A Court of Thorns and Roses

Beyondthefont

Delivered Much More Than I Expected

"Let me preface by saying that I sat down to read this book and could not put it down until I completed it within a 24 hours period. This is an occurrence I find so rare these days as I get older. My basis for a good book have become more and more demanding the more I read and the less time I have to read. I'm someone who will not hesitate to drop a book a hundred pages in if it's not gripping me by any means. With that said, my requirements are quite simple although they seem hard to achieve these days. Good enough writing, engaging plots, believable characters, and “HEA”. ACOTAR certainly exceeded my expectations because I dove into it purely based on my immense interest in its premise being based on a Beauty and the Beast retelling, which is one of my most loved stories. And the intrigue of faery court politics, which I am always fascinated by. The rest I was willing to chance since this is in the YA fantasy category and I find most of these make my eyes roll while reading a majority of the time. But ACOTAR delivered on all that I asked for: world building, character developments, romance, and action. WORLD BUILDING: Wow do I desperately wish to see this Fae world brought to life on screens. I appreciated the illustrated map of their world before the book began. It made envisioning the world of Prythian a breeze. I would probably read every single book if Maas ever decided to write about each of the seven Courts and their ruling High Lords. ACOTAR took place majority of the time in the Spring court and it was as if I was there walking along with Feyre during all her outings. ROMANCE: There was no “instalove” happening here and for that I am always grateful. The draw in any forms of fiction for me is a slow burn, gradual build of love. It makes for deeper investments from the audience and the payoff scenes so much more satisfying. I will admit I was generally indifferent to Tamlin for the first quarter of the book. He was pretty stiff and bland but after the incident that occurred the nite of the Spring ritual(fans self) I started to fall in love with him just as much as the heroine was. It also helped that their relationship building after that was sweet and believable. My only nitpick is that although his face was concealed, it was already implied that he was extremely good looking. Which contradicts the theme of loving someone despite their outer appearance that BatB conveyed. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENTS: Feyre was brave but ultimately very human and therefore imperfect. She made bad choices and actions but I always understood where her motivations came from. At the beginning it seemed as if characters behaved in certain ways "just because" to push a point, which seemed forced. But once they were revisited and layers were peeled at a later point, their actions suddenly made sense. ACTION: For anyone who is expecting a full on action-packed book from beginning to end then you might be a little bit disappointed. There were one or two scenes thrown into the first 3/4, but most of the action came at the last quarter of the book. And when it came it was exciting and riveting to see played out. Although this is a first in a planned trilogy, ACOTAR should have no problem standing on its own should I decide not to continue the rest of the series. The main plot was tied up leaving me feeling satisfied and fulfilled while just enough bait was dangled to make me anticipate the next book. I hate it when series writers end their books in a cliffhanger in order to hook readers to anticipate the next book. Guess what, it doesn’t work like that. All that does is generates unnecessary aggravation and ruins any good feeling the reader had upon finishing that book. Especially when the reader usually has to wait up to a year for the next. *RATINGS CATEGORY AND SLIGHT SPOILERS* As most others have pointed out about the included sex scenes, they are a bit more detailed than the typical YA fade to black. This is a heads up for anyone who is wary of reading sex scenes described in books or intends this for younger readers. ["

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November 13, 2015 Verified Purchase

TayTay

📚✨ Embark on a Enchanting Journey: "A Court of Thorns and Roses"

"Rating: THREE HUGE STARS (iykyk) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ TLDR: If you are huge on fantasy then start with Throne of Glass (8 Book series that is *chefs kiss*) but if you are starting to get into the Romantasy journey please start with this book. The character development in this series is wonderful. You will instantly fall in love with the world that is Pyrthian. This review is meant to be fun and whimsical on purpose - enjoy! Dive into the mesmerizing realm of Sarah J. Maas, the undisputed queen of world-building, with "A Court of Thorns and Roses." This enchanting series opener, a blend of Beauty and the Beast with rich faerie lore, introduces readers to the intoxicating universe that has become synonymous with Maas's signature brilliance. 🌌 A Gateway to the Maasverse: For those stepping into the Maasverse for the first time, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" serves as an exquisite introduction. Maas's unparalleled talent for crafting immersive worlds unfolds within the pages, inviting readers to lose themselves in the intricate tapestry of faerie realms and captivating characters. Brace yourself; you're about to embark on a journey that will linger long after the final page. 📝 Annotate and Unravel: The narrative's depth and intricacy make it a prime candidate for annotation enthusiasts. Dive into the rich tapestry of lore, characters, and plotlines that Maas intricately weaves. Annotating proves not just a reading style but a companionable journey, offering insights and connections that enhance the overall Maasverse experience. If you're into unraveling mysteries, annotations are your secret weapon. 💖 A Love Affair with Destiny: Feyre, the nineteen-year-old huntress, and Tamlin, the lethal faerie captor, take center stage in a spellbinding dance of passion, danger, and destiny. The evolution of their relationship from icy hostility to a fiery passion mirrors Maas's adept storytelling. Prepare to be ensnared by their magnetic connection, a love story that transcends boundaries and defies expectations. 🌑 Shadows of Wickedness: As Feyre navigates the treacherous faerie lands, shadows of ancient wickedness cast a sinister pallor. Maas masterfully intertwines suspense with a looming threat, compelling readers to unravel the secrets concealed within the magical realms. The stakes are high, the dangers palpable, and the journey promises twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 🔥 Action, Passion, and Irresistible Allure: The allure of "A Court of Thorns and Roses" lies not just in its action-packed sequences but in the fiery passion that pulses through every page. Maas's ability to infuse intensity into the narrative elevates the reading experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, where the thrill of danger intertwines with the warmth of love. In "A Court of Thorns and Roses," Sarah J. Maas crafts a symphony of fantasy, romance, and suspense. As Feyre's journey unfolds, you'll find yourself captivated by the magic that spills from Maas's pen. Annotate, immerse, and allow the enchantment to seep into your soul. Welcome to the Maasverse—a realm where every page is a portal to extraordinary adventures. 🌹📖💫 ["

