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sandramarinis's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I was judgemental because it was recommended on booktok and also because I find magical creatures titled "High Fae" a bit tacky. But I managed to look past that, so that's something.
Positives:
The detail! The world building! I managed to imagine how everything/everyone looks. Things that happened early in the book will suddenly be mentioned in chapters waaay later, and still be relevant to the story. Being able to bring everything together like that shows true talent.
Negatives:
There were certainly things I didn't like, but I almost don't care. For instance it wasn't necessarily logical how fast Feyre got over deeply traumatic things. Everything she lived through would've given her severe PTSD, and yet she seems to get over it in three pages every time something bad happens. I don't believe for a minute that
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Rape, and Dementia
Minor: Gaslighting
sosoto's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Slavery, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Rape
sweetheart_ok's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I finally got to A Court of Thorns and Roses in my TBR pile, and it honored the hype. This is my first book by Sarah J. Maas, and she didn't disappoint. I had read the synopsis to my high school students over the years, so I was excited about the fantasy aspect plus learning more about the fae world, which I have limited experience with to date.
The story follows Feyre (Fay-ruh) as she struggles to survive in the human during a harsh winter with an unappreciative family who seems more of a burden than a blessing. Feyre makes the life-altering decision to kill one of the hated fae, and the consequences are more than she bargains for. She is forced to live with the fae forever, dragged there by Tamlin, a High Fae and lord of one of the courts. What follows is a look into this unknown world and the dangers it poses. As she gets used to living there for the rest of her life, Feyre begins to realize there is more the place than she originally thought. She also begins to realize that this world is in trouble from a ruthless enemy, and she may just the human to help them, if she can get past her bias to trust Tamlin.
Maas does a great job of depicting character complexities and developing relationships. She illustrates the fae world and exposes the readers to the nuances of this fantasy world. The action peppers in throughout the plot to create senses of dangers and novelty. The plot is exciting and satisfying with a diverse cast of characters. The activities under the mountain, and particularly the spectacular climax, are by far my favorite moments of the story. I chuckled at the witty banter, commiserated with Feyre's misery, cheered her on during the dangerous parts, and shook my fist at her enemies with venom in my veins.
What didn't work for me was the tight-lipped approach of Tamlin and his court. I have a hard time believing that this type of behavior would inspire trust in a guest. I also noticed that Feyre's development is murky and sometimes far-fetched. Having Feyre work through some of her personal growth in a more detailed, step-by-step manner may have helped us understand some of her choices.
Romantasy lovers must add ACOTAR to your TBR pile - you won't be disappointed. Fair warning that it contains some smut, though the level in this book is probably a 3 out of 10. If you like fantasy, action, adventure, strong female leads, and romance, give it a shot.
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Animal death and Abandonment
blizzardinsummer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I considered giving this 5 stars, but since I have high hopes that I’ll enjoy other books in the series even more than this one, I’m giving it 4.5.
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Minor: Animal death, Genocide, Sexual violence, Slavery, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
atal's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Moderate: Sexual harassment
kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Confinement, Death, Gore, Hate crime, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
theakano's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, Cursing, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
arenkhatch's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
merholley's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
fox1981's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment