A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)

[Trisha]

This thread is to discuss A Court of Mist and Fury, the second book in A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.

Pages: 624 pages

Length: 1 Month (December)

Participants: bailey, Dominique, Caterina .

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

[Alison]

Do you mind if I jump in for the rest of the series? I have read the series before but would love to Buddy Read it with You! I am currently 50% done with ACOTAR and plan to start the book the beginning of December 📚❤️

[Caterina]

Alison wrote: "Do you mind if I jump in for the rest of the series? I have read the series before but would love to Buddy Read it with You! I am currently 50% done with ACOTAR and plan to start the book the begin..."

Welcome!

[Caterina]

I read ACOTAR last year but couldn't get into this one. I ended up reading the Crescent City series and (view spoiler)[spoiler alert... they're related! So I feel like it would be a good idea to read this series before CC3 comes out. (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Alison wrote: "Do you mind if I jump in for the rest of the series? I have read the series before but would love to Buddy Read it with You! I am currently 50% done with ACOTAR and plan to start the book the begin..."

Yay, Alison, the more the merrier!!

[bailey, Challenges]

I went ahead and started this today since it’s a bit long and I’m still reading A Feast for Crows during December buddy reads as well.

Ch 2: (view spoiler)[ Is anyone else getting weird vibes from Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship right now? Feyre seems really disappointed with her future life as Lady of the Spring Court and I’m disappointed too. I love having badass women in leading roles and she’s definitely being held back at the start. I’m guessing this won’t be the case for very long but who knows.

Regarding the wedding stuff, this part is hitting way too close to home since my fiancé and I were rushed into getting legally married before we were ready. So I feel extra bad for what Feyre is going through right now and probably have a skewed perspective of this aspect. Hopefully things will get better for her because she seems *very* unhappy and it makes me so sad. (hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

Thank You for letting me join! I have read this series before (but it has been a while) and I am going to finish A Court of Thorns and Roses before the end of this week! I am going to start this one this weekend :)

I went ahead and enjoyed reading your spoilers for the first book in the November Buddy Reads. I have to say that I am a fan of romance (especially fantasy romance) and this series is one of my favorites!! It has gotten me out of a reading slump before and I am looking forward to comparing notes with all of You!

@Caterina: I read both books of the Crescent City series also...(view spoiler)[ I have to say that I am not at all a fan of Bryce in that series! I am intrigued that Ms Maas is going to combine ACOTAR and Crescent City in the next book but reserve my opinion until I read it ;) (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Chapter 7 thoughts: (view spoiler)[ Wow, Tamlin is pissing me off! He's way too controlling and it's making me so uncomfy. I'm glad Rhys came in before the wedding was finished because they were rushing into it to begin with and Tam is giving major red flags. Makes me wonder what happened in the 2-3 months between book 1 and now. Hopefully his behavior will change but we'll see... (hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

I just started tonight!! Loved the first book…again 😉

[Alison]

bailey wrote: "I went ahead and started this today since it’s a bit long and I’m still reading A Feast for Crows during December buddy reads as well.

Ch 2: Is anyone else getting weird vibes from Feyre and Tam..."

Bailey...I am on Chapter 4 now so will comment on this spoiler:
(view spoiler)[ I feel sorry for both Tamlin and Feyre because both are suffering aftereffects from their time Under the Mountain with Amarantha! PTSD...I think!

BUT, I do not think that they are handling this TOGETHER very well and Tamlin is at fault! He is ignoring that there is psychological after effects from being Under the Mountain and is trying to carry on like nothing is wrong! He is ignoring Feyre's needs/emotions/bad dreams and reactions to them at night. Then when she expresses that she wants to be more involved and to have more space, his actions worsen! He is very possessive/controlling and easy to anger...not a good combo! I do see that he is desperately trying to protect her but locking her down with an iron fist is not the way to do this!

I don't think that Tamlin is a 'bad' character but his actions need to be different for his/Feyre's relationship to succeed. Because of his actions, Feyre starts a downhill spiral! Tamlin, to me, certainly didn't prove himself in ACOTAR to be as strong and supporting a character as Rhysand (who attacked Amarantha so Feyre "didn't have to fight alone")...any thoughts on this?

