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A review by libraryalissa
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I read the abridged Graphic Audio version of this book.
Pros:
-the full-cast audiobook was very well done
-I usually have a hard time following fantasy on audio, but this is a very basic fantasy, more fairy tale than high fantasy, so there wasn’t a lot of world building, magic systems, etc. to keep straight while listening
-this is always compared to Fourth Wing, which I (mostly) liked, as if Fourth Wing is a copycat version of this, but I appreciated Fourth Wing much more after reading this because it has layers of complexity, nuance, and depth that this book just doesn’t have. Plus Dragons. So thanks for that, I guess?
-It’s SO popular that whether you love or hate it there is a whole culture built up around reinforcing your opinion on it and that’s always fun.
Cons:
-the romance in this book is NOT giving enthusiastic consent and that was a big turn off for me.
-the phrase “my high lord” 🤢
-it often times feels like a more basic version of Beauty and the Beast rather than a reimagining/retelling, which, why? What is the point of that? Can’t decide whether this is character issue, world-building, or all of it.
-most of Feyre’s motivations in this book seem inexplicable, if not unhinged.
-generally dry, bland, under-seasoned. Where is the zest in this meal? I hope it’s not meant to be the rapey parts? 😬
Overall, this just didn’t do anything for me but I also didn’t hate the listening experience and it was easy to focus on, so I may still try book 2 which I hear is much better.
Pros:
-the full-cast audiobook was very well done
-I usually have a hard time following fantasy on audio, but this is a very basic fantasy, more fairy tale than high fantasy, so there wasn’t a lot of world building, magic systems, etc. to keep straight while listening
-this is always compared to Fourth Wing, which I (mostly) liked, as if Fourth Wing is a copycat version of this, but I appreciated Fourth Wing much more after reading this because it has layers of complexity, nuance, and depth that this book just doesn’t have. Plus Dragons. So thanks for that, I guess?
-It’s SO popular that whether you love or hate it there is a whole culture built up around reinforcing your opinion on it and that’s always fun.
Cons:
-the romance in this book is NOT giving enthusiastic consent and that was a big turn off for me.
-the phrase “my high lord” 🤢
-it often times feels like a more basic version of Beauty and the Beast rather than a reimagining/retelling, which, why? What is the point of that? Can’t decide whether this is character issue, world-building, or all of it.
-most of Feyre’s motivations in this book seem inexplicable, if not unhinged.
-generally dry, bland, under-seasoned. Where is the zest in this meal? I hope it’s not meant to be the rapey parts? 😬
Overall, this just didn’t do anything for me but I also didn’t hate the listening experience and it was easy to focus on, so I may still try book 2 which I hear is much better.