All about Rhysand, the High Lord from ACOTAR who stole readers’ hearts

Header artwork by Rokii

Rhysand from Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series has become one of the most beloved (and sometimes the most polarizing) characters in modern fantasy. Much more than your typical dark, brooding hero, the High Lord of the Night Court balances immense power with vulnerability, charm with intensity, and devoted love with ambition.

By the way, major spoilers ahead for the entire series, so please, enter at your own risk. Definitely do not read this guide if you’re not finished with at least book two: “A Court of Mist & Fury.”

How do you pronounce Rhysand from ACOTAR?

Rhysand is pronounced Ree-sand. Not Rye-sand. Rhys is pronounced Reese, like Witherspoon. I figured I’d get that out of the way immediately.

Many a reader on Reddit and TikTok initially say it as “Rice” in their heads and have a hard time letting go of that once they learn the right pronunciation.

Who is Rhysand from ACOTAR?

Rhysand, often called Rhys, is introduced in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (aka ACOTAR) as a powerful and enigmatic figure. He’s initially positioned as an antagonist, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Rhys is far from a traditional villain.

As the High Lord of the Night Court, he is one of the most feared and powerful leaders of the seven courts in Prythian, a fae realm divided into various courts that each hold dominion over different aspects of the natural world. Rhys’ Night Court is known for its beauty, mystery, and perceived danger, much like the character himself. I’d tell you not to let his devilish good looks fool you, but he can in fact be a little...well, devilish.

Rhys’s grasp on a seemingly endless well of powerful magic isn’t the only thing that makes him dangerous, though. His ability to manipulate situations to his benefit is one of the many reasons most other Prythian creatures regard him as shadowy and untrustworthy. On top of that, he’s ceaselessly charming and a shameless flirt. A pretty easy thing to be when you look like Rhysand.

The first time Feyre sets eyes on him, she thinks that he’s “the most beautiful man I’d ever seen,” and goes on to describe him as having “black hair gleamed like a raven’s feathers” and “blue eyes so deep they were violet.” Paints quite the picture, doesn’t it? The fan art sure does. But beneath the surface, he is an incredibly layered character, harboring deep trauma from his past and burdened by the responsibilities of his court.

Let’s start with the Night Court

While the Night Court is feared and shrouded in mystery by most of Prythian, it’s also one of the most beautiful and complex courts, divided into two parts. The first is the feared Hewn City, also known as the Court of Nightmares, and it’s this portion of the Night Court that other residents of Prythian know best.

The darkness and brutality found here, in a complex city carved inside of an ancient mountain, is what everyone outside of the Night Court assumes the entire court must be like. It’s a place of cruelty, decadence, and manipulation, and it’s a city Rhysand is often forced to use to maintain his power and control.

But just as Rhys’s most closely held secret is his innate goodness, the court he rules hides something very different from the Hewn City.

Artwork by SeciaArt

Velaris, the Court of Dreams and the City of Starlight, is a place of beauty, peace, art, and freedom. This hidden gem has been kept secret from the rest of Prythian for centuries. The city’s protection is one of Rhys’s top priorities, and it serves as a sanctuary for those he trusts.

The people of Hewn City are largely unaware of Rhysand’s true nature and see him as a ruthless and cold leader, which is a mask he wears to protect the people he loves. On the other hand, the people of Velaris see a much more honest and endearing ruler.

Who’s who in Rhys’s Inner Circle

Artwork by Charlie Bowater

Speaking of those who see the best of him, we can’t talk about Rhys without talking about his friends. The Inner Circle refers to a tight-knit group of Night Court comrades who serve as his closest friends and advisors.

First, there’s Amren, Rhysand’s second-in-command. Amren is a unique and ancient creature trapped in a High Fae body, and while she often seems cold and intimidating, her loyalty to Rhysand and Velaris is unmatched.

Next is Morrigan, often called “Mor.” Third-in-command of the Night Court, Mor is both a skilled warrior and a compassionate friend. Mor’s confidence, charm, and unwavering loyalty make her an essential figure in the Night Court, though there’s a tragic past lurking under all that bravado.

General of the Night Court’s armies, Cassian is Rhys’s fiercest warrior and brother-in-arms. Known for his easy humor as well as his strength, Cassian grew up in poverty and was trained as an Illyrian warrior, which shaped him into the fearsome soldier he is.

Quiet, reserved, mysterious Azriel is the spymaster of the Night Court. A rare “shadow singer” who can communicate with the darkness itself, he is an expert at gathering information. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s also well-versed in the art of torture.) Despite a pretty aloof demeanor, Azriel is deeply loyal to his friends and definitely has his lighthearted moments.

