Big spoilers for all Maasverse series.

“And old enemies will emerge from nightmares of the past.“

A long long time ago, way back when Queen of Storms was still in the works, an interviewer asked Sarah J. Maas if she had a favorite character. She answered:

>”Celaena/Aelin, of course. But I looove writing Manon’s scenes (I can unload my every horrible thought onto her), and Rowan’s scenes (because he’s…Rowan). And anything with Aedion (boyfriend looooves to push buttons). I also really, really loved the stygian spider in HOF—like, weirdly loved her.”

I’m sure we’ve all seen the spider on the cover of ACO7, and read the blurb about “old enemies” and OH BOY DO I HAVE A THEORY ABOUT THAT. I’ve actually been shouting this theory into the void for a little over a year AND I AM EXCITED!!

Not Possessed, But Born

I’ll dive right into it. Erawan’s Valg army collapsed upon his death, so no more Valg exist in Erilea, right?

>“The spider, somehow, was Valg. And not possessed, but born.”

Well, maybe not. Erawan’s armies were comprised of demons summoned from the Valg lands and bound into human hosts using wyrdstone. But the Stygian Spiders aren’t possessed - they came over through a portal with Maeve.

The power that bound Erawan’s armies to the Wyrdstone implanted in their hosts died with him. But the Stygian Spiders weren’t bound to Erilea by Erawan’s magic. Which means they likely stayed behind in Erilea after Erawan’s fall.

So what do we think happened to them After Erawan?

Prior to Erawan’s uprising, the Stygian Spiders were generally tolerated because (unlike the kharankui) they took steps to integrate themselves. They created a product of value and established trade. Granted, this was mostly done to lure in unsuspecting victims, but still. Spidersilk was a lure most merchants considered worth the risk.

However, in the wake of Erawan’s War, do you think Queen Aelin or King Dorian would let an established population of Valg continue to live and hunt in their lands? I think not.

So do we think they were killed off, or what? Glad you asked. I’ll tell you what I think they did - they walked right out of Erilea and into another world. Because the Stygian Spiders are world-walkers.

The Stygian Spiders followed Maeve into Erilea. They were not brought over, they walked of their own accord. They are as much world-walkers as she is. Remember, world-walking can be taught - Maeve and Aelin learned it from books. Hel’s Princes learned it from their enemy’s captured lieutenants. And the Spiders live by the Ferian Gap - a place shrouded in mist. A thin place. And the word ferian means “to transport.”

So where do we think the Spiders went After Erilea? I’ll give you a hint: I think we see them again. (And yes, I did capitalize “After Erawan”and “After Erilea” on purpose; thank you for noticing x)

Last we saw of them in ToG, the Stygian Spiders had just learned how to steal power. Falkan’s shapeshifter magic appears as “a little seed of light” glowing in Cyrene’s belly - doesn’t that imagery sound familiar? Where else have we seen magic in the form of a little glowing kernel or seed being transferred to another?

>Bryce's breath caught in her throat as an image of a Fae female kneeling at the foot of a throne appeared, a seed of light in her upheld hands. Smooth, delicate fingers closed around the Fae female's droplet of power. It flickered, illumining pale skin.

Again. The Stygian Spiders can shapeshift. They can world walk. They can steal power. They use lures to trap their prey. Are y’all picking up what I’m putting down?

The Wolf Shifters and the Asterion Fae

The Stygian Spiders have ancient beef with a certain wolf tribe who showed up at the 11th hour to slay their cousins, the kharankui. Said wolf tribe showed up with *magical blades that glow with starlight*, blades that were crafted by an ancient race of Fae with a *very* familiar name. The Asterion Fae were old allies of the Doranelle Fae, who took Asterion weapons to Antica and then to Terrasen, where they joined the Fabled Wolf Tribe.

Still with me? Ok.

Remember how in HOSAB, a certain other group of world-walking, shape-shifting, magic-stealing bad guys bragged about how the shifter fae “didn’t see the old enemy that reached a friendly hand across time and space?” Who was the old enemy again?