Also, the wedding does seem rushed! I can see why you are having a reaction to this and can sympathize with this! *hug*

Can we talk about Ianthe?! I do not get good vibes from her and her actions in planning the wedding are very controlling.

One theme sticks out to me: The fact that there is NO High Lady in the fairies world! Feyre will only be known as "Lady of the Spring Court"...in other words, Tamlin's consort! This brings to mind life when women didn't have any rights and the men controlled everything...I think Feyre may be the one to break this barrier! She certainly is strong enough to do so...

Thoughts on Rhysand: I love Him!! He is seen as this cold, distant, powerful, dangerous man in the Fairie realm BUT his actions Under the Moutain proved differently!! I have read the series so have in my mind what happens but it struck me when he was saying goodbye to Feyre after she won the trials (in ACOTAR) and disappearing, he was shocked by something as he disappeared! Wonder what that was...;)
(hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Alison wrote: "bailey wrote: "I went ahead and started this today since it’s a bit long and I’m still reading A Feast for Crows during December buddy reads as well.
"

So many good points in there, Alison!

Tamlin, etc., spoilers through chapter 4: (view spoiler)[ I definitely agree with what you said about Tamlin not proving himself to be as strong/supporting as Rhysand. He just sat around and tried to pretend like watching Feyre get tortured didn't affect him which obviously didn't work anyways. Rhysand was actually down in the dungeons with Feyre at times and was scheming the entire time to free her and the rest of the Faerie realm.

Once I learned about the curse in ACOTAR, too, I was kind of weirded out by the fact that Tamlin *had* to fall in love with a human in order to break it. Made me wonder if he actually liked Feyre or if he just wanted his powers back. Especially since she got turned into a Fae after everything went down. He just hasn't proved that he loves her beyond breaking the curse and feeling an animalistic urge to protect her. I adored their relationship in book 1 but since the first page of ACOMAF, it's felt like things have gone sour and I much prefer her relationship with Rhysand even if it is strained. He seems to have better intentions than he leads everyone to believe, but I could be wrong.
(hide spoiler)]

Ianthe, spoilers through chapter 7: (view spoiler)[ I want to know more about Ianthe because I don't remember reading about any priestesses in book 1 but now we have a character playing a big role in Tamlin and Feyre's lives. At first she reminded me of Nehemia from Throne of Glass but now that I've gotten further in I don't know what to think. She's definitely sketchy, especially after putting red flower petals down the aisle after Feyre specifically said not to. (hide spoiler)]

Mental health, spoilers through chapter 4: (view spoiler)[Absolutely agree that Tam and Feyre are both struggling with mental health and this is clearly what happens when you choose to ignore it! I'm guessing SJM is creating this wedge between them to set up the love triangle with Rhysand better but good lord I just want to smack the both of them LOL (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Sorry for the barrage of updates everyone; work has been slow today :)

Ch 15: (view spoiler)[ Wow. So much heartbreak in Feyre right now. I'm so glad she realized that the path she was on with Tamlin would only make her unhappy. Not to say that I don't want them to work things out, just glad that the way things were going she's trying to put a stop to. Her quote,

"I'm thinking I was a lonely, hopeless person, and I might have fallen in love with the first thing that showed me a hint of kindness and safety"

really hits home for me when thinking about my first serious relationship in high school. I imagine most people when they're that young assume the best, that they'll be with their first partner for the rest of their life, etc. but dang the way Feyre had to allow herself to feel that way just hit exactly the right spot.

And I'm also so happy to see her opening up to Rhys (and was really hoping for a "you better hold on tight spider money" Twilight reference LOL). (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

Alison wrote: "Thank You for letting me join! I have read this series before (but it has been a while) and I am going to finish A Court of Thorns and Roses before the end of this week! I am going ..."

