’t the kind of males who would do that. But he lied to me, and he did it, anyway. And then he went for Tamlin’s room.” I couldn’t breathe—couldn’t breathe as Rhys said, “I tried to stop him. He didn’t listen. He was going to kill him, too. And I couldn’t … After all the death, I was done. I didn’t care that Tamlin had been there, had allowed them to kill my mother and sister, that he’d come to kill me because he didn’t want to risk standing against them. I was done with death. So I stopped my father before the door. He tried to go through me. Tamlin opened the door, saw us—smelled the blood already leaking into the hallway. And I didn’t even get to say a word before Tamlin killed my father in one blow.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 450 · Location 6536

He didn't care that Tamlin had been there for his family's death.....the same way Rhys went along to kill Tamlin's family? OoOoOh, but Rhys tried to stop them from killing his mother? Maybe Tamlin tried to do the same? I can't imagine he was okay with the idea, if he was so horrified by the wings hanging in the study that he got rid of them.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 450 · Location 6536

“I felt the power shift to me, even as I saw it shift to him. And we just looked at each other, as we were both suddenly crowned High Lord—and then I ran.” He’d murdered Rhysand’s family. The High Lord I’d loved—he’d murdered his friend’s family, and when I’d asked how his family died, he’d merely told me a rival court had done it. Rhysand had done it, and—“He didn’t tell you any of that.” “I—I’m sorry,” I breathed, my voice hoarse. “What do you possibly have to be sorry for?” “I didn’t know. I didn’t know that he’d done that—” And Rhys thought I’d been comparing him—comparing him against Tamlin, as if I held him to be some paragon … “Why did you stop?” he said, motioning to the ice shards on the pine-needle carpet. The people he’d loved most—gone. Slaughtered in cold blood. Slaughtered by Tamlin. The clearing exploded in flame. The pine needles vanished, the trees groaned, and even Rhys swore as fire swept through the clearing, my heart, and devoured everything in its path. No wonder he’d made Tamlin beg that day I’d been formally introduced to him. No wonder he’d relished every chance to taunt Tamlin. Maybe my presence here was just to—No. I knew that wasn’t true. I knew my being here had nothing to do with what was between him and Tamlin, though he no doubt enjoyed interrupting our wedding day. Saved me from that wedding day, actually.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 450 · Location 6549

This is the exact moment I lost any lingering respect I might have had for girlboss Feyre. The fucking hypocrisy here is ASTOUNDING, and the fact that SJM thinks her readership is stupid enough to just swallow this part and parcel is un-fucking-believable. Literally the same behavior. The same EXACT behavior, and Rhys is right and Tamlin wrong. Is it worse because Tamlin's family, with the possible exception of his mother, was awful? Never mind that Rhys has already said his father was shit. What is the difference here?? There is literally no proof that Tamlin supported what his family did, let alone actively participated in the murder (at the very least in a capacity no different than what Rhys did), but she immediately casts Tamlin as in the wrong, and Rhys being justified? And not only justified in murdering an ostensibly innocent woman, but of debasing Tamlin and taunting him repeatedly (something that I feel like it's necessary to remind you that Tamlin, Mr. Temper Tantrum himself, gladly submitted to in order to keep Feyre safe). If I didn't know better, I'd almost say that Feyre is going through these mental gymnastics here in order to justify her desire to fuck Rhys to HERSELF.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 45 > Page 451 · Location 6557

I rasped, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” The sight of him in his Illyrian fighting gear, wings spread across the entire width of the clearing, his blade peeking over his shoulder … There, in that hole in my chest—I saw the image there. At first interpretation, he’d look terrifying, vengeance and wrath incarnate. But if you came closer … the painting would show the beauty on his face, the wings flared not to hurt, but to carry me from danger, to shield me. “I didn’t want you to think I was trying to turn you against him,” he said.

Note - Chapter 45 > Page 451 · Location 6561

Lol. Like Rhys hadn't been trying to actively undermine their relationship, that he admitted he was jealous of, the entire time.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 458 · Location 6636

“Feyre,” he said, holding out a hand. “Let’s go home.” I didn’t move. “That stopped being my home the day you let him lock me up inside of it.” Lucien’s mouth tightened. “It was a mistake. We all made mistakes. He’s sorry—more sorry than you realize. So am I.”

