Reviews tagging 'Gaslighting'

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

128 reviews

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

1.5 đŸ„±

TW: mentions of non consensual sexual advances

long story short: I’m literally nursing a headache as I read the last few chapters. why I’m having a headache, you might ask? well
 (ellipsis totally intended)

(nah jk my toothache is making my headache but damn did this book make the pain worse)

the book was a difficult read in so many different aspects. the writing style was so bad, the plot was too predictable, and the characters were extremely flat. 

- writing style -

MY GOD the amount of ellipses and em-dashes in this book is so??????????? like why???? SJM has an editor but why are there
 so
 many
 ellipses—and even more em-dashes that don’t make sense!!!!! maaaan this would NEVER pass a basic creative writing class in my uni. it’s unbearable. I swear every time I see an ellipsis or em-dash aged me. why does SJM use it so much? for emphasis? jeez everything is emphasised then. for suspense? it’s just too predictable. 

also, “parameter” instead of “perimeter”? really? AND WATERY BOWELS? girl is your stomach ok?

- plot -

“it’s a modern retelling of beauty and the beast.” retelling? you mean a poorly paraphrased beauty and the beast???
it’s SO beauty and the beast. a curse, handsome prince, servants cursed (as furnitures or as mask-wearing faes), evil witch/queen, i love you, and the non existent rose. like, why is the title of this book A Court of Thorn and Roses? I don’t even remember any meaningful reference to thorns and roses? at least Beauty and the Beast had an actual rose.


but wait! there’s a twist! it now becomes a retelling of Cupid and Psyche! 2 sisters, “hidden” lover, a goddess who got pissed and gave her humanly impossible tasks! *snores*
I know stories are inspired by other stories but this one is just too
 (why am I using an ellipsis? HELP) unoriginal. 

another thing that annoyed me is how everything was just so easy for Feyre (more on this later).
rags to riches? check. family taken care of? check. all these as “punishment” for her k wording a faerie.
my god.

LAST THING UNDER THIS! the plot is slower than my brain when faced by a math problem. my work friend asked me about the book when she found out I was reading it. I told her “I’m around 50% but nothing major yet.” and then I realised that dang I’m already halfway and there’s nothing cool happening yet?!
the story only starts moving during the last quarter. you can skip so many chapters and you’ll still understand the story because everything from Feyre killing the faerie wolf then living with Tamlin to her going back to her family are boring and won’t make sense until Alis’ monologue. honestly, just search for Alis’ monologue if you don’t wanna waste time. it’s basically the story and of course a happy ending after that.


- characters -

yep, the characters are flatter than a plywood. Feyre is dumb (everyone: “Feyre, don’t do this.” Feyre: “sorry can’t hear you!”) Tamlin is manipulative and lowkey a sexual predator??? so is Rhysand.
taking advantage of Feyre just because she’s drugged wtf
Lucien is honestly the only likeable character in my opinion. Alis is alright. Amarantha was a bad bitch but she’s annoying. Feyre’s sisters are also annoying and the story doesn’t even need them hahahaha

I also feel like Isaac Hale is not needed.
he’s like the opposite of Chekhov’s gun. I thought he’ll play a part in the love triangle but what’s the point of mentioning his sexual relationship with Feyre if it doesn’t do anything at all??? JUST REMOVE IT GAAAAAH


I already scheduled the rest of the series for my august tbr but uhhh


.. idk. 

wow this is the longest review I’ve ever done (not counting the papers I had to write for my lit classes lol). I didn’t like this book but would totally recommend so I can have more ppl I can rant to about this book 😆

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark lighthearted tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

faced a lot of demons (this books) to reach to the angels (nesta archeron)

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

4,5⭐


Reseña en español e inglés. / <b>review both in English and Spanish</b>.


⚠<b>ESTA RESEÑA CONTIENE SPOILERS</b>⚠


Wow, quĂ© libro. Me ha sorprendido muchĂ­simo, no esperaba para nada que fuera a gustarme tanto. 
Llevo viendo esta saga por todas partes (tiktok, tiendas de libros, aquĂ­ en goodreads, etc.), y en principio no tenĂ­a pensado leerlo, pero al final una persona a la que quiero mucho (Helen ily) me convenciĂł de leerlo y aquĂ­ estoy. 

