a court of thorns and roses review

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(as of Dec 22, 2024 21:48:14 UTC - Details)

The sexy, action-packed first book in the #1 bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series from global phenomenon Sarah J. Maas.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he's not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever.

From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

From the Publisher

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloomsbury Publishing (June 2, 2020)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1635575567
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1635575569
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 880L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.25 x 8.25 inches
Reviewer: Elisa
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Not a perfect book, but a good book 1.
Review: I bought the trilogy. All together they were the best books I've read in a while. Separately, they were not perfect but I'm okay with that. I read a lot and tend to dislike books that show no character growth, or have wishy-washy villains, or have insta-love, or have love result from H saving h from sexual violation, or suffer from deus ex machina. I don't particularly care if something is obvious because sometimes I want to read something that is easy and obvious. My brain doesn't want to be challenged 24/7. Also, I love good dialogue- dialogue makes a romantic connection feel real rather than insta-lovey. Is dialogue action-packed? No. Does it slow down pacing? You bet. At this point, you're probably wondering where this review is going? Well, I think that knowing more about me as a reader might make it easier to see/ relate to my views for this book.Now the fun stuff! ***SPOILERS***Feyre (the h):This character is complex and goes through several changes throughout the series. In this book, she has her ups and downs. Initially, she is hardened, street-smart and capable with a cynical eye toward romance and happiness and outright hatred and prejudice towards the fae. She also has love for a family who seems to dislike and neglect her. She is not very likeable. But does that make a book bad? No. (Hello, Wuthering Heights.) It is, however, more rare to write an h this way because readers in general tend to want to relate to an h, particularly when it's written in 1st person perspective. So many readers might not be able to get into the story because of their dislike for Feyre. When the far remove her burdens that largely drove who she was, Feyre changes. She doesn't have a purpose to keep her going, to shape her. The pacing of the book suffers a bit here while she tries to sort herself out. She tries to make love and painting her new purposes, and while she has the determination to do so, the fit just isn't right. Does this make the book bad? No. While many people won't like to read about an h that seems somehow "less" this downward arc was necessary to fuel the inevitable reversal toward a more fitting purpose. It drags a bit for sure, but makes the reversal feel more right, more true later on. Did she rush into something with Tamlin. Her feelings do feel a bit rushed but ultimately fit her as a character- going all-in has always been her style from the start. In that sense, the character is consistent. Also, her reluctance to voice her love made me think that deep-down she might have confused love with gratitude. Tamlin was her savior in many ways. For all of these reasons I liked Feyre.Tamlin (the H):Tamlin was the 1st high fae Feyre had any meaningful interactions with in the 1st book. I never really liked him as an H. He was pretty but basically hollow. He struggles with uncontrolled rage. He had just as much hatred for humans as Feyre did for fae, and his elitist attitude was hinted at throughout this book (though not substantiated until book 2). He also adheres to fae tradition in weird ways- his willing participation in the Fire Night ritual is distasteful because it borders on infidelity (especially since we later learn in book 2 that he can designate a replacement). Tamlin has from the beginning been primarily focused on Tamlin. When things get tough, he sends Feyre away; he doesn't consult or listen to her, but just decides, hinting at his desire to treat her like a possession rather than a person. When he gets a moment of freedom under the mountain he attempts to have sex with Feyre (his wants) instead of trying to escape with or save her (her needs). When Feyre is dying, he can only bring himself to beg for her life, he isn't moved into action. All of these things hint that Tamlin is not a good fit for Feyre. Many readers will not like to read about an H that is so lacking/ ill-fitted. The beautiful part is that these things are only ever hinted at in the writing, not outright stated so you will want to root for Tamlin while also feeling something inexplicably lacking in him. I thought about it lots before I picked up book 2, where my thoughts regarding Tamlin were cemented. Tamlin could not have been written more likeable though. If he was the perfect H then Feyre falling for Rhys in book 2 would have felt like a betrayal, instead of fated, and then Feyre would've been worse than unlikable but detestable as an h.Lucian:A secondary character who is both interesting and flawed. He hates Feyre at first, but ultimately warms up to her. He is loyal to a fault, siding with Tamlin over and again, even when he thinks it is wrong to do so. A trait that becomes more obvious as the series progresses. Lucian has potential.Rhysand (villain/other H):Rhysand was the most interesting character in the book (although Nesta was a close second). Rhys was the evil queen's right-hand man. He has done terrible things. Yet, when we meet him (not my favorite bit of the book because of the gross circumstances I do not favor, as mentioned above) there is evidence that he is not all that he seems. He appeared to be interested in Feyre romantically, but the "why" part is not there. Also, it is not 100% certain WHAT drives his actions. He is a mystery. Why did he decide to help her time and again? Why, if he likes her did he decide to put her through nightly humiliation? Why use her to torment Tamlin? He is clearly not 100% a good guy. He is complex.Other things people often talk about:The sex. There is a lot more sex in this book than in other "YA" books. It seems like that has somehow lead to some amount of controversy. I find that notion very strange as many eons ago when I was a teen, sex was a big part of being a teen- whether or not to have it, who had it, when they had it where and how, what type of birth control to use, etc. Suggestions that a book would have any type of influence on those things are just silly. Teens have sex. It's a fact. Wishing it otherwise does nothing productive. Also, the sex in this series is not "explicit." Every time I see this adjective used, it makes me laugh. I have read many romances and even some erotica. If you truly want something "explicit" check out erotica- phrases like "the apex of my thighs" or the "the length of him" are not "explicit."The copious dialogue. Lots of readers don't like the extended dialogue and also wish to have seen more of the fae world. I am just guessing here, but I am thinking that they are meaning that they wanted less talk and more fairy magic. But, fae are known for more than just their magic. Another key attribute of fae has to do with their words- being able to only speak in rhyme, only speak the truth, answer any question posed, etc. This attribute can be very interesting (see Mortal Instruments series or Dresden Files). And indeed it was put to use throughout the series, sometimes well done other times much too dues ex machina for my liking. Dialogue can be a type of action when done well enough. In this book, it probably could've been better but was good enough for me.The Fire Night and rape culture. Honestly, I am bothered by this one. I am never fond of rape or sexual violence as a plot device which is why I tend to avoid historical romances almost entirely. In this book, I think the Fire Nite ritual was used in part explain a bit about fae magic and in part to push forward the Feyre-Tamlin relationship while introducing Rhys. I think it both went too far and not far enough. Tamlin's participation cheapens his feelings toward Feyre, just imagine someone saying, "I love you, truly, but I need to go have sex with someone else." And then he came back to Feyre AFTER HAVING SEX WITH SOMEONE ELSE, and bit her to clearly show his possession of her. It doesn't sit well, does it? Additionally, the three fae with bad intentions suggest to Feyre that fae tradition gives them the right to violate her just because she is present. That makes all fae seem brutal and detestable. Thus, it goes too far. But, what about the converse? The Fire Night ritual is supposed to be necessary to ensure the bounty of the land for the next year. But, the spring court is the only court that has/ observes this ritual en mass? That does not really make sense to me. The need for this ritual, especially considering mated bonds are a rare and extremely valued thing, is not properly explained. It really could've been omitted from the book and is one of the few things about the book that I truly did not like.The masks. Some people like them, some don't. The reason given for them was that they were yet another obstacle to a human girl falling in love with Tamlin. I really didn't mind them but I did not like Feyre's reaction to the removal of the masks. While it was consistent with her character (she always had an eye for pretty guys), I thought that it cheapened her character to have her feel relieved that Tamlin was so pretty without his mask. It was very superficial, and further proof that there wasn't much of substance to their "love."While book 1 is my least favorite of the series, I still really liked it and will definitely re-read it again. Books 2 and 3 get even better and I am looking forward to further writings as well. Hopefully we will get to see what happens to Nesta, Elaine, the 6th queen, and Bryaxis.