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 458 · Location 6639

Not for nothing, but how is it anybody but Tamlin's fault for Feyre being locked up? I never could understand why she held Lucien responsible for Tamlin's behavior, or why Nesta and Elain were constantly held responsible for Feyre's sufferring (Nesta more than anyone).

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 458 · Location 6646

Behind him, the four sentinels closed in. Herding me. The High Lord’s pet and possession.

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 458 · Location 6648

The language here is very out of place, and I can't help but think that she picked it up from Rhys. If I recall correctly, Rhys is really the only one that has ever used terminology in reference to Feyre that one would associate with being a pet or a possession. To be sure, Tamlin was overprotective to an unhealthy degree, but I never got the sense, even with everything he did, that he ever thought of her as a possession or a pet; I think if that was the case he probably would have locked her up sooner, and it would have been a way more calculated decision than the heat of the moment one it appears to have been.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 459 · Location 6658

The unruffled, fine clothes … Another weapon. To hide just how skilled and powerful he was; to hide where he came from and what he loved.

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 459 · Location 6659

This is just a ridiculous statement. Is everything an act with Rhys? Is anything genuine? How can you tell?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6664

“He’ll never stop looking for you; never stop waiting for you to come home.” The words hit me in the gut—like they were meant to. It must have shown in my face because Lucien pressed, “What did he do to you? Did he take your mind and—” “Enough,” Rhys said, angling his head with that casual grace. “Feyre and I are busy. Go back to your lands before I send your heads as a reminder to my old friend about what happens when Spring Court flunkies set foot in my territory.”

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6668

You can't blame Lucien, or anyone outside the IC, for thinking Rhys would brainwash her, since that's literally the thing he's known for and the only face he presents to the outside world. Also, is he implying here that the head on stake from book 1 was a Spring Court member? I can't imagine it would have been, because it's not like Rhys was in the Night Court to know when someone trespassed there and he couldn't even communicate with anyone in Velaris.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6670

“I’m not a child playing games,” I said through my teeth. That’s how they’d seen me: in need of coddling, explaining, defending …

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6671

I don't think Lucien viewed her as a child, ever, so she's unfairly lumping him in with Tamlin. I wouldn't say they treated her so much as a child in need of coddling, but more like an invalid with brittle bone disease - like anything she did had the potential of snapping her neck again. Really the way she was treated was a very stereotypical, archetypal housewife-type, and it's totally okay to not want that for yourself.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6672

“We are not your enemies, Feyre,” Lucien pleaded. “Things got bad, Ianthe got out of hand, but it doesn’t mean you give up—” “You gave up,” I breathed. I felt even Rhys go still. “You gave up on me,” I said a bit more loudly. “You were my friend. And you picked him—picked obeying him, even when you saw what his orders and his rules did to me. Even when you saw me wasting away day by day.” “You have no idea how volatile those first few months were,” Lucien snapped. “We needed to present a unified, obedient front, and I was supposed to be the example to which all others in our court were held.” “You saw what was happening to me. But you were too afraid of him to truly do anything about it.” It was fear. Lucien had pushed Tamlin, but to a point. He’d always yielded at the end.

Note - Chapter 47 > Page 460 · Location 6680

Again, saying Ianthe got out of hand. I truly feel like she was the one that was essentially pouring poison in Tamlin's ear, but why in god's name did he listen to her? I just don't understand all this crap about a "united front" and "appearing strong." It's really the only explanation we get from Tamlin and team about why they made a sudden 180 in behavior from book one, but it's such a cheap excuse - like SJM just wanted to erase and entire book's worth of character building for Tamlin as a kind, decent, progressive high lord in the space of a sentence. Like she didn't want to bother devoting the space to making it all make sense and just wanted it over with. I think it would have been more believable to have Tamlin just slowly descend into depression, to neglect the duties he never wanted in the first place because he just couldn't deal with it all - which interestingly enough happens later on. I guess it's just a different response to trauma - some people just act like they want to give up and don't care anymore and become completely reckless, and some people go to the other end of the spectrum and try to control as much as they possibly can.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 48 > Page 466 · Location 6749

“I was afraid of you at first.” His white teeth flashed in the shadows of his hood. “No, you weren’t. Nervous, maybe, but never afraid. I’ve felt the genuine terror of enough people to know the difference. Maybe that’s why I couldn’t keep away.”

