Swipe Right, Prythian: Which ACOTAR Character Would Rule Your Dating App?

Imagine this: You’re casually thumbing through your dating app, not expecting much—and suddenly, boom. You come across a profile that says, “High Lord with a side of mystery. Must love wings, shadows, and eternal night.” You’re not even surprised anymore because, of course, it’s the Night Court. If you’re wondering about destined love and those magnetic connections that feel written in the stars, check out our in-depth guide on Fated Mates Fantasy Romance.

Welcome to the chaotic, sparkly mess that happens when the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) crashes into modern dating. Forget high-stakes magical trials and ancient prophecies—what if Tamlin had to sell himself in 150 characters or less? What if Feyre needed a selfie with a good lighting filter and an unforgettable bio? Today, we’re diving deep into the world of swipes and spells to see which characters from ACOTAR would absolutely thrive (or, um… struggle) in the realm of right swipes.

But first, if you’re new here or wondering why the ACOTAR fandom is everywhere—from TikTok to your local bookstore shelf—here’s a quick refresher.

Why Everyone Can’t Stop Talking About ACOTAR

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantasy romance series written by Sarah J. Maas. The story starts with Feyre Archeron, a mortal girl who unknowingly kills a fae in wolf form and is then swept into the faerie lands of Prythian. It kicks off as a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling, but quickly transforms into a layered saga about love, trauma, healing, and power. Over five books (and counting), ACOTAR builds a world rich with politics, romance, action, and magic.

By the way, the books in the series are:

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
• A Court of Mist and Fury (2016)
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (2017)
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (2018) — a novella
• A Court of Silver Flames (2021) — spinning the focus onto Feyre’s sister, Nesta

(Source: https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)

If you love the rich tapestry of romance and mystery in ACOTAR, you might also be intrigued by our exploration of Crescent City—a fantasy world where magic, romance, and mystery collide.

Since its debut, the series has exploded in popularity, selling over 38 million copies globally and energizing the romantasy genre. TikTok readers under the hashtag #ACOTAR have created a bonafide cultural moment—complete with art, cosplay, heated debates, and fan merch. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Court_of_Thorns_and_Roses, https://www.elle.com.au/culture/entertainment/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-series-tv-adaptation/)

With that backdrop, it’s only fair to ask: If these powerful, messy, beautifully broken fae had to join Hinge, who would rule the app… and who would get ghosted? Let’s go court by court.

The High Lords of Tinder

Rhysand (Night Court)

• Bio: “High Lord with a side of mystery. Seeking someone who can handle darkness, power, and sarcasm. Bonus if you laugh at my terrible jokes.”
• Pickup Line: “Are you a star? Because you’ve been lighting up my endless night since I swiped right.”
• Red Flags: He might accidentally drag you into a centuries-old political war on date number one.
• Verdict: If you’re into soul-deep connections, bad-boy smiles, and emotional support in velvety black clothing—Rhys is your man. Just be ready for eternal night.

Let’s be real—Rhysand is the fantasy. Smooth, sexy, emotionally intelligent, and fiercely respectful? It’s no surprise he tops fan-favorite lists, especially after his transformation (and Feyre’s) in A Court of Mist and Fury (Source: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/discover/sarah-j-maas/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/). Rhysand would definitely include a moody profile pic with starlight in the background and a quote that’s equal parts flirt and poetry.

Tamlin (Spring Court)

• Bio: “Lover of roses, long walks in enchanted forests, and… um, emotional repression.”
• Pickup Line: “Let me protect you (read: smother you with overbearing affection).”
• Red Flags: Has ten nearly identical shirtless garden selfies.
• Verdict: Swipe left unless you’re into love that feels like a suffocating vine.

Tamlin’s arc starts off romantic—he’s the beast in the Beauty and the Beast analogy. But as the series progresses (A Court of Mist and Fury, to be exact), his overprotectiveness steps over the line and morphs into controlling behavior. It’s safe to say his dating profile screams, “Still not over my ex.” For more on avoiding dangerous entanglements with controlling figures, check out our survival guide on How NOT to Make a Deal with a Wicked Prince.

Cassian (Illyrian General)

• Bio: “Gym enthusiast, war hero, and professional flirt. Looking for someone who can keep up—on the battlefield and elsewhere.”
• Pickup Line: “Wanna see my wingspan?”
• Verdict: Swipe right for a gym partner, loyal heart, and seven-layer armor of flirting-meets-sincerity.

Cassian is the kind of match that texts you back in five minutes and shows up to your big presentation with snacks. He shines especially in A Court of Silver Flames with his tension-filled arc alongside Nesta. He’s hilarious, bold, and absolutely emotionally available when it counts—a rare and refreshing combo.

