S5 : Ep 15 - ACOTAR: Revisited - Part 3

Summary

Flights of Fantasy Podcast Episode: S5 : Ep 15 - ACOTAR: Revisited - Part 3
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Hosts: Christina, Kim, and Anna

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Introduction

In Episode 15 of Season 5, titled "ACOTAR: Revisited - Part 3," the Flights of Fantasy book club dives deep into Sarah J. Maas's beloved A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. Hosting insightful discussions, Christina, Kim, and Anna explore nuanced character dynamics, pivotal plot developments, and underlying themes that resonate throughout the series. This episode promises a rich analysis for both new listeners and longtime fans, complete with notable quotes and timestamped insights.

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Spoiler Warning and Context

Anna begins the episode by issuing a spoiler warning: "Spoilers from here on out for the entire ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas." This alert ensures that listeners who may not have completed the series can choose to proceed with caution. The hosts mention that each ACOTAR book will be dissected over multiple episodes, allowing for an in-depth exploration of the intricate narrative and character arcs.

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The Calamari Party and Tamlin's Rite

Kim introduces the concept of the "Calamari Party," a term they coined to describe Tamlin's annual ritual where he must engage in a sacred rite to release magic that ensures the prosperity of his land. This ritual involves Tamlin having sex with a chosen maiden in a sacred cave, a practice that intertwines sensuality with the land's magic.

Kim (03:12): "Upon reread and writing this in the outline, it's just... It's really quite hilarious."

Lucien (03:34): "He fucks magic into the land. That's what he does."

This discussion highlights the duality of Tamlin's character—on one hand, he performs a necessary ritual for his court's survival, but on the other, his actions reveal a controlling and possessive nature. Lucien humorously references their past discussions where they oversimplified Tamlin's actions, bringing a light-hearted tone to what is essentially a complex and morally ambiguous practice.

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Rhysand’s Introduction and Role as Savior

The hosts delve into Rhysand's significant entrance into the narrative. Kim compares Rhysand's dramatic rescue of Feyre from malevolent fae to iconic fantasy tropes, emphasizing his immediate impact.

Anna (06:11): "It's like on reread. It's one of the best parts of rereading this series is getting to this moment because you understand the gravitas."

Rhysand is portrayed not just as a charismatic character but as a true savior for Feyre, contrasting sharply with Tamlin's overprotectiveness. The quote from Chapter 54 provides deeper insight into Rhysand's motivations and his awareness of Feyre's importance.

Kim (12:28): "He saw her in the dreams and knew that she would be there."

This revelation underscores Rhysand's foresight and the destined bond between him and Feyre, which is pivotal for future developments in the series.

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Feyre’s Relationship with Tamlin: Control vs. Protection

The conversation shifts to Tamlin's complex relationship with Feyre. Initially, Tamlin appears as a protective figure, but Kim and Lucien dissect his controlling behavior, especially evident during the Calamari Party.

Kim (04:27): "But not in a good way."

Tamlin's aggression and dominance become apparent when he enforces strict rules during the ritual, demonstrating a need for control that contrasts with the genuine protection Rhysand offers. Anna elaborates on Tamlin's overprotectiveness likening it to "bubble wrap," highlighting his inability to empower Feyre.

Anna (09:47): "He's not giving her tools. And I think what's so important about Rhysand is he gives her the tools to save herself."

This dynamic sets the stage for Feyre's eventual empowerment and the realization that true protection involves enabling self-sufficiency rather than imposing control.

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Summer Solstice Celebrations: Joy and Inner Conflict

The hosts reminisce about the Summer Solstice festivities in the Spring Court, portraying it as the happiest period for Feyre. Kim describes the celebrations with vibrant imagery, drawing parallels to a lively music festival.

Kim (26:50): "We're just at a music festival in our backyard with Mumford and Sons. Everything's wonderful."

The joyous atmosphere contrasts sharply with the underlying tensions tied to Callan May, the magical rite that temporarily alters Tamlin's behavior. This juxtaposition emphasizes Feyre's internal struggle between happiness with Tamlin and the looming dread of his true nature.

Kim (28:32): "This is what she was trying to hold onto with Tamlin in the Spring Court."

The discussion highlights how these moments of happiness are bittersweet, as Feyre yearns to maintain them while sensing the fragility of her peace.

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Themes: Control vs. Empowerment, Savior vs. Captor

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the overarching themes within ACOTAR:

1. Control vs. Empowerment: Tamlin's controlling nature is dissected, especially during moments when his actions border on possessiveness. In contrast, Rhysand represents empowerment, providing Feyre with the strength and tools to take control of her destiny.

   Anna (10:01): "That's why he sends her to the weaver's cottage. I needed you to fight. I needed you to find a way to get out of there and do it yourself. Rescue yourself."

2. Savior vs. Captor: Rhysand's role as Feyre's savior is juxtaposed against Tamlin's transition from protector to captor. This dynamic is crucial for understanding Feyre's evolving relationships and her journey towards self-discovery.

   Kim (09:17): "He was the one who let me out."

These themes are intricately tied to Feyre's character development, emphasizing her growth from a dependent individual to a self-reliant heroine.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Throughout the episode, the hosts reference and analyze several impactful quotes from the book, enriching their discussion with textual evidence:

• Rhysand’s Declaration:

  Anna (06:31): "It's the quote that altered the fandom."

  Lucien (06:34): "And the book's first came out, like we had no idea what was to come and what that line actually means to Rhysand."

• Feyre’s Internal Struggle:

  Anna (07:38): "He shows up, he says, there you are. I've been looking for you."

  Lucien (21:56): "But it's that coupled then with the don't ever disobey me that then makes it feel so much more murky."

• Tamlin’s Control:

  Lucien (18:30): "Like, when you read it, you're like, oh, yeah, I would have taken a really long time with you."