@Allison (view spoiler)[I am also very interested in seeing how Crescent City is going to be combined with ACOTAR in a meaningful way. I am also not a fan of Bryce and I think Hunt is a rather underdeveloped character at this point in the series. Nonetheless, if you don't take it too seriously, it's a very entertaining series imo. (hide spoiler)]

[Caterina]

bailey wrote: "Sorry for the barrage of updates everyone; work has been slow today :)

Ch 15: Wow. So much heartbreak in Feyre right now. I'm so glad she realized that the path she was on with Tamlin would only ..."

I haven't started this time around, but I previously read the first ~180 pages last year. (I had a hard time getting into the book and stopped around chapter 16). I think I remember most of what happens, so I'll just jump in with comments.

(view spoiler)[It's obvious that they're both dealing with intense trauma, and the way Tamlin is responding to Feyre is only making things worse for her. They both need therapy, but I'm not sure if that's an option. Feyre is also dealing with adjusting to a whole new life and potentially missing her old life.

The love story in ACOTAR never made sense to me. I agree with you, bailey; the fact that Tamlin had to fall in love with a human is highly suspicious. It also never made sense to me that Feyre falls in love with someone without seeing him (mask) or knowing him (due to the curse, Tamlin is not able to tell her so much about himself). With Feyre being very young at the time, is it love or infatuation? Or gratefulness? When someone offers you everything you've never had, it's natural to feel thankful towards that person. (hide spoiler)]

[Dominique]

L'm starting tonight (if I don't fall asleep on the couch). Tomorrow is a raining day, will take advantage of a quiet day of reading.

[Alison]

I am starting Chapter 16 today and have to say:

@Caterina and Bailey...I so agree with all of your comments about Feyre and Tamlin!
@Dominique...can't wait to see what you think!
(view spoiler)[ I actually hope that Tamlin gets a redemption book...I would love to see how Sarah J Maas would write Tamlin dealing with his own Trama and getting a love interest! (hide spoiler)]

@Caterina: As for Crescent City 3, I am defnitely going to read it when it comes out but would rather read a book from this series centering on Az or Lucien and their story! Much more interested in those storylines than Bryce and Hunt...but as you said, if you don't take it too seriously, it is entertaining :)

Through Chapter 15: (view spoiler)[ Even though I have read this series before, I found my palms sweating when Tamlin shielded Feyre in the Spring Court house and Mor/Rhys came to rescue her! Rhys is dealing with her with kid gloves right now and Feyre is emotionally shut down...she will come through this but I can't wait to read how/who helps her build herself back up! (hide spoiler)]

Thank you for reading with me Ladies...I am enjoying Buddy Reading this series and discussing these characters with you! It is one on of my favorite series ;) The world building that Sarah J Maas does in this series is awesome!

[Dominique]

Chapters 1-6

(view spoiler)[ Feyre and Tam's relationship will definitely not last. With everything that happened to hercand him not wanting to talk to her is number one problem. The nightmares, being sick every night, even though he knows, he's avoiding asking her how she feels. Man, the description of that wedding dress was atrocious! It was interesting when Rhys showed up at the right moment, made her realize that she called him. I like Rhys's cousin, hope she's not there to become Feyre's enemy's (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Question for those who have read the series before. Is A Court of Silver Flames the last book in the series or is SJM still writing more? I’d look it up myself but I’m too afraid of spoilers!

[Alison]

Bailey…there are supposedly 6 books to this series (A Court of Silver and Flames is #4)! There aren’t any descriptions or blurbs under the remaining books listed and no set publication dates ;) There is also a 3.2 book listed (A Court of Frost and Starlight is book 3.1).

[Dominique]

Alison wrote: "I am starting Chapter 16 today and have to say:

@Caterina and Bailey...I so agree with all of your comments about Feyre and Tamlin!
@Dominique...can't wait to see what you think!
[spoilers remove..."

