Obviously a fantastic story that has enamored thousands of people. ACOTAR has become the gateway for hundreds of new readers finding their feet and for the romantasy genre to really become popular.

I absolutely loved this book! What I found so appealing was the classical story themes (i.e. Beauty and the Beast, plus other fairy tales) that were easy for me to relate to and the great pacing of the novel. Feyre, Tamlin, and Lucien were entrancing to read about because they had so many layers and dimensions, something that isn't always easy to find in the characters of YA novels. I'm anxiously awaiting book two's arrival next year and I'm sure I'll be rereading A Court of Thorns and Roses before then!

Feyre's family is not doing well. Raised in wealth, her family's money was lost when her father's ships were wrecked in a storm. She, her father and her two sisters have moved from their comfortable home to a hovel near the forest and Feyre must hunt for food for them to survive. One day while hunting for a deer or rabbit, she is surprised by a wolf and kills it.

But this was no ordinary wolf. It was a fae shapeshifter and now she has committed a crime against the fae world. She is taken from her home to their kingdom by one of the High Lords, Tamlin. He tells her that she won't be harmed but she can never return home due to an agreement reached years ago between the fae and the humans at the end of a war that divided the world. Tamlin has a beautiful mansion and Feyre is left to her own devices to amuse herself. The only contact she has is her maid, Tamlin and his best friend, Lucian.

Over time, Feyre starts to like the men who surround her and soon, she falls in love with Tamlin. But all is not well in the fae kingdom either. An evil fae witch has taken control and she is cruel; her only desire to have Tamlin as her mate. She surrounds herself with monstrous creatures and lives only to think of new tortures. Her ultimate plan is to break the treaty that ended the war between fae and human and take over the universe.

When Feyre is taken to her underground kingdom, she is taunted for her love of Tamliin and his for her. But she is not killed right away. The witch states that she will release Fayre and Tamlin if Fayre can either solve a riddle or survive three tasks. Can Fayre save them all?

This is the first book in a five book series. I've been interested in reading Sarah Maas for a while now as she is known in the fantasy world for her intricate series. This was a great opening novel and I plan to read the rest of the series. There are steamy scenes as Tamlin and Feyre discover their love and the book is suspenseful as Feyre goes through the series of tasks that may kill her. This book is recommended for fantasy readers.

A Court of Thorns and Roses and a fantastic first book in a magical series about a human girl in fae land. Sarah J. Maas crafts a colorful world that kept me wanting to read and learn more. There is a cast of likable and unlikable characters, which keeps the reader rooting for a happy resolution for the main characters. There are also quite a few twists and turns along the way. Highly recommend!

Wow, my brain hasn’t fully recovered from reading “A Court of Thorns and Roses”. I loved the intensity, pacing, storytelling, and overall message of the book. I felt the love and passion throughout the pages, the fear and pain, and turmoil that occurred in these pages.

There were a couple of parts that did push my emotions aside and became parts that I wanted to skim over. For instance, some of the love building took away from the plot because it had a bit of “Beauty and the Beast” vibes, which I’m not a fan of. I also didn’t need or want to read about how rich and entitled some of Feyre’s family became. Having a ball to honor her return? It was all too silly and out of place.

However, I loved so much this book and the feelings it gave me. The twists, the romance, the thrills, the magic, and it makes me excited to continue the series!

I rate “A Court of Thorns and Roses” a 5 out of 5 stars.

My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read “A Court of Thorns and Roses”.

So I’m a little late to the game on this one, but this was amazing. And I regret waiting so long.. An amazing retailing of beauty and the beast. Sarah J. Mass has me hooked.

<i>"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all.”</i>

I finally read it and I’m finally catching up on reviews! I’ve been wanting to read this book forever but hesitated picking it up due to all the hype. I wish I had picked it up much sooner because I’m obsessed and I’m excited to start ACOMAF!

I was hooked from the very beginning. The way this started kind of reminded me of The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid, which I had read pretty recently before starting this one. While the beginning started off a bit slow, I appreciated learning everything along with Feyre.

I was invested to say the least…the world, the characters, the plot…everything! I had so many thoughts, speculations, and feelings throughout this entire book. I was suspicious of some characters and to be honest, still kind of am, while other characters I knew I was going to swoon for as soon as they were introduced.

My annotations in my book are pretty hilarious now that I have finished it and have flipped through to see my initial thoughts and how everything played out by the end of the book.

There’s so much more I want to know and questions that I need answered, so I’m excited to read the next one because I’ve heard it’s even better. I know a lot more is bound to happen in this series, but I have a fave and I’m going to be upset if it doesn’t go my way…or it will be the biggest ship of my life.

I’m pretty sure I’m the last person on the planet to not have read this series; however, if you haven’t read this yet and you love fantasy romance books…with fae…pick this up!

I'll be the first to admit that I do not usually like super popular books, and that was my hesitancy in reading this for so very long....

Welp, I TOTALLY get it. I'm hooked. I bought books 2 & 3 when I hit the halfway point of this one. Love it.

Let me preface this review by saying that I am not a big fan of fantasy books, but I have heard so many great things about this book, I had to give it a try. Overall the book was good. I am a very visual reader and it was just difficult for me to picture the characters in this book.

Feyre is a human living her life the best she can to support her father and two sisters after the death of her mother. Times are very hard and she spends a lot of it hunting in the woods for food. When she kills a wolf that ends up being a Fae, her life is changed forever. She is sent to Prythian to live with the High Lord Tamlin, who can shape shift. She is free to come and go as she pleases on his land, but her curiosity has her venturing to places she shouldn't. Her curiosity and character help to change Tamlin's and other Fae's opinion of her and humans as a whole. When Feyre's curiosity gets to be too much, a storm starts to brew in the Spring Court. Tamlin is forced to send her back to her world even though he has fallen in love with her and she with him.

What happens next is a series of tests for them to be able to be together. Will either of them survive, or will it be for naught?

BOOK REVIEW: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) | Book 1
Publication Date: 2015 | 2020 (Re-Release)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

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T.I.M.E. BEST BOOK REVIEW:
Unraveling the Ethereal World of Sarah J. Maas in "A Court of Thorns and Roses"...
Escape to a place where faeries and mortals mingle, and love is a force that transcends worlds. With countless titles gracing the shelves of fantasy romance novels enthusiasts, Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses continues to stand as a masterpiece that bridges the realms of romance and fantasy. Resonating with readers who are enamored with the supernatural and the mystical, this first book of the A Court of Thorns and Roses Series is more than a mere narrative... It's a romantasy book odyssey into a universe that enchants and enthralls.

Standout Features of A Court Of Thorns And Roses...
• The Power of the Pageturner
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a spellbinding pageturner that seamlessly blends the allure of classic romantic sagas with the otherworldly charm of the fantasy romance books genre. From the first page to the last, Maas crafts a tale from the very beginning that is rich in detail, intricate in plot, and above all, emotionally resonant while remaining thrilling.

• High Fantasy Storytelling
The narrative follows the life of the main character, Feyre, a courageous and independent young woman who finds herself entangled in the politics of faerie courts after killing a wolf in the forest... And subsequent events that follow transform her life in ways she could have never imagined.

The storytelling in ACOTAR is an act of poetic weaving, threading elements of epic adventure, love, and sacrifice into the fabric of a complex high fantasy universe.

Maas’ attention to character development and world-building ensures that the reader is wholly invested in the stakes of Feyre’s quests and the lives of those she encounters. Each chapter teems with secrets waiting to be divulged, and unexpected twists fueled by high stakes that drive the story forward filled with suspense.

• The Lure of the Court vs Mortal World
The vivid tapestry of the faerie and human realms in A Court of Thorns and Roses is an illustration of world-building at its finest. Juxtaposing the wild, harsh landscapes of Feyre’s mortal world with the opulent, mysterious high court world of the Fae, Maas constructs a stark contrast that mirrors the novel’s underlying themes of duality and the interconnectedness of life and death.

The world of the faeries is painted with an ethereal brush, describing grandeur, enchantment, and a sense of timelessness that leaves a haunting impression long after the book has been closed. The reader is left with a sense of place that feels alive... A world brimming with shadows and whispers... A living, breathing tapestry pulsating with magic.

