A review by bear_ridge_tarot
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 This is a very popular fantasy book and I was expected it to be as good as advertised. While ACOTAR was an overall enjoyable read for me, the book had a few very glaring things it lacked. I enjoy a thick book with a lot of world-building, and this one fits that description. There is a rich history in the lands of Pyrthian, that I want to know more. 

But I don't like lackluster characters, and the MCs are lacking in depth. Their relationship also sorely lacks, and while it's obvious to everyone around them it is being forced, the allusion to a Beauty & Beast trope didn't work for me. I found the supporting characters of Lucien and Rhysand were more interesting to me than Feyra and Tamlin. 

This book also comes with a number of trigger warnings for me, including toxic/abusive relationships, ablism, Stockholm syndrome, and violence of multiple kinds. I will at least give the next book a chance to further develop the depths of the characters before washing my hands of the series, because I loved the world the story is set in so much. 

 
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