A review by slaywithsteph
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.“

After killing a wolf while hunting in the woods, Feyre is confronted by a beast demanding justice, sending the girl, who is also the sole provider for her family, to the Fae lands, where she is to live out the rest of her days as payment for the life she took. Feyre learns of a blight affecting the lands of the Fae, which will soon spill over into the human lands. Will Feyre help rid the world of this mysterious blight? And if she does, how will she survive?

This is a Beaty and the Beast + Cupid and Psyche inspired romance first and an adventurous fantasy second. If you’re wanting primarily adventure, I’d recommend skipping this one.

I love you," I said,
and stabbed him.

The drama! Am I right? This moment in particular really reminded me of a moment in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer
season 2 finale, when Buffy must kill Angelus only to find her lover’s soul has been restored moments too late and must choose between him or saving the world.


I’m late to the ACOTAR party, and I almost want to say this is overhyped. Is it fun? Sure! Did I find immense enjoyment in reading it? More like pleasant joy.

Throughout the book, I can see where inspiration has been drawn, and I do love a good romance, but I don’t think this is particularly amazingly written. It’s decently written, and it succeeds where it needs to.

I’m not convinced SJM was ready for the TikTok sensation this series has become, and while I plan to continue the series eventually, I’m rather certain I’ll find the powers of the Fae, their world, etc., less fleshed out and with more plot holes than I’d really prefer. If I remember, I’ll update this review with whether my fears are misplaced or not.

Tropes: Beauty and the Beast; broken bird; enemies to lovers; anachronism stew; interspecies relationship; medieval European fantasy; Fae; high courts; my word is my vow; immortal young adults; huntress; fantasy romance
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