The Old Enemy

>“But you know who they hate even more?” Aelin pointed with Goldryn toward the battlefield. “Those spiders. Nesryn Faliq told me all about how their ancestors battled them in the southern continent.

Remember how in HOFAS, we learn that this race of “ancient monsters” suddenly started going by a new, very familiar name around the same time that they *lured* the shifter fae into their new land? Remember how the wolf shifters - likely the descendents of a certain fabled wolf tribe - were said to be their most loyal soldiers??

The Daglan went back in time and space to lure their old enemy into Midgard. And they went back disguised as friends - the legendary Asterion Fae.

Ancient Monsters

Remember how we see one of these ancient monsters crawling out of her glass coffin “like a hatching spider”? And this particular creature has onyx hair, moon white skin, and unnaturally red lips - just like a certain spider queen?

How about the fact that Rigelus’s magic burns like acid and “spiderwebs” across Hunt’s brow, that Hunt claims it feels like insects crawling inside him.

Rigelus in Fae form:
> He appeared as a Fae boy of seventeen or so, dark-haired and gangly. A weak facade to veil the ancient monster beneath.

Cyrene in human form:
> Small and unremarkable, save for those unnerving black eyes. Not pretty, but with a deadly, ancient sort of allure that even a new hide couldn’t conceal.

Cyrene is *also* described as an “ancient monster” by Manon.

The Dawn of the Asteri Era

Speaking of Cyrene, the Stygian spider that SJM “weirdly loved” - she becomes the first Stygian spider to steal magic and shapeshift.

She’s also the first Stygian spider to see the true potential in Dorian’s raw power - also known as first light.

>Cyrene sucked in a breath. “A rare gift of magic.” **Her stare turned ravenous** as she took in Dorian. “For a rare king.”

Cyrene - the spider that captured Sarah’s heart all the way back in HoF - is the first to realize that if her people learn to take *raw power* rather than beauty and dreams and years, then some day they might learn to wield it. The Asteri Era begins with her.

Want some other interesting things to think about?

How about the 7 Valg princesses that the Kharankui revered? How about the fact that a Valg queen sacrificed herself and six of those princesses hybridized with her trusted handmaidens to Erawan’s war. The Stygians live right by the Ferian Gap where Erawan kept his aerial legion - instead Maeve kept her control over them a secret and opened a portal to bring up the kharankui all the way from the south.

How about the fact that the Valg, including the spiders, feared fire above all - and the Asteri live in a Crystal Palace and sleep in glass sarcophagi.

How about the fact that the Stygian Spiders hale from the Ruhnn Mountains? Or that the kharankui come from the Dagul Fells? Or that the kharankui are enemies of an aerial legion from Windhaven?

So anyway, that spider on the cover of ACO7 has me stoked for what comes next.

Is anyone else actively avoiding reading the blurbs and seeing all the fan theories so they can open up that crisp new book and have it all a complete surprise on October 27, or is it just me?

So, I haven't been following SJM for long enough since this is the first few books ive had to wait for in the ACOTAR series so I am just wondering.

Has SJM always cleared her instagram when a new book launched or is this new? Its seems a bit outrageous that she just wiped everything in her instagram. Its not really a big deal its just a little...weird? Cause why?

Hi! I know this q has been asked before so forgive me. I've read and re-read the acotar books last year. Currently reading TOG. Am in the middle of TOD but it's been a bit of a drag to finish, so I don't know how long it will take to finish this and then KOA. I started CC1 recently (graphic audio) to get the series started with. Do I need to finish both series before acotar 6? Thinking of now focusing on just CC so I can finish them in time for the release. And I'll come back to TOG later on? Worst case... I get off reddit and the socials to avoid all spoilers and take my time. Advice? Please no spoilers! 🙏🏼

Spoiler for the series:

I am just stunned by the hate on her. It makes no sense. She's a nepo baby and doesn't deserve her title? Like WHAT. Did we read the same book?

I was once influenced by this and thought Feyre's character sucked and all that too but now that I am actually re reading and learning to distinguish between my own and other's opinions, it is actually disheartening to hear that the only reason Feyre became high lady was because she was Rhys's mate.