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January 12, 2024 Verified Purchase

Cyra Rae Schaefer

Another reason being that my two loyal blog readers didn't love it as much as everyone else

"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. ["

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August 6, 2015 Verified Purchase

Teisha

Bow Down to the Queen of YA Fantasy

"This book, with its magic, fairytale roots, and steamy hot romance, deserves ALL of the stars. I loved it! Here are the five reasons why I gave A Court of Thorns and Roses 5 out of 5 stars (and then some): ★ FAIRYTALE RETELLING I was a little wary of this story when I discovered that it was a fairytale retelling. I love the story of Beauty and the Beast. Growing up, I watched the Disney version all of the time (but not as much as I watched Pocahontas). However, in the past I have struggled to find enjoyment in Beauty and the Beast retellings. Particularly Beastly by Alex Flinn -- I did not enjoy the book or the movie. I think I was worried that A Court of Thorns and Roses wouldn't feel original, but it was the complete opposite. Maas has written an incredibly unique story that is grounded in the fairytale we all know and love, but is also independent and utter creative genius (Maas is definitely honing and owning her writing skills!). Yes, there is a curse, and magic, and a love story. But there is also dark magic, and steamy romance (and I do mean steamy!), and blood and gore, and court drama -- basically, all of my favorite things wrapped up in one neat, rose-colored bow. There were some twists on the original story of Beauty and the Beast that I really enjoyed. For example, in the original story, the residents/servants of the Beast's home are cursed and transformed into household items. However in ACOTAR, rather than being transformed into household items, Maas' cursed characters must wear masquerade masks, and have done so for 50 years since the curse was placed on the night of a masquerade party. I also appreciated that, though Tamlin was a beast, that quality did not factor into the curse that was placed on him. Rather, as a Fae, he has the power of shape-shifting, and takes the form of a beast (usually when fighting). So, throughout most of the book, Tamlin is portrayed as a glorious, chiseled, man of steel. Some readers believe that the fact that Tamlin is gorgeous retracts from the Beauty and the "Beast" story line. However, no one writes hot male love interests like Sarah J. Maas, so I am not complaining about Tamlin at all. Overall, I found that I loved the fairytale background of this story more than anything. I enjoyed drawing comparisons between Maas' story and characters, and the story I grew up with. Maas' world is so intriguing, engrossing you from the very beginning and never letting you go. ★ GENRE While we know that ACOTAR is a fairytale retelling, that is not to say that it is a children's book. I went into this book thinking that it was Young Adult. However, there is a particular scene that takes place after the Great Rite on Fire Night (such a good scene, by the way -- just wait for it) that made me take a step back and think "Whoa! This is way too sexy and erotic for Young Adult literature." Looking back at Goodreads, I found that the book was listed as Young Adult and New Adult. But, I would personally classify this book as New Adult. Having read many New Adult novels, I found that the sex rating for ACOTAR resonates with that of a New Adult novel. I think that there is a lot of confusion about the genre of this book because we all know Sarah J. Maas as a Young Adult author. I personally have no problem with this genre. However, for parents who are giving this book to their young children, or for those readers who don't enjoy sex scenes in their books -- you have been warned. I love the New Adult genre, and discovering that ACOTAR fell into that genre made me love it even more. I appreciate the more mature content, and that the characters are closer to my age (Feyre is 19). And, hey, I appreciate the sexy times, too. (There is no shame in my game... Because, who am I kidding? I have no game.) I had also never read a New Adult Fantasy before, so I was glad to be exploring new territory. I'm absolutely impressed with Maas as a writer. She is not afraid to be different, to venture out to new places. I love that she is entering this new genre, and look forward to seeing what else she has up her sleeve for the future. ★ FEYRE, THE PROTAGONIST When I started reading ACOTAR, I was sure Maas was going to give us another Celaena Sardothien: a badass girl who is nearly invincible, yet lovable and cool. However, Feye (pronounced Fay-ruh) is so different from other fantasy protagonists I have read, because she is so unapologetically human. She is normal, and she is flawed, and I found that I could easily relate to her character. Feyre is unlike the female protagonists we are accustomed to. She is no fighter, not outstandingly gorgeous, and she is also illiterate (a shortcoming that embarrasses her to not end). In the beginning, Feyre is not very likable. She is cold, harsh, stubborn, and hard-headed. But, readers begin to see how her situation