• Deconstructing Love and Desire
The heart of A Court of Thorns and Roses lies in its exploration of love and desire. Maas doesn’t shy away from the complexities of fantasy romance and sensuality, daringly weaving an intricate web of emotions that binds the characters and the reader alike.

Each main character grapples with their own version of love — for family, for duty, for survival — and it is within this labyrinth of affections that the novel shines... And ultimately "sets the trap" for the reader in embedding an irresistible desire to read the entire series.

The romantic aspects are not mere embellishments to the plot... They are fundamental components that drive character motivations and narrative arcs, immersing the reader in a love story that is as passionate as it is tumultuous.

The fantasy romance is sensuously described yet steeped in emotional rawness, creating a poignant backdrop for the story’s central themes. From the fury of a battlefield to the tranquility of a starlit night, every setting is a stage for the interplay of passion and understanding, of frustration and yearning that defines the relationship dynamics.

Sarah J. Maas wisely seduces the reader with a steamy romance that remains within my T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating 🌶 (Mild)... However, expect the steam level to turn up with the second book and each additional book in the series.

• Themes that Transcend
Beyond its fantastical elements and romance fiction theme, A Court of Thorns and Roses presents additional themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. The novel serves as a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit, the redemptive power of sacrifice, and the nature of prejudice and reconciliation. Through the lens of fantasy, Maas addresses issues that are profoundly relevant, inviting readers to ponder their own convictions and beliefs.

In my opinion, this divergence of themes strengthens the romantasy genre theme by providing a multi-dimensional epic that appeals to readers who long to read stories where the high fantasy characters are fully developed in mind, body and spirit.

The narrative’s undertones of empowerment and self-discovery are an empowering beacon. Feyre’s transformation from a girl of humble means to an indomitable force navigating the glacial intricacies of faerie politics showcases a powerful message about finding one's own strength in the face of adversity... And embracing the courage to test the point beyond our perceived limits.

• Looking Ahead... The Continuation of the Journey
The legacy of A Court of Thorns and Roses is not confined to the pages of the first novel. Sarah J. Maas has continued to shepherd her readers through Feyre’s world with sequels and an expected upcoming TV series adaptation. The series stands as a testament to the author's ability to captivate and her readers' insatiable appetite for more of the saga.

With each new installment, the universe expands, introducing new characters, plots, and revelations. Through this organic growth, Maas ensures that her readers remain steadfastly hooked— eager to follow Feyre’s ongoing story and the future fates of those she holds dear.

• Reaching Beyond the Pages
Beyond the narrative itself, A Court of Thorns and Roses has fostered a vibrant community of fans who celebrate the series through various forms of fan art, fan fiction, and engaged online discussion. The novel has transcended its status as literature to become a cultural touchstone within the realm of adult fantasy fiction and beyond.

The discourse sparked by the novel extends to profound discussions of its themes and its wider implications, offering readers a platform to connect, empathize, and build relationships over their shared love of the series.

EPILOGUE
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a jewel in the tapestry of fantasy literature, garnering a dedicated following and critical acclaim. Maas’ ability to transport her readers to other worlds, her deft hand with characters and relationships, and the depth of her storytelling cements her as a luminary in the genre.

For those seeking an escape to an exquisitely crafted universe and a love story that defies the odds, A Court of Thorns and Roses is an essential read. The novel stands tall among the giants of the romantasy genre, a shining example of what can be achieved when storytelling is at its most spellbinding.

Overall, this book reminds us of the importance of love, empathy, and strength in the face of adversity, lessons that are applicable to our own lives.

So let's raise a glass to Feyre and the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses, a place where magic truly exists within its pages and beyond. Cheers to an unforgettable journey in this captivating romantasy tale.

Keep reading, keep dreaming, and may your adventure never end... The only limit is your imagination. So let it run wild and let yourself be swept away by the magic of A Court of Thorns and Roses... ✨😎✨

♡ T.I.M.E. TIPS:
• This is a cumulative series... Non-negotiable. Start with Book 1...
• I have read via the print version, traditional audiobook and the GraphicAudio versions... All are stellar!... NOTE: GraphicAudio represents an audiobook that includes a full cast dramatized narration with sound effects and music. It takes a moment to transition to this new format, but I really love it... Especially for High Fantasy Audiobooks...