  Kim (19:15): "She should never be questioning it."

These quotes serve as anchors for the hosts' analysis, providing concrete examples of the characters' motivations and the series' thematic depth.

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Character Development and Symbolism

The discussion delves into Feyre's evolving perception of Tamlin and Rhysand. Kim highlights Feyre's growing awareness of Tamlin's true nature, especially after the contentious kitchen encounter.

Kim (24:07): "There's no excuse for this behavior. There's not the magic of Kalanmai anymore. This is who he is."

The symbolism of body paint is also explored, drawing connections between Tamlin's smudged paint during their encounter and Rhysand's protective paint in later events.

Lucien (22:08): "Under his... it's covered in a mask."

This recurring motif signifies vulnerability and the hidden aspects of the characters' true selves, reinforcing the theme of concealment versus revelation.

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Feyre’s Emotional Journey

Feyre's character arc is a focal point of the episode. The hosts discuss her transition from a state of survival and duty to one of personal happiness and self-worth within the Spring Court.

Kim (33:42): "I was filled with sunshine. It was like I'd never experienced summer before."

This newfound joy is bittersweet, as Feyre grapples with the sacrifices she's made and the unresolved tensions with Tamlin. Lucien poignantly notes:

Lucien (33:46): "Which is really sad for her because she is. Has been torn from her family."

This duality of happiness and underlying sadness encapsulates Feyre's internal conflict, driving her actions and decisions throughout the series.

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Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming discussions, including Rhysand's incomplete luncheon visit, Feyre's return to the human realm, and a special "Mastermind" section filled with Easter eggs.

Lucien (37:10): "Next week, we will be picking up right where we left off with Rhysand's unexpected luncheon visit and Feyre's return to the human realm."

This preview excites listeners for continued deep dives into the ACOTAR series, promising further exploration of the intricate web of relationships and magical elements that define the saga.

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Final Thoughts

"Flights of Fantasy: ACOTAR Revisited - Part 3" delivers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of pivotal moments in the first ACOTAR book. Through thoughtful discussion, the hosts illuminate the complex character dynamics and rich thematic elements that make the series a standout in the Romantasy genre. Notable quotes and timestamped references provide clarity and depth, making this summary both accessible and informative for those who haven’t listened and enriching for dedicated fans eager to revisit the magic of Feyre’s journey.

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Transcript

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[Christina]

Welcome to Flights of Fantasy, your Romantasy Podcast Book Club. I'm Christina, joined by my book besties Kim and Anna, and together we're diving into the characters, theories, lore and magic behind all your favorite fantasy romance books.

[Anna]

Hi book besties. We are so excited to be back discussing the first book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas. And in case you missed it, we released a super short episode a few weeks ago called welcome to ACOTAR Revisited where we tell you exactly what you can expect going forward as we tackle this series. But if you need a quick refresher on how this will go, each ACOTAR book will be broken up into multiple episodes so that we can really take our time with this incredible story. Now, with that being said, and because we have read this series multiple times, we will be going into these ACOTAR episodes with the knowledge of the entire series. But before we give our official spoiler warning, a few announcements.

[Christina]

Yes, we want to give a big thank you to everyone who's already rated and reviewed the show. If you haven't had a chance yet, please please take a moment and do so on your preferred podcast platform. It really does make a huge, huge difference in helping the show and we just love you so much for it.

[Kim]

All right.

[Christina]

Also, before we dive in, a quick reminder that if you love us as much as we love you, if you love the POD and you want even.

[Kim]

More from your book besties, we have got you covered on Patreon, our tier.

[Christina]

One book besties at $5 a month. Get early ad free access to every episode plus our monthly book video episodes where we dive into books we're not covering on the main feed podcast and our tier two book batches at $10 a month. Get all of that plus the full unedited video of every episode and access to our SJM Deep Dive series where we deep dive characters, couples and scenes from all of Sarah J. Maas series. So come join our Patreon family [e-mail] Flights of Fantasypodcast. We would love to have you. All right, Anna, hit us with that spoiler warning.

[Anna]

All right, spoilers from here on out for the ENT Acotar series by Sarah J. Maas. All right, listeners, so last week we left off right after Feyre and Tamlin visited the pool of Starlight. Feyre is really starting to relax and find her joy again. But we are so excited to kick off this week with Kal and Mai especially. So, Christina, will you please take it away?

[Kim]

Yes. Everyone, you've been invited to the party of the season. The Kal and My party. Or we like to call it the calamari party. Oh, my goodness, guys. What a way to kick off the episode.

[Lucien]

So good.

[Kim]

Yes. As a refresher, if anyone needs a reminder of what calamari party, I. E. Kallen, my IE the great rite is. It is so funny.

[Lucien]

Sorry.

[Kim]

Upon reread and writing this in the outline, it's just. It's really quite hilarious. Okay, so it's a yearly ritual where Tamlin, as the high lord, has to have sex with a maiden in a sacred cave. Having sex with said maiden releases magic into the land that will spread and allow the crops to grow again in his land. Until next call and mile.

[Lucien]

Sorry. I think in our first. The first time we did this series, I think we literally said, he fucks magic into the land.

[Kim]

I mean, I stand by it. He fucks magic into the land. That's what he does. It's what he does.

[Lucien]

Those orgasms are so good and magical.

[Kim]

Those crops are gonna be huge this year.

[Lucien]

You know what they say about big crops. Okay, sorry, sorry.

[Kim]

Oh, God. Okay, so, yes, Feyre is very specifically told that she is not invited. She can't be anywhere near those calamaris, nowhere near the sexy crops. And Tamlin is very. He's honestly aggressive about this. It almost feels like the minute we get to call. And Mai, he is a beastie, bro.

[Anna]

Yes, totally.

[Kim]

He's like, stay in your chamber. And then at some point, he goes, just do it. Don't come out till the morning.