Note - Chapter 48 > Page 466 · Location 6751

Is he talking about Calanmai here or the encounter in the manor? She might have been nervous at the former, but the latter was straight up fear.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 48 > Page 467 · Location 6759

I’d sent that note to Tamlin … and he’d chosen to ignore it. Just as he’d ignored or rejected nearly all of my requests, acted out of his deluded sense of what he believed was right for my well-being and safety. And Lucien had been prepared to take me against my will. Fae males were territorial, dominant, arrogant—but the ones in the Spring Court … something had festered in their training. Because I knew—deep in my bones—that Cassian might push and test my limits, but the moment I said no, he’d back off. And I knew that if … that if I had been wasting away and Rhys had done nothing to stop it, Cassian or Azriel would have pulled me out. They would have taken me somewhere—wherever I needed to be—and dealt with Rhys later.

Note - Chapter 48 > Page 467 · Location 6764

First, she's correct in saying that he ignored or turned down pretty much all of her requests to get out of the house. However, I can't blame him for not taking the note at face value, and that's solely due to the reputation Rhys had cultivated for himself. But again, she's lumping in all the Spring Court fairies with Tamlin, and it's unfair because she spent enough time there prior to UTM to know that they weren't like that - certainly as much if not more time than she's spent in the Night Court at this point, and yet she knows exactly how they all are? And lol, because Cassian and Az stand down from Rhys plenty of times, and if I remember correctly, Cassian doesn't do much to defend Nesta in ACOSF from the treatment she received at the hands of Rhys and Feyre. Just foode for thought.  Also, why she thought he'd pay attention to a note when they've both spent months pretty much ignoring everything that happened is beyond me.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 48 > Page 467 · Location 6767

I had loved the High Lord who had shown me the comforts and wonders of Prythian; I had loved the High Lord who let me have the time and food and safety to paint. Maybe a small part of me might always care for him, but … Amarantha had broken us both. Or broken me so that who he was and what I now was no longer fit.

Note - Chapter 48 > Page 467 · Location 6769

I think it all really comes down to this, at the end of the day - Feyre is literally a different person after UTM, and it's actually okay if she doesn't want the same stuff after as she did before. I would go so far as to say she doesn't even need to make excuses beyond that, but it would have perhaps been kinder to have just said that? I'm not sure, to be honest. Part of me says that again nobody owes anybody anything, and I know conversations like that are so hard to have, and I almost can't fault her for not wanting to go there and for thinking a note would just be easier. What I do take issue with is the revisionist view she has - suddenly Tamlin has been reduced in Feyre (and the reader's) eye as this control freak with like no redeeming qualities. So if she can notice here that they're just two different people now on two different paths, that's like 100% an acceptable reason for ending a relationship. Why couldn't it just be left at that? I can't imagine that Tamlin is so unreasonable that if she had just sat down (after leaving) and had a straight conversation with him and just said to him what she just said here that he would have continued to pursue her. The leaving without warning, the attitude, coupled with the fact that they never actually talked any of this stuff out could lead someone to believe that she's being influence by outside forces or being controlled, especially with a guy like Rhys in the mix. I do not mean to make it say that it's Feyre's fault or that she "asked for it." I'm more thinking ahead to when she comes back to the Spring Court under those exact circumstances and basically tears the place apart - at that point she's affecting innocent people, and if she'd only thought to express these feelings to Tamlin before (because he's obviously not getting it) he might not have continued to pursue her, might not have felt like he needed to go to Hybern for help getting her back. If he had, she would have been way more justified in ruining the Spring Court than she actually was.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 49 > Page 476 · Location 6906

I said quietly, “Why did you make that bargain with me? Why demand a week from me every month?” His violet eyes shuttered. And I didn’t dare admit what I expected, but it was not, “Because I wanted to make a statement to Amarantha; because I wanted to piss off Tamlin, and I needed to keep you alive in a way that wouldn’t be seen as merciful.”