Pages: 448
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Sub-Genres: Romantasy Books | High Fantasy Romance Books | Action Adventure | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: Fantasy World
Location: Fantasy World
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA | Bloomsbury Publishing

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐
• Authors: Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing), Carissa Broadbent (The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King), Rebecca Ross (Divine Rivals), Jennifer Armentrout (From Blood and Ash)️
TV Series: Shadow And Bone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In Sarah J. Maas's best-selling novel A Court of Thorns and Roses, young huntress Feyre is forced into a magical land after inadvertently killing a wolf that is more than it seems.

Her captor, Tamlin, is a faerie with a deadly charm, and as she learns about the enchanting and perilous faerie realm, her icy hostility shifts to passionate love. But dark forces threaten the faerie lands, and Feyre must fight to save Tamlin and their world.

Sarah J. Maas lives up to all the hype with this beloved Adult Fantasy series with a strong female character lead that reflects a dimensional modern woman fighting for herself... and those she loves... An enthralling blend of fantasy romance, adventure, and faerie lore awaits in this gripping fantasy tale.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The Power of Love and Sacrifice...
Throughout the novel, we see characters making sacrifices for those they care about, whether it be Feyre's decision to go with Tamlin to save her family or Lucien's loyalty to his High Lord. This theme highlights the strength of love and how it can motivate us to do incredible things for the people we care about.... In our own lives, we may face difficult decisions and sacrifices for our loved ones, but this novel reminds us that the power of love can see us through even the toughest of challenges.

• Overcoming Prejudice...
The relationship between humans and faeries in the novel is fraught with fear and mistrust on both sides. However, as Feyre spends more time in the faerie world, she slowly begins to see past her prejudices and form genuine connections with the fae... This serves as a reminder that we should never judge someone based on their appearance or rumors, but rather take the time to get to know them before passing judgment.

• Finding Inner Strength...
Feyre's journey from a broken human girl to an indomitable High Lady showcases the power of resilience and inner strength. Despite facing numerous challenges and traumas, Feyre never gives up and continues to fight for what she believes in... This serves as an inspiring message that even in our darkest moments, we have the strength within us to rise above that darkness and persevere.

BOOK QUOTE:
"Because when the legends get written, I didn't want to be remembered for standing on the sidelines... " — A Court Of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast nods, and the future looks BRIGHT. I could've done with more and more of our other characters...however, Lucien is EVERYTHING. Did I make a mistake reading Throne of Glass first? Because it is not even close in my opinion, but I'm looking forward to see where we're heading.

You know how there are series of people who are like "You have to read this or else", this was one of those for me. I have had friends galore recommending this series and then this year I decided to do a 12 recommendations by 12 friends reading challenge and one of those 12 books was ACOTAR so here I am. I read it on Monday in one day and I have to admit, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. You see years ago, I was a big fantasy reader and then one day I woke up and couldn't read it - I felt like I had gotten fantasy burnout but now - I am back into this fantasy book rhythm and I have been enjoying them. I have to admit as I began reading this book, I was a little confused as if I had missed a chapter as it does jump straight into the story of Feyre - the youngest of three girls whose family is poor. She is the Katniss of the SJM ACOTAR universe, the hunter and the one providing for her family. When Feyre is off hunting, she shoots a wolf who turns out to be Fae. Tamlin -the Fae King of one of the kingdoms is angry and gives Feyre a choice - to die or live the rest of her life in the kingdom and never see her family again. She goes to the kingdom, but her heart is still with her family. However of course over time, things change as she starts to fall for Tamlin and becomes fast friends with Lucien and eventually frenemies with Rhysand whom you can see she has a Love/Hate Relationship. I felt this book had a strong Beauty and The Beast feel to it as we see a curse placed on Tamlin and his court that can only be broken by love. Overall, I did enjoy this and I am looking forward to reading and discovering the rest of the SJM universe of books as I also have her other two series to read.

Absolutely loved this and will be reading the further novels in this series! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel. #netgalley #sarahjmaas #courtofthornssndroses

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas is a spellbinding and lush fantasy novel that weaves a tapestry of romance, intrigue, and breathtaking world-building. From the very first page, Maas transports readers into a captivating realm filled with faeries, magic, and deadly secrets.

