ACOTAR: Top 10 Characters

Episode Title: ACOTAR Top 10 Characters: Cassian Supremacy, Tamlin Justice & the Miniature Pegasus! Description: Welcome back to the Romantasy Roundtable! Rick, Amanda, and Kim are taking a break from chapter-by-chapter chaos to rank their Top 10 favorite characters from all five ACOTAR books! And naturally, this turns into Cassian supremacy, Rick's ongoing Tamlin apology tour, zero Elain representation, and a very serious debate about the miniature Pegasus. We revisit the characters who made us laugh, cry, rage, and rethink the entire series after rereading A Court of Thorns and Roses through A Court of Silver Flames. From Nesta's redemption arc and Cassian's boyfriend-of-the-year credentials to Lucien getting criminally underrated, Amren being an ancient badass, Azriel needing some serious "Azriel soup," and the Suriel's devastating final moments, we're putting the entire ACOTAR cast on trial. We also debate Rhysand's ranking after Silver Flames, Mor's missing backstory and undeniable ginger energy, Bryaxis just wanting a window, and why none of us could find a spot for Elain. Sorry, Elain. Key Topics Discussed: • Cassian Takes the Crown: Amanda and Kim rank Cassian #1, while Rick gives him #2. We discuss his loyalty, humor, badassery, authenticity, and why the Bat Boys desperately need his levity. • Rick's Tamlin Apology Tour: Tamlin and Rhysand are tied on Rick's list after the reread. Amanda and Kim would like the record to show that this officially makes Rick a Tamlin apologist. • Nesta's Redemption Arc: Rick ranks Nesta #1, Amanda puts her at #4, and Kim is still waiting for the Nesta train to arrive. We discuss trauma, addiction, the Valkyries, and why Nesta's story proves that people can change. • Rhysand vs. Tamlin: Has Silver Flames changed how we see the two High Lords? We revisit control, forgiveness, the pregnancy storyline, and whether either of them gets a free pass. • Azriel, the Shadow Daddy: Amanda ranks Azriel #3 while Rick and Kim place him lower. We talk about his growth, his brooding personality, and our desperate need for more Azriel backstory. • Lucien Deserves Better: Rick puts Lucien at #5 and argues that the fox-boy has spent the entire series taking everyone's crap while still showing up for everyone else. • Amren, the Ancient Badass: Why does this tiny jewel-hoarding menace rank so highly? We discuss her mystery, her tough love toward Nesta, and the backstory we desperately want. • The Suriel Still Hurts: The Suriel makes multiple lists thanks to its wisdom, sacrifice, and unforgettable final scene. Sometimes you don't realize how much you love a character until they die. • Mor Needs a Love Story: Rick ranks Mor #7 and Amanda #5. We love her resilience and cheerful energy, but we NEED more of her backstory—and Amanda still insists she should be a redhead. • The Weird Ones Win: Kim's list includes the Water Wraiths and Bryaxis, because apparently ancient creepy beings with simple emotional needs are exactly her type. Bryaxis just wants a window! • The Miniature Pegasus Debate: Amanda's #10 is a miniature Pegasus. We have questions. You have questions. Where does the tiny horse rank in YOUR Top 10? • Elain Is Missing: None of us ranked Elain. Is she secretly being saved for something huge, or is "boring" simply worse than "evil"? We discuss. Closing/Call-to-Action: Who is YOUR #1 ACOTAR character? Are you Team Cassian, Team Nesta, Team Azriel, or ready to join Rick's Tamlin apology tour? How mad are you that Rhysand and Tamlin tied? Who did we criminally underrate—and where do you rank the miniature Pegasus? Drop your Top 10 in the comments! Like and subscribe on YouTube, and follow us on Goodreads and StoryGraph. Got an ACOTAR hot take or want to defend Tamlin with Rick? Email us at romantasyround@gmail.com! Next week: we're ranking all five ACOTAR books in real time!