Bonus chapters in special edition releases have become a popular publishing trend in recent years, something Sarah J. Maas' ACOTAR bonus chapters can only be accessed by purchasing the limited-edition versions of each novel.

While the bonus chapters for the new release aren't necessarily required to be read in conjunction with the narrative, they do provide context and subtle clues to the other books in the Court of Thorns and Roses series. Some of Maas' bonus content grants readers a better glimpse into a character's decisions and inner dialogue in a novel where they aren't the main protagonist; others provide much-needed clarity on where Maas intends to take the next novel. While some of the ACOTAR bonus chapters hold more value than others, they are all worthwhile additions to the overall plot.

3 A Court of Silver Flames

Feyre & Rhys Bonus Chapter

The Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of A Court of Silver Flames includes a bonus chapter depicting a conversation between Feyre and Rhys in the early novel. The chapter kicks off after the couple have announced their pregnancy to the group, and showcases both their excitement at having a child, and details the moment they first found out they were pregnant. The chapter is short and incredibly sweet, and the small glimpse back into Feyre's POV was exactly what readers needed after experiencing the entire narrative from Nesta's perspective.

The small glimpse back into Feyre's POV was exactly what readers needed after experiencing the entire narrative from Nesta's perspective.

The chapter depicts a sweet moment between the couple, but it doesn't really hold much significance to the overall narrative, and more so allows readers a moment to jump back into a perspective they've become used to over the course of four novels. While Feyre's chapter in ACOSF doesn't hint at anything to come in a future Court of Thorns and Roses narrative, it does, however, give readers a better look into Rhys' feelings towards Nesta, the dynamics between all three sisters, and redeems Rhys' character after Nesta's POV painted him in a somewhat villainous light.

2 A Court of Mist and Fury

Wings & Ember Bonus Chapter

The Wings & Ember bonus chapter is included in the Target exclusive edition of A Court of Mist and Fury, and provides readers with both Cassian and Nesta's perspectives. The chapter resides about mid-way through the novel, after Nesta and Cassian have first met, but before the cauldron. During the chapter, Cassian is sent to check-in with Nesta and Elain, who are awaiting word from the queens of the human realm. This is the first time Maas gives readers a look into their POVs, and the chapter acts as the origin of their future romance arc in Silver Flames.

That lack of awareness, that lack of instinct, would likely cost them their lives should the wall be shattered.

—Cassian, Wings & Ember Bonus Chapter

Experiencing Nesta and Cassian's perspectives also allowed readers to understand their characters on a deeper level. This is the first moment where Maas reveals Nesta's icy exterior and seemingly cruel nature as a facade, and is really a defense mechanism she relies on to portray strength. Maas uses this chapter to showcase their obvious attraction to one another, but to provide context to Nesta and Cassian's storylines that would be present in ACOWAR and ACOSF. The bonus chapter also foreshadows events that will come to in subsequent novels—such as the wall between the human and fae lands falling.

1 A Court of Silver Flames

Azriel's Bonus Chapter

Azriel's bonus chapter in A Court of Silver Flames is by far the most important Maas has released thus far. Given A Court of Silver Flames is Nesta's novel, it's understandable why Elain and Azriel are featured very little throughout the narrative. However, the decision to include Azriel's POV in the Books-A-Million edition gives readers a major hint as to where Maas plans to take the story next, and from this bonus content it's likely the next A Court of Thorns and Roses book will be from Elain's POV.

Azriel's bonus chapter kicks off after a winter solstice party at Feyre and Rhys' house, and Azriel's inner dialogue finally reveals his feelings of jealousy toward Rhys and Cassian in finding their mates. Right as Azriel begins to leave, Elain emerges from upstairs as she prepares to hide a gift for Azriel among his pile of already opened presents. The two then share a sweet moment of exchanging gifts, and Maas makes it clear the two characters have a mutual attraction to one another.

The bonus chapter is the first acknowledgment of Azriel and Elain's potential romance arc, but Maas seems to be hinting that it won't be an easy road to navigate.

The bonus chapter is the first acknowledgment of Azriel and Elain's potential romance arc, but Maas seems to be hinting that it won't be an easy road to navigate—especially as Elain's mate is Lucien. However, the chapter also indicates Maas' next ACOTAR novel could include a dual love-triangle plot, as Azriel also has an interesting interaction with Gwyn when returning to the House of Wind. Maas has yet to announce the release of the next Court of Thorns and Roses novel, but Azriel's bonus chapter gives readers the best glimpse yet into its future storyline.