(view spoiler)[ I was surprised the way Tam was treating Feyre, not wanting her to fight, to basically hide her. Did he really think given her pretty dresses and jewelry was going to make her happy? The way he got angry because she gave her jewelries to someone who had nothing didn't really make sense since he knew the way she was living. The relationship between the two was mostly physical. Loved the fact that she was rescued and made the decision to stay with Rhys (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Chapter 33:
(view spoiler)[ So Feyre has finally allowed herself to feel unhappy (and jealous though she seemed to be ignoring that label). To be honest, I’ve loved her and Rhys just sort of “playing” with each other; sending notes, flirting, etc. It’s been so cute and feels like a good change from how things started and ended with Tamlin. I also love a little jealousy moment like we got at the end of this chapter because it’s looking like it’ll push Feyre to action.

As for everything else that’s happened since my last update: I’ve been sort of disappointed with the general plot of the story involving an evil king, magical items, and Feyre’s special abilities. I’m also reading the Throne of Glass series right now and it feels like I’m reading the same story give or take an few elements. Basically, the story doesn’t feel very unique yet so I haven’t really had much to say about it. It’s not a bad story, I’m just shocked that SJM has written such similar plots when, for a period of time, they were releasing in the same year. I haven’t read any of your all’s comments about Crescent City but I wonder if it’s a similar story, too… (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Alison wrote: "Bailey…there are supposedly 6 books to this series (A Court of Silver and Flames is #4)! There aren’t any descriptions or blurbs under the remaining books listed and no set publication dates ;) The..."

Thank you, Alison! I can’t decide if I’m excited to be able to read the new ones as they come out or if I’ll be frustrated by having to wait LOL

[Lisa]

Hello! Mind if I join? I am new to Sarah J. Maas but am loving her books so far :)

[bailey, Challenges]

Lisa wrote: "Hello! Mind if I join? I am new to Sarah J. Maas but am loving her books so far :)"

Welcome, Lisa! We'd love to have you join and can't wait to hear your thoughts :)

[Alison]

Dominique wrote: "Alison wrote: "I am starting Chapter 16 today and have to say:

@Caterina and Bailey...I so agree with all of your comments about Feyre and Tamlin!
@Dominique...can't wait to see what you think!
[..."

Dominique...I totally agree! :)

[Alison]

Lisa wrote: "Hello! Mind if I join? I am new to Sarah J. Maas but am loving her books so far :)"

Welcome Lisa! :)

[Alison]

bailey wrote: "Chapter 33:
So Feyre has finally allowed herself to feel unhappy (and jealous though she seemed to be ignoring that label). To be honest, I’ve loved her and Rhys just sort of “playing” with each o..."

Bailey...(view spoiler)[ I also loved the flirting/notes/growing attraction between Rhys and Feyre! I feel like Feyre is coming into her own with the help of the "Squad" (Mor, Cassain, Azriel...) and with the inclusion in plans/decision making/participation in fights, etc with Rhys! She is realizing that the person she is now is not a person that can be with Tamlin and be locked up/supervised/not included in things that may be happening to effect the world she lived in.

It has been a while since I read the Throne of Glass series and I kind of forget it (saying this sheepishly ;) I can see, however, that this series and that one could be very similar (similar main character/similar development of love interest, etc)!
I really like the characters in this series, however, and like the development of the different "pairs" or love interests while SJM takes you through the plotline. Unfortunately, there is no release date for the rest of this series so who knows what comes next...I do have the ACOTAR 3.2 on my TBR! Maybe she will release that close to the next Crescent City :shrug:
(hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

I am on the third part of the book (The House of Mist) starting Chapter 52 today.
(view spoiler)[ It is the BIG reveal that Rhys hinted at when he first winnowed away in shock from Feyre in the aftermath of Under the Mountain,,,dun, dun, dun....