[Lucien]

Okay.

[Kim]

But then he doesn't give her explicit reasons why. He just says, don't do it.

[Anna]

He's Nike. Just do it.

[Lucien]

But not in a good way.

[Kim]

No, bad way, bad way, bad way. But what's a human girl to do but to not follow directions and instead to go to said party? Especially when she is being lured by the drums. The drum solo is in her body, in her soul. She's feeling the rhythms. I really do want to talk about the drums, though, because they are so wonderfully used in this scene. The drum beats are getting faster and louder and they're pulsing. And I just picture this on film.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Kim]

There's a TV version of this. And she's in her room and you, you are experiencing the drums getting louder. And then she thinks this quote. There was a string, a string tied to my gut that pulled me toward those hills, commanding me to go to hear the fairy drums.

[Anna]

I wonder what that little tug is pulling you.

[Kim]

Maybe to someone who's out there. I love it. Especially when we compare this to the end of this book, when Feyre is pulled from her sleep to go meet Rhys on the rooftop. She is pulled out of sleep by, quote, something tugging at my middle, a thread deep inside. I think this is the exact same thing. I think she is being pulled to Rhys the same way she is at the end.

[Anna]

Yes, totally. No, I completely agree.

[Kim]

Yes.

[Anna]

And she follows that tug.

[Kim]

She sure does.

[Anna]

She slips into the woods and of.

[Lucien]

Course she gets kind of like lost.

[Anna]

And all of a sudden she finds herself surrounded by three feet fairies. Okay. And they clearly don't have good intentions. Like, they shove her. They're being aggressive with her. They're not letting her leave. But then who should waltz in in.

[Lucien]

All his shadowy, glittery night and glory, but our high Lord and Savior, he takes one look at Feyre and what does he say? Christina, there you are.

[Kim]

I've been looking for you.

[Lucien]

And of course, it's like on reread.

[Anna]

We all, like, squeal. It's amazing.

[Kim]

I love this on a reread. It's one of the best parts of rereading this series is getting to this moment because you understand the gravitas. And we'll go through it in this episode. All those ties to chapter 54. But if you are in this fandom, you live for this quote.

[Anna]

It's the quote that altered the fandom.

[Lucien]

Just read it and you're like.

[Anna]

And the books first came out, like, we had no idea what was to come and what that line actually means to Rhysand. And I cannot wait to get there in chapter 54. But it's just beautiful.

[Kim]

It's beautiful. And Rhys is here. He has entered the chat, everybody.

[Lucien]

Yes.

[Anna]

So he has entered the chat. He shows up, he says, there you are. I've been looking for you.

[Lucien]

He kind of.

[Anna]

He puts the fear God into the fairies, right? And they all know who he is. And they're scared, they're terrified. But I want to point out that this is like the first time he's physically seeing Feyre. Right. He sees her before Lucien does, and he sees her before Tamlin does, which I feel like kind of foreshadows what's to come in the later books. Right. And how attuned he is to her and how he sees her emotionally under the mountain in an acomaf. When Tamlin and Lucien don't.

[Kim]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Like, he's the first one there to, like, actually push her.

[Kim]

Yeah.

[Anna]

So not only does he see her, but we know that he smells her. Cause he says, I got there and I could smell you, so I tracked that scent, and there you were. And we know that he knows her scent because he later tells her, I'd wake up with your scent in my nose, and it would haunt me all day, every step.

[Lucien]

Sweet Rhysand.

[Kim]

Sweet Rhysand. And he lied to Amarantha to go there tonight. He saw her in the dreams and knew that she would be there.

[Anna]

Her dreams have become clearer because when she first popped into her dreams, it was like a human hand, but it was kind of fuzzy and blurry, and it was because she was on the other side of the wall. And then when she gets to Prythian, he's all of a sudden dreaming with her in clarity, and he realizes she's.

[Lucien]

In the Spring Court.

[Anna]

And so he lies to Amarantha to be like, hey, I'm go check up on our buddy Tamlin.

[Kim]

And it really works out because he says, I'll bring traitors back. And you know who he brings back? These three fairies.

[Anna]

Exactly. And he tortures them.

[Kim]

Yeah.

[Anna]

Okay, so I want to talk about Feyre's first impression of our beloved. And I want to touch upon the fact that right off the bat, she calls him her son Savior, not once, but twice. Rhysand says, thank you for finding her for me. My savior said to me, smooth and polished. And then she says in her inner monologue, I stepped out of the shelter of my savior's arms and turned to thank him. Which I feel like this is kind of important because it introduces this theme that we'll see throughout the series of Rhys being her savior. He saves her from under the Mountain. He saves her from Tamlin. I would even say that he kind of saves her from herself and, like, her grief in the coming books.

[Lucien]

Right?

[Kim]

Yeah.

[Anna]

And there's this great line because he always views himself as the villain, Right. Because he's always had this mask up. The Night Court is very feared, Tamlin. Everybody else believes that Rhysand is this terrible person because they don't know Velaris. They don't know his Inner circle. And there's a fight that happens in Achomath between Feyre and Rhysand. So she's talking to Amren later, after they've had their fight, her and Rhysand, and they haven't been speaking really. And what she says to Amren is, he thinks he'll be remembered as the villain in the story. But I forgot to tell him that the villain is usually the person who locks up the maiden and throws away the key. He was the one who let me out.

[Kim]

Yes.

[Anna]

Which is exactly obviously what happened in Achamath, right?

[Kim]

Yes, absolutely. And him as her savior. Exactly. And it is that difference between savior and captor. And Tamlin thinks he is her savior and he did save her in a way, but then he ultimately becomes her captor. And that is when Rhys is her ultimate savior and gets her out of there.