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 49 > Page 482 · Location 6994

I’d brought down one of Tamlin’s sentinels with a single well-placed ash arrow. I tried not to think about what a barrage of them could do. His roar of pain echoed in my ears.

Note - Chapter 49 > Page 482 · Location 6996

And she never addresses again the fact that these are NOT Tamlin's sentries.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 50 > Page 495 · Location 7184

“I don’t know. I wanted to yesterday. Or whenever you’d noticed that it wasn’t just a bargain between us. I hoped you might realize when I took you to bed, and—”

Note - Chapter 50 > Page 495 · Location 7185

She's left Tamlin at this point. Why he wouldn't tell her, I don't know, but the fact that he's willing to take her to bed but not willing to be honest with her? It's weird.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 50 > Page 495 · Location 7187

“You were in love with him; you were going to marry him. And then you … you were enduring everything and it didn’t feel right to tell you.”

Note - Chapter 50 > Page 495 · Location 7188

That's literally the same excuse Tamlin used for what he did to Feyre (she had endured too much, he didn't want to stress her) so if it's bullshit for him, it should be bullshit for Rhys.

Part Three The House of Mist

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 52 > Page 506 · Location 7287

I’d demanded honesty, and at the first true test, I hadn’t even let him give it to me. I hadn’t granted him the consideration of hearing him out.

Note - Chapter 52 > Page 506 · Location 7288

More mental gymnastics. It's crazy how she'll do backflips trying to explain away why Rhys didn't do things he should have done. There's always an excuse, always an explanation.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 519 · Location 7473

Only Tamlin mistrusted her. I hated him, but he’d known Amarantha personally—and if he didn’t trust her … I knew she hadn’t changed.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 519 · Location 7475

Curious that he trusts Tamlin's opinion on Amarantha enough here where it can be used to justify his own actions but everywhere else he's just a liar.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 520 · Location 7485

Within a few seconds, my power belonged wholly to Amarantha.”

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 520 · Location 7489

I knew it wasn’t about fucking me so much as it was about getting revenge at my father’s ghost. But if that was what she wanted, then that was what she would get. I made her beg, and scream, and used my lingering powers to make it so good for her that she wanted more. Craved more.”

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 520 · Location 7491

So he's not really that good in bed? Lol.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 523 · Location 7529

And I didn’t let myself admit it, because if there was the slightest chance that you were my mate … They would have done such unspeakable things to you, Feyre.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 523 · Location 7530

This harkens back to Tamlin's passivity UTM. According to Rhys and co., he was just hanging out doing nothing, but even Lucien said the whole reason he basically remained silent was because he didn't want Amarantha to use his feelings for Feyre against her.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 523 · Location 7537

“I didn’t know. That you were with Tamlin. That you were staying at the Spring Court. Amarantha sent me that day after the Summer Solstice because I’d been so successful on Calanmai. I was prepared to mock him, maybe pick a fight.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 523 · Location 7539

Why would you think she'd be a mortal at Calanmai ffs if she wasn't staying at the Spring Court? Also, it's funny that Rhys repeatedly admits to being an immature baby re: Tamlin and his jealousy - picking fights, etc. You never once hear of Tamlin doing crap like that.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 524 · Location 7550

I told Amarantha the name of that girl, thinking you’d invented it. I had no idea … I had no idea she’d send her cronies to retrieve Clare. But if I admitted my lie …

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 524 · Location 7551

Why do you think she wanted the damned name if she wasn't going to use it, you idiot? And if it really was a lie, what do you think she was going to do you when she found out?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 524 · Location 7556

“I thought it was done after that. With Clare’s death, Amarantha believed you were dead. So you were safe, and far away, and my people were safe, and Tamlin had lost, so … it was done. We were done.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 525 · Location 7557

Priorities - because Tamlin losing is up there in importancs with his people being safe.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 525 · Location 7565

“So I watched your first trial. Pretending—always pretending to be that person you hated. When you were hurt so badly against the Wyrm … I found my way in with you. A way to defy Amarantha, to spread the seeds of hope to those who knew how to read the message, and a way to keep you alive without seeming too suspicious. And a way to get back at Tamlin … To use him against Amarantha, yes, but … To get back at him for my mother and sister, and for … having you. When we made that bargain, you were so hateful that I knew I’d done my job well.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 525 · Location 7568

How does that tattoo and that bargain have any significance outside of Rhys being selfish and wanting to piss off Tamlin? He could have healed her without the tattoo, he could have healed her without the bargain and only the tattoo. So that tattoo was necessary to communicate your message when you could have just gotten into their minds to tell them what you were doing?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 525 · Location 7570

And that last night, when I found you two in the hall … I was jealous. I was jealous of him, and pissed off that he’d used that one shot of being unnoticed not to get you out, but to be with you, and

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 525 · Location 7571

Just like all of those times you could have tried to get Feyre out? I supposed if we called him out on this, we'd hear some shit about magic preventing him from doing that, so who's to say Tamlin wasn't under similar restrictions? If all powerful Rhys couldn't save her, how could Tamlin?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 528 · Location 7608

“When you finally came here … I decided I wouldn’t tell you. Any of it. I wouldn’t let you out of the bargain, because your hatred was better than facing the two alternatives: that you felt nothing for me, or that you … you might feel something similar, and if I let myself love you, you would be taken from me. The way my family was—the way my friends were. So I didn’t tell you. I watched as you faded away. Until that day … that day he locked you up.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 528 · Location 7611

So he sent her back to a place he already said was killing her rather than tell her he loved her? At least he admits he kept the bargain because he was selfish...progress!

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 54 > Page 528 · Location 7611

But I broke some very, very fundamental rules in taking you away. Amren said if I got you to admit that we were mates, it would keep any trouble from our door, but … I couldn’t force the bond on you.

Note - Chapter 54 > Page 528 · Location 7613

Couldn't force the bond, but could explain it to her. She already knew about the concept of mates and a mating bond.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 55 > Page 535 · Location 7718

“I think I was falling in love with you for a while,” I said, the words barely audible over the trickle of water as I washed his beautiful wings. “But I knew on Starfall. Or came close to knowing and was so scared of it that I didn’t want to look closer. I was a coward.” “You had perfectly good reasons to avoid it.” “No, I didn’t. Maybe—thanks to Tamlin, yes. But it had nothing to do with you, Rhys. Nothing to do with you. I was never afraid of the consequences of being with you. Even if every assassin in the world hunts us … It’s worth it. You are worth it.”

Note - Chapter 55 > Page 535 · Location 7723

I'll actually give Feyre this one. The bad experiences with Tamlin would be enough to put anyone off future relationships.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 55 > Page 536 · Location 7735

His eyes danced with feline amusement. “Cruel, beautiful thing.” I snorted. The idea that he found me beautiful at all—“You are,” he said. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I thought that from the first moment I saw you on Calanmai.” And it was stupid, stupid for beauty to mean anything at all, but … My eyes burned.

Note - Chapter 55 > Page 536 · Location 7739

I remember this really striking a chord with me my first readthrough. I often feel guilty for wanting the same thing from my husband, because beauty shouldn't mean anything, but I think it's ingrained in our psychology at this point (if not our biology) to mean something. That said, one of the things I've liked least about Feyre is that she seems to measure her own self worth based on the men (males) she's around - I half think all the obsessive mentions of Rhys's power and Rhys's beauty, and Rhys's everything are half to give herself a pat on the back for snagging a guy like him. After the Suriel spills the mate beans, she practically preens at the idea of them being equals.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 55 > Page 541 · Location 7806

“What’s normal?” I said. I could barely look at him without wanting to combust. “The … frenzy,” he said carefully, as if fearful the wrong word might send us both hurtling for each other before we could get sustenance into our bodies. “When a couple accepts the mating bond, it’s … overwhelming. Again, harkening back to the beasts we once were. Probably something about ensuring the female was impregnated.” My heart paused at that. “Some couples don’t leave the house for a week. Males get so volatile that it can be dangerous for them to be in public, anyway. I’ve seen males of reason and education shatter a room because another male looked too long in their mate’s direction, too soon after they’d been mated.”

