Fire, Fiddles and Fae Politics
Day 4
Chapters 20-26
Day 4 is a whirlwind of heat, humor, and high-stakes tension. From the primal magic of Calanmai to the dark arrival of Rhysand, these chapters are where romance ignites, secrets unravel, and the political landscape of Prythian begins to take shape. Feyre is no longer just a guest—she’s a player in a game she doesn’t yet understand.
Calanmai: Lust, Magic & Violet Eyes
Chapter 20 opens with Feyre thirsting to join Calanmai’s festivities—despite having no clue what it actually is. And honestly? Same. The energy is electric, and Tamlin? Shirtless, baldric strapped across his chest, sword glinting in the sunset, bow and quiver at the ready—muscular, handsome, and aptly described by Feyre as “the warrior incarnate.” Her painting of him would be a masterpiece.
Have you noticed that Feyre does this a lot? See her world as something she would paint and gives it a name?
Ignoring warnings to stay put, Feyre stumbles into danger and is cornered by three faeries. Enter: the most beautiful man she’s ever seen. Eyes so blue they verge on violet. Striking. Mysterious. He scares off her attackers with ease, trades a few cryptic words, and disappears—leaving Feyre with more questions than answers.
Magic in His Veins, Feyre on His Mind
Lucien, to his surprise and absolute horror spots Feyre and, in true dramatic fashion, slings her over his shoulder and races back to the manor. He explains the Great Rite: on the first night of spring, Tamlin, and the other six High Lords becomes the Hunter, possessed by ancient magic. His task? To find and couple with the maiden, releasing regenerative magic back into Prythian.
Safely locked away, Feyre dozes off at her vanity. But when she wakes in the early hours, jealousy gnaws at her. Ignoring yet another warning, she wanders the manor and runs into Tamlin—still wild with magic. And then… the hallway scene. Steamy. Tension-filled. Deliciously chaotic.
Fiddles, Faerie Wine & “Cauldron Boil and Fry Me”
Chapters 23–25 are a romantic fever dream. Lucien begins making himself scarce, leaving Tamlin and Feyre alone with each other more often than not, Tamlin drops his glamour, and Feyre sees the Spring Court in its full, unfiltered beauty. Their bond deepens, and Lucien’s snark continues to be a highlight in my reading journey.
The Spring Court is celebrating the Solstice. Feyre ignores Lucien’s warning about faerie wine chugs the goblet and slams back a second one. The party begins. Tamlin plays his fiddle, He and Feyre dances among the will-o’-the-wisps and their song. It’s magical, intoxicating, and wildly romantic.
Darkness Creeps In: The Blight, Death & Rhysand
Chapter 26 shatters the dream. Dinner is interrupted by devastating news: 24 fae children from the Winter Court have been killed by the blight. This is especially devastating. High Fae children are rare. All courts are suffering in one form or another—except the Night Court.
Then, the stranger from Fire Night returns. Rhysand officially enters the chat. And with him, a new location: Under the Mountain. A new name: Amarantha. And a new power dynamic that leaves Tamlin and Lucien humiliated.
Tamlin begs Rhysand not to tell Amarantha about Feyre.
• 80% voted that Tamlin should have fought Rhysand.
The question remains: Why didn’t he?
Feyre, thinking fast when Rhysand asks, gives a false name—Clare Beddor—to protect her family. The group unanimously agreed:
• 100% said they would’ve done the same.
One caveat: We wouldn’t have used the name of someone we actually knew existed.
Final Thoughts
Day 4 is a masterclass in tonal shifts. From lusty rites to political dread, Feyre’s world is expanding—and so is the danger. Tamlin’s power is faltering, and Rhysand’s entrance changes everything.
Tomorrow, we’ll explore the fallout, the secrets beneath the surface, and the choices that will shape Feyre’s fate.
Tag your thoughts with #ACOTARBuddyRead and let’s keep the fire burning.