[Anna]

And it's so important to note, like, Tamlin is always protecting her. I just keep having this visualization of like bubble wrap. He like bubble wraps her. Like, it doesn't actually protect her. He's not giving her tools. And I think what's so important about Rhysand is he gives her the tools to save herself.

[Lucien]

He.

[Anna]

That's why he sends her to the weaver's cottage. I needed you to fight. I needed you to find a way to get out of there and do it yourself. Rescue yourself. And I think that's what a true, like, protector, somebody who should be your safe space is. Somebody who uplifts you and encourage you to also protect yourself. Like, save yourself.

[Kim]

Exactly. I love that about his character and I love seeing it and being able to talk about it from this immediate get go, like the first lines on page. And it's also really interesting and important to note though here that while Feyre does describe him as like, magnificent and his voice was a lover's purr, caressing every muscle and bone and nerve, she does also say that she's terrified of him. Like legitimately terrified of him. You know, she says that there's warning bells going off, alert, alert in her head. And she describes him as a predator sizing up his prey. And this was absolutely on purpose. I think Sarah wanted us to be torn on Rhys from the get go. Totally. She wanted us to think, wow, is he hot? Why do I think he's hot? Because he's bad. But is he bad? And that was Feyre's exact up and down rollercoaster. Even in this page and a half, she has a moment where she's like, oh no, did I just trade the danger of those Three fairies for something fun. Far worse. And the first time I read this, I was Feyre. This is maybe my first Romantasy book that I really loved, you know, so I had no context. So I was just a blind, gullible little, little lamb. I did not think that he was going to be a love interest. This journey was wild for me. Although, Anna, tell us now, what. What was your first impression of Rhys?

[Lucien]

I had had a lot of experience.

[Anna]

Reading fantasy books prior to this with Faded Maids. So when I first met Rhysand, I also, like, like the morally gray. Obviously, when I read this, I was like, oh, it's gonna be a love triangle.

[Lucien]

But then.

[Anna]

But then when he shows up to the luncheon, I was like, whoa, dude.

[Kim]

Yeah, exactly. But I do think anyone who had read Romantasy before was absolutely more attuned that this was an important love interest person, for sure. And I just want to also look back at this scene with the knowledge of chapter 54, because that's one of the best parts of this reread, y' all. We can feel it along with him and actually see these scenes through Rhys's POV and know what's actually happening. And so this is a quote from chapter 54, he says, because seeing you in my dreams had been one thing, but in person, right then, deep down, I think I knew what you were. 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. So I let you walk away. I told myself after you were gone that maybe. Maybe the cauldron had been kind and not cruel for letting me see you just once. A gift for what I was enduring.

[Lucien]

Oh, my gosh, guys.

[Kim]

So that's what's happening as she walks away.

[Anna]

Oh, gosh. I just love that. I love sweet Rhysand. Well.

[Kim]

And like him saying, I knew at that I think I knew. And it's great context for us, too, in this deep dive reread that colors everything going forward. Like, we think he knew from here.

[Anna]

Yeah, this is. He's like. And I was. I was so terrified because he says this time and time again, everything that he loves is taken away from him.

[Kim]

And he fully understands the wrath of Amarantha more than most people.

[Lucien]

Oh, sweet. For Sam.

[Kim]

God. And he just once for what I was enduring. The idea that getting to see her is a gift. It's just. It's so fun to see this scene through that lens and know that that's what was Actually happening.

[Lucien]

Totally.

[Kim]

Okay. Back to Tamlin.

[Anna]

Back to Tamlin.

[Lucien]

Okay. So, yes, after Rhysand saves Feyre during Callan May, Lucian finds her. He freaks out because of crazy sex magic. And he's like, dude, you got to go back to the manor. Like, I'm not kidding. Tis dangerous for a mere mortal.

[Kim]

Very.

[Lucien]

And she goes back, but she's a little hungry. She's a little peckish. Because you know what? She just met the most handsome man she's ever seen. Rhysand. And she's like, oof, man, that just made me a little hungry. I need a little snack after that.

[Kim]

Cookie.

[Lucien]

Yeah, cookie. Give me some goldfish. So she bebops down to the kitchen, and this is where Tamlin finds her. He is still riding that, like, magical high from the right. We're going to go through this for a second, and then we're going to break it down and discuss it. But Tamlin tells her he couldn't stop himself from fighting her, that he wanted to claim her. Meaning Feyre. He bites her neck, and then he starts kissing her. And she seems into it. She does like, we'll give her that.

[Kim]

Oh, very. Yeah.

[Lucien]

But also, upon reread, it feels like Tamlin's walking that kind of fine line between passion and power. There's a lot of aggressiveness, and it's not the sexy kind that we like. And I know it's. It's a reread, but that's why it's so well written, is because you're. You're now reading into these aggressive undertones that you wouldn't have seen the first time around.

[Kim]

100%. Because the first time you're like, this is hot. I'm gonna be like, here we go.

[Lucien]

This is it.

[Kim]

Because you're in Feyre's head and she is so into it, like you said.

[Lucien]

Totally.

[Kim]

There's grinding, there's moaning. Things are aching. Like, she is. She is into it.

[Lucien]

There is high school level grinding. Oh, my God. Leave room for Jesus.

[Kim]

Leave room for Jesus. Feyre. But also, this is her feeling wanted. Feyre's have this. And Isaac in the hay.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Kim]

And like you said, it toes this line between, like, fear and desire. And the first time you read this, you are here for it. You were like, this is fun. Oh, do I like him biting her neck? Oh, I don't know. But then on a reread, like you said, it is just impossible not to see Tamlin's need for control creeping in.

[Lucien]

Oh, absolutely.

[Kim]

Not to see the possession and the dominance creeping in.