Este retelling de <i>La Bella y La Bestia</i> nos cuenta la historia de Feyre (la protagonista), que, intentando cazar para alimentar a su familia, acaba matando a Andras (un inmortal) y como castigo, Tamlin la lleva a Prythian, concretamente a la Corte Primavera (donde Ă©l es el alto lord) para que esta pueda pagar por su delito. A medida que va pasando la historia, vamos conociendo mĂĄs acerca del mundo donde estos inmortales habitan, asĂ­ como siete Cortes diferentes (Corte Otoño, Corte Invierno, Corte Verano, Corte Primavera, Corte DĂ­a, Corte Noche y Corte Amanecer) en las que su tierra estĂĄ dividida. Aunque este libro estĂĄ mĂĄs centrado en la Corte Primavera, la autora explica de una manera preciosa cĂłmo esta Corte es, como por ejemplo los jardines, la mansiĂłn donde viven, las plantas, las lagunas, etc. y me ha encantado. A medida que el tiempo pasa, Feyre disfruta mĂĄs y mĂĄs de estar ahĂ­, rodeada de magia, bailes y nuevos sabores, y poco a poco se va enamorando de Tamlin, quien es vĂ­ctima de una maldiciĂłn. La protagonista, para salvar su nuevo hogar y los de mĂĄs allĂĄ del muro donde residen los inmortales, se expone a la oscuridad para salvar a todos los habitantes de Prythian de la maldad que lleva dĂ©cadas amenazĂĄndolos, a la vez que rescata al amor de su vida. 


<i>Te amo. Con espinas y todo</i>.


<u>Feyre</u> es increĂ­ble, me ha encantado. Al principio se notaba que su pesimismo era lo Ășnico en lo que se basaba, pero, cuanto mĂĄs cosas le pasaban, mejor actuaba. Es un personaje fuerte, totalmente decidida y que no se rinde jamĂĄs, dispuesta a luchar por lo que quiere hasta conseguirlo. AdemĂĄs, despuĂ©s de los mil fanarts que me ha pasado mi amiga, puedo decir con certeza que es PRECIOSA, tanto por fuera como por dentro.

<u>Tamlin</u>
 ay, Tamlin, te tengo un amor y un odio increĂ­ble. No es un mal personaje pero tampoco me ha gustado mucho su manera de actuar en muchas ocasiones (aka morderle el cuello a Feyre sin su consentimiento). 

<u>Lucien</u> me ha sorprendido también, no sabía que me iba a caer tan bien. Su amistad extraña con Feyre me ha parecido muy buena y es un buen personaje.

<u>Rhysand</u> dos palabras: cĂĄsate conmigo.

<u>Amarantha</u> eres una puta loca, me encanta.


La verdad es que me ha encantado. Me ha tenido enganchada desde el primer capĂ­tulo y no hacĂ­a mĂĄs que mejorar. Me ha gustado la manera en cĂłmo Sarah J. Maas describe Prythian (como si ella misma estuviera viviendo allĂ­) su pluma me ha parecido muy buena, porque me ha transmitido unas emociones/sensaciones indescriptibles. Como he dicho antes, me ha sorprendido muchĂ­simo y no me lo esperaba para nada. DespuĂ©s de haber leĂ­do unas cuantas malas reseñas sobre el libro, la verdad es que le tenĂ­a miedo, asĂ­ que cuando lo empecĂ© mis expectativas eran totalmente neutras. Y eso ha sido mejor, ya que me ha encantado y sigo flipando de lo mucho que lo ha hecho. 
Como siempre, el punto negativo en este caso, a mi parecer, serĂ­a: 
1. El sĂ­ndrome de Estocolmo que tiene Feyre no es ni medio normal (Tamlin NO te merece).
2. No me ha gustado para nada como, en ocasiones, trataban a Feyre como si fuera un juguete.
Poco mĂĄs que añadir, salvo que no puedo esperar mĂĄs a seguir leyendo la saga ACOTAR y seguir fangirleando muchĂ­simo (sĂ­ Helen, contigo), y no puedo esperar a leer mĂĄs sobre Rhysand, que se ha convertido en mi crush definitivo desde el momento en que aparece. 

