Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
“‘I love you,’ he whispered, and kissed my brow. ‘Thorns and all.’”
The Basics
Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA — Bloomsbury
Pages: 416
Format: Paperback
Genres: Fiction — Fantasy, High fantasy, Romance, Fantasy romance, New adult, Young adult, Young adult fantasy
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Book Synopsis
While out hunting in the woods near her family’s home, Feyre kills a wolf. Unbeknownst to her, however, that wolf was no ordinary wolf: it was one of the immortal faeries that dwells on the other side of the wall separating her mortal realm from the magical lands of Prythian. In killing that faerie, she broke a centuries-old treaty between her people and the faeries, and when another faerie named Tamlin arrives at her family’s doorstep only days later demanding her life in exchange for that of the slain faerie, she must follow him over the wall into Prythian where according to the treaty, she is to live out the remainder of her days on his estate. What at first seems like a prison sentence comes to seem bearable and even enjoyable as Feyre spends more time with Tamlin and finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to him, in spite of all of the frightening tales that she has heard about faeries. An ominous magical blight, however, is spreading across Prythian, and it threatens not only the happiness of her and Tamlin but the well-being of all of the Fae.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
Have you heard of the term “book hangover?” A Court of Thorns and Roses left me with a monumental one. Upon finishing it, I couldn’t help but continue to think about it, and I was so eager to continue Feyre’s story that I immediately purchased an e-book of its sequel (I couldn’t wait the day or two that it would take for a physical copy to be delivered). I honestly didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did. Truth be told, I 100% judged this book by its juvenile-looking cover and went into the book thinking that it wouldn’t be my cup of tea. I, however, couldn’t have been more wrong – A Court of Thorns and Roses is an extremely entertaining book (even for a book snob like me).
Maas has done a wonderful job building and bringing to life Pyrthian, the fantasy world in which A Court of Thorns and Roses is set. Her descriptions of Pyrthian and its inhabitants made the imaginary world come alive, and as I read the book, I found myself mentally transported there.
The characters are also well-developed and grow over the course of the book. Feyre, for instance, starts off the book as a somewhat aggravating, helpless character, but by the book’s end, she has matured and grown into a strong female lead. You also learn enough about each character’s backstory that you are able to better understand the reasoning behind their actions. This level of understanding also helps to foster a sense of concern for and investment in the primary characters: you care for them and want to see them get a happy ending. Another effect of knowing the characters’ personal histories is that they become multi-dimensional. No character in A Court of Thorns and Roses is absolutely good or purely evil; each of them has their demons. This makes the characters feel more lifelike, for who among us isn’t flawed?
The romance between Feyre and Tamlin is another highlight of the book. It’s a slow-burn romance, with Maas masterfully building up the anticipation for when they will finally get together. I also sense a perhaps stronger chemistry between Feyre and Rhysand, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out in the sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury.
With regard to the actual writing, it is easy to read and highly engaging. Oftentimes, a chapter will end in such a way that you feel compelled to read the next one or two…or ten. Long, flowery descriptions are avoided, which prevents the story’s pace from ever feeling sluggish. Lastly, the first-person narrative from Feyre’s point of view makes you feel enveloped in the story – you become Feyre and experience the events through her eyes.
The not so good
I would have liked to have learned more about Rhysand’s personal history, but I imagine more will be revealed in the next book.
Overall
From a mesmerizing story to a slow-burn romance to action to boot, A Court of Thorns and Roses has all the makings of an enthralling read. Don’t be put off by its YA fiction label: it’s just as entertaining for us not-quite-young adults. So, what are you waiting for? Go pick up a copy already!
