3.98 AVERAGE


Gets a lil more entertaining in the last 1/3 but wow the writing is bad. Characterization- who is she? Showing not telling? Don’t know her. Infodumps and redundant spoonfeeding. I said what I said

It was like Beauty and the Beast and a little bit of Twilight, but without the hidden Mormon purity culture and a lot more gore. It was enjoyable and easy to read and the world that was built was at least interesting and different. Something I appreciated is I couldn’t even guess the plot twists. I knew something deeper was happening but once it was revealed I never had a “I knew it” moment. I seriously thought the last person on the last task to be revealed was Lucien and I was wrong. It was refreshing because 8/10 I can guess and piece “twists” and endings together.

I will say it’s lacking diversity outside of random fae being blue or red skin toned. I made a whole bunch of characters Black and Brown because if not me then clearly not this author. And after reading a very queer-centric series I’m disappointed in the lack of queer relationships. 3.5 would be more accurate.
adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Was this cringy? Yes! Did I enjoy it? Yes!
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Honestly, this book wasn't what I expected. I genuinely didn't even know that this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling until I read a few other reviews about it. And I have to say, knowing next to nothing about this book besides the main character and the love interest
SpoilerI knew that she eventually dates Rhysand, so I was fearing for Tamlin's life throughout the entire novel
, I had a much better time reading it.

This book starts off where our main character, Feyre, is a human girl who lives on the edge of faerie lands. Feyre, as well as most humans, are wary of fae and of their general wickedness toward humans. When she kills a wolf in the woods, it starts off a chain of events where Tamlin, a faerie, tells her that she has two choices: live with him in the faerie land of Prythian in the Spring Court, or face possible death by another avenging faerie. Although she resists at first, she eventually agrees, and thus begins our retelling.

I love anything relating to Beauty and the Beast, and the dynamic between Feyre and Tamlin was so reminiscent of their relationship (with a little bit sexual tension than the Disney film) that I really enjoyed it. Normally, any straight relationship that is insta-love I automatically dislike (ahem, Clary and Jace from TMI), but Feyre and Tamlin developed together both as characters and as a couple. I really loved the world building, and I liked the little reveals throughout the book that further reinforced the retelling. The action in this novel was gripping and violent, and the other characters, especially the villains
SpoilerAlthough I guessed the riddle as soon as she stated it, there were other reveals that surprised me and Amarantha was one of the best villainous characters I've read in awhile.
were incredibly realistic.

Feyre grew beautifully throughout the novel. She's a strong, yet sensitive character, and I don't use that term lightly. She listens to reason and thinks over situations carefully to ensure her and others' survival, and I loved the fact that she also loves to paint. She makes mistakes and sometimes feels like giving up, and all of this makes her feel very human.

I gave this four stars because I'm not quite sure how I feel about Tamlin, and for that matter, how I feel about Rhysand. Although in ACOTAR I liked Tamlin and disliked Rhysand, I read some spoilers about ACOMAF that make me uneasy. I really enjoy Tamlin and Feyre's relationship, but I'm not quite sure how I feel about Rhysand and Feyre as a couple. However, I suspect that I'm going to be making my mind up soon as I continue reading ACOMAF.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend this series, especially if you loved her TOG series, because a lot of the same elements are still there. The only issue I have is in the romance department, but I'm willing to overlook that because the characters (by themselves, at least), the world building, and the plot is very interesting.

Some favorite quotes:

“I love you,’ he whispered, and kissed my brow. ‘Thorns and all.”

“Because I wouldn't want to die alone," I said, and my voice wobbled as I looked at Tamlin again, forcing myself to meet his stare. "Because I'd want someone to hold my hand until the end, and awhile after that.
That's something everyone deserves, human or faerie.”


“As I lifted the ash dagger, something inside me fractured so completely that there would be no hope of ever repairing it.”
adventurous hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Had this book on my shelf for the longest time after it’s been intensely hyped up. Enjoyed it but not on the level I expected to. 

Enjoyed the characters especially the relationship between Feyre and her sisters. Descriptions were good and easy to follow, especially as it’s not a world I fully understand yet. Felt well written and overall story enjoyable with some good moments, twists and plot points (but come on Feyre…was screaming LOVE…) 

But yet, it didn’t fulfill my expectations based on how much attention and cult following it has garnered. Enjoyed it equally to most other romantasy reads. I will however go on to read book 2 because I have heard book 2 is amazing, so jury still out. 
adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring 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
adventurous dark emotional 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