Note - Chapter 55 > Page 541 · Location 7812

So some level of bestial behavior is expected in Fae males. And I know the excuse is that it's because of the mating bond, and it's an instinctual response, yada yada, but I'm curious how much a biological and instinctual need to protect factors into relationships that are not subject to a mating bond. I'm thinking in terms of Tamlin's need to control Feyre after UTM, of course, and while I'm not excusing the behavior, I can't help but think that his love for her and unwillingness to lose her again has driven that need. I'm also wondering why animalist behavior is excusable in a situation like the Frenzy and not in a non-mated love relationship. Fae are animalistic on a certain level, but they're also sentient and possessing of reason, so they should have the ability to tamp that down where it's inappropriate.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 57 > Page 550 · Location 7928

“Truth is deadly. Truth is freedom. Truth can break and mend and bind. The Veritas holds in it the truth of the world. I am the Morrigan,” she said, her eyes not wholly of this earth. The hair on my arms rose. “You know I speak truth.”

Note - Chapter 57 > Page 550 · Location 7930

This is so fuckin' dramatic. Lol. The actual Morrigan of folklore would rip this Morrigan into itty bitty pieces.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 63 > Page 589 · Location 8485

Wrath twisted his tan face. Jurian—hero of the human legions … who along the way had turned himself into a monster as awful as those he’d fought.

Note - Chapter 63 > Page 589 · Location 8486

Thinking about parralels with Tamlin here - they are both in a similar sort of situation, both have done horrible things in the name of love. Thinking ahead to how Jurian is eventually forgiven, at least enough to work with him, and Tamlin is continuously subject to doubts as to his loyalty or to his status as a spy against Hybern. The biggest difference between the two is that Tamlin directly harmed Feyre and Jurian didn't. So ultimately I think the IC's unwillingness to accept his apologies or whatever has to do with pettiness more than anything else.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 64 > Page 595 · Location 8560

My voice cracked as I said to Tamlin, still at the opposite end of the crude half circle we’d formed before the dais, “Don’t. Don’t let him. I told you—I told you that I was fine. That I left—” “You weren’t well,” Tamlin snarled. “He used that bond to manipulate you. Why do you think I was gone so often? I was looking for a way to get you free. And you left.” “I left because I was going to die in that house!”

Note - Chapter 64 > Page 595 · Location 8564

Ironic because Rhys very much did use that bond to manipulate Feyre, just maybe not in the way Tamlin believes. Tamlin, or anyone outside of the IC, cannot be faulted for assuming that Rhys would and could brainwash someone with his power - again, as he has cultivated that image for centuries.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 64 > Page 596 · Location 8583

But just as Tamlin neared his Emissary, he staggered a step. His face went white with rage. And I knew Tamlin understood a moment before the king laughed. “I don’t believe it. Your bride left you only to find her mate. The Mother has a warped sense of humor, it seems. And what a talent—tell me, girl: how did you unravel that spell?” I ignored him. But the hatred in Tamlin’s eyes made my knees buckle. “I’m sorry,” I said, and meant it. Tamlin’s eyes were on Rhysand, his face near-feral. “You,” he snarled, the sound more animal than Fae. “What did you do to her?”

Note - Chapter 64 > Page 597 · Location 8588

I totally forgot that Tamlin does find out about the mating bond. Here's the weird thing though - Tamlin's not a kid, he's been around the block, he knows how mating bonds work. Does he genuinely believe that Rhys could manipulate or manufacture something that like? At this point I don't think it's beyond reason, since his brain is likely so addled with love for Feyre and other crap that he'll hang on to any possibility that would mean getting Feyre back. If he was thinking logically, he should know (especially seeing his own parent) that that's not how mating bonds work.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 64 > Page 597 · Location 8601

Molten rage poured into me. I hissed at Tamlin, “If you bring me from here, if you take me from my mate, I will destroy you. I will destroy your court, and everything you hold dear.”