What about her sacrifices utm? She was dying inside and yet freed all of Prythian. It was for Tamlin yes but she didn't have to go through all of that lmao. What about her going on risky missions and recruiting death gods? What about her coming up for the aid of humans always? What about her having the power of all seven lords and literally training on it? What about her selflessness when it comes to saving Prythian? What about her, literally after being turned to a fae and experiencing a trauma by seeing her sisters turned into one, and still choosing to help the faeries in retrieving the artefacts?

This is utter nonsense that she is a trad wife. She was pregnant for god's sake in acosf or otherwise she'd have gone with Nesta and Az and Cassian to the Urd and believe me, even Rhys would not have stopped her. I am just not going to hear anyone calling her things for no reason from now on.

I wonder what if Azriel's mate is neither Elain or Gwyn? What would happen then? I don't mean any existing female significant character, though well that is possible ig, but someone who we've not seen much in the books. Would Azriel go for Gwyn or Elain rather than his mate? There's no chance of that happening but still i want to hear your theories on this hypothetical question!

Edit: ikk that Sjm said in an interview we've already met his person so that's why I said his mate. Like even if we've met his mate it could be any existing fmc other than elain or gwyn, I meant it in that way. And I am open to him ending up with anyone 😭, I don't care like i just wanna read the next book

Hello, I read ACOTAR and here is my review. I would love to hear your take on these points. Feel free to highlight things you agree/disagree and things I missed out on.

I like Feyre as FMC. She is 19 years old, the youngest sibling in her family with two older sisters and a crippled father. Misfortune has resulted in poverty, and Feyre has become resourceful. She hunts, rations food, and earns money for the family. She is practical, not expecting too much from others, but has some level of resentment towards her family members because of the lack of action on their part.

When Feyre hunts a wolf (Fae, though she wasn't aware), Tamlin is introduced to us as a grumpy, snarling beast who knocks down her house door and takes her to Prythian (the Faerie realm) as part of a treaty. Feyre, although scared of the Fae, is shown to be calculating and pragmatic—trying to figure out how to escape the Spring Court and later understand the dynamics of Fae courts. Relationship between Tamlin and Feyre is lukewarm initially. It feels like Tamlin is burdened (the reason is revealed later, including the curse forcing his court to wear permanent masquerade masks). He is shown as reserved and bit grumpy compared to Lucien, who is witty and more chatty. Lucien's dynamic with Feyre evolves brilliantly, shifting from hostile and suspicious to protective and somewhat loyal. His one-liners are fun to read; he also has a tragic past and becomes a very likeable character. We also come to know about the Autumn Court and Lucien's complex relations with his brothers.

Through the initial chapters, it is proved to readers repeatedly that Feyre, although human, is not weak or tame. She can hunt, and she is also able to capture the Suriel, who advises her to "stay with the High Lord." Soon, the icy hardness in Feyre thaws, and she starts to paint again. We see sweet interactions between Feyre and Tamlin but they are fewer for my liking. During Calanmai, Feyre is manhandled by a few faeries and enters Rhysand, a powerful, dark, seductive male. (She describes him as the most beautiful man she has ever seen). I was surprised with his reaction "There you are. I have been looking for you,". She is scared of him very much, but also the words used to describe him imply Feyre is at minimum intrigued by him. He is dangerous, but it almost feels like there is a reason behind it.

Tamlin sends Feyre back to the mortal land after confessing his love to her. So far their romance feels ordinary, safe, and quiet compared to the chaos to come. He sends her back because the blight is acting up in Prythian and things will go south very soon. We learn later that he is willing to risk himself and his court to save Feyre. Tamlin also, in hindsight, took care of Feyre's family and restored their wealth, status, and name.

Feyre returns to Prythian after realizing she loves Tamlin and wants to help him save the Spring Court. After meeting Alis, she uncovers the whole truth about Amarantha, the deal she had with Tamlin, Under the Mountain. Feyre, a mortal woman who hates Fae, is willingly falling in love with him. Feyre is not power-maximizing; she is very scared, doubting herself and her capabilities, but her human heart is her resolve.

