A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Book #1)

Synopsis

When Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress, kills a wolf in the woods, a horrific creature appears to exact vengeance. Feyre is dragged to a perilous magical country she only knows about from legends, where she realizes that her captor is not a beast at all, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once governed her world.

At the very least, he isn’t always a beast.

Her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, shift from frigid hatred to a flaming passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae as she adjusts to her new home. But something is wrong in the fairy realms. An old, evil shadow is rising, and Feyre must find a way to stop it or Tamlin–and his world–will perish forever.

Review

Have you ever heard the phrase “book hangover?” A Court of Thorns and Roses created a lasting impression on me. I couldn’t help but be so eager to continue Feyre’s narrative after finishing it that I immediately purchased an e-book of its sequel (I couldn’t wait the day or two it would take for a physical copy to arrive). I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. To be honest, I went into this book assuming it wouldn’t be my cup of tea because of its juvenile-looking cover. I couldn’t have been more incorrect – A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantastic read (even for a book snob like me). 

Maas has done an excellent job of creating and bringing to life Pyrthian, the fantasy realm set in A Court of Thorns and Roses. Her descriptions of Pyrthian and its residents brought the fictitious world to life, and I found myself mentally transported there as I read the novel.

The characters are also well-developed and progress throughout the novel. Feyre, for example, begins the novel as an annoying, helpless character, but by the end, she has developed and grown into a powerful female protagonist. You also learn enough about each character’s past to better understand why they act the way they do. This level of comprehension also contributes to a sense of worry for and investment in the main characters: you care about them and want to see them succeed. 

Knowing the characters’ personal backgrounds also makes them more multidimensional. No one in A Court of Thorns and Roses is completely good or completely evil; everyone has their demons. This brings the characters to life, for who among us is without flaws?

Another highlight of the novel is the relationship between Feyre and Tamlin. Maas brilliantly builds up the anticipation for when they will ultimately get together in this slow-burn romance. I also feel a stronger chemistry between Feyre and Rhysand, which will be intriguing to watch play out in the sequel, A Court of Mist and Fury.

In terms of the writing itself, it is easy to read and incredibly fascinating. A chapter will frequently conclude in such a way that you feel driven to read the next one or two…or ten. Long, flowery descriptions are avoided, so that the story never feels slow. Finally, the first-person narrative from Feyre’s point of view immerses you in the plot – you become Feyre and see events through her eyes.

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About Sarah J. Maas (Author)

Sarah J. Maas is the #1 New York Times bestselling and internationally acclaimed author of The Crescent City, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Throne of Glass books. Her books have sold over twelve million copies and have been translated into thirty-seven languages. Sarah is a native New Yorker who now resides in Philadelphia with her husband, son, and dog.