I do have to say one thing from reading this series previously...I know I will get sick of reading the word "Mate"! SJM overuses it way too much for me...a couple times is OK but I feel like with the progression of the book/series, I don't need it pounded in my head! I would love your reactions to this going forward ;)
(hide spoiler)]

I don't think that we have A Court of Frost and Starlight listed in the Buddy Reads however, I am going to go ahead and read it over the holidays! It has a holiday theme, if I remember correctly! In case anyone wants to join me in reading this novella ;)

[bailey, Challenges]

Chapter 47:
(view spoiler)[ I’m so disappointed in Lucien, even though he was doing what he was told, I’m so sad that he wasn’t a better friend for Feyre when she needed it. And that he almost winnowed her away by force makes it so much worse to me. It was a very cool scene to reveal Feyre’s shapeshifting, though, so I loved that! Is that different than the wings that Rhys, Cassian, and Azriel have? I assume Feyre will be able to use them the same way but she’ll have to shift when she wants to use them.
She was also able to come to some terms with her feelings about Tamlin through this encounter, finally. Even though it could’ve been bad, she needed this to happen to see that he hasn’t been trying to better himself in the time she’s been away. I’m hoping he’ll get a reception arc later but for now he needs some time to heal and figure himself out. (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Alison wrote: "I am on the third part of the book (The House of Mist) starting Chapter 52 today. "

Just got caught up to where you were, (view spoiler)[ I definitely did not catch the hints about the reveal!! That makes Feyre waiting for her bond with Tamlin to snap into place at the beginning of the book make more sense now. I obviously picked up on Feyre and Rhys’s connection but I didn’t realize they had already become mates. And I definitely agree that word gets used too much among SJM’s series. Same for referring to people as ‘males’ and ‘females,’ just feels icky. (hide spoiler)]

We had planned to buddy read A Court of Frost and Starlight in February, I believe, right after A Court of Wings and Ruin. But you’re more than welcome to read Frost and Starlight over the holiday, Alison! (P.S. Now I’m really looking forward to reading it since you said it has a holiday theme 😄)

[bailey, Challenges]

Chapter 54:
(view spoiler)[ Oh my goodness! I finished reading this chapter earlier this morning and I couldn't believe that we got so much of Rhysand's perspective on everything that happened in book one. This chapter was basically a mini-book in its own of Rhys's POV and I LOVED it! I think I'm going to need to re-read it sometime today though because there was so much information packed in there.
We've also gotten so many hard hitting quotes from this book and this chapter had so many good ones I'll have to go back and find them, too. (hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

bailey wrote: "Chapter 54:
Oh my goodness! I finished reading this chapter earlier this morning and I couldn't believe that we got so much of Rhysand's perspective on everything that happened in book one. This c..."

bailey...(view spoiler)[ This is my second read through of this series and actually the FIRST time this chapter hit me in reading Rhysand's perspective on the events that happened during/after Under the Mountain as it related to his connection/mating bond with Feyre! I loved seeing his perspective also and was glad that Feyre accepted the mating bond...they can only be stronger together going forward! Plus, who doesn't love a HEA?! :):)

This also skews my opinion about Tamlin and makes me question if he really loved Feyre or if he was trying to save his people and using Feyre to do so?! I question it because there is NO DOUBT how much Rhysand cares for/loves Feyre and Tamlin's actions in no way shows this type of affection/love! Or is he just so damaged by Amarantha (just as Rhys/Ferye are)? I agree that I would love to see a book with a redemption arc for Tamlin...perhaps work through his anger/control issues and then have his own book ;)
(hide spoiler)]

I finished the book last night/this morning and have some errands to run so final thoughts will be either tonight or tomorrow! I think I will read A Court of Frost and Starlight novella this month (it centers around Winter Solstice) but will join in the discussion in February with you all! :)

[bailey, Challenges]

Alison wrote: "bailey..."

(view spoiler)[Yes, I totally agree. While it was good of Tamlin to want to protect his people, there are other ways to go about that without keeping a woman hostage in your manor... The statement [whoever it was] made about Tamlin doing the tithe despite other courts not also affected my opinion of him. Couldn't he tell how uncomfortable Feyre was watching all those people bring things to their feet that they didn't need? And the lack of awareness of how Feyre came from near-death poverty before moving into his estate... SMH. I also wonder if he could tell there was a bond between Rhys and Feyre the whole time and if that's why he was so adamant about keeping him away from her and not letting her leave the manor.