Note - Chapter 64 > Page 598 · Location 8602

A harbinger of things to come. And I think Feyre is within her rights to destroy Tamlin, but she has no right to take it out on his court, and the innocent people within.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 64 > Page 598 · Location 8602

Tamlin’s lips thinned. But he said simply, “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Lucien cringed.

Note - Chapter 64 > Page 598 · Location 8604

And another harbinger - Is Tamlin referring to the fact that he's not really loyal to Hybern?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 65 > Page 603 · Location 8683

Tamlin spat at the king, “This is not part of our deal. Stop this now.” “I don’t care,” the king said simply. Tamlin launched himself at the throne, as if he’d rip him to shreds. That white-hot magic slammed into him, shoving him to the ground. Leashing him. Tamlin strained against the collar of light on his neck, around his wrists. His golden power flared—to no avail. I tore at the fist still gripping my own, sliced at it, over and over—

Note - Chapter 65 > Page 604 · Location 8688

I know people love to blame Tamlin for Elain and Nesta going into the cauldron, but to be fair he is not directly responsible for it since he didn't plan/consider for something like this to happen. And he cares enough about it to throw himself at the King of Hybern, his alleged ally.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 65 > Page 606 · Location 8724

The torture that Rhys had worked so hard those fifty years to avoid; the nightmares that haunted him. To be unable to move, to fight … while our loved ones were broken.

Note - Chapter 65 > Page 606 · Location 8725

You mean sort of like Tamlin experienced UTM while he was watching Amarantha torture you? Hmmmm.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 65 > Page 608 · Location 8754

But Elain was staring over Nesta’s shoulder. At Lucien—whose face she had finally taken in. Dark brown eyes met one eye of russet and one of metal. Nesta was still weeping, still raging, still inspecting Elain—Lucien’s hands slackened at his sides. His voice broke as he whispered to Elain, “You’re my mate.”

Note - Chapter 65 > Page 608 · Location 8757

Has Elain noticed the bond too? Or is she just staring at Lucien, staring at her?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 66 > Page 613 · Location 8823

I looked to Tamlin. “No more.” Those green eyes met mine—and the sorrow and tenderness in them was the most hideous thing I’d ever seen. “Take me home.” Tamlin said flatly to the king, “Let them go, break her bond, and let’s be done with it. Her sisters come with us. You’ve already crossed too many lines.”

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 66 > Page 613 · Location 8826

Tamlin snarled at him, “I don’t give a shit if she’s your mate. I don’t give a shit if you think you’re entitled to her. She is mine—and one day, I am going to repay every bit of pain she felt, every bit of suffering and despair. One day, perhaps when she decides she wants to end you, I’ll be happy to oblige her.”

Note - Chapter 66 > Page 613 · Location 8829

So does he believe they're mated or not?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 67 > Page 615 · Location 8840

Tamlin yanked off the glove on my left hand. Pure, bare skin greeted him. No tattoo. I was sobbing and sobbing, and his arms came around me. Every inch of them felt wrong. I nearly gagged on his scent.

Note - Chapter 67 > Page 615 · Location 8842

I'm a little confused here - Tamlin wanted the mating bond broken or the bargain bond? Surely he knows that they're not one and the same. Also, since he smelled/recognized the mating bond before, since it's still present, shouldn't he know right away that Hybern destroyed the bargain bond and not the mating bond? It's so fucking muddled.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 67 > Page 616 · Location 8855

Lucien was shaking his head, panting, and whirled to us. “Get her back,” he snarled at Tamlin over the ranting of the king. A mate—a mate already going wild to defend what was his.

