A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1) in The Challenge Factory

May 11, 2016 Emma rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fairy-tale-re-tellings, fantasy, fae

I was a bit disappointed but I am being kind and rounding up to 3. Really 2.75 stars.

Originally I felt unable to finish this book, but the last third was a lot darker and helped balance things out, when I did relent and go back to finish it.

Fayre (Beauty) was intensely irritating: like an obstinate teenager determined to do the complete opposite of what she is asked.
Tamlin ( the beast) is not a beast. Didn't anyone else notice?

How did it get 3 stars then? Well I enjoyed the world building withi ...more

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Aug 12, 2016 Samantha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, romance, 2016_challenge, books-i-own, 2017_challenge

I've heard about this book for a while on BookTube and wasn't sure what to expect. I mean, all the book jacket really says is that Feyre (the main character) has to go to the Faerie world. After finishing the book, it was like nothing else I've ever read. Feyre is such a strong female character, but not so strong that you can't relate to her. All of her actions make sense for her character and the story takes me to a place that I've never seen another go to. Based on the note the book landed on, I've heard about this book for a while on BookTube and wasn't sure what to expect. I mean, all the book jacket really says is that Feyre (the main character) has to go to the Faerie world. After finishing the book, it was like nothing else I've ever read. Feyre is such a strong female character, but not so strong that you can't relate to her. All of her actions make sense for her character and the story takes me to a place that I've never seen another go to. Based on the note the book landed on, I'm extremely curious as to what happens in the next book. Definitely following this series!!!

------After second read-through---------
This is my second time reading this book because I wanted the entire story fresh in my mind when I got to the third book, A Court of Wings and Ruin. It was good to read this story again so I could slow down the pace a little more and let the story sink in.

In the first half of the book, Sarah J. Maas takes her time in getting Feyre adjusted to living with the Fae and I could see how it could be interpreted as being slow. There is information that is purposely being hidden from Feyre (for good reason), which keeps you from learning too much at once. Personally, I think the pace was just right. I felt like I was given time to get to really know Feyre and the way she thinks, as well as the new world she was just starting to learn about (just like the reader).

Now, I planned to read this book in the course of 4 sittings - dividing the book into quarters. It was easy to do up to the halfway point. Once I was at the halfway point, I just couldn't put the book down for more than a few hours (and that was only because I had work). The second half of this book is gripping and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. I feel like the end of this book is what really puts the cherry on top for this book. I don't want to give out any spoilers, but I feel like Feyre reacts to her situation in a normal, human way that most main characters going through exciting climaxes don't usually show. It takes a turn that no other writer (that I know of) goes in a fantasy novel and I just love it.

Overall, I can see why this book may not be a favorite to some, but for me, it's the perfect build-up to the second book. I highly recommend this book/series to any reader, especially those looking for a strong female character that you can identify with.

Follow more of my reviews at: https://missymaysreadingnook.blogspot... ...more

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Nov 25, 2016 Marmie7 rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 2016-read-a-thon, retelling

One of the most poorly written Beauty and the Beast retellings. Plotline was extremely slow and boring. Characters were just not that well written. Unfortunate.

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Feb 13, 2019 Tanya R rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-around-the-year-in-52-books

This has been on my TBR list for the longest time. In every YA or Fantasy posting about what should I read next, this comes up repeatedly.

I was finally able to turn my attention to this book and I’m kicking myself for waiting for so long. What’s wrong with me? When I see so many people recommending it, why don’t I just listen and read it right away? I can’t tell you the answer to that question. But I can tell you that if you like fantasy, you should pick up this book. Go. Right now. Don’t wait. ...more

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