We see the rest of Prythian courts faeries Under the Mountain. Feyre needs to win 3 tasks or solve 1 riddle to free Tamlin. We are repeatedly shown how high the stakes are against Feyre. Poor Lucien is always targeted by Amarantha and I don’t like it!
Feyre is street-smart and resourceful in her first task against the Middengard Wyrm. She has no physical advantages and relies entirely on her hunting skills and intellect. She constructs a trap by embedding bones into the wall to escape the pit, setting sharp bone spikes into the muddy floor below, and placing bone handles at turns to propel herself through the trenches. Covered in mud to mask her scent, she lures the beast into chasing her and leaps across the pit, causing the Wyrm to plummet onto her bone spikes and impale itself. She is badass—she grabs a bone fragment from the beast and hurls it directly at Amarantha's throne. This was my favorite task.
One thing that I did not understand was the lack of Tamlin's actions when Feyre was tormented. I understand everyone was watching him, but still he could have done something to help her.

Feyre was injured badly from a bone infection. Rhys enters her prison cell. He healed her fatal wound and infection. In exchange, Feyre agreed to spend one week every month at the Night Court for the rest of her life. This was a power imbalance, as Feyre was very desperate, and she agreed to the bargain. He healed her only after she accepted his bargain. This resulted in a black tattoo with swirling inks and whorls on her left hand. The eye resting in the center of her palm allowed Rhysand to see and hear through her senses when he chose to tune in (she and readers are not aware of that).

The second task highlighted Feyre's major weakness: illiteracy. She couldn't figure out what lever to pull because she cannot read what was written on the wall. Why is poor Lucien targeted again? Rhys helped her through their connection that was established previously during the bargain to pull the correct lever. She also had more interaction with Rhys, but almost none with Tamlin. He was under duress but still do something Tamlin, she is literally ready to die for you. She was dressed inappropriately, drugged against her will, and asked to dance for Rhys like he is using her as a plaything. It is clear that there is something that will happen between them, but taking someone's autonomy and pulling them into riskier situations can result in things going south very soon. Rhys does not manhandle her, but still, it is a grey area. One thing that slightly disappoint me is we never see Amarantha’s true power. I mean if she has entire Prythian under control for 50 years, she must be someone epic. There are 7 high lords and their court. How they are scheming/ plotting against Amarantha or have they given up? I think author could have done some deep dive on this.

The last task is more psychological because she has to kill faeries, physically kill helpless faeries. I think this is when the consequences of her actions truly hits Feyre. Killing a Naga is one thing, but killing innocent faeries is another. She catalogues her thoughts based on urgency, but she ends up killing two faeries, and the last one is Tamlin. She realizes, based on all the past conversations, that Tamlin's heart was magically turned to stone by Amarantha, so when she pierces the ash-wood dagger into his chest, it cannot kill him. This is when Feyre realizes in saving Tamlin she has damned herself. I really feel bad for Feyre at this point.

Feyre then answers the riddle as "Love" (which is a very lame riddle IMHO). However, Amarantha breaks her promise and is obviously not happy that Feyre completed all three tasks. She starts literally killing Feyre, bones crunching, body twisting. Rhys tries to save Feyre by attacking Amarantha with dagger but she knocks him off multiple times before snapping Feyre's neck. With the riddle answered, the curse officially breaks, and Tamlin regains his power and shreds Amarantha. Feyre is physically dead, but part of her soul is preserved as part of the bond with Rhys, allowing her to see her dead body through his eyes. All seven High Lords transfer a drop of their power into her, and Feyre is remade not as human, but as High Fae. There is a deep, tragic irony here: she fought so fiercely using her human heart to save the Fae, only to lose her humanity entirely in the process.
She is finally reunited with Tamlin. She thinks about the Fae she killed, but catalogue it to think about later. Last conversation with Rhys, where she thanks him for helping her. He said he did not want her to die alone or fight alone, and he wants to be on the right side of history. For now, Feyre and Tamlin, along with Lucien, return back to their home—the Spring Court