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A review by boodschappenlijst
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I... Am genuinely not sure why this book series has such a huge following. Not to offend anyone, but this first entry reads like a first fantasy book for non-fantasy readers. A book that actually wanted to be erotica but could not commit. The author built a huge world around what is essentially several porn fantasies, but rather than work on her worldbuilding she instead chose to spoon-feed the audience the minimally-required information to get a "feel" for the setting. As a result, ACOTAR's world is void of any depth or thoughtfulness (seriously-- Bharat?). For the fantasy fan it is wholly disappointing; for the erotica fan it is too much filler and too little smut.
I don't want to take away from the good points. The 'hidden' plot was quite interesting, and the events in the final 200 pages were finally interesting and kept up a decent page. But this followed only after a first half that was full of filler. Part in the plot, part in the writing: There's only so much elaborate exposition about colours one can read before thinking "please, move on." On top of excessive descriptions, there was something about the prose itself that felt very clunky. Perhaps it was the fundamental inconsistency in Feyre's character: She swayed too much between a fierce warrior who had experience beyond her age and a helpless girl in unknown lands. Without a solid choice for which one she was, her perspective - and thus the whole narration - suffered as a consequence.
To me, this book reads like a promising first draft. The prose would need significant trimming and the plot could be better structured as to avoid the several tell-not-show moments in the latter half of the book. If it were me, I would make two significant changes to the book: Make its setting medieval England with urban fantasy elements, and commit to being pornography entirely.
I don't want to take away from the good points. The 'hidden' plot was quite interesting, and the events in the final 200 pages were finally interesting and kept up a decent page. But this followed only after a first half that was full of filler. Part in the plot, part in the writing: There's only so much elaborate exposition about colours one can read before thinking "please, move on." On top of excessive descriptions, there was something about the prose itself that felt very clunky. Perhaps it was the fundamental inconsistency in Feyre's character: She swayed too much between a fierce warrior who had experience beyond her age and a helpless girl in unknown lands. Without a solid choice for which one she was, her perspective - and thus the whole narration - suffered as a consequence.
To me, this book reads like a promising first draft. The prose would need significant trimming and the plot could be better structured as to avoid the several tell-not-show moments in the latter half of the book. If it were me, I would make two significant changes to the book: Make its setting medieval England with urban fantasy elements, and commit to being pornography entirely.