Reviewer: Marlee
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: A Captivating Fantasy Romance That Hooks You from the Start
Review: I was completely swept away by Sarah J. Maas's "A Court of Thorns and Roses." From the opening pages, I was immersed in the richly imagined world of the fae and the gripping story of Feyre, a brave and resourceful heroine.Feyre's journey from a tough huntress in the human realm to her unwilling entry into the dangerous faerie lands is thrilling and suspenseful. The author does an excellent job of slowly revealing the complex and layered world of the faeries, with its ancient feuds, shifting alliances, and hidden powers.What really makes this book shine is the character development. Feyre is a complex and relatable protagonist - tough and pragmatic on the outside, but with a well of emotion and vulnerability underneath. Her growing relationship with the enigmatic faerie lord Tamlin is by turns hostile, wary, and ultimately sizzling with chemistry.The world-building is simply stunning, with vivid descriptions that bring the faerie realm and its inhabitants to life. From the lush Spring Court to the sinister Weaver's lair, every setting is richly imagined and integral to the story.While the book starts a bit slow, it builds to an action-packed and emotionally charged climax that left me eager for the next installment. If you love fantasy romance with a strong heroine, a brooding hero, and a dash of danger, you'll be utterly enchanted by "A Court of Thorns and Roses." I can't wait to see what happens next!