Anyways, that chapter definitely set them up to be a major power couple!! (hide spoiler)]

[Dominique]

I finished the book

(view spoiler)[ It was a great ending. Tamlin's betrayal just to get Feyre back was plain selfish. It was suprising when Helen turned High Fae and Lucien said she was his mate. I do hope that Nesta uses her anger and her will to fight not against her sister but will help her. Feyre sacrifing herself to stop the killing and actually have to go back with Tamlin was a bit predictable but she's still has that bond with Rhys and she's a High Lady! (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

I just finished it, too!

Dominique,(view spoiler)[ yes, that ending was so good! It was pretty predictable but I still enjoyed it. There was so much action right at the end, too, which I loved. (hide spoiler)]

My takeaways from this book:
(view spoiler)[ 1. Tamlin is an asshole and he desperately needs a redemption arc because he makes me so mad !
2. Nesta is about to be the coolest Fae I've ever seen
3. Feyre and Rhys still have their bond (thank goodness!) and Feyre is now the High Lady of the Night Court
4. Elain and Lucien are mates and I'm hoping against hope that Lucien also gets a redemption arc because I still love him even though he's been so misguided by Tamlin

When the king was "removing the bond" from Feyre and Rhys I was so scared that he'd actually somehow remove the mating bond and I was going to be devastated if that happened. They're such a good pair and I love the mental link they talk to each other through and not seeing that in future books would've been so sad.

Looking forward to seeing more from Nesta and Elain because I'm tired of them being the "maidens in the tower" who need to be protected and saved. I want them to be powerful and hold their own and I hope that's where the series will be taking us! (hide spoiler)]

As always, thanks for the amazing discussion in here, everyone, and I can't wait to get into the next book in January with you all!

[Dominique]

bailey wrote: "I just finished it, too!

Dominique,[spoilers removed]

My takeaways from this book:
1. Tamlin is an asshole and he desperately needs a redemption arc because he makes me so mad !
2. Nesta is abou..."

I wonder (view spoiler)[ how it's going to play out with Lucien and Feyre. He's suspicious of her lying. Is he going to partner up with her to get Elain bqck or will he be loyal to Tamlin and tell him about Feyre? (hide spoiler)]

[bailey, Challenges]

Dominique wrote: "bailey wrote: "I just finished it, too!

Dominique,[spoilers removed]
"

(view spoiler)[ I'm thinking the same thing. Lucien has been put in an interesting position now that he probably won't know what to do about at first. At the start of the book he had no real connection to Feyre so it was easy for him to side with Tamlin and convince himself he was doing the right thing. Now that he has a connection to Feyre through Elain, though, things won't be so easy... I think ultimately he'll end up doing whatever will reconnect him with Elain the fastest but I have no prediction for who will be able to do that for him. (hide spoiler)]

[Alison]

I agree that the ending was so fast paced and exciting, but also predictable!!
I am excited to read the next book with you all and compare notes....this has been fun for me to do a Buddy Read of this series and see all of your thoughts!

I have re-thought reading A Court of Frost and Starlight this month and think I will save it to read with you all in February :)

Now all I can say is: Let the battle begin **rubs hands gleefully** :):)

[Caterina]

I finished the book last month, but I am just now getting to posting here. I won't use the spoiler tags, because it sounds like everyone finished.

I loved the romance between Feyre and Rhys and the way the way their story developed. My favorite part was watching Feyre heal, rediscover herself and what matters to her, and find someone who can value her as she is. The juxtaposition in the book of the breakdown of her relationship with Tamlin and the development of her relationship with Rhys is so well done.

So I loved the book as a romance. As fantasy, I didn't love it as much. I thought the plot was pretty basic (esp. for a 600 page book). I feel like the quest narrative is overdone in fantasy, and there wasn't anything new and unique about this rendering.

"And I definitely agree that word gets used too much among SJM’s series. Same for referring to people as ‘males’ and ‘females,’ just feels icky."

I haven't noticed the overuse of "mate" though I'm sure I will now. The "male"/"females" descriptions are too much; I personally find it very unsettling.