[Lucien]

Yes. And so, okay, so I want to back up and I want to discuss two moments that happen. The first is before Tamlin finds her. And Feyre's in her room and she. I just made this. Made me laugh. Upon rereading this is the Coach. She's sitting in a room and she's thinking about Callan May and everything that's happening outside. And she's referencing, like, the woman who would be chosen to perform the rite with Tamlin the Maiden. And she said, I wondered whether she was glad to be chosen. Probably she'd come to the hill of her own free will. And after all, Tamlin was a high lord and it was a great honor. And I suppose Tamlin was handsome, terribly handsome. And though I couldn't see the upper part of his face, his eyes were fine and his mouth was beautifully curved and full. And then there was his body. He just goes, dot, dot, dot. And it's like, I just love. His eyes were fine.

[Kim]

It's just fine.

[Lucien]

Like, because you can't see his face. It's covered in a mask.

[Kim]

There's also a really funny moment where she's like, so. So it can never come off. Like, are you sure?

[Lucien]

Like, this is forever. Will our children be born with a mask?

[Kim]

But like, I. I love that you pulled this quote because her saying that she supposed he was handsome. It's so funny to think about.

[Lucien]

It's so funny because she also. We're coming right off of her being rescued by Rhysand. And she takes one glance at Rhysand, she's like, this is the fucking hottest man I've ever seen in my life.

[Anna]

He is gorgeous.

[Lucien]

Drop dead gorgeous. Ddg like, that's it. We can't move on from this. This is the end. All be all. And then there's Tamlin. And I supposed Tamlin was handsome. This is very different from when she calls Rhysand Knight Triumphant. I'm sorry.

[Kim]

Oh, God, I love this. Exactly. And it came right after the Rhysand description. It's fantastic.

[Lucien]

It's fantastic. 10 out of 10. It's hilarious. On a reread, it is. Okay, so backing up. I wanna read a couple key lines from this scene that just feel murky to us, you know, when Tamlin does find her. So when Tamlin catches up to Feyre in the kitchens, she notices all the paint has been smudged on his body. It descends past his midriff pin that she tries to pull away, but he corners her. And what he says is, I smelled you, he breathed, his painted chest rising and falling so close to mine. I searched for you and you weren't there. And she says, let go. He doesn't listen. Instead, his claws come out and he pushes her against the wall. And remember, she was just quartered by a bunch of Fae who wanted to take advantage of her. They wanted to do unspeakable things to her. That's a quote from Reason, by the way, in Akimath. Because he read their minds. So that feeling of feeling, like, oppressed and cornered and like bad things might happen is probably still fresh in her mind. She was literally just rescued from being sexually assaulted. And what Tamla does, though, is he describes his sexual encounter that he just had during the rite. What he says is, she asked me not to be gentle with her. I would have been gentle with you, though. I would have had you moaning my name throughout it all. And I would have taken a very, very long time with you, Feyre.

[Kim]

Which again, tricky one.

[Lucien]

Like, when you. When you read it, you're like, oh, yeah, I would have taken a really long time with you. The first time you read, you're like, so hot.

[Kim]

You're like, oh, I would have had you moaning my name. Here we go with the sexiness.

[Lucien]

But then what woman wants to hear about a sexual encounter you just had? And it's like, cool you were thinking of me, though. I guess I'm flattered.

[Kim]

Also, him being like, she asked me not to be gentle with her. Like, okay, well, maybe that was private. Maybe. Maybe she shouldn't want you to share that with me. One. But two, him then being like, I would have been gentle with you. Okay, so I guess I shouldn't be scared. But then being like, I would have had you moaning my name through all. Like, it's a roller coaster of. She's like, should I be liking this? Should I not be? And the feeling of, should I not be? Should never be there.

[Lucien]

Exactly.

[Kim]

She should never be questioning it.

[Lucien]

No, she shouldn't. And I do love that Feyre, you know, she has a backbone. And she says, why would I want someone's leftovers? And then she tries to push him away. And instead he doesn't go. What he does is he grabs her hands, he pins them, he bites her neck. And again, Feyre does seem to be, like, kind of into it.

[Kim]

She's really liking it. She is. She is.

[Lucien]

She is liking it. But there is a part of her also that starts to kind of go, like, she does push him away again. And he's kissing her neck. And then he abruptly pulls away. And what he says is, don't ever Disobey me again. And then he walks away.

[Kim]

The don't ever disobey me again, Sir.

[Lucien]

I am not yours to command.

[Kim]

Yes, I can excuse away a lot of the hitting. Her hands. He's biting. When I put this in the context of some of the books we read, I can excuse a lot of this away. Do you know what I mean? Like, totally. We read some dark romance things, you know, in those books, this would be child's play. So, like, I. I get it.

[Lucien]

I see it 100%.

[Kim]

But it's that coupled then with the don't ever disobey me that then makes it feel so much more murky.

[Lucien]

And listen, we have read books where there's this back and forth and this power dynamic, a push and a pull, and where they're like, why don't you ever just do what you're told? You're always putting yourself in harm's way. And God damn it, would you just listen to me? And there's a way for it to be done where there seems to be a genuine fear for the other person's safety and a loving undertone. And again, this is why, Sarah, it's so well done. Is because the first time you read it, he has set up, I'm caring for you. I've created a safe space for you. Don't ever disobey me again. And the first time you read it, it kind of just trickles out the ear. But when you go back, it's like this is him needing control.

[Kim]

Exactly. And something that really struck me in this reread is when we're talking about this kitchen encounter, I think a part of why Feyre moves past it relatively quickly and why she isn't catching these as red flags about Tamlin and why we aren't the first time around really ties back to how this whole night was framed for her from the start. Because right away, Lucien warns her, tonight, Tamlin won't be the fairy. You know, he explains that the magic will completely consume him. It'll strip away his sense of self and right and wrong. Feyre's even told it wouldn't have been Tamlin who brought you in that cave. So in her mind, this dominance and control is all tied to the magic of this night. It's all tied to Callan Mai.

