Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

*This review contains spoilers. It was hard to get my thoughts down without mentioning spoilers so you have been warned. :D

A Court of Thorns and Roses
(A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

by Sarah J. Maas

May 5, 2015

416 pages

Goodreads  Indigo

Goodreads Summary:

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When 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.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

 

Review

I have been sitting on this review for the longest time because I don't know how to put my thoughts into words. I loved and didn't love this book. A Court of thorns and Roses encompassed everything I adore about fantasy. It was just somehow missing that wow factor for me. Regardless, Sarah J. Maas masterfully brings to life two vivid worlds with powerful characters and a heart-gripping story with crafty twists.

To say everything was planned from the beginning would be an understatement. The story moved along at a steady luring pace pulling us deeper into the Faerie world with all its secrets. Every step of the way was beautifully paved by Ms. Maas. She reveals just enough to keep us hooked. We're led on a whirlwind of speculations until those very last moments revealed all the truths and deceits.

Faeries are such powerful, destructive beings. They seem beautiful and regal yet when they strike, they're lethal and a menace. It was absolutely a thrill to take in Ms. Maas's interpretation of the Fae. She knocks away our previous notion of them and builds up a whole other realm. It's positively eye-opening.

Feyre was everything I'd associate with a female huntress. She's tough, resolute and cautious with humility and compassion. The faeries should not have underestimated her. No one can rival her resilience. She's had a rough life caring for her father and sisters who don't quite show their appreciation. Originally, being taken to Prythia was a nightmare for her but the place turns out to actually be a haven with love and unexpected friends. Then s**t went down but her quick mind and determination helped her blaze through those horrendous trials. She's a force to be reckoned with!

Tamlin was aloof and guarded but genuine when not restricted by the "sickness". He definitely felt more than he let on but it was dangerous to let it show. I wasn't impressed with his indifference during Feyre's trials. I understood that for him to betray any emotions or have any reactions towards her would play right into Amarantha's hand but he was just way too cool. He seems to be the source of every problem and pain (Amarantha wanted him but he rejected her so she punished his people. Feyre loved him and wanted to set him free so hell is unleashed upon her by Amarantha.). Is he worth all this?

Feyre and Tamlin's chemistry was off the charts! Their romance developed achingly slow and sweet. They were like an atomic bomb waiting to go off. When it finally detonated, all the build-up was so worth it. During Fire Night and the Great Rite, the sexual tension was overwhelmingly intense. That hallway encounter... *fans self*.

Rhysand was a tricky character to get a read on. He's intelligent, calculating, cunning and obviously handsome. What did he see right before he vanished in front of Feyre? Crazy theory time! I have the wild instinct that maybe Amarantha is still alive. Alive in Feyre. Maybe when the High Lords turned Feyre into a High Fae, Amarantha's lingering soul latched onto her? I would hate for that to happen but it just seems so possible. Or I'm just pure crazy so ignore me lol. Crazy theory ends.

While the story wrapped up nicely, no cliffhanger ending, I'm dying to know what Rhysand saw (yes, I know I already said it once but I'm just too curious.). Now that Feyre has rid Prythian of Amarantha aka the disease, will the world return to its former glory? And what sort of threat will Prythian be facing from Hybern? There's still much to be explored and told in the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses. I'm already shivering from excitement!

I'm glad I didn't wait too long to read this one. Needless to say, I cannot wait to see what awaits us in A Court of Mist and Fury. I have no doubt it'll be terrifying and thrilling.