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If you follow book people on social media, then you’ve likely already seen this hugely popular series by Sarah J. Maas circulating around. And probably at least a million and one times.
That’s not all, this bestselling series is also in the works for a TV adaptation on Hulu.
What’s it about?
In this fantasy world, immortal Fae live in splendor north of a dividing wall and humans live in squalor below.
An 18-year-old human named Feyre (pronounced fay-ruh) bears the brunt of her family’s survival efforts. Their previous fall from riches has left her father and two older sisters completely incapable, whether by ignorance, vanity, or selfishness. Feyre hunts and bargains to keep them all alive, and with little help (or even gratitude) from the others.
During one of her hunts, Feyre kills a wolf for its pelt – only to learn that she’s just killed one of the Fae. When a Fae High Lord breaks down her door for retribution, Feyre chooses to spare her family and go willingly with him back to his court to serve out a life sentence.
What follows is a tale of courage, magic, and romance as Feyre learns to navigate the strange new world she finds herself stuck in.
It was a solid four-star read for me.
Personally, it had a little bit of everything that I enjoy. Action, thrills, mystery, a little romance – what more can I want?
I will say, it was missing that final oomph to make it to five stars. I had two main critiques:
- The writing was okay, but definitely “purple” in places
- The pacing didn’t feel consistent throughout
It might have been a three-star read overall had I not loved the final act. It was the last chunk that really allowed Feyre to shine as a main character and show both her strength and prowess that, up to that point, wasn’t on center stage.
Should you read it?
If you’re a romantasy fan, this should definitely be on your list to try.
Please note: this is in the New Adult category, and the series as a whole is geared toward adults. While book one isn’t too graphic, the series itself becomes more explicit as it goes.
Check out my other reviews in this series:
Other Sarah J. Maas:
3 responses to “A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book 1): A good introduction”
Definitely want to read this book.
It’s a fun one!
After reading, your description that it’s “a tale of courage, magic, and romance” is spot on & is constant throughout the book. Definitely has me hooked on the author.