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A review by ritualreads
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"All I'd been able to do for years: focus on surviving the week, the day, the hour ahead."
Feyre's entire family relies on her to survive... not that they're overly grateful for it. Unfortunately, her drive to protect her family is the very thing that gets her in trouble, and lands her trapped among the High Fae of the Spring Court.
I'll admit, at the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure what was going on or how I was supposed to relate to these characters, but it didn't take long for the pieces to start falling into place. I was surprised by how seemingly nominal details had great importance, and the characters I liked the least quickly became the ones I loved the most.
I know a lot of people describe this book as one you need to "get through" before the real story begins, but I genuinely enjoyed the ride it took me on. Even before the major plot twist in the last quarter of the book, I was pretty enthralled not only by the world Maas created, but the people in it. I was shocked by the characters who wound up being my favourites, by the intricacies of the political atmosphere... I felt like I was trying to put a puzzle together, but someone was hiding the pieces until they decided I could have them (in the best way possible)!
I definitely understand the criticisms that it's a little more slow paced, but I really thrive on heavy world building and think this book set up the series wonderfully. I enjoyed it for what it was - an introduction to Prythian and the magical world, the history of the lands, and to the characters we'll see throughout the series. It did well enough to make me want and wonder more.
Throughout the book, I found myself enjoying the relationship building as well. Not only the romantic one, but the initial sibling-like relationship between Feyre and Lucien. Without giving too much away, I feel like it's exactly what Feyre needed.
Her romance was a slow burn and I loved it. It felt really natural to watch her learn to like, and then love, the MMC. I felt like I was falling with her. He was so gentle and patient with her, which had me starry eyed as I read.
"'I love you,' I could almost hear the words - almost hear him saying them."
The one thing I struggled with the most is the drastic change with Feyre's character. I felt like we went from having this strong, defiant FMC with drive and purpose... to a docile, careless girl who simply fawned after the MMC. She kind of developed... backwards. Mind you, I do think this was partially due to the situation she was in, but I wish some of her original ambition would have returned for more than just obsession over a man.
Ultimately, this was a good read. It left something to be desired, but that's what the rest of the series is for - and I'm looking forward to it!
Feyre's entire family relies on her to survive... not that they're overly grateful for it. Unfortunately, her drive to protect her family is the very thing that gets her in trouble, and lands her trapped among the High Fae of the Spring Court.
I'll admit, at the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure what was going on or how I was supposed to relate to these characters, but it didn't take long for the pieces to start falling into place. I was surprised by how seemingly nominal details had great importance, and the characters I liked the least quickly became the ones I loved the most.
I know a lot of people describe this book as one you need to "get through" before the real story begins, but I genuinely enjoyed the ride it took me on. Even before the major plot twist in the last quarter of the book, I was pretty enthralled not only by the world Maas created, but the people in it. I was shocked by the characters who wound up being my favourites, by the intricacies of the political atmosphere... I felt like I was trying to put a puzzle together, but someone was hiding the pieces until they decided I could have them (in the best way possible)!
I definitely understand the criticisms that it's a little more slow paced, but I really thrive on heavy world building and think this book set up the series wonderfully. I enjoyed it for what it was - an introduction to Prythian and the magical world, the history of the lands, and to the characters we'll see throughout the series. It did well enough to make me want and wonder more.
Throughout the book, I found myself enjoying the relationship building as well. Not only the romantic one, but the initial sibling-like relationship between Feyre and Lucien. Without giving too much away, I feel like it's exactly what Feyre needed.
Her romance was a slow burn and I loved it. It felt really natural to watch her learn to like, and then love, the MMC. I felt like I was falling with her. He was so gentle and patient with her, which had me starry eyed as I read.
"'I love you,' I could almost hear the words - almost hear him saying them."
The one thing I struggled with the most is the drastic change with Feyre's character. I felt like we went from having this strong, defiant FMC with drive and purpose... to a docile, careless girl who simply fawned after the MMC. She kind of developed... backwards. Mind you, I do think this was partially due to the situation she was in, but I wish some of her original ambition would have returned for more than just obsession over a man.
Ultimately, this was a good read. It left something to be desired, but that's what the rest of the series is for - and I'm looking forward to it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Murder, Alcohol