Note - Chapter 67 > Page 616 · Location 8857

I still don't understand how the benefit of a mating bond makes psycho behavior any more acceptable and/or excusable vs. someone doing it because they're choosing love. It's like the biological nature of the bond negates free will, so how can anyone say if Feyre is truly in love with Rhys or if it is just the bond? We've seen many examples (Rhys's own parents!) of couples that are mated but not necessarily in love with each other. I just think the mating bond is supposed to be something romantic when really all it does is seem to remove choice - are you really loving someone or is it just fucking hormones?

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 67 > Page 617 · Location 8865

Tamlin’s hands tightened on my shoulders. Lucien spun toward me, and that metal eye whirred and narrowed. Centuries of cultivated reason clicked into place. I was not panicking at my sisters being taken. I said quietly, “We will get her back.” But Lucien was watching me warily. Too warily.

Note - Chapter 67 > Page 617 · Location 8867

So Lucien obviously knows she's scheming, and yet he allows everything that is going to take place to happen, just for the sake of seeing Elain again? I know there's this near-uncontrollable biological urge at play here, but otherwise that's really out of character for Lucien.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 68 > Page 620 · Location 8908

But I managed to say to my cousin, “Weren’t you listening to what Feyre said to him? She promised to destroy him—from within.” Mor’s face paled, her magic flaring on Azriel’s chest. “She’s going into that house to take him down. To take them all down.” I nodded. “She is now a spy—with a direct line to me. What the King of Hybern does, where he goes, what his plans are, she will know. And report back.”

Note - Chapter 68 > Page 620 · Location 8912

So if Feyre can be a spy, going directly inside to take them down, why is it so hard to believe that Tamlin could do the same thing? I know they don't exactly trust him, just saying that it's not out of the realm of possibility here.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 622 · Location 8934

Still lovely. But there were the front doors he’d sealed me behind. There was the window I’d banged on, trying to get out. A pretty, rose-covered prison.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 622 · Location 8936

But I smiled, head throbbing, and said through my tears, “I thought I’d never see it again.” Tamlin was just staring at me, as if not quite believing it. “I thought you would never, either.” And you sold us out—sold out every innocent in this land for that. All so you could have me back.

Note - Chapter 69 > Page 622 · Location 8938

How dare she even mention him selling out innocents when she seems to have no regard for them when she destroys the court.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 623 · Location 8954

But I looked up at Tamlin, and brushed my hand over his mouth. My bare, empty skin. “You’re real,” I said. “You freed me.” It was an effort not to turn my hands into claws and rip out his eyes. Traitor—liar. Murderer.

Note - Chapter 69 > Page 623 · Location 8956

Um, who did he murder?  As far as I can remember Rhys is the murderer here.  Of innocents too!  But he took their pain away so it's all good.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 623 · Location 8956

“You freed yourself,” Tamlin breathed. He gestured to the house. “Rest—and then we’ll talk. I … need to find Ianthe. And make some things very, very clear.”

Note - Chapter 69 > Page 624 · Location 8957

Not sure if this is an indication that Tamlin didn't know that Ianthe was in league with Hybern or not. It's definitely possible that they could have been working independently of each other, and if Tamlin turned spy that he wouldn't tell anyone else about it for fear of ruining everything.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 624 · Location 8961

Tamlin scanned my face, and finally nodded. “We’ll start over. Do things differently. When you were gone, I realized … I’d been wrong. So wrong, Feyre. And I’m sorry.” Too late. Too damned late. But I rested my head on his arm as he slipped it around me and led me toward the house. “It doesn’t matter. I’m home now.”

Note - Chapter 69 > Page 624 · Location 8964

I do think Tamlin's apology is genuine, I do think he finally got the message with Feyre leaving like she did.

Highlight(yellow) - Chapter 69 > Page 624 · Location 8966

As if he knew of the second tattoo beneath my glove, and the glamour I now kept on it. As if he knew that they had let a fox into a chicken coop—and he could do nothing. Not unless he never wanted to see his mate—Elain—again. I gave Lucien a sweet, sleepy smile. So our game began.

Note - Chapter 69 > Page 624 · Location 8969

Feyre is using her sister as a bargaining chip here, and manipulating Lucien, the only one who ever stood up for her in the Spring Court, via that bond. Rhys taught her well.