History YMMV / ACourtOfThornsAndRoses

** Mor being revealed as bisexual with a preference for women opens ''several'' cans of worms. Some readers like that the series has a prominent and heroic bisexual character (who isn't defined solely by her sexuality, either). However, other readers felt the way it was handled is a bit clumsy, if not outright problematic: Mor had previously only been depicted having relationships with men and is merely mentioned as having had a female lover many years ago, which made her bisexuality seem like a tacked-on InformedAttribute to some. Some readers also took issue with the fact that Mor says she mostly sleeps around with men to get [[DoggedNiceGuy Azriel to take a hint]] then looking downright ''miserable'' after the fact (which led to some debate amongst fans as to whether she was really bisexual or actually a lesbian, opening up yet ''more'' cans of worms). Then there's the scene where Mor comes out to Feyre. There are some who find the scene to be well-done and adding great insight to Mor's character. For others it's dampened by Feyre's previous behavior, as until then Feyre was basically [[ShipperOnDeck rooting for Mor/Azriel]] to the point where Rhys flat out tells Feyre that it's none of her business; some readers find it a little hard not to see it as Feyre ''forcing'' Mor to come out because Feyre's ship wasn't happening.

** The sex scenes, which increase in both frequency and worded detail with every installment. Some readers find the scenes well-written and don't think they detract from the overall story. Others find the scenes intrusive and the writing laughable. The sexual content has also generated controversy given that the books tend to be marketed towards teenagers. Some readers are critical of the fact such explicit content appears in Young Adult novels, while others feel that teens aren't intended to be the target audience and think it's the marketers' fault for misrepresenting the books. 

** The phrase "I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding" or slight variations thereof crops up repeatedly. Some readers find it annoyingly repetitive and improbable, with a few joking it makes it seem Feyre has respiratory problems. It doesn't help that the line is considered overrused to the point of cliche in fiction, ''especially'' in YA fiction.

** In ''A Court of Mist and Fury'', Rhysand is revealed to be NotEvilJustMisunderstood: he's actually a benevolent and compassionate High Lord who puts on a show of being a hedonistic tyrant to keep the Night Court safe from Amarantha and other enemies. However, there are increasing numbers of readers who interpret his more villainous portrayal in ''A Court of Thorns and Roses'' as not being ''entirely'' an act after all, pointing out that he primarily rules through fear (and clearly thinks this is a good way of doing things, calling Tamlin weak for not doing the same), condones physical and psychological torture for a 'good' cause, enjoys manipulating and tormenting others if he can get away with it, and has few compunctions around deceiving and violating the boundaries of even his closest loved ones. Interestingly, we largely see Rhysand's 'redemption' through the eyes of Feyre's first-person POV, which coincides with her [[spoiler:falling in love with him and recovering from trauma with his help]]; many readers have noted that Rhysand comes off far less favorably when described from Nesta's third-person POV. It could be argued both POVs are biased in their own way (Feyre idealizes Rhys [[spoiler:out of love for him]], while Nesta and Rhys share a mutual dislike for the other).

* UnintentionallySympathetic: Tamlin as the series goes on. The series never had an issue of calling Tamlin out on his worst character aspects and for his actions in ''A Court of Mist and Fury''. However as time goes on [[spoiler:''Rhysand's'']] flaws are becoming far more apparent, even to the point where he makes similar actions... but Feyre/the narration/Maas will jump through hoops to excuse [[spoiler:Rhys]] despite being guilty of the same thing ''and worse''. Instead of making Tamlin out as merely a controlling abuser, he's starting to come across as more and more of a highly traumatized tragic figure given absolutely no chance to properly cope. Even readers who don't much like Tamlin felt some pity for him in ''Frost and Starlight'', as he appears to be deeply depressed and possibly suicidal, and thought Rhysand was out of order for mocking and ranting at him.

** After A Court of Silver Flames, many readers are starting to jump ship with [[spoiler: Rhysand/Feyre. Rhysand's actions are scarily similar to Tamlin's in A Court of Mist and Fury of locking Feyre up without her consent and making decisions regarding her well-being without consulting with her. Rhysand has shown numerous times he has characteristics of a groomer and abusive boyfriend. He flaunts her before his male peers and makes disgusting comments about their sex life but grows irrationally angry if she dares to speak to another man, he pretends she's on equal footing with him politically to keep her placated yet he's the one calling the shots, he withholds info from her because he thinks she's not strong enough to handle the truth when said info is about keeping her alive, locks her up because he thinks it's for her best interest.]] The author goes through leaps trying to prove their the superior ship but it's getting harder and harder not to acknowledge it's becoming the most destructive and toxic relationship. Many readers that went through abusive relationships are starting to acknowledge [[spoiler:Rhysand]] is better at gaslighting and controlling his lover than [[spoiler:Tamlin]] ever was.

* RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap: Not quite "rescued" per se, but after ''A Court of Silver Flames'' some ''are'' beginning to see Tamlin as the lesser of two evils since [[spoiler:Rhysand's self-centered and increasingly problematic actions]] make him out as far more problematic, controlling, and borderline abusive than Tamlin ever was. The crux for many readers is that Tamlin's worst acts have been thoroughly called out and resulted in him hitting rock bottom, making him come off as more of a tragic figure, whereas [[spoiler:Rhysand's]] similarly problematic behavior tends to be excused or glossed over.

* UnintentionallySympathetic: Tamlin as the series goes on. The series never had an issue of calling Tamlin out on his worst character aspects and for his actions in ''A Court of Mist and Fury''. However as time goes on [[spoiler:''Rhysand's'']] flaws are becoming far more apparent, even to the point where he makes similar actions... but Feyre/the narration/Mass will jump through hoops to excuse [[spoiler:Rhys]] despite being guilty of the same thing ''and worse''. Instead of making Tamlin out as some BastardBoyfriend, he's starting to come across as more and more of a highly traumatized tragic figure given absolutely no chance to properly cope.

** At one point [[spoiler:Feyre]] and [[spoiler:Rhysand]] seriously consider having sex in a library that also serves as a refuge for vulnerable women, including many who are survivors of sexual violence. Several readers have commented that they found this not only unsexy but wildly inappropriate.

* StrawmanHasAPoint: Nesta in ''A Court of Silver Flames'' is presented as being in the wrong and called out by everyone for [[spoiler:revealing to Feyre how risky her pregnancy will be for both herself and her unborn child]]. While Nesta was acting partly from spite and anger, Feyre had every right to know about this considering it concerns ''her'' health and body.

** Mor being revealed as bisexual with a preference for women opens ''several'' cans of worms. Some readers like that the series has a prominent and heroic bisexual character (who isn't defined solely by her sexuality, either). However, other readers felt the way it was handled is a bit clumsy, if not outright problematic: Mor had previously only been depicted having relationships with men and is merely mentioned as having had a female lover many years ago, which made her bisexuality seem like a tacked-on InformedAttribute to some. Some readers also took issue with the fact that Mor says she mostly sleeps around with men to get [[DoggedNiceGuy Azriel to take a hint]] (which led to some debate amongst fans as to whether she was really bisexual or actually a lesbian, opening up yet ''more'' cans of worms). Then there's the scene where Mor comes out to Feyre. There are some who find the scene to be well-done and adding great insight to Mor's character. For others it's dampened by Feyre's previous behavior, as until then Feyre was basically [[ShipperOnDeck rooting for Mor/Azriel]] to the point where Rhys flat out tells Feyre that it's none of her business; some readers find it a little hard not to see it as Feyre ''forcing'' Mor to come out because Feyre's ship wasn't happening.

* UnintentionallyUnsympathetic: Feyre's family in the first book (they become more nuanced later on, especially Nesta). They get little characterization beyond the fact they're selfish jerks who treat Feyre like crap [[UngratefulBastard even though she's the one keeping them alive]] and they barely [[AHouseDivided tolerate]] [[DysfunctionalFamily each other]]. Feyre herself has a low opinion of them, frequently criticizing them even as she emphasizes her devotion to them. Even Feyre's dead mother - to whom she made a deathbed promise to look after the family - is described as being cold and vain. None of them save for Feyre do anything to alleviate their dire situation (unless nagged) even though its been nearly a decade since they lost their fortune and they're all adults. It makes it difficult to sympathize with the family's struggles and some readers even find it weakens Feyre's driving motivation of protecting them, considering her relationship with each of them ranges from indifferent to actively hostile.

** Feyre becoming [[spoiler: the first High Lady in Prythian's history]] (putting her on equal footing with [[spoiler:Rhysand]] as opposed to merely being his consort) provides plenty of interesting potential storylines, such as Feyre actively helping her people rebuild after the war (especially as knows what it's like to lose your home, live in poverty, and deal with trauma), working towards making Prythian less sexist, improving faerie/human relations and/or learning exactly how to be a good [[spoiler:queen]] who can support [[spoiler:Rhysand]] as best she can (seeing as she's barely out of her teens and knew jack all about Prythian cultures until a few years ago; not to mention many people in [[NoWomansLand Prythian]] are likely to chafe at a woman having such power). Unfortunately, after the war is over Feyre isn't shown being very politically active, with her storylines instead focusing mostly on her living a charmed life with [[spoiler:Rhysand]]. In ''A Court of Silver Flames'' the only significant thing she does is [[spoiler:get pregnant]], which some readers found frustrating because [[spoiler:she'd never previously expressed a desire to have kids so soon, plus seeing as she and Rhysand are immortal they could have kids any time]]. Readers don't have an issue with [[spoiler:her getting pregnant]] in and of itself, but they find it disappointing that for all the significance given to [[spoiler:Feyre becoming a High Lady and her conflict with Tamlin over her being treated as a glorified trophy wife/broodmare with no influence]], little is actually done with this.

* RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap: Not quite "rescued" per se, but after ''A Court of Silver Flames'' some ''are'' beginning to see Tamlin as the lesser of two evils since [[spoiler:Rhysand's self-centered and increasingly problematic actions]] make him out as far more problematic, controlling, and borderline abusive than Tamlin ever was. The main sticking point for many readers is that Tamlin's worst acts have been thoroughly called out and resulted in him hitting rock bottom, making him come off as more of a tragic figure, whereas [[spoiler:Rhysand's]] similarly problematic behavior tends to be excused or glossed over.

* RescuedFromTheScrappyHeap: Not quite "rescued" per se, but after ''A Court of Silver Flames'' some ''are'' beginning to see Tamlin as the lesser of two evils since [[spoiler:Rhysand's self-centered and increasingly problematic actions]] make him out as far more problematic, controlling, and borderline abusive than Tamlin ever was.

* WhatDoYouMeanItsNotForKids: The series is described as "young adult" fantasy and is often found in the teen section in bookstores and libraries. However, the sexual content is a ''lot'' more [[ExplicitContent explicit]] than the average young adult novel, to the point that some printings come with {{content warning}}s advising reader discrection on the cover. From ''A Court of Silver Flames'' onwards the series is now marketed more as "New Adult" fiction (typically aimed at readers aged 18-30 rather than younger teens) for this reason.

** Rhysand has been presented in-universe and out as championing women's rights and equality, but some have questioned whether Rhysand's treatment of women is ''really'' that progressive. He has banned Illyrians from clipping women's wings and demands the women be allowed to train as warriors, but he doesn't appear to do much to actively encourage or enforce this (Cassian is the one training the women, with Rhysand occasionally turning up at camps to dish out threats to men who complain too loudly). He gives Mor shelter and an important position in his court, yet allows her blatantly abusive and sexist father to control an entire city (presumably making the lives of many women there a misery) rather than remove him or curb his power. He emphasizes that Feyre should be able to make her own choices, though he sometimes manipulates or forces her into doing things, or keeps her from knowing important information that directly affects her, if it suits him. He grants Feyre [[spoiler:the title of High Lady and insists she is his equal]], but considering [[spoiler:her lack of involvement in politics it can come off as merely ceremonial]], and her position and livelihood hinges entirely on her being [[spoiler:his [[NeverASelfMadeWoman wife]]]. Outside of the Night Court, he also publically presents himself as a hedonist who treats women as sex objects - including forcing Feyre into skimpy outfits, drugging her and getting her to perform lap dances for him. While he is [[CruelToBeKind trying to protect Feyre]] by 'claiming' her for himself, it doesn't change the fact his treatment of her here borders on or crosses into sexual harassment/assault. Some readers find that Rhysand is only "feminist" when it's convenient for him and that while he comparatively treats women better than a lot of [[NoWomansLand Prythian]]'s inhabitants, [[DamnedByFaintPraise this isn't exactly saying much]].

** Feyre becoming [[spoiler: the first High Lady in Prythian's history]] (putting her on equal footing with [[spoiler:Rhysand]] as opposed to merely being his consort) provides plenty of interesting potential storylines, such as Feyre actively helping her people rebuild after the war (especially as knows what it's like to lose your home, live in poverty, and deal with trauma), working towards making Prythian less sexist, improving faerie/human relations and/or learning exactly how to be a good [[spoiler:queen]] who can support [[spoiler:Rhysand]] as best she can (seeing as she's barely out of her teens and knew jack all about Prythian cultures until a few years ago; not to mention many people in [[NoWomansLand Prythian]] are likely to chafe at a woman having such power). Unfortunately, after the war is over Feyre isn't shown being very politically active, with her storylines instead focusing mostly on her living a charmed life with [[spoiler:Rhysand]]. In ''A Court of Silver Flames'' the only significant thing she does is [[spoiler:get pregnant]], which some readers found frustrating because [[spoiler:she'd never previously expressed a desire to have kids so soon, plus seeing as she and Rhysand are immortal they could have kids any time]]. Readers don't have an issue with [[spoiler:her getting pregnant]] in and of itself, but they find it disappointing that for all the significance given to [[spoiler:Feyre becoming a High Lady and her conflict with Tamlin over her being treated as a glorified housewife with no influence]], little is actually done with this.

* ShippingBedDeath: For some Feyre/[[spoiler: Rhysand]] shippers, their actual relationship became tedious to read about after they got together, especially by ''A Court of Frost and Starlight''. The main criticisms brought up is that the story tends to shift the focus to their relationship even though there's other, more important things going on like the war with Hybern, and their relationship itself is mostly devoid of conflict and dramatic tension after the second book, consisting largely of them hooking up and constantly reiterating how much they love each other. Some readers also didn't appreciate the way [[spoiler: Tamlin]] got derailed as a love interest to make way for [[spoiler: Rhysand]].