Before we can even begin, we must give a huge *SPOILERS AHEAD* warning. If you have not read all three series in SJM’s multiverse, we suggest that you bookmark this article and save it for when you are in your SJM hangover.
So you’ve read all Sarah J. Maas books. Now that “House of Flame and Shadow” has finally confirmed that SJM’s worlds are connected, and we have seen the crossover between the ACOTAR series and the Crescent City series after Bryce’s dramatic portal exit using the horn on her back, fan theories about the Maasverse have been running rampant on TikTok and Reddit—and us right along with them. Maas’ multiverse confirmation has created more theories than it has discredited, and we are going to explore our favorite ones about how our favorite characters might be connected to each other. Be brave, dear bookworm, for it is not for the faint-hearted.
The Bone Carver from "A Court of Thorns and Roses" is believed by many to be the God of Truth or Sin-Eater from the "Throne of Glass" (ToG) series. The Sin-Eater carved sins into bones, quite similarly to the Bone Carver’s penchant for carving deaths.
The Archeron sisters in ACOTAR are believed to have witch bloodlines through their mother, potentially connecting them to the three witch clans from ToG. This theory suggests that each sister represents a different witch clan. If true, this connection could explain their extraordinary abilities and match the broader connection between the ACOTAR and ToG universes, possibly through ancient, magical bloodlines influencing both series’ events. Bonus theories on the Archeron sisters also claim them all to be Starborn.
Some fans theorize that Kaltain Rompier from ToG is actually the Suriel from ACOTAR. Both characters have profound knowledge and cryptic ways of conveying information. Kaltain’s tragic end and the Suriel’s ethereal existence suggest a transformation or reincarnation. If Kaltain’s soul became the Suriel, it would explain the Suriel’s mysterious origins. Fans point out that when Dorian in Kingdom of Ash uses Damaris to contact Gavin, he accidentally summons Kaltain who is somehow alive in but cryptically refuses to share anything of her whereabouts or in whose company she might be. Also, the Suriel’s last plea to Feyre to leave the world better than she found it further adds to this theory.
Ok, hear us out. A very prominent theory suggests that time travel is possible in Sarah J. Maas’s universe, and in fact, Throne of Glass takes place millenia in the past. Aelin’s visions of Prythian and Lunathion as she falls through worlds suggest she might have traveled forward in time. The Harp’s song about “moving through space and eons” supports this idea, hinting at time manipulation. Sarah J. Maas’s coy response to a direct question about time travel in a recent interview fuels this speculation. If true, time travel could be a pivotal plot device, connecting different timelines and realms, and allowing characters to influence past and future events across series. And to be honest, travelling between worlds and wormholes could really support time travel. It’s all relevant after all!
Continuing on from the previous point, fans theorize that Prythian from "Crescent City" and Erilea from the Throne of Glass series are the same world but in different timelines. This theory suggests that events in ToG are ancient history in the world of "Crescent City". The technological and societal advancements in Midgard could be the result of millennia of progression from Erilea’s magical past. This connection would imply that characters or their descendants could reappear, bridging the gap between the series and providing continuity within the Maasverse. Lidia’s lineage certainly supports this theory.
The Asteri from "Crescent City", the Daglan from ToG, and the Valg from ToG are the same beings, specifically Valg. Lanthys, who claimed to be part of the Daglan and rode with the Wild Hunt 15,000 years ago, resembles a Valg Prince and bleeds black blood. This suggests a shared origin or identity among these ancient and malevolent beings. If true, it would imply a consistent threat across Maas’s universes, with these powerful entities influencing events and challenging heroes in multiple series.
A very interesting theory suggests that Elain Archeron from ACOTAR will become the Queen of Hel. While Nesta took the power of Death from the Cauldron, Elain is believed to have received the power of Life. Comparisons to Persephone, associated with flowers and dawn, support this idea. The theory proposes that Elain represents the Maiden in the Maiden, Mother, and Crone archetype, potentially ruling over Hel with a Hades-like partner. This transformation would signify a dramatic shift in Elain’s character, granting her immense power.
Some fans believe that the Archeron sisters’ mother was an oracle-like figure, passing down her Seer abilities to Elain. This connection to mysticism, could explain Elain’s prophetic visions and her potential as a powerful seer or mystic. The portrayal of seers in "Crescent City" could suggest that Elain might be a mystic with significant influence over future events. If true, this heritage would further connect the Archeron sisters’ connection to ancient magic and the destiny of the ACOTAR world.
We all know and love Fury Axtar, but truly know nothing about her. However, an amazing theory suggests that Fury is actually a princess of Hel. Fury’s formidable combat skills, mysterious background, connections to all kinds of powerful entities and unholy knowledge. Her never-ending resources and secretive nature suggest she holds significant power and influence, possibly tied to her royal status in Hel. In "House of Sky and Breath", Fury admits that Danika knew something dangerous about her, and our lovely Danika being a bloodhound and able to smell bloodlines could very well mean that she had uncovered Fury’s demonic nature.
Now for one of our favorites; Amren. Amren has been theorized as many mythical beings, from dragon to demon. But a most prominent calls for her to be a fallen angel, possibly connected to Fury Axtar. Amren’s ancient and mysterious presence, along with her immense power, could very well support this. If Amren is indeed a fallen angel, it would explain her unique abilities, since there are no angels in Prythian and her mysterious past. Additionally, Fury’s enigmatic character and potential link to Amren suggest that they share a common origin or mission. This theory adds depth to Amren’s character, hinting at celestial conflicts and a grander cosmic battle influencing the events in the ACOTAR universe.
A heart-breaking theory suggests that Amarantha from ACOTAR was Tamlin’s true mate. This would explain her obsession with him and the depth of her betrayal. If Tamlin and Amarantha were mates, it would add so many layers to their tragic relationship and Tamlin’s subsequent actions. This connection could reveal hidden motives and a darker history between them, impacting Tamlin’s character development and his interactions with Feyre and his utter distaste for the mating bond—if he himself rejected his own mate, why wouldn’t he expect of Feyre to do the same?
Now brace yourselves, because none of us want to believe this, but we have a duty to report. There is a theory that Nesta will become the High Lady of the Dusk Court, with Eris’s help, after Cassian dies. Cassian’s death has been forshadowed by Elain in ACOSF, and if Cassian’s death propels Nesta into this role, it would significantly change the course of events as we expect them in the ACOTAR world. It is also theorized by many that Cassian is not Nesta’s true mate, and Eris is, which will shine through as he helps her become the High Lady of the Dusk court, but as hardcore Nessian fans, we will refuse to believe this until we read it!
Similarly, fans speculate that Elain’s mate bond with Lucien is a fake one, similar to Rowan and Lyria’s, and that her true mate is Azriel. Elain’s gentle nature contrasts with Azriel’s shadows, making them complementary. However, if Elain is the Lightbringer and Azriel the Shadowbringer, their union would symbolize some sort of cosmic love.
There is a theory that Rhys’s sister from ACOTAR is actually Ruhn Danaan’s mother in "Crescent City". This would connect the two series even more closely, suggesting a shared family lineage and even more shared powers. If true, this connection could explain some of Ruhn’s powers and his connection to the Night Court fae. It has also been noted that Velaris has been named from Rhys and his sister Vella—farfetched, we know, but we do love a good wordplay.
Now a theory we could get behind. Many speculate that Dorian Havilliard from ToG could take the Drop, a ritual in "Crescent City" that grants Vanir immortality. Dorian’s immense magical power and his quest for knowledge might lead him to discover this process—and might as well match Manon Blackbeak’s immortality. This theory also bridges the gap between the ToG and "Crescent City" series, suggesting that ancient magical practices from one world might be discovered and utilized in another.
There is a theory that the salt from the Endovier mines in ToG has the power to keep the Asteri from "Crescent City" at bay. This idea suggests that the salt has ancient, magical properties that can repel or weaken these powerful beings. If true, this connection would provide a significant link between the two series, revealing hidden layers of ancient magic and its effects on different worlds. It would also imply that the salt mines have a far greater importance than previously understood, possibly playing a role in future battles against the Asteri.
Some fans theorize that when the Thirteen performed the Yielding in ToG, they didn’t die, but instead opened gates to another realm. This would mean that Briar, a member of the Thirteen, is the same Briar who appears in ACOTAR. If true, this theory suggests that the Yielding was a powerful magical act that transcended death, allowing the Thirteen to continue their existence in another form or world.
Fans speculate that the Autumn King from "Crescent City" is related to the High Lord of the Autumn Court in ACOTAR. Both rulers exhibit a fiery temperament, control over autumnal powers, and a knack for strict and fairly ruthless leadership. The two might be distant relatives or even part of the same ancient family tree that has branched into different worlds. If true, it could explain similarities in their appearances, ruling styles and magical traits, hinting at a shared lineage that crosses the boundaries of their respective series. This connection would further enrich the lore of Maas’s universe by providing a historical link between the realms.
Another popular theory is that the Fendyr family in "Crescent City" is descended from Fenrys Moonbeam, a member of the elite cadre in "Throne of Glass". Fenrys, known for his wolf-like abilities and fierce loyalty, might have left descendants who carried on his legacy into another world. The Fendyr family's prominent wolf characteristics and powerful abilities align well with Fenrys's traits.
Some fans believe that Lidia Cervos in "Crescent City" possesses Rowan Whitethorn’s ruby ring from ToG. Rowan’s ring, a symbol of his bond with Aelin, could have found its way into Lidia’s possession through mysterious means—possibly further supporting that ToG takes place in the past. This theory suggests that the ring was either passed down through generations, lost and rediscovered, or intentionally given to Lidia, linking her to the ToG series. If Lidia has Rowan’s ring, it would not only add depth to her character but also provide a tangible connection between the two series. Lidia’s shape-shifting powers and her naming her son Brannon connect her to the stag-shifters in ToG, so the ring might be just the breadcrumbs we need to further connect the dots.
That’s all the crazy—or not so crazy—theories we love about the Maasverse. As we explore the Sarah J. Maas universe, the excitement for her next book is huge after Crescent City 3. Each new theory, hint, and crossover keeps us eagerly waiting for more of our favorite fantasy books. With Maas’s multiverse confirmed, there are endless possibilities for new stories and characters.
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