Both Rhysand from A Court of Thorns and Roses and Xaden from The Empyrean Series have earned their titles as romantasy’s ultimate shadow daddies—but deciding who reigns supreme isn’t so simple. A Court of Thorns and Roses remains a fan favorite in the book world, even amid long delays, the uncertainty around Book 6, and the fallout from Hulu’s canceled ACOTAR adaptation. None of that has slowed the flood of fan theories and reenactments that continue to thrive online. Much of that enduring appeal can be credited to its unforgettable characters—especially the endlessly swoonworthy Rhysand.
Similarly, Xaden’s compelling character and evolving arc in Fourth Wing bring incredible depth to The Empyrean Series. His sharp intellect and hidden soft side only heighten his allure—especially for readers like me. With Book 4 on the horizon, the anticipation is real, and it’s clear that Xaden stands toe-to-toe with Rhysand, even as the newer arrival on BookTok—Rhysand having held the crown for nearly eight years. So naturally, the ultimate question emerges: which of these two brooding, powerful shadow daddies truly earns the title of the superior book boyfriend from beginning to end?
Rhysand vs. Xaden: Which Shadow Daddy Made the Stronger First Impression?
Rhysand’s introduction in A Court of Thorns & Roses stands out as more mysterious and nuanced than Xaden’s in The Empyrean Series. From the moment he appears, there’s an air of uncertainty surrounding him—we don’t know if he can be trusted, and that ambiguity is part of his allure. His entrance is laced with seduction and enigma, punctuated by the now-iconic line, “There you are, I’ve been looking for you,” which later reveals deeper meaning within the context of the series. That moment, and the scene that follows, leaves both Feyre and the reader captivated, curious, and cautious all at once.
In contrast, Xaden’s introduction in The Empyrean Series leans more toward telling than showing, offering a quick summary of his character rather than slowly unveiling it. We first hear of him through Mira’s warning to Violet, setting him up as someone to be wary of. Their tense, confrontational moment on the Parapet reinforces that perception, shaped heavily by their clearly laid-out family histories. While this approach suits the fast-paced demands of the narrative and establishes stakes early on, it doesn’t quite deliver the same aura of mystery or layered intrigue that Rhysand’s entrance in A Court of Thorns & Roses so effectively captured.
Who Has the More Compelling Backstory: Rhysand or Xaden?
Ironically, Rhysand’s backstory in A Court of Thorns & Roses ends up being more compelling than Xaden’s in The Empyrean Series, largely because Rhysand is ultimately more transparent about his past. While Xaden’s guarded nature leaves readers piecing together fragments of his history, Rhysand’s narrative unfolds gradually but deliberately. Throughout the original Sarah J. Maas trilogy, hints about his past—like his stumble in ACOTAR or his dark connection to Amarantha—create intrigue. Yet it’s his eventual openness with Feyre that makes his backstory so impactful, revealing the deeper motivations behind his choices and solidifying him as a character with strength, heart, and nuance.
Although Xaden’s softer side gradually emerges throughout The Empyrean Series, the pieces of his backstory remain scattered, a reflection of his cautious, guarded nature. We gain glimpses—through the letters in Iron Flame and key revelations on Hedonis in Onyx Storm—but those insights are rarely offered freely. As a result, his backstory feels more fragmented compared to Rhysand’s in A Court of Thorns & Roses. And yet, at their core, both characters share a striking similarity: two sons grappling with the legacies of their fathers while striving to protect those they care about most.
Who Makes a Better Love Interest: Xaden from Fourth Wing or Rhysand from ACOTAR?
Xaden’s romantic gestures and moments in The Empyrean Series, though still developing, are portrayed in a healthier, less problematic way compared to Rhysand’s in A Court of Thorns & Roses. Rhysand’s unwavering devotion to Feyre is central to the Maas series, elevating her to High Lady and striving to fulfill her every desire, which makes him undeniably swoonworthy. However, his frequent communication issues and the challenges he puts Feyre through early in their relationship cast a shadow over some of these moments, especially since these problems are never fully or satisfactorily resolved.
Xaden does share some communication struggles, but unlike Rhysand, this is a key issue that Violet openly addresses in The Empyrean Series. This focus deepens their romance beyond the typical enemies-to-lovers trope. Because of this, Xaden is pushed to grow and improve, making his feelings clearer through meaningful actions as he and Violet navigate their relationship together. To me, this growth makes Xaden a stronger love interest, since he evolves alongside Violet, whereas Rhysand mostly observes Feyre’s growth without undergoing the same level of change himself.
Who Is the Better Character Overall Among Romantasy’s Shadow Daddies?
Although both Rhysand from A Court of Thorns & Roses and Xaden from The Empyrean Series are compelling shadow daddies, Xaden stands out as the stronger character thanks to his development. Both men are romantic, witty, and wield impressive power in their worlds—Rhysand delivers some of the series’ best serious and humorous lines, while Xaden shines with memorable moments and quotes throughout the earlier books and Onyx Storm. However, Xaden edges out Rhysand because of his ongoing growth and evolving character arc.
Xaden’s arc is compelling not only because of his romance with Violet but also because he is challenged to confront and push the limits of his own heart, mind, and inner strength. The consequences of his actions are explored in depth, showing him depending on Violet just as much as she depends on him, which makes his journey more engaging. In contrast, Rhysand’s character in A Court of Thorns & Roses is less deeply developed in this regard, with the repercussions of his choices not examined as thoroughly as Xaden’s in The Empyrean Series.