(Source: https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)

Azriel (Spymaster)

• Bio: “Shadowsinger. Introvert. Will listen to your trauma while sharpening knives.”
• Pickup Line: “I’ll keep your secrets… and your heart.”
• Verdict: For brooding silence and the best eye contact you’ve ever experienced, swipe slow and swipe sure.

Azriel is everyone’s slow-burn fantasy. You won’t get fireworks on day one, but once those shadows lower and he lets you in? Game over. His quiet loyalty and tragic backstory make him the perfect match if you’re into meaningful connection and smoldering intensity with zero performative fluff.

(Source: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/discover/sarah-j-maas/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/)

Ladies of the Matchmaking Realm

Feyre Archeron

• Bio: “High Lady, artist, world-saver. Swipe right if you’re into starlit dates and respecting women.”
• Pickup Line: “I’ll paint your world brighter than the Rainbow.”
• Verdict: Feyre is the full package—but make no mistake, she’s not playing savior. You need to show up as an equal.

Feyre’s growth over the series is one of its most powerful elements. From a determined but struggling girl to a High Lady of her own court, she develops strength, empathy, and purpose. She’s not interested in being saved—she wants a partner who can match her flame for flame.

(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Court_of_Thorns_and_Roses)

Nesta Archeron

• Bio: “Swordswoman with zero patience for bullsh*t. Here to slay monsters (and your ego).”
• Pickup Line: “I don’t need a knight—I am the damn knight.”
• Verdict: Swipe right if you can handle a glacier that slowly turns into fire. She’s worth the wait.

Nesta is arguably the most complex character of the series. Deeply wounded and often unfiltered, her journey—especially in A Court of Silver Flames—is a raw, unflinching reflection on trauma, healing, and choosing joy. She doesn’t pull punches. But if she loves you, you’ll know it in your bones.

(Source: https://www.goodreads.com/series/104014-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses)

Amren

• Bio: “Ancient, chaotic entity seeking a partner-in-crime. No small talk. Bring blood wine.”
• Pickup Line: “Let’s rip out some hearts… metaphorically. Maybe.”
• Verdict: For those who like their romance dark, sharp, and ancient—Amren’s the thrill you won’t forget.

Amren might look human, but that’s like saying a dragon wears sunglasses. She’s an ancient being trapped in a mortal-ish body, unapologetically brutal, brilliant, and loyal. Dating her would be… intense. But if chaos is your love language, good luck. And maybe don’t ghost her.

Bonus: The Friend Zone

Lucien Vanserra

• Bio: “Fox-faced diplomat with a mechanical eye. Automatically swipes right on anyone who loathes his ex.”
• Vibe: The friend who’d drive cross-country to rescue you but still doesn’t know how to flirt.

Poor Lucien, the ultimate “almost”—smart, charming, and forever on the edge of main-character energy. His tragic romance subplot and loyal heart make him the guy you want to want. Hopefully, one day someone will see him—and swipe right—first.

Morrigan (Mor)

• Bio: “Night Court’s eternal party girl. Here for a good time, not a long time… unless you’re really interesting.”
• Vibe: Will take you dancing in Velaris and disappear before brunch. But what a night.

Mor is freedom personified—fierce, flirty, and always a step ahead emotionally. She’s not easily pinned down, and she’s not for everyone. But if you’re craving adventure, authenticity, and sparkle that blinds a little bit? She might be your match.

Final Swipe: Who’s Your Match?

Now it’s your turn. Would you swipe right on Cassian’s gym thirst traps? Wait patiently for Azriel’s quiet attention? Or is Tamlin’s garden aesthetic still calling your hopeless romantic soul?

Curious about which character best aligns with your fae alter ego? Take our magical quiz and discover your inner match here.

Before you commit to that swipe, if you’re into rollercoaster romances with dramatic twists and immortal shenanigans, check out our full review of Once Upon a Broken Heart: Evangeline & Jacks.

Let us know in the comments—your High Lord (or Lady) awaits.

And don’t forget: Coming soon, we’ll be ranking Which ACOTAR Court Would Throw the Wildest Girls’ Night. Spoiler alert: The Summer Court doesn’t play around when it comes to cocktails and chaos.

Love, Magic, and a Dash of Chaos

Whether you’re here for Rhysand’s smirk, Nesta’s wrath, or Amren’s unsettling intensity, one thing is clear—Prythian’s dating scene is a glorious hot mess, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ready to throw your own ACOTAR party? Next week we’re diving into DIY Illyrian wing costumes, faerie wine recipes, and everything you need to turn your house into your favorite Court. Stay tuned—and bring glitter. Lots of it.

Until then, may your swipes be true and your matches be magical.