Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

a court of thorns and rosesWhen nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Rating: 4/5

You know y’all have been eagerly anticipating my review for this… /snorts

This works as a romance with fantasy elements, but will let you down if you’re looking for a high fantasy specifically. I went in expecting the former, so I wasn’t disappointed, but I can see why some people were.

Even more so than Throne of Glass, the push-pull of the relationship takes centre stage. Of course, there were some romantic clichés thrown in, but I will admit to enjoying the dynamics between proud Feyre and powerful Tamlin.

It did also take me a while to really get connected in the story – I think it took until Feyre had been at Tamlin’s estate for quite a while – because there was a section where she was just wondering around admiring the trees, and I was all ‘this is nice, but plot now please’.

The writing, however, was richly woven with imagery, in capturing the vividness and sheer extravagance of the fairy world. Maas really works on expressing Feyre’s love for painting and colours as well. I also like my heroines to have a hobby, so kudos to her.

Of course, everybody has mentioned the hints of a love triangle – but I trust the author to resolve it in a way that doesn’t leave her readers wanting to throw bricks. I’m hoping for a Rhys/Tamlin/Lucien bromance of fighting le evil, to be honest.

And on the subject of Lucien…OH, LUCIEN! Ahem. I want more Lucien in the next book plz. A backstory, a romance, a fight – whatever. I do think it’s a bit weird that he’s the diplomatic emissary dude when in all the interactions we’ve seen him in, he is not one bit diplomatic. No wonder he’s minus an eyeball. /pets

I didn’t connect that much with Tamlin – he’s too much of the world-weary alpha hero. Am hoping for a bit more personality from him in the next book. Rhys was, of course, intriguing – if he was at Hogwarts he would be a Slytherin, haha. He strikes me as the type that likes to play with his proverbial food.

All in all, while there were some hella cheesy moments, I still enjoyed the tale, but I do hope that in the tradition of TOG, things are stepped up in book two.

 PS. Would you guys classify this as NA or YA?

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14 thoughts on “Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J Maas

  1. How strange. I wouldn’t expect cheesy moments from Mass. I was reluctant to read this because of the love triangle, but I understand it’s not a really strong one. So I’ll be getting this, preferably on audio, in the next few days. I’m super excited about it now.

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    1. The cheese came more in the romance than in the plot/worldbuilding aspect. I just found some of the relationship tropes a bit he-man/alpha male. The love triangle is really more hinted at than anything else, so don’t let that put you off. Looking forward to seeing what you think!

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  2. I’m reading this now, and I’m actually pretty disappointed. the writing feels weaker than Throne of Glass, and the romance doesn’t really make sense (I’m only halfway in). Why does Tam fall for Feyre? And … this is YA?! Ahem. Explicit sex. Enough said.

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    1. I’ve seen a lot of people classify this as NA fantasy – which would fit with le sexy times. The writing does feel different to Throne of Glass – I think I prefer Maas writing in third person, rather than first. I’m hoping that the second book is phenomenal – sort of how many people found TOG meh, but Crown of Midnight amazing. Really, I see this book first and foremost as a romance.

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  3. I read this recently, I didn’t get NA vibes though, it was more mature YA for me. This was my most anticipated read this year, I liked it and I so ship the romance but some things bothered me as a whole. Atleast you enjoyed it more than me though :)

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    1. It was on my list of anticipated reads as well – and while I did enjoy it, it didn’t quite measure up to my expectations. Hopefully the second book will blow our minds!

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  4. Just got this book for my birthday from a friend and am dying to read it. The reviews have been so favorable! And thank god for a name pronunciation list I found on Pinterest for this book because those are some unique names there. :D

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    1. Oooh you’re in for a treat! Hope you enjoy. Haha yes some of the names get quite complex – there’s a pronunciation guide at the back of the book as well, as far as I recall.

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  5. I think I’d call it either mature YA or NA. And I’m very curious to see how the romance plays out. We shall see!
    Jen at YA Romantics

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