A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES
Series
Title: ACOTAR
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SUMMARY
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.
OPINION
I'm just gonna say this--this is the type of series to get you out of a reading slump. But be warned, the first book takes a bit to get into, until the third act hits and then just strap in because the fun is about to begin.
A couple of my writing friends kept insisting I read this series, and I finally started the first book and for the longest time I was trying to understand why this book was so popular. Hate to say it but the beginning is boring. I mean, its your typical Beauty and the Beast retelling, so you already know the story. Not a lot happens while Feyre is living with Tamlin, but I PROMISE, it gets better. You just have to push through!!! This series is so worth it!!!
Overall, I like Feyre as the protagonist. Especailly compared to her sisters. After her family is forced into poverty and her dad is disabled, at 14yrs old Feyre goes out into the woods and teached herself how to hunt and be able to provide for her family - because no one else wants to. And no, her sisters don't bother helping, aside from maybe begging for coins. It's rather infuriating. And so when Feyre kills a Fae wolf, her life completely changes. From poverty to riches, she's now living the rest of her days in the Spring Court of Prythian. But Feyre doesn't let the glam and beauty get to her. She is still determined to help her family (even if they suck), and even if Tamlin and his friend Lucian tell Feyre not to do something, she does it. Which is awesome. Two powerful Fae males aren't going to stop her from trying to figure what curse is on the land. You can't help but love her.
Even if the beginning and middle of this book are boring and slow, there are still some special moments (and characters) that you just can't forget and will stay with you throughout the series.
I really don't want to give much of the plot away, but if you don't know about this series, then be warned there are some sex scenes, violence, and some language . It's "mild" in this book (except for the violence), but with each book, it does get more intense. But other than that, this is a great fantasy romance series I'll be recommending to all my friends.
Title: ACOMAF
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SUMMARY
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.
As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.
OPINION
This book is the definition of perfection. Anyone who disagrees FIGHT ME. I read this book three times within a year.
I don't even know where to begin. This books has everything. And I mean, EVERYTHING. Healing from trauma, enemies-to-lovers, one bed trope, found family, flirting, slow burn, tension, conflict, betrayal, watching a broken female slowly heal herself to become a badass once again, powerful magic, powerful creatures, secrets, love, mates, close calls, hot men with wings and abs for miles, Chapter 55, art, an impending war, heart-to-heart, travel, the list goes on. I would love to go in depth but I would end up writing a long essay.
I love the characters, I love how we get to see more of Prythian and some of the other courts, I love the conflict that slowly rises until the end. Seriously, I can't think of anything bad in this book, unless I wanna be really nit-picky.
Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel are the DREAM. Mor and Amren are the besties that I need. Velaris is where I want to vacation at. Tarquin needs to be protected by all costs. Tamlin in the male I want to dump in the trash. And Lucian...we got some things to work through.
Mist and Fury is a fun, torturous (in all the best ways) read and I will be rereading it forever.
Title: ACOWAR
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SUMMARY
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
OPINION
This review is going to be a bit of a rant and heavy in the spoiler territory.
I liked this book. I can't exactly hate it when it was just a fun roller coaster of emotions to ride. There were some fantastic moments, like the High Lord meeting, some of the battles, interactions with some powerful beings of Prythian, and parts of the final climax. But there are just a few areas that I need to rant about.
With Feyre back in the Spring Court, its time to mess with Tamlin and tear his court to the ground. As great as it is to watch Feyre take Tamlin down, I kind of start to dislike her. And Rhys. A big war is about to start, and rather than try to find a way to put their grudges and anger towards Tamlin aside and work with him, Feyre chooses to get revenge, turning Tamlin's entire court against him and ultimately allowing Hybern to take over the court, which is on the border of the human lands. Wasn't the best plan. Granted, I realize that they believe that Tamlin is working with Hybern, but what specific ability does Rhys possess that allows him into the minds of whoever he wishes? I know he has his morals and rules, but given that it's Tamlin, you'd think he'd make an exception and see that Tamlin was trying to work against Hybern, only working with the crappy king so he could get Feyre back. And before you even start, I am not defending Tamlin's actions. He should've been there for Feyre, should've listened to what she needed, should've noticed that she was wasting away before his eyes, but again, there's a war brewing. Put your feelings aside, work together, deal with the enemy, and then you can take your grievances out on each other. Simple.
The next moment where I started to dislike Feyre and Rhysand more was the incident after the Summer Court battle. You just finished fighting, your people are bleeding and dying, and you choose to get it on in the middle of all of that? W....WHY??? Does the sound of people dying and in pain turn you on??? It was such a messed up scene and made me so uncomfortable. They should've just held onto each other until they were able to fall asleep. It could've been a really sweet, tender moment, but nope.
Let's talk about that climax. The final battle. I don't want to get too technical with it, I just want to talk about a couple of things that I HATED. First off, Amren's sacrifice. Please don't hate me, but I wish Amren stayed dead. She sacrificed herself to help win the battle, and Rhys bringing her back, while the rest of the gang all lived, it just made her sacrifice seem less important. I like Amren as a character and the sort of mystery behind her true form, so this would've been a perfect send off for her since she's lived so long and was able to find a family and love. I know it would've been sad, of course it would've been but it would've been meaningful!