of poverty has shaped her to be that way. Once at the Spring Court, where she is no longer burdened with the responsibility of taking care of her father and two sisters (all of whom are ungrateful of her efforts to keep them alive), the ice in her heart begins to melt as she lives in comfort and takes up her passion for painting. Readers witness her character develop as she begins to rediscover happiness and life's simple pleasures. Feyre easily becomes a character you can't help but root for and love. ★ TAMLIN & AN IMPENDING LOVE TRIANGLE Since we have discussed Feyre, I believe that it is only appropriate to take a glance at her love interest: Tamlin. Tamlin is a bae Fae warrior, with magical abilities. He is also gorgeous, kind-hearted, and strong. And, he places Feyre's happiness and well-being above all else. But, he is not perfect. He is flawed, haunted by his family's past, by his own mistakes, and the lives he has taken. But, through all of that, he still strives to do and be good. However, I admit that while I love Tamlin, I am worried that Maas has a love triangle in the works for Book 2 of ACOTAR. Because Rhysand. Rhys, a sexy, dangerous Fae, is a force of nature who seeks to dig his claws (or rather, talons) into Feyre. And, I can't say that I hate him. I actually like his character, although we witness him do some terrible things (even to Feyre). He seems edgy, fun, and is incredibly witty. (Maas does this thing where she makes you fall in love with all of her characters, even the morally ambiguous ones.) While Tamlin is all gorgeous and good, Rhys has that hot-but-tragic thing going for him. I am already struggling with the love square Maas has going on in the Throne of Glass series (between Celaena and her three love interests -- Chaol, Dorian, and Rowan). I don't think that I will be able to handle the emotional roller coaster of another of her love triangles. But, I think that as long as no one else is introduced, as long as this does not move into the quadrilateral stage, everything will be fine. ★ SUPPORTING CHARACTERS While Maas' main characters are at the center of attention, her supporting characters keep this book afloat. With less focus and fewer appearances, Maas' supporting characters still manage to steal our hearts and the show. First, there is Lucien, the red-haired, one-eyed Fae who is Tamlin's best friend. He is initially rude to Feyre, but eventually warms up to her. They easily develop a sort of big-brother-little-sister relationship. I would consider Lucien to be the story's comic relief. He is humorous and sarcastic and I adore his character. There is also Amarantha, the story's evil villainess. She is a Fae ruler who has a particular hatred for humans, which is not good for Feyre. She is cold, calculating, and cruel. But she has a backstory (all the best villains have backstories). And, I don't want to spoil you all, so I will just say that, when you learn her backstory, you realize why Amarantha is so harsh and unforgiving. Although, while I can sympathize with her on some level, I find her evil ways to be too much at times. However, I still find her to be an interesting, well-written character. And of course, there is Rhysand, whom I mentioned earlier. He is incredibly important to the story of Book 1, and will have an even larger presence in Book 2. I cannot wait to learn more about his character, because he is so enigmatic and intriguing and I just know that I am going to love him. HONORABLE MENTIONS Maas' Writing I believe that ACOTAR is Maas' at her best. As I stated earlier, we are definitely seeing Maas hone and perfect her skill -- each book she releases is always better than the last. What I liked most about Maas' writing in ACOTAR was her use of first person. Throne of Glass is written in third person, and with changing character perspectives. I find that I can tend to get bored with certain characters. But, with ACOTAR, told from Feyre's perspective, I felt engaged throughout the entire book. Faerie World I literally want to live in Prythian, in the world of the Fae that exists beyond The Wall (just without all of the drama). Maas depicts the Spring Court so beautifully and vividly. It seems like a literal heaven on earth. Other than the beauty of the Fae world, there are the parties and festivities. I mentioned Fire Night and the Great Rite earlier, two very interesting festivities held in the Fae world. And then there are parties and gatherings celebrating the seasons, such as Summer Solstice and Midsummer. It is all so fantastical and fun, readers are just dying to step into the pages. *** There is not much else I can say about A Court of Thorns and Roses. I LOVED this book! I have no idea how I am going to wait an entire year for the sequel. It's going to be excruciating, but I am sure that it is going to worth it. Because Sarah J. Maas is a fabulous queen of writing, and every word she writes turns to gold. ["

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October 5, 2015 Verified Purchase

Elisa

Not a perfect book, but a good book 1.

"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 t"

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October 2, 2017 Verified Purchase