How Acotar Sparked My Love for Fantasy

Kai on my book caddy :) (disregard the colleen hoover books! I tried to read romance and romcom in the past but hate it)

SPOILERS AHEAD!

Before A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), I never really considered myself a fantasy reader. Sure, I know about the dragons, magic, and adventures, but the genre always seemed too far out of reach. Reading ACOTAR was my awakening to the fantasy genre. I had no idea that books like this could be so much more than just escapism. It’s a genre where anything can happen, but at its core, it’s about people that are flawed, complex, and evolving. And as someone who’s drawn to understanding human behavior, the mental health dynamics within the book were especially meaningful to me.

From the moment I started reading the series, I was hooked. The world-building, the romance, and the action were all exciting and immersive, but it was the complexity of the characters that really pulled me in. (I honestly did not get attached to Tamlin in the beginning because I think the long blond hair put me off haha but the moment a tall dark haired boy said “There you are, I’ve been looking for you”, I WAS HOOKED!) Feyre, Rhysand, Tamlin, and Nesta each had such unique struggles that made them feel real. It was through them that I began to appreciate how fantasy can tackle real human experiences, like trauma, grief, love, and self-worth; issues I deal with in my own life and work.

My Love for Morally Grey Characters

What really stands out in ACOTAR are the morally grey characters, like Rhysand and Nesta. These characters don’t fit neatly into boxes of good or bad. Instead, they are shaped by their past experiences, fears, and personal struggles. They make choices that aren’t always easy to understand, but as the story unfolds, we see their complexities. They’re not perfect, and they don’t always make the “right” decisions, but that’s what makes them so interesting. And to me, Rhys can do no wrong haha. 

As someone pursuing a career in mental health, I find myself fascinated by the psychological depth of these characters. Rhysand, for instance, is driven by a need to protect his people and those he loves, but he’s also grappling with the scars of his past. He does things that others might view as manipulative, but his actions are rooted in deep emotional pain and trauma. In real life, a person like Rhysand might struggle to form healthy relationships or might be viewed negatively because of their methods. But in ACOTAR, we see that the pain he’s experienced has shaped who he is, and ultimately, it’s his vulnerabilities and his capacity for growth that make him an unforgettable character.

Similarly, Nesta’s journey throughout the series is one of healing, where she faces her anger, guilt, and self-loathing. Her path is messy; she’s not a perfect victim or a perfect hero but that’s exactly why some relate to her. I know that people have very polarizing opinions on her and you love or hate her, but I believe that she represents the complexity of human emotions and growth. Her struggle with her mental health, with her sense of worth and belonging, is something I know people go through everyday. Her evolution reminds me that no one is beyond redemption and that healing is often a slow and nonlinear process.

Overall Thoughts

Looking back, ACOTAR was more than just the book that introduced me to fantasy, it became a mirror to my own journey in understanding people, their complexities, and their emotions. It awakened something in me: a love for fantasy worlds that are full of magic and chaos, but also deeply human characters who reflect the messy, beautiful parts of being alive. As I pursue my career in the mental health field, I often find myself coming back to the characters not just for the escapism, but for the lessons they teach about healing, self-discovery, and the importance of embracing both the light and the dark within us. (and for ch 45 & 55 in ACOMAF lol)

In the end, ACOTAR will always be special to me. Not only did it open the door to a new genre that I now love, but it also connected with me on a deeper level, reminding me of the complexities of human behavior and the journey we all take to heal.