Finally, there’s Feyre Archeron. Though she doesn’t join the Night Court until later in the second book of the series, Feyre becomes one of the Inner Circle’s most crucial members. As Rhysand’s fated mate and High Lady of the Night Court, Feyre’s bravery and resilience help shape the court’s future.

Okay, back to Rhys—what else makes readers love him so much?

Rhysand is a character of contrasts. On the surface, he is charming and sometimes arrogant, feared by most and respected by many. Underneath, Rhysand is deeply caring and compassionate, willing to sacrifice everything for those closest to him. This duality—being both the fierce ruler and the gentle protector—makes him compelling.

His decisions, especially in the first book, often seem questionable, but as the series unfolds, his actions are revealed to be more altruistic than they initially appeared. For instance, his manipulations in the Spring Court and his seemingly antagonistic behavior toward Feyre have deeper motivations rooted in protecting his people and Feyre herself from greater harm. (Though we’ll go ahead and acknowledge that his open animosity towards Tamlin is very real—and very justifiable.)

Unlike many High Lords in Prythian, who treat their female counterparts as inferior, Rhys sees women as his equals. He does what he can to support Feyre even while she is romantically entangled with Tamlin, encouraging her to embrace her strength and make her own choices. His respect for women’s autonomy, particularly in a world where power dynamics are so often skewed against them, extends to his choice to position Mor and Amren as his court’s highest guardians in his absence.

Artwork by Charlie Bowater

Additionally, Rhysand’s love for Feyre is one of the most significant aspects of his character. While their romance doesn’t even start until book two, the depth of his feelings and his unwavering support for her is a constant. He prioritizes Feyre's needs and growth, ensuring that she never feels trapped or lesser for being with him, and he loves encouraging her strength, never intimidated by or afraid of her ever-growing powers. We love a secure king.

The High Lord’s journey

Rhysand’s arc throughout the series is one of transformation and revelation. His introduction in book one, “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” is both thrilling and ominous. Readers are immediately unsure of where his loyalties lie, and his following interactions with Feyre are fraught with tension, leaving readers to question his motives.

By the time Feyre journeys Under the Mountain to rescue Tamlin and face Amarantha, the villainess who has had Prythian in her thrall for the past 50 years, Rhys is a bit of an outlier. He bets on her to win against the fearsome Middengard Wyrm, mends her broken arm, and ensures her safety, but he does it all under the guise of selfishness and manipulation. We’re left to wonder what he really wants.

However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Rhysand’s role is nothing if not complex. Despite his apparent disregard for the well-being of others, he fights to save Feyre’s life at the end of ACOTAR (before he even feels their mating bond snap into place).

By the second book, “A Court of Mist and Fury” (ACOMAF), SJM pulls back the curtain on Rhys’s true nature. He emerges not only as Feyre’s love interest but also as a protector and secret ally to the rest of Prythian. His relationship with his Inner Circle highlights his loyalty and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good. ACOMAF is where readers are introduced to the beloved “bat boys,” aptly named by the fandom for their bat-like and membranous wings. (And yes, there are plenty of wisecracks regarding wing ahem size...)

Photo by Bloomsbury Publishing

By book three, “A Court of Wings and Ruin” (ACOWAR), Rhysand’s growth reaches a peak as he faces enormous threats, both personally and politically. His role as the High Lord of the Night Court places him at the center of pivotal battles and decisions that will shape the future of Prythian. He must balance his love for Feyre with the needs of his court and his people, often making difficult and painful choices to protect those he cares about.

Then, in the cute, cozy, and battle-free novella “A Court of Frost and Starlight” (ACOFAS), Rhys, Feyre, and the rest of the Night Court finally get to enjoy some downtime, even as they struggle with what comes next following a brutal battle that brings some serious dangers to light.

Book four, “A Court of Silver Flames” (ACOSF), focuses far less on Rhys, and in fact, paints him in a very different light. The narrator switches to Nesta, Feyre’s sister, and the focus turns to her story. While Rhys welcomes both of his mate’s sisters into his court, he fares much better building a friendly relationship with mild-mannered Elain than he does with temperamental Nesta.

Throughout the series, Rhysand’s motivations become far clearer. His primary drive is to ensure the safety and prosperity of his court, his friends, and his High Lady. Willing to play the villain in the eyes of others to achieve this, his actions are always guided by a deep sense of responsibility and love. He is not a one-dimensional hero or love interest. Instead, he is flawed, and at times, morally ambiguous.

That said, Rhysand’s personal evolution from a character shrouded in mystery to a leader who wears his heart on his sleeve is one of the most rewarding aspects of the series. No wonder BookTok loves him. So do we!

Cure your post-ACOTAR reading slump

If you’ve blown through this series and are craving more faeries, romantasy, and adventure, check out our list of what to read after ACOTAR.