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shelfcarewithjess 's review for:
A Court of Wings and Ruin
by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📚 Synopsis (Spoiler-Free):
The third book in the ACOTAR series picks up with Feyre returning to the Spring Court, undercover and playing a dangerous game. War is looming, alliances are shifting, and there’s a real sense that everything is about to come to a head. The story leans heavily into political manoeuvring, emotional fallout, and full-scale battle preparation — all wrapped up in the usual mix of magic, romance, and high-stakes drama.
The third book in the ACOTAR series picks up with Feyre returning to the Spring Court, undercover and playing a dangerous game. War is looming, alliances are shifting, and there’s a real sense that everything is about to come to a head. The story leans heavily into political manoeuvring, emotional fallout, and full-scale battle preparation — all wrapped up in the usual mix of magic, romance, and high-stakes drama.
🧠 My Thoughts:
I flew through this. The pacing is strong, there are some genuinely emotional moments, and — let’s be honest — the Bat Boys remain one of the series' biggest draws. That said, parts of Mor’s storyline still feel half-baked, and I’m not sure the book ever fully decides what it wants to do with her arc. There are also a few moments near the end that felt a bit too convenient — the kind of last-minute plot saves that slightly take the edge off the tension.
I flew through this. The pacing is strong, there are some genuinely emotional moments, and — let’s be honest — the Bat Boys remain one of the series' biggest draws. That said, parts of Mor’s storyline still feel half-baked, and I’m not sure the book ever fully decides what it wants to do with her arc. There are also a few moments near the end that felt a bit too convenient — the kind of last-minute plot saves that slightly take the edge off the tension.
Something else I noticed while reading — and I’m not saying it’s a bad thing — but there are definite Twilight echoes here. Some of the character relationships and certain plot points feel like subtle nods to the YA series, and if you’ve read it, you’ll probably spot them too. It’s not distracting, but it does give you that sense of déjà vu in places.
All in all, though, I enjoyed it. There’s a lot of payoff for long-running threads, the group dynamic still delivers, and the emotional beats mostly land. Not without its flaws, but still a solid and addictive continuation of the series.
🗣️ Favourite Quotes:
“I have no regrets in my life, but this. That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta. I will find you in the next world — the next life. And we will have that time. I promise.”
“I have no regrets in my life, but this. That we did not have time. That I did not have time with you, Nesta. I will find you in the next world — the next life. And we will have that time. I promise.”
“Why should I be scared of an oversized bat who likes to throw temper tantrums?”
“The great joy and honour of my life has been to know you. To call you my family. And I am grateful — more than I can possibly say — that I was given this time with you all.”
“Leave this world... a better place than how you found it.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Sexual content, Grief