[Lucien]

It's a write off.

[Kim]

Yeah. It's not something Tamlin would normally do. It's so it's not concerning. And I think that's a piece of why neither she nor the reader fully clocks this as a red flag to Tamlin the first time around. Because there's that magic excuse that's only for tonight. Like, oh, it's dangerous tonight. But tomorrow he'll be himself.

[Lucien]

Yeah, Exactly. Exactly. Yes, 100%. I agree.

[Kim]

Although tomorrow he won't. He'll double down. So.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Lucien]

Yeah. So Feyre does slap him. He's like, don't ever disobey me again. And she's like, whack.

[Kim]

Which I love, girl. Yes.

[Lucien]

Yeah, girl. Okay, so I do want to note this earlier when I was talking about the body paint.

[Kim]

Yes.

[Lucien]

Feyre notes that the body paint is all smudged as it goes lower and lower, like, under his. What I'm assuming is, like, the line of his waistband. So he's been touched. And it reminds me of under the Mountain when Rhysand paints her and she's covered in body paint. The reason Rhysand does that is he's like. So Tamlin could see, under no uncertain terms that my hands always remained where he could see them, above the paint. And if anybody else touched you, I would know because the paint would be smeared.

[Kim]

Exactly.

[Lucien]

So, yeah. I mean, and we're going to get to all of that. All of the dancing and the painting under the Mountain in later episodes.

[Kim]

Yes.

[Lucien]

But it is interesting to note that the paint is involved here as well.

[Kim]

I love that. Another interesting parallel that I wanted to tie back to is when Tamlin says to her, in this kitchen, I searched for you, and you weren't there. Thinking about that as a parallel to, there you are. I've been looking for you is so interesting, because it's as if Tamlin was like, I was looking for you, but I couldn't find you. And Rhys is like, I was looking for you. I found you. Because you will always find her.

[Lucien]

Stay with the High Lord.

[Anna]

Stay with him.

[Lucien]

Stay with it.

[Kim]

Okay, so.

[Lucien]

Okay, so following up this conversation the next day at the breakfast table, Feyre sits down and she's basically like, I'm not gonna bother to hide the bite mark. He can own it. And so he sits at the table and, like, Lucian sputters, oh. Oh.

[Kim]

He's like, feyre, what happened?

[Lucien]

What happened? And what Feyre says is basically, would you like to explain? And Tamlin's response is, if Feyre can't be bothered to listen to orders, then I can't be held accountable for the consequences. Which is such a classic. The girl asked for it because she was wearing xyz. It's probably one of the most disgusting lines to me in this book. I just. For some reason, it always sticks out every time I reread it. And it makes me feel sick, like I can't be held accountable for my actions. You can't stop yourself.

[Kim]

It is the definition of victim blaming. Like, this is what this is.

[Anna]

Yes.

[Kim]

There's no excuse for this behavior. There's not the magic of Kalanmai anymore. This is who he is.

[Lucien]

Yes.

[Kim]

And it's especially hard because Feyre does get past it relatively quickly. That's what makes it even harder. I mean, she does call him a fairy pig, which is really fun.

[Lucien]

She does call him fairy pig. And then she goes into her little painting gallery and she paints Luciana Tamlin with just a bunch of pig faces for like hours. I. And it's hilarious to me. It's so funny.

[Kim]

But at the end of that even session, she like, smiles and she's like, happy. And even in this moment when she yells fairy pig and storms out, Tamlin smiles at her. He thinks it's a game, but it's not the play with me Reese does. It is. It's so frustrating. It's just. It's really hard to get past this line. There's no excuse for it.

[Anna]

It is.

[Lucien]

And he apologizes and he brings her roses. But what Feyre says exactly is this is the direct quote. We apologized at dinner. He even brought me bouquet of white roses. And it's the we. The fact that she felt the need to apologize for just going out on Calumet when she was told to stay in a room and you didn't obey me. It's. I don't know. It's just like, what do you expect when you don't share anything, when you don't open up And I know, and I'm not talking about the blight. I'm not talking about the fact that he's like, bound by magical laws, that he cannot share things about his curse, but just the general. Like when she asks what Callan May is. And there's a lot of hush hush. There's a lot of secrecy surrounding it. Can you blame her? Also, she's brought out there by the drums of the magic and probably the pool of Rhys and Rhys with Rhysand out there. Okay, her mate. But regardless, the fact that she feels the need to apologize. And we're gonna see this in Acomath with his explosions of his anger and then the apology and the few days of him lessening the guards and him like, showing how much he loves her but never actually making change. Lasting change.

[Kim]

Exactly. That's such a great point. Yes.

[Lucien]

But Christina can You lead us through Summer Solstice, which was actually really fun to read.

[Kim]

It's so much fun, guys. Okay, on to happier things. So from here, Feyre really lets her guard down. She lets her hair down. At the spring court, she's painting. She's actually eating. Tamlin takes the glamour away so she can actually see everybody. She's beginning to feel something for Tamlin, even if neither of them are actually saying anything about it. Which Tamlin? You are on a time crunch, sir. We must make haste.

[Lucien]

We must make haste.

[Kim]

Truly.

[Lucien]

Bridgerton, 49 years.

[Kim]

All right. But then we get to the summer solstice. Oh, y' all. What a treat when we really break it down, though. This section is so pivotal to Feyre's journey in the spring court and to her relationship with Tamlin. This is pretty much the happiest they ever are and ever will be.

[Lucien]

Yeah.

[Kim]

Is this section right here. There's no problems. We're just at a music festival in our backyard with Mumford and Sons. Everything's wonderful.

[Lucien]

Exactly.

[Kim]

She's pretty much on Molly. She's rolling. It's great.

[Lucien]

She's on Molly.

[Kim]

This fairy wine is much more like Molly than wine, guys.

