Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns & Roses
By Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns & Roses #1
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury

My Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ ( 4 out of 5 Stars )

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Related Reviews: | Wicked | The Lost Prince |
Categories: Faerie, Fae, Magic

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.

Faeries. Sigh. The folks that have been following my blog over this past year have become accustomed to my slightly unhealthy fae obsession. For the new readers; welcome to a glimpse of my insanity. I will read anything and everything written about the fae world. I was raised by a woman that wholeheartedly believed in the existence of this ancient race of advanced beings. Any research done into the ancient Celtic legends of the Tuatha de Danann will result in a bit more understanding of the ability to believe in these creatures. The story basically states that a race of beings, far more advanced than our own ancient ancestors, descended upon the world from the skies. Hmm.. Sounds a bit like extraterrestrials, you say? These beings were so powerful that the ancient Celts worshiped them as Gods. Their race was called Faerie, and the most powerful among them became the Tuatha de, the Gods of the Celts. With that information, the existence of the fae hopefully does not seem so far fetched anymore. Enough history lesson.. onto the review.. :)

I was beyond excited that such a hugely popular author would take on a story about faeries. This is my first Sarah J. Maas book, but it will definitely not be my last! Her world building skills are wonderful. I could picture in my mind exactly what the author was describing, and that is truly one of the most important aspects to me. I judge every single book I read based on the author's attention to details, their ability to make me see what they are describing. Miss Maas is a powerful weaver of worlds, and I am awed by her ability to create the beauty that is Prythian. A pond of starlight? Are you freaking kidding me?!

My sole complaint were the characters. I didn't really connect with Feyre right away, although that is probably the most awesome name I have ever heard, and may even have to name my future daughter after the lead character in this book. Anyway.. I didn't find myself feeling anything more for her than a vague sense of pity that her life turned out the way that it did. Tamlin's character, although a big better, was too perfect. He was the perfect male in every way, and what fun is that? An ancient high lord of Prythian; he was cheesy and mushy and just.. too vanilla for me. But Rhysand. Oh my. I see a love triangle brewing in Miss Maas's mind, and it quite possibly could be the only love triangle that I have ever hoped for in a book. Ever. Rhys is sexy, arrogant, sarcastic, powerful.. my perfect male in every way. Dear god.

While I really enjoyed this book, I can only give it 4 Stars due to the lack of connection with the two main characters. The world is so beautifully written, my disappointment with the characters is not such a big deal, but I do hope Miss Maas works on that in the next addition to this series. I recommend this to everyone! This would be a great first read for anyone looking to dive into the urban fantasy world.

"I let the sounds ravage me, let them lay me flat and run over my body with their drums. Up and up, building to a palace in the sky, a hall of alabaster and moonstone, where all that was lovely and kind and fantastic dewelled in peace. I wept- wept to be close to that palace, wept from the need to be there. Everything I wanted was there- the one I loved was there-"

"He brought his lips to my ear. "I would have been gentle with you, though." I shuddered as I closed my eyes. Every inch of my body went taut as his words echoed through me. "I would have had you moaning my name throughout it all. And I would have taken a very, very long time, Feyre."

“Would you like me to grovel with gratitude for bringing me here, High Lord?" "Ah. The Suriel told you nothing important, did it?" That smile of his sparked something bold in my chest. "He also said that you liked being brushed, and if I'm a clever girl, I might train you with treats." Tamlin tipped his head to the sky and roared with laughter. Despite myself, I let out a quiet laugh. "I might die of surprise," Lucien said behind me. "You made a joke, Feyre." I turned to look at him with a cool smile. "You don't want to know what the Suriel said about you." I flicked my brows up, and Lucien lifted his hands in defeat. "I'd pay good money to hear what the Suriel thinks of Lucien," Tamlin said. A cork popped, followed by the sounds of Lucien chugging the bottle's contents and chuckling with a muttered, "Brushed.”

Related Reviews
| Wicked | The Lost Prince | Dark Swan Series |

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