readwithria's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- 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? No
3.75
**2023 REREAD**
A Court of Wings and Ruin takes the threads of the previous books and weaves them together into such a good conclusion to Feyre’s story.
Do I love this book? No, not really. But I definitely had a good time with it. ACOTAR does a better job of mixing the politics with the romance, and ACOMAF does a great job with the romance with just a sprinkle of the politics, but this book struggles to balance the two well. The plot is kinda meh, and the romance has already been established so there’s not a lot of time spent on it, which makes complete sense.
I wish the war plot had been better entwined into all of the books so that it doesn’t feel so out of place. I think that SJM doesn’t fully understand the difference between “putting on a mask” and being a situationally bad person to the people you don’t like. But I also knew all of this going into the book, so it didn’t surprise me.
I know this is her most beloved series, and I really do like it, but it’s just not my favorite.
Anyway, if you go in with the expectation of fae vibes and steam you won’t be disappointed.
A Court of Wings and Ruin takes the threads of the previous books and weaves them together into such a good conclusion to Feyre’s story.
Do I love this book? No, not really. But I definitely had a good time with it. ACOTAR does a better job of mixing the politics with the romance, and ACOMAF does a great job with the romance with just a sprinkle of the politics, but this book struggles to balance the two well. The plot is kinda meh, and the romance has already been established so there’s not a lot of time spent on it, which makes complete sense.
I wish the war plot had been better entwined into all of the books so that it doesn’t feel so out of place. I think that SJM doesn’t fully understand the difference between “putting on a mask” and being a situationally bad person to the people you don’t like. But I also knew all of this going into the book, so it didn’t surprise me.
I know this is her most beloved series, and I really do like it, but it’s just not my favorite.
Anyway, if you go in with the expectation of fae vibes and steam you won’t be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Death, and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Kidnapping, Sexism, and Racism
ivegotyourpaperback's review against another edition
3.5
Again, waaaaaaay too long. There were unnecessary scenes, and scenes that dragged on. Oh, and an appalling lack of Lucien.
Also, if Rhys is the most powerful High Lord in Prythian history why can’t he just turn Hybern’s entire army into red mist. Bada bing bada boom, done in 5 minutes. No need for 700 whole pages. That’s the problem with writing a character that’s sooooo powerful.
Moving on, I liked that we finally got some queer representation in this series, however it did feel like Maas just had a lightbulb moment and went “shit, I have no queer characters. Better chuck them in now for some diversity “. 🤦🏻♀️
As for our newly minted high fae Archeron sisters, Elain is still boring, doing (mostly) nothing for the whole book and Nesta is still the prickliest woman to ever exist. At least in this book she’s got a reason to be. My problem with Nesta as a character is that she only seems to have one emotional level: angry. Which makes her feel a bit two dimensional. Also, it’s super obvious that Nesta and Cassian are going to be mates at some point.
Oddly enough, the element I liked most about this book was the politics and negotiations between the various courts. Fryer’s shenanigans at the Spring Court at the beginning of the book we’re great (though I guess ended up being redundant and counterproductive, ugh), and the meeting with all the High Lords was a highlight (I’m still salty Lucien wasn’t there though).
It’s hard to write a non-spoiler filled review and express all my thoughts. *sigh*
⚠️domestic violence
⚠️implied homophobia
⚠️violence
⚠️gore
⚠️implied torture
⚠️murder
Also, if Rhys is the most powerful High Lord in Prythian history why can’t he just turn Hybern’s entire army into red mist. Bada bing bada boom, done in 5 minutes. No need for 700 whole pages. That’s the problem with writing a character that’s sooooo powerful.
Moving on, I liked that we finally got some queer representation in this series, however it did feel like Maas just had a lightbulb moment and went “shit, I have no queer characters. Better chuck them in now for some diversity “. 🤦🏻♀️
As for our newly minted high fae Archeron sisters, Elain is still boring, doing (mostly) nothing for the whole book and Nesta is still the prickliest woman to ever exist. At least in this book she’s got a reason to be. My problem with Nesta as a character is that she only seems to have one emotional level: angry. Which makes her feel a bit two dimensional. Also, it’s super obvious that Nesta and Cassian are going to be mates at some point.
Oddly enough, the element I liked most about this book was the politics and negotiations between the various courts. Fryer’s shenanigans at the Spring Court at the beginning of the book we’re great (though I guess ended up being redundant and counterproductive, ugh), and the meeting with all the High Lords was a highlight (I’m still salty Lucien wasn’t there though).
It’s hard to write a non-spoiler filled review and express all my thoughts. *sigh*
⚠️domestic violence
⚠️implied homophobia
⚠️violence
⚠️gore
⚠️implied torture
⚠️murder
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Torture
speckledstars's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This book has a lot more action and story than the other books, which are based more on emotion and relationships. Some weird plot twists, as always, and a bit of deus ex machina. Though the book was still very enjoyable
Spoiler:
Spoiler:
Spoiler
I also wish some of the characters had actually stayed dead. But I won’t complain too much
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Gore, Torture, Death, and War
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Homophobia
graceskate's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Violence, Gore, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death of parent, Death, Murder, War, Sexual content, Grief, Xenophobia, Body horror, Misogyny, Sexism, Colonisation, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, Death, Misogyny, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Torture, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Animal death, Sexism, Trafficking, Child abuse, and Medical content
Minor: Kidnapping, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Vomit, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Infidelity, Genocide, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Child abuse, Cursing, Alcohol, and Cannibalism
abbyycadabbyy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
5.0
I like media that tells stories about war so maybe I am bias, but GOD I LOVED THIS BOOK. I already loved the world and characters from the first 2 books. I think if you are not into war or politics this book won't be for you.
I want to start by saying that this book took me 30 days to read, but it felt like a week. Every time I put the book down, I was thinking about it. Every time I picked the book back up, I was never lost or confused. The layout/timing of the whole book probably had a lot to do with that.
(THE REST OF THE REVIEW CONTAINS SPOLIERS) I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I am a huge fan of fantasy politics. Even at the beginning while Feyre was at the spring court, I loved all the planning and manipulation that went on. After she gets back it went straight into the strategizing of the war. Right in the middle of that, the war starts. Of course, the book ends when the war does.
Most of the ending of the book had me crying. I cried when the girl's father comes back. The names of the ships got me. I cried when he died. I also cried when Rhysand dies. It takes a lot to make me cry so that is saying something about how much meaning and impact the events in the book had.
I could go on and on for days talking about everything I loved about the book; I won't bore you though. I couldn't even wait to start the next book.
I want to start by saying that this book took me 30 days to read, but it felt like a week. Every time I put the book down, I was thinking about it. Every time I picked the book back up, I was never lost or confused. The layout/timing of the whole book probably had a lot to do with that.
(THE REST OF THE REVIEW CONTAINS SPOLIERS) I enjoyed every aspect of this book. I am a huge fan of fantasy politics. Even at the beginning while Feyre was at the spring court, I loved all the planning and manipulation that went on. After she gets back it went straight into the strategizing of the war. Right in the middle of that, the war starts. Of course, the book ends when the war does.
Most of the ending of the book had me crying. I cried when the girl's father comes back. The names of the ships got me. I cried when he died. I also cried when Rhysand dies. It takes a lot to make me cry so that is saying something about how much meaning and impact the events in the book had.
I could go on and on for days talking about everything I loved about the book; I won't bore you though. I couldn't even wait to start the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, War, Death, Violence, and Torture
Moderate: Homophobia
dalek_caan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was amazing. I have no complaints whatsoever. Amazing characters. Well thought out plot. Beautiful wrap-up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Gore, Torture, Violence, War, Body horror, Death, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Biphobia, Lesbophobia, and Homophobia
anewton'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? Yes
4.25
The third instalment was certainly different from the second - but more action packed and adventurous. Less romantic, for sure, but brilliant relationship building scattered throughout. I cannot wait till the next book. Set up well for another book but closes and completes itself well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Violence
Moderate: Vomit, Homophobia, and Sexual content
ktia11's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Blood, Death, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia
annick's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
3.25
Amren spoke for me in chapter 69:
“I forgot how boring this part is,” Amren muttered.”
Not as funny or good as book two.
The episodic quests (carver, suriel, weaver, etc) were better written than the staging and unfolding of battles. The middle act of diplomacy between the many lords was clunky. It exposed Maas’s shortcomings with writing witty dialogue of diplomacy and intrigue.
The sex wasn’t as spicy as book two. And the wit and sarcasm wasn’t as amusing.
The “fridging” of one character near the end highlighted how this is a writer that won’t let name characters die from the “good side”. (Did you notice that dead character wasn’t named but only in reference to their relationship to other characters?)
The writing had several shortcomings. Hyperbole. Unable to demonstrate the alleged diplomacy and intrigue. Clunky exposition. Excessive dialogue in battle scenes. Excessive narrative. More hyperbole.
I’m glad there is some representation of queer love. sadly misogyny is a feature of this world. So WLW (nephelle and surprise reveal) is not as acceptable as MLM (Thesian)
FFS the repetitive use of nausea as a sign of emotive reaction.
And the similes were so excessive. Eg “His eyes glowed, like lightning had struck an ocean.”
“I forgot how boring this part is,” Amren muttered.”
Not as funny or good as book two.
The episodic quests (carver, suriel, weaver, etc) were better written than the staging and unfolding of battles. The middle act of diplomacy between the many lords was clunky. It exposed Maas’s shortcomings with writing witty dialogue of diplomacy and intrigue.
The sex wasn’t as spicy as book two. And the wit and sarcasm wasn’t as amusing.
The “fridging” of one character near the end highlighted how this is a writer that won’t let name characters die from the “good side”. (Did you notice that dead character wasn’t named but only in reference to their relationship to other characters?)
The writing had several shortcomings. Hyperbole. Unable to demonstrate the alleged diplomacy and intrigue. Clunky exposition. Excessive dialogue in battle scenes. Excessive narrative. More hyperbole.
I’m glad there is some representation of queer love. sadly misogyny is a feature of this world. So WLW (nephelle and surprise reveal) is not as acceptable as MLM (Thesian)
FFS the repetitive use of nausea as a sign of emotive reaction.
And the similes were so excessive. Eg “His eyes glowed, like lightning had struck an ocean.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Homophobia
lightna312's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Grief, Blood, and Sexual content
Moderate: Vomit and Death
Minor: Homophobia