A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) in Book Con Attendees

Aug 04, 2016 Stella Maria rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobooks

"My awe might have subdued my fear had the place not been so wholly empty and silent."

Setting: 4.5 out of 5 ✩✩✩✩✩
This story is initially introduced as a Beauty and the Beast Retelling, but sooner rather than later, it becomes something wholly different. The world building is remarkable with each detail and explanation of the different faerie courts. I loved reading about the history of the Spring Court and the puzzle pieces of multiple characters without being overwhelmed by this new fantasy wor

"My awe might have subdued my fear had the place not been so wholly empty and silent."

Setting: 4.5 out of 5 ✩✩✩✩✩
This story is initially introduced as a Beauty and the Beast Retelling, but sooner rather than later, it becomes something wholly different. The world building is remarkable with each detail and explanation of the different faerie courts. I loved reading about the history of the Spring Court and the puzzle pieces of multiple characters without being overwhelmed by this new fantasy world.

Writing: 4 out of 5 ✩✩✩✩
Sarah J. Maas’s writing is truly enchanting. This is coming from someone who has never read any of her books before. So yes, this is my first Maas book, and I can see why people are obsessed! Her writing is elaborately compelling at its best.

Character development: 3.5 out of 5 ✩✩✩✩
Sarah J. Maas has gift for exceptional character development! It is the strongest aspect of her writing and honestly, it’s what drove me to read the book in the first place. Feyre’s sophisticated character as a mortal struggling with poverty and family intrigued me from the first few pages. I immediately wanted to know more about Feyre and the relationship she shared with her sisters. The family dynamics kept the story authentic by remaining true to her character.
Tamlin’s introduction kept me on edge, because although he was supposed to be the “Beast” in this story, it threw me off how easily he forgave Feyre for killing his long time friend/sentry. As the story progressed I felt for Tamlin as much as I felt for Lucien. Though honestly, Tamlin pissed me the hell off towards the end of the book. (view spoiler) As for Rhysand, I don't know why but he got under my skin. I'm not sure what his motives are, but I feel like he's holding back a secret.

Plot twist / storyline: 4 out of 5 ✩✩✩✩
HOLY SHIT I jumped out of my bed during the whole emotional chaos (view spoiler)

"Stand. Don't give her the satisfaction of seeing you break."

4.0 stars ✩✩✩✩

...more

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Apr 06, 2015 Megan S rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favourite-books, 2015-books

Sarah J Maas I love you! You once again have written a novel that has hot me hooked and found really hard to put down! It's actually my favorite so far!

Loved the romance, plot and everything in general about this beautiful novel!

Can't wait for the sequel to come out! ...more

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May 17, 2015 Alice rated it it was amazing

My love for YA literature first began with The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, which was also set in a faery world. After that, I read many of the popular YA faery books at the time and for a while faeries were the only thing I read about. Some were great, some were okay, but none met the expectations that The Iron King set - until now. A Court of Thorns and Roses is truly a magnificent piece of work that captures and holds your attention throughout the entire story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, whe My love for YA literature first began with The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, which was also set in a faery world. After that, I read many of the popular YA faery books at the time and for a while faeries were the only thing I read about. Some were great, some were okay, but none met the expectations that The Iron King set - until now. A Court of Thorns and Roses is truly a magnificent piece of work that captures and holds your attention throughout the entire story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, when I found out this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, I thought I had it all figured out, but nope - I was definitely taken in surprise. Sarah Maas does a great job keeping the reader constantly at the edge of their seat. I also really enjoyed the setting and "format" of Prythian aka Faerie World, and I could almost imagine how some of the scenes that took place look like thanks to the great detail that Maas puts into her setting development. A unique thing about Maas's faerie world are the faerie courts and rulers - usually, there's only the standard Winter and Summer courts, but there are seven in this series an I loved the bits of insight we get to each one.

The book has a great cast of characters; Tamlin, Rhys, Feyre, Lucien - they all have so many layers to them and it was fun going through each of their "layers" as the story progressed and we learned more and more about them. They're very multi-dimensional and Sarah does a fantastic job developing each and every one, including the villain; even Amarantha has more to her as we discover the story of her sister and her "love" for Tamlin.

I definitely see a love triangle coming into play, and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. On one hand, if Feyre ends up with anyone other than Tamlin, that'll be a little odd since the entire first book focuses on Feyre and Tam's relationship and the obstacles they had to go through. On the other hand, I am 100% ready to get more of Rhys in the second book.

Overall, if you like fantasy, retellings, or just need a good book to read, get this one! ...more

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