Reviewer: Cyra Rae Schaefer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Another reason being that my two loyal blog readers didn't love it as much as everyone else
Review: I was kind of nervous to pick up this book for several reasons. One reason being that I have kind of been turned off of books about faeries and such in the past. But I think that Sarah J. Maas has fixed that problem for me. Another reason being that my two loyal blog readers didn't love it as much as everyone else. Ahh, but I shouldn't have worried because it doesn't take much to impress me. I loved it!If you read my last review, you will know that I am a big fan of Beauty and the Beast. Therefore, one of my favorite things about this book is the fact that it's a retelling of that story! And a really good one at that! I loved that I could easily pick out all the different characters and events and such from Beauty and the Beast that were adapted to this book.Another thing that I really liked about this book was the fact that it was more new adult than young adult. This book was like an answer to my bookish prayers! Because I have been really wanting to read books about characters moreso my own age. But I haven't really cared for all that many of the new adult books that I have picked up so far. And this one just kinda fell right into my lap. I just read Sarah J. Maas's other series and loved it so I had to read this as well! So yeah, like I said, an answer to my bookish prayers! Now I don't have to feel like such a cradle robber thinking that Tamlin can bite my neck anyday! 😉 I really liked that there were STEAMY parts in this book! And they got actual detail and not just kinda blown over! That made me happy! I hope there's lots more steamy moments in the future of this series!I really liked Feyre. I love how dedicated she was to her family despite how completely useless and ungrateful they were for everything that she did for them. It made me so angry how they all just sat around looking pretty while she was out making sure they had food to eat. And how her sister would beg her for money. Go make your own money, you vultures. I felt bad for her family, but I didn't care for them at all. And I completely hated Nesta in the beginning. I still don't like her, but she grew on me just a little bit.I also found her to be really brave. She killed a faerie disguised as a wolf while out hunting and a faerie beast comes to claim her life in exchange for the one she took. So she has to choose between going to live with him in Prythian for the rest of her life or being shredded to ribbons right there on the spot. She leaves everything she knows behind to go live with this creature that she hates. And she chooses this option, holding onto the hop that she might one day escape and be able to go back to her ungrateful family who would probably only miss her when they ran out of meat from the deer she just killed.And I found her to be really selfless. First of all, everything she did for her family was completely selfless. While she is out and about in Prythian she goes off to catch a Suriel who has answers to the questions she has (and has to answer them) and while she's asking the questions they are surrounded by some other unholy form of faerie that are out for blood and the first shot she takes with her bow and arrow is to save the Suriel and not herself. And then at the end, everything she does is for the sake of all the faeries in Prythian and she knows that it will probably be her doom. But she's just SO GOOD! And I kinda love her.Also, she's a painter and that speaks to the artist in me.Then there's Tamlin. I really liked him! I thought that Feyre and him were a great match (A STEAMY MATCH). He has a lot on his shoulders during this book as he has to keep going out and ridding his court of awful beasts that keep wandering in. And there's something evil plaguing the lands. And to top it all off, he's cursed. But he does his very best to make Feyre feel at home rather than feel like a prisoner. And he's good to her and I just really liked him.Rhysand... now he's another story. He pretty much came off as a complete and total creep to me. Feyre truly would have probably been doomed without him, but he did not help her out of the goodness of his heart. I don't even know what to say without giving lengthy, spoilery descriptions of every creepy thing he did... I don't care if underneath it all he had good intentions. His intentions perhaps were good for the faerie people, but they were not good for Feyre. They were just creepy and I want him and his creepiness to go away. If there ends up being some kind of love triangle here with him, I will scream.I liked Lucien! He's not Feyre's biggest fan in the beginning and he's kinda rude, but he warms up to her. And he's really loyal to Tamlin and I liked their friendship. Seemed like Lucien pretty much got the short end of the stick in EVERYTHING in this book though. Poor guy.I liked the setting and descriptions in this book. To be perfectly honest, I don't even actually remember any of the descriptions, but I liked them because I could clearly picture in my head what the spring court and everything looked like. So I figure even if I don't remember it, it must have been good.I am really excited to see how Prythian deals with the aftermath of this book! And also to meet more of the faerie courts. And hopefully see Rhysand get his butt kicked.I gave this book 4 stars because I found it to be a little bit slow in the beginning. Also because Rhysand is creepy and I could completely do without that.

Reviewer: Isabela
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Amei esse livro, a entrega foi em 3 dias e chegou perfeito

Reviewer: Travel Kat
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: I was so happy to find this series of books! Complex characters, beautiful dialogue, strong females, action, intrigue, twists and turns, it is heartbreaking, breathtaking, soul wrenching and up-lifting - bringing out all the feels. The world she creates is dynamic, devastating and delicious! Hot chemistry too! Each book delivers without fail. I didn't want the books to ever end.

Reviewer: ana
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: No podía dejar de leer! Si te gusta HP, este te va a encantar. Fantasía más amor en un solo libro.

Reviewer: Sara
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Väldigt fin bok och den har knappt blivit böjd efter en genomläsning vilket är stabilt!

Reviewer: Matilde
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: amo la trama, consigliato per le persone che si sono appena immerse nel mondo fantasy