Now, the other issue. Don't hate me, don't hate me, don't hate me.....Rhys should've stayed dead OR been severely hurt. I hate it when an author kills off a character, and then immediately brings them back to life. What was the point?? Also, Rhys was brought back in the exact same way as Feyre?? Why not something different like Feyre giving up a lot of herself to save him? It just annoyed the heck out of me. And don't even get me started on that STUPID bargain Rhys and Feyre made after the aftermath....This guy is over 500 YEARS OLD. You'd think he'd have a brain and be wise and think carefully about important bargains before making them!! But noooooooooo! He had to have his lovey-dovey heart think before his head as well as Feyre and it infuriated me so much....
But despite it, I couldn't put this book down until I was finished with it. Even when I read it a second time, it still held my attention and didn't let me go. Great epic.
Title: ACOFAS
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Upper YA Fantasy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
SUMMARY
Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.
Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.
Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.
OPINION
Okay, first off, I don't hate this one. After the wild ride of Wings and Ruin, this novella was a nice break and I really enjoyed the multiple POV's of the other main characters, and how this book sets up the plot for Silver Flames. But once was enough. I tried to read it again, but it was just kind of boring and I found myself skipping over certain chapters. It's not the best one out of the bunch, but it was okay.
Title: ACOSF
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
SUMMARY
Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.
The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.
Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.
Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.
OPINION
To put it plainly, this thick book doesn't have much of a plot, and is heavy on the Cassian and Nesta romance. Now, first off, I'm not complaining. Cassian and Nesta have been hot and heavy for each other since they met, and I've been waiting for this. I honestly don't think this book should be in the YA section because Maas cranks up the heat with these two.
This books deals with a lot concerning trauma, PTSD, and healing. Nesta is going through a bit of a rough time after the battle with the King of Hybern, to say the least. Even though Nesta is pushing everyone away, Cassian still reaches his hand out to her because he cares about her and doesn't want her to be hurting anymore. I really liked their journey to healing together, and that Nesta found a couple of friends who love her for who she is even though she hasn't made the best choices or is the nicest person. She found her own little family, which is great, cause Feyre's family isn't the best match for her.
This book solidified my hatred for Rhys...This guy does not let go of grudges. He doesn't care about Nesta, only cares that Nesta is hurting Feyre. Also, should I get into the whole "Oh, our baby is going to kill Feyre, which in turn will kill me, so I'm not going to tell my wife this," issue? No? Was no one else furious with him? Only me? THIS IS WHY YOU TALK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BARGAIN BEFORE YOU MAKE IT. Also him stopping Azriel in the hall (if you've read the bonus chapter, you know)...........That Fae High Lord is making it very difficult for me to forgive him and love him again. Everyone is a pawn to him. He doesn't care about anyone but his close friends and Feyre. And also his court. But, still. Like there are options. You don't have to hide things from people who should know those things. Rather than using people to keep other people around, why not find a different way so you don't have to use those people - who are clearly unhappy in their situation. I just...this Rhys ain't it. I'm going back to the Rhys in Mist and Fury. That's my bat boy:)
Do I want to talk about the plot? Do I have the energy for that? So, the big bad villain is dead. So, who's left to fight? Apparently, this one human queen is pissed off at Nesta because she took something from the Cauldron, and so when she went in to have a bath and come out Fae, it didn't work and she became old, so now she's back and wanting Nesta dead. There's these Death Troves that are very powerful and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. The old queen has one, and Nesta is able to find the other two.
Also, during the story, Nesta decides she wants to be trained like a Valkyrie, and after only a few months of training, her and her friends are able to complete the Blood Rite, which is this insane tradition where all these Illyrian warriors who have been training for YEARS and DECADES, are taken to this mountain, and they can't use their wings or magic, and there's like three titles they get if they survive the week on the mountains - and they all want to kill each other too. It's greaaaaat. And guess who, after only a FEW MONTHS of training, gets to the top of the mountain and wins?.............................................
It's a fantasy story, I know. But....MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. I'm sorry, but I don't believe for a second that these three young women who have ZERO background in any form of weaponry or hand-to-hand combat are able to become experts in a matter of months and win this thing, just like how Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel did! The power of friendship wins!!! Granted, Nesta didn't get to the top because she had to single handedly fight off this dude until the old queen lady showed up (who for the record hasn't made an appearance at all in the book until towards the end), and after some words and magic, she dies. That's it. There's this big build up, she's wearing the crown that can control anyone, and poof, she's not a problem anymore!............................................................................................
Okay, I need to stop because I'm just making myself mad. LOVED the Cassian and Nesta relationship plot. Hated the rest of it. Well, not ALL of it, but most of it. There were some good scenes and honestly, the House of Wind is by far the best thing to come out of this book.
Now, we just need either an Elain or Azriel book next. I hope it's good...
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