I really want this greatA Court of Thorns & Rosesblood duel theory to be true, but it has one glaring problem that cannot be ignored. Fans ofSarah J. Maas' fantasy serieshave recently had a lot of great insights into it, with theauthor’sACOTARbook 6 updategetting readers excited all over again.
Maas finally finished first drafts of the nextbook after years of silence on the project, so manyA Court of Thorns & Rosestheorieshave emerged. These range from suggestions that there will be two books taking place simultaneously to speculation about what will happen next.
One theory has gained particular traction on BookTok regarding what the Inner Circle could face inA Court of Thorns & Roses6 as Koshei closes in. This theory, regarding blood duels, is quite intriguing and exciting to fans like myself, even if it has a few snags within its logic.
I Want A Court Of Thorns & Roses Book 6 To Feature A Blood Duel - Theory Explained
Blood Duels Were Only Properly Discussed In A Court Of Silver Flames
The theory that there will be a blood duel in the nextA Court of Thorns & Rosesbook is a valid and fascinating one to me, especially as the setup is quite solid.Blood duels were mentioned as an Autumn Court custom throughout the series, but they were only seriously discussed in Azriel’s bonus chapter in the fifth book.
Due to these repeated mentions, fans crafted many aCourt of Thorns & Rosesblood duel theoryto explain the various vague discussions of it. While the main idea is universal, in that a blood duel will occur in book 6, audiences have branched off regarding who would be participating in the looming confrontation.
The most popular idea is that Lucien and Azriel would be locked in a blood duel, specifically as a way to mend their love triangle with Elain from previousA Court of Thorns & Rosesbooks. Considering both Lucien’s mating bond with her and Azriel’s clear affections, it would make sense for them to face off with one another.
However, not everyone is of the same opinion on thisA Court of Thorns & Rosestheory. Some have pointed out a major facet of Lucien’s storyline that also makes sense and, coupled with other details, would dispute this idea for the next installment completely.
There’s One Glaring Issue With The Most Common ACOTAR Blood Duel Theory
Lucien Is Not Like Other Autumn Court Males
The one issue severalA Court of Thorns & Rosesfans, such as myself, have with this common blood duel theory is that it so clearly clashes with Lucien’s characterization.Lucien inA Court of Thorns & Roseshas tried to separate himself from his Autumn Court heritage for the entirety of his arc.
Lucien does not display the same possessive or overly aggressive tendencies of males such as Eris or Beron, opting to often be more level-headed and diplomatic when facing a dispute. For him to enact such a duel would damage his growth inA Court of Thorns & Rosesand any regard he holds in the Inner Circle, especially with Elain.
Ultimately, Lucien enacting the blood duel would make no sense for his character, especially as Maas further separates him from Autumn by making him the secret heir of Day.
In a similar vein,Lucien does not covet Elain like Beron does with the Lady of Autumn, opting to stay in the human lands with Vassa and Jurian to give her space to discover what she wants. Therefore, it would make no sense for him to enact one or accept one on her behalf as it goes against that choice.
Ultimately, Lucien enacting the blood duel would make no sense for his character, especially as Maas further separates him from Autumn by making him the secret heir of Day. That being said, a blood duel can still occur inA Court of Thorns & Roses6 even if Lucien is not one of the participants.
How The Next Court Of Thorns & Roses Book Can Make A Duel Happen Despite Lucien
The Blood Duel Could Have Nothing To Do With Lucien
The nextA Court of Thorns & Rosesbook could still have a blood duel, but could have Lucien participate in different ways or even not at all.Alongside of the Lucien vs. Azriel theory, many fans have wondered if Lucien and Tamlin would duel for Elain, straining their friendship further.
A popularTamlin mate theoryis that he is actually meant to be Elain’s mate, so Lucien could declare the duel in order to keep her safe and repel a major Night Court enemy. That being said, Lucien is not the only male of the Autumn Court who could be forced into a duel.
A recently growingA Court of Thorns & Rosesblood duel theory suggests that the duel could be between Beron and Helionfor the Lady of Autumn. That same theory mentions how both would likely die, allowing Eris and Lucien to become High Lords before Koshei’s arrival, cutting through centuries of politics before the crisis.
Another smaller theory that would allow Lucien to have no part in a blood duel is that Eris enacts one against Cassian for Nesta, though that one has been dismissed due to their fulfilled mating bond. Either way,A Court of Thorns & Rosescould easily include this as tensions finally snap both within and outside the Inner Circle.