[Lucien]

You have to 100%.

[Kim]

She's at Coachella. Pretty much.

[Lucien]

Okay, she's at Coachella.

[Kim]

But really, though, everyone is at their peak happiness of this specific book. In this chapter, we see her cute, funny friendship with Lucien. We hear about how he pranked her with berries and how he laughed so hard and Tamlin threw him in the reflection pool. There was just, like, this fun little trio.

[Christina]

Yeah.

[Kim]

Tamlin is actually chill. It's very confusing. He's relaxed. Like, is this a magic fiddle? Does this lucid fiddle.

[Lucien]

I can't. It's so unattractive to me.

[Kim]

Oh, we'll get there. We'll get there. Yes. But he. Even with the fiddle playing, he is romantic.

[Lucien]

He is.

[Kim]

And Feyre's carefree and happy. And it's just all this is really important to remember later on, because this is why she fell in love with him and with the Spring court. This is why she risked coming back, and this is why she hung on for so long in Acomaf. She was trying to cling on to this feeling of belonging and happiness here. And I just. I also love that this is in such juxtaposition of Callan May, because it's the complete opposite. Like, Feyre even thinks, quote, light and joyous and open, the mirthful sister to the bloodthirsty fire knight. I just love that. And we See the difference highlighted so much in just the atmosphere. There's glittering sparkling ribbons and lanterns and all the trees and like there's the energy, but especially in Tamlin's demeanor. 100%, yeah.

[Lucien]

And it's actually really interesting to see it in this book. And then when you get to Acowar and you read Summer Solstice of Dianthe, it's really interesting to kind of, you know, see these. The first time Sphere celebrates them in the spring court and then the last time she celebrates them in the spring court and how far she's come.

[Kim]

Exactly. Because there is a moment now that you bring that up at Summer Solstice next year where she is dancing with Tamlin and thinking, oh, he's thinking about last year. I have to trick him into thinking that this is going to be like last year. And I believe that's the night that she does her doe eyed damsel eyes and makes him think that she is in tolution.

[Lucien]

It is.

[Kim]

So she is playing on the happiness they have in this actual moment. All the way in Achowar.

[Lucien]

Yes.

[Kim]

All right. So Lucien, oh, sweet Lucien, he really tries. He tries to tell her not to drink the fairy wine. I mean, does anyone ever tell you to drink the fairy wine? Like it's always don't drink the fairy wine.

[Lucien]

It's always don't drink it.

[Kim]

But Feyre decides to say a no shant and chug. Not one, but two glasses of it. Two. And then she just dances her little heart out. She describes it as like fireworks and yeah, feeling the music. She's spinning like, guys, she is simultaneously both at Wakarusa Bonro. Those are like really deep cut festival references. When I used to be a festival girly in college.

[Lucien]

I know them.

[Kim]

I went to both of them. Did I live this experience? Probably. But Feyre is both that girl and also the drunk girl. We also were in college that like won't go home at the end of the night.

[Anna]

That won't go home.

[Kim]

And Lucien's like, like, stop dancing. And she says back to him, you stop. You're so serious.

[Lucien]

Like, I can't, I can't. It is such the drunk girl in college. You're so annoyed as the friend and you're like, get your ass in the car. Like, I'm done dding. I want to go home.

[Kim]

I love this. You stop.

[Lucien]

Stop.

[Kim]

Oh God, it's so good. All right. So good. Anna, tell us about your favorite part of this, this here scene.

[Lucien]

Oh, the fiddle.

[Kim]

Oh, the instruments.

[Lucien]

The instruments. Guys, I don't Know why? I mean, the man can play an instrument, clearly. I mean, listen, I love a bluegrass band. I really do. I'm not into country, but I do love a bluegrass. And, like, the fiddle is heavily featured. I think it's also the fact that in my head, he's also wearing like 16th century Louis XVI garb with like the short capri pants and this flowing coat. I can't unsee it. It's very. I don't know.

[Kim]

I picture him in like a flannel because he rolls up his sleeves at some point.

[Lucien]

Oh, see, you're. You're here at a fully at a music festival. Feyre's at a music festival. And to me, he's recreating some 16th century maypole dance at in Marie Antoinette's little background cottage village.

[Kim]

You do have a point there. There is a maple.

[Lucien]

He's got his long hair and he's got the gold mask and he's just like fiddling it away. And I can't tell you how much of an ick it is for me. And I remember reading this actually for the first time being like, why is he playing the fiddle?

[Kim]

100% was like, could we have picked a different instrument?

[Lucien]

I don't know.

[Kim]

I don't know.

[Lucien]

What would have been better, though. The flute.

[Kim]

No, that's not the lute. The lute. No. I don't know. Something else. What do they play in Mudford and Sons?

[Lucien]

Like a banjo.

[Kim]

Yeah, I think a banjo would be better. Then you're just strumming. There's no bow involved.

[Lucien]

There's something about him, like, aggressively playing the fiddle that really just. I just don't like. I don't like it. I don't like it.

[Kim]

Well, I think it also icks me that he's so sweaty. We talk about how sweaty is like five times. So sweaty and like he's got his mask and his long hair.

[Lucien]

Yeah.

[Kim]

Oh, you know, it's not for us, but you know who it is for? Drunk Feyre.

[Lucien]

Drunk Feyre is all about. She is like, play that goddamn fiddle. It is making me so hot.

[Kim]

Oh, it makes. She spins for him. There's a whole part where he kneels in front of her and does a solo. He kneels in the grass and does a solo for her. And I'm not kidding. And she's like, oh, the music was just. Just for me. A magical gift from my high Lord.

[Lucien]

Girl, take it, girl. You do you.

[Kim]

Oh, God. If you think this is sexy, you even know what's coming. Feyre.

[Lucien]

You don't even know this. Listen. The bar was on the ground.

[Kim]

It's true. It's true.

[Lucien]

The bar was on the ground.

[Kim]

It was on the ground with Tamlin kneeling.

[Lucien]

And you know what? I am so happy Rhysand doesn't play magical instrument. I'm so happy he wasn't, like, in chapter 54, like, let me serenade you.

[Kim]

How would he even play, like, a.

[Lucien]

The base, the bass? I don't know.

[Kim]

God. Azra's on a keyboard. Cassian's doing the drums.

[Lucien]

Actually, you know what? Rhysand plays the piano.

[Anna]

Oh, he's a high lord.

[Kim]

He absolutely plays.

[Lucien]

He 100% trained on the piano.

[Kim]

But that could be hot, actually.

[Lucien]

That is sexy playing the piano.

[Kim]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lucien]

Like, play that Mozart.

[Anna]

Play that Vivaldi.

[Kim]

Oh, yeah. All right, so circling back here, let's talk about how happy Feyre is here. This is the first time that she is really feeling free and, like, unburdened ever. Really ever. And just. There's two quotes here about how happy she is that we just had to pull. So quote number one is this quote. I was filled with sunshine. It was like I'd never experienced summer before. Like I'd never known who was waiting to emerge from that forest of ice and snow. I didn't want it to end. I never wanted to leave this hilltop. I love that she is just living well, she says.

[Lucien]

I mean, this is the happiest day of her life. It's the happiest moment she's ever had.

[Kim]

Yes.

[Lucien]

Which is really sad for her because she is. Has been torn from her family. And that's sad to think that, like, the happiest moment is not with her family. It's in this strange world with a strange man. But it's also why we, the reader, trust Tamlin and fall in love with him. Because she is so happy. She's so goddamn, like, at peace for the first time.

[Kim]

Exactly.

[Lucien]

We keep going back to that, but it is the truth. That's why we fall in love with Tamlin.

[Kim]

And an important piece of it is the peace. Because she doesn't have to care for anybody. She doesn't have to fight for getting a pelt sold at the market so that Nesta can yell at her about wood and get shoes.

[Lucien]

She doesn't have all that putting food on the table.

[Kim]

Yeah. And she's finally now at a place in the spring court where she's letting that guilt go, that she's not there helping them. And this is. She's feeling this. Oh, my God. This is what it's like to just live and think about myself and my needs. And I get to spin around and dance. And this High Lord brought me as his date. Like, things are great for Feyre right now.

[Lucien]

My life is amazing, truly.

[Kim]

Okay, so on that note, Tamlin takes her to the Will o Wisps, and it's very romantic and very pretty and cool. I actually really enjoyed this moment a lot. First time Anne does a reread, but we see her hope for the first time. And the fact that this feeling is so new to her is also so sad and reminds us how far she's come. But she says, quote, my father once told me that I should let my sisters imagine a better life, a better world. And I told him there was no such thing. I never understood because I couldn't. Couldn't believe that it was even possible. I swallowed, lowering my head. Until now. His throat bobbed, his kiss. That time was deep and thorough, unhurried and intent. I let the dawn creep inside me, let it grow with each movement of his lips and brush of his tongue against mine. Tears pricked beneath my closed eyes. It was the happiest moment of my life. Oh, my gosh. Feyre. Sweet, sweet Feyre. And yes, she will later find her true, like, actual happy place in the Night Court. But for now, this is carefree and alive as she's ever felt. And again, it's just. It's such an important reminder of what she was trying to hold onto with Tamon in the Spring Court.

[Lucien]

Yes, it's what she tries to hold onto in the beginning of Acomaf. It's what she's grasping for. She can't find it. I love the way Sarah has written this, and it is like, sometimes it's hard to go back and reread Acotar because you just want to get to Rhysand. But then when you reread Acotar and you see these moments, it really helps shape Feyre's character.

[Kim]

Exactly. And it makes things make way more sense later down the road.

[Lucien]

Totally.

[Kim]

Also, do you think all these fairies at this party, they know the timeline they're under?

[Lucien]

Yes.

[Kim]

And they're just watching Tamlin play Fiddlefor. No one's like, hey, have you asked her if she loves you yet? Hey, any updates? Do you love him?

[Lucien]

Do you love him? No one wants nobody. Nobody. Yeah, I know. I know. I'd be, like, so on edge. But, I mean, yeah, I mean, but I think it has to be true love. It's. It's literally Beauty and the Beast, like he. She has to.

[Kim]

Yeah. No, I know.

[Lucien]

I'm actually watching that movie with my kids right now.

[Kim]

What? Is that you? But at the beginning of this. Of the. Of the solstice, it is noted that people are looking at her and staring at her and Tamlin growls at them and everyone leaves her alone. And I first reread was like, oh. Everyone's like, oh, this human girl. But just curious about her and being like, why is she with the high Lord? But I do wonder if a piece of it's like, that's her. She's gonna break the curse. Oh, God. Does she look like she loves him? Is she holding his hand? Does she look happy? Yeah. Yeah. Oh, gosh. All right.

[Lucien]

All right, guys. So that wraps up this week's Acotar Revisited deep dive. Next week, we will be picking up right where we left off with Rhysand's unexpected luncheon visit and Feyre's return to the human realm. Also, also our very special Mastermind section, which has some really fun Easter eggs that we cannot wait to break down for you all.

[Kim]

And, oh, God, the tie ins.

[Lucien]

Oh, the tie ins. Okay, so until next time, see you then.

[Anna]

Bye.

[Narrator]

Well, friends, that wraps up another episode of Flights of Fantasy podcast. Don't forget to join our book club community on Instagram and TikTok at flights of Fantasy Podcast, where you can share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments of with us and fellow listeners. We'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us spread the magic of Romantasy to even more book lovers. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep reading, and remember, every good story deserves to take flight.