As we wait for Sarah J. Maas to release the next A Court of Thorns and Roses theories dive deep outside the realm of possibility, but others maintain factual-based evidence to their claims—and a few are quite convincing.

One of the most fun characters to theorize on is Tamlin, a character Maas has long been stringing along throughout the latter narrative, but one she hasn't really explored in much detail. It's because of this that many readers believe Maas plans to include a Tamlin redemption arc in the next A Court of Thorns and Roses novel—especially as she continues to reference his fall from grace. However, there's one wild Tamlin theory that, if true, could ruin the potential redemption arc Maas has been setting up for his character, while simultaneously providing an outlet for his greatest power to shine.

A Court Of Thorns & Roses Theory Posits Tamlin Has Been Shape-Shifting Near Feyre All Along

Tamlin Would Have Several Motives To Do So

Tamlin's shape-shifting abilities, and much of his power, have been very underutilized in previous ACOTAR novels, but one Reddit theory suggests that he's been using his abilities to pose as someone close to Feyre the entire time. The true extent of Tamlin's powers has yet to be explored in any great detail, but knowing that Feyre could transform into Ianthe because of the shape-shifting power given to her by Tamlin, his power is likely even stronger. This could grant him the ability not only to shift into the appearance of another but perfectly imitate their personality.

For Tamlin to see any of their inner workings, he'd have to turn into someone close to the group.

Tamlin had long believed Feyre was put under some spell by Rhysand, so it's entirely possible that he would disguise himself to make sure she was unharmed. However, there is the flipside that posits Tamlin would be spying to get revenge on the Inner Circle, and after everything he's lost, it's an equally likely possibility. For Tamlin to see any of their inner workings, he'd have to turn into someone close to the group, and many theories have suggested he could be posing as Lucien, Rhysand, or even Mor—whose absence from the novel has already raised suspicions towards her character.

This Wild Tamlin Theory Would Finally Put His Power To Use After Past ACOTAR Books Didn't

The Extent Of His Shape-Shifting Has Yet To Be Explored

Given every High Lord can transform into a beast, Tamlin's powers have long seemed weak in comparison to the other High Lords—and this is mainly because his character and his powers have not been explored in much detail apart from the first novel. Aside from the diminished power he is able to wield under Amarantha, which already seems pretty powerful, Maas never showcases what else Tamlin can do. This theory would finally put Tamlin's powers to use, and would hopefully show him capable of doing more than shifting into his beast form.

Although that aspect is what Maas seems to focus on the most when it comes to Tamlin, it's clear he can do much more. This includes Feyre's ability to change her appearance on top of Tamlin's ability to shift another character's appearance, as he did with Andras and his other sentries when he sent them across the wall. Adding a surprise element to his character, such as Tamlin infiltrating the Inner Circle with his shifting ability, would bring him up to par with other powerful characters in a future Court of Thorns and Roses novel.

If True, This Theory Would Kill Tamlin's Hope For A Redemption Arc In Future Books

He'd Have To Have Good Reason For Doing So If Maas Still Planned To Redeem Him

While this theory is fun and rather convincing, it would also completely tear apart the redemption arc Maas has seemingly been setting up for his character. In the latter books in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, Tamlin has begun to understand the consequences of his actions and appears to be remorseful in how he treated Feyre and his idiotic decision to ally with Hybern. His obvious self-loathing has made many believe Tamlin will be redeemed in a future novel, but this theory might negate any goodwill he's gained if he's been shifting for nefarious purposes.

The only way this could work in tandem with Tamlin's redemption arc would be if his shape-shifting aided Feyre in some way, or if he had a good reason to do so. But if he's simply shifting to be close to her, then it just adds an "ick" factor to his character that will further push him from redemption. However, if Maas does confirm this theory in a future Court of Thorns and Roses novel, it will be rather entertaining to see it play out on the page, providing her with the opportunity to explore his character in more depth.