Si te gusta la fantasĂ­a con romance este es tu libro, engancha muchĂ­simo y los plot twists son muy buenos. AĂșn asĂ­, siempre aconsejo buscar informaciĂłn sobre los <b><i>trigger warnings</i></b>, ya que pueden haber cosas que para algunas personas puedan ser fuertes (rapto, muerte, gore, alcohol, no hay mucho <i>smut</i> pero sĂ­ un poco, violencia, tortura, agresiĂłn sexual, etc.).



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⚠<b>THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS</b>⚠


Wow, what a book. It surprised me a lot, I didn’t expect at all that I would like it so much.
I've been seeing this series everywhere (tiktok, book stores, here on goodreads, etc.), and at first I wasn’t planning on reading it, but a person who I love very much (<b>Helen ily</b>)  convinced me to read it and here I am.

This retelling of The Beauty and the Beast tells us the story of Feyre (the main character) that, trying to hunt to feed her family, ends up killing Andras (an immortal) and as punishment, Tamlin takes her to Prythian specifically to the Spring Court (where he is the high lord) so that she can pay for her crime. As the story progresses, we learn more about the world where these immortals live, as well as six other different Courts (Autumn Court, Winter Court, Summer Court, Day Court, Night Court and Dawn Court) in which their land is divided. Although this book is more focused in the Spring Court, the author beautifully explains how this Court is, such as the gardens, the mansion where they live, the plants, the lagoons, etc. and I loved it. As time passes, Feyre enjoys being there more and more, surrounded by magic, dances and new flavors, and bit by bit she falls in love with Tamlin, who is the victim of a curse. The main character, in order to save her new home and those beyond the wall where the immortals reside, exposes herself to the darkness to save all the people of Prythian from the evil that has been threatening them for decades, while rescuing the love of her life.


<i>I love you. Thorns and all</i>.


<u>Feyre </u> is amazing, I love her. At first you could tell that her pessimism was the only thing she relied on, but the more things happened to her, the better she acted. She is a strong character, totally determined and never gives up, willing to fight for what she wants until she gets it. Also, after the thousand fanarts that my friend sent me, I can say with certainty that she is BEAUTIFUL, both on the outside and the inside.

<u>Tamlin</u>
 oh Tamlin, I noth love and hate you. He's not a bad character but I didn't really like the way he acted on many occasions (aka biting Feyre's neck without her consent).

<u>Lucien </u> surprised me too, I didn't know I was going to like him so much. His weird friendship with Feyre seemed was really good and he is a good character.

<u>Rhysand</u> two words: marry me.

<u>Amarantha</u> you are a crazy bitch, I love it.


The truth is that this book is incredible. I was hooked since the first chapter and it just kept getting better. I like the way Sarah J. Maas describes Prythian (as if she herself were living there). The way she writes is so good, she made me feel indescribable emotions/sensations. As I said before, I’m totally surprised and I didn’t expect that at all. After reading a few bad reviews about the book, the truth is that I was afraid of reading it,  so when I started it my expectations were totally neutral. And that was good because I am still freaking out at how much I’ve loved it. 
As always, the negative point in this case, in my opinion, would be:
1. Feyre’s Stockholm syndrome is not even normal (Tamlin does NOT deserve her).
2. I didn’t like at all how sometimes Feyre was treated by everyone as if she were a toy.
Little more to add, except that I can't wait to continue reading the ACOTAR series and keep fangirling a lot (<b>yes Helen, with you</b>), and I can't wait to read more about Rhysand, who has become my ultimate crush from the very moment he appears.

If you like fantasy with romance this is your book, it is very engaging and the plot twists are very good. 
I always recommend looking for information about the <b>trigger warnings</b> before reading <u>(tw such as: kidnapping, death, gore, alcohol, there is not much smut but a little, violence, torture, sexual assault, etc.)</u>.








(English is not my first language, if you find any mistakes please let me know).

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous challenging dark emotional lighthearted tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Ok listen
 I didn’t think I would like it imma be honest. Howeva once I got to the plot 👀. I finished the book in 2 days however I’m curious as to why Tamlin is referred to as “tampon” on booktok. I’m scared to read the next one. Although intrigued. Smut not good don’t recommend😐.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings