A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Mass

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas 

My Rating:  🌟🌟🌟🌟

 Type: Series – Book1

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult fantasy, Magical World

Primary Characters: Tamlin, Feyre, Lucien and Rhysand

Narration: Limited third party

It had been a long time that I savored and enjoyed a YA fantasy series. Initially I thought it would be “Beauty and the Beast” story retelling. I guess, initially in some ways it is. But the longer I read, the more it took me into the depths of entirely different world of Prythain.

I had a love/hate relationship with this book. I liked it so much in the beginning, then I felt a little off with it for a bit, but the end took me right back to loving it.

Magic was mostly on surface as it was crippled. May be more of it in next books? With magic being crippled and immortal world relaying on single mortal for survival, it was fascinating to see that unfold. This dystopian world will drag you into its depth. The plot was well thought and executed. Writing style and narration was wonderful.

Plot

Feyre, the youngest of three mortal sisters with a crippled father, is the only one in the family to bring food on the table. While she was hunting in woods close to human and faerie world border, she kills a wolf (faerie). She is dragged into the world of Prythain by Tamlin for her sins. She slowly gets into this world and learns about the blight upon the land. This blight will soon cross to the human realm – threatening everyone Feyre holds dear.

Characters

The characters drove the story for me, at least more than the actual plot. Feyre was like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed her stubbornness and maturity. A fierce girl ready to do anything for her loved one’s. Lucien was lovely with a heart of gold. Rhysand is a walking, talking landmine. I loved his blunt, arrogant personality. Nesta has a lot of potential, hope to see more of her in next series. Tamlin was on and off for me. I didn’t like him much initially, but I loathed him in the end. I understand Tamlin’s actions, but I’m definitely Team Rhysand.

Relationship development

Feyre and Lucien’s relationship started out bad due to Feyre’s actions. However, when they are forced to be together for longer time, they reluctantly accept and acknowledge each other. The longer they talk to each other their friendship becomes stronger.

Throughout the novel, my experience with the romance was dull. It felt forced and alarming at times. Tamlin and Feyre’s relationship never had a chance to develop. One minute they didn’t trust each other and next they were in love. To be honest the last 25% of the book was a solid 5 stars for me and the beginning was bordering a 4 and middle was close to 3.  Last part of action made up for all that.

Rhys and Feyre were completely explosive. They pushed each other buttons. Rhys seems like a typical villain but his actions said other words. 

Conclusion

I loved the mysterious and wicked atmosphere paired with some fantastic characters and plot twists. Stunning action, gorgeous imagery, interesting characters along with a fascinating anti-hero. The ending of the book left me in great euphoria. If you love faerie stories with the theme of good to triumph over evil then his book is definitely for you.

Source – My purchased copy

Buy Link –https://www.amazon.in/Court-Thorns-Roses-Sarah-Maas/dp/1619635186

Blurb as per Amazon

With bits of Buffy, Game Of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy – Stylist
The tantalising start to a seductive fantasy series from global #1 bestselling author Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is a huntress. And when she sees a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she kills the predator and takes its prey to feed herself and her family. But the wolf was not what it seemed, and Feyre cannot predict the high price she will have to pay for its death …
Dragged away from her family for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding even more than his piercing green eyes suggest. As Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin turn from hostility to passion, she learns that the faerie lands are a far more dangerous place than she realized. And Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

Sarah J. Maas’s books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into 37 languages. Discover the sweeping romantic fantasy for yourself.