The story follows Feyre, a fiercely independent and resourceful huntress, who inadvertently kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover that it was a faerie in disguise. As punishment, she is taken to the treacherous and enigmatic land of Prythian, a world divided into courts ruled by powerful High Fae. As she navigates the perilous politics of the faerie realm, she begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding her captor, Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court.

Maas's storytelling prowess shines through in her meticulous world-building and imaginative lore. The vivid descriptions of the various courts, from the opulence of the Spring Court to the darkness of the Night Court, immerse readers in a world that feels both magical and dangerous. The intricate social dynamics between the faerie characters add depth to the narrative, making it an enthralling and immersive experience.

The heart of the novel lies in the slow-burning romance between Feyre and Tamlin, which is filled with passion, tenderness, and unexpected twists. Their relationship evolves naturally, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey as they face challenges that test their love and loyalty.

Beyond the romance, A Court of Thorns and Roses delves into themes of sacrifice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Feyre's growth as a character is captivating, as she transforms from a strong-willed survivor into a formidable force to be reckoned with.

However, I didn't like this book as much as the ones of Throne of Glass series (maybe I am just biased). I personally felt that this book was not as immersive as Throne of Glass books. Also, the riddle that Amarantha gave? (You would know what I am talking about if you had read the book) I saw that from a mile away... I felt like that was the lamest oh-this-is-so-hard-riddle that one could come up with.

In conclusion, A Court of Thorns and Roses is an enchanting and addictive fantasy that will leave readers yearning for more. Sarah J. Maas's talent for storytelling is on full display as she creates a world and characters that are both captivating and memorable. With its breathtaking romance and thrilling plot, this book is a must-read for fans of fantasy, romance, and epic adventures.

The main character is the only thing about this book that I didn't love. I don't like an "I'm not like other girls" main character, but otherwise this book was wonderful. I loved the fae and the descriptions of the setting. Rhysand is my favorite and I cant wait to read more in the series to see where it goes.

I was excited to read "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. While the premise of the book sounded intriguing, the execution was lacking in several areas.

Firstly, the writing style felt clunky and awkward, which made it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The pacing was slow and meandering, and I found myself losing interest in the plot several times.

Secondly, I found the characters to be flat and one-dimensional. The protagonist, Feyre, was frustratingly passive and lacked agency, which made it hard to root for her. The love interest, Tamlin, was equally underdeveloped and lacked any real chemistry with Feyre.

Finally, I was disappointed by the lack of originality in the worldbuilding. The fantasy elements felt derivative and uninspired, and the politics of the faerie court were predictable and uninteresting.

Overall, "A Court of Thorns and Roses" fell short of my expectations, and I would not recommend it to others. While I appreciate the effort that went into creating this book, I think there are better examples of the fantasy romance genre out there. 1/5.

This isn’t usually my go-to genre, but I had to see what all the fuss is about. Definitely enjoyed getting swept up in this fantasy that gives off some Beauty & the Beast vibes. Now I’m excited to follow along with Feyre throughout the rest of the series!

This was an amazing read, I couldn't put it down, I have now read and reread all of this series and also all other books by Maas and can't get enough of them. The world building is second to none and che character development is so much more than you would expect. Everyone has flaws and these are all laid out by Maas and that makes you love or hate the characters in equal parts. The story reads right through the book series and leaves nothing out. I can't wait to read more from Maas in the future and hope to be able to review them all.

This one is a reread more than once for sure.

How am I to write a review for a book that left me so fulfilled that I can't see through my tears? There are not enough stars for this book. I am overwhelmed with everything, from this book. This was beautiful. Sad. Exciting. Heartbreaking. Emotional. Perfection.

Romance? Really? <I>This</i> is what you're telling young women Romance is all about? I don't know, but to me this sounds like a Bad Thing.

Lots of damsel-being-rescued stuff, seriously squicky "I'm so dumb" self-talk, The Beast is mostly just a brat who needs a spanking, and in the end there's little or nothing in this fairy-tale retelling that adds a whit to the Disneyfied version of the story it's based on.

I do not like it. I would not recommend it to parents concerned about their daughter's internalizing pervasive misogyny. The writing is deft, but that even takes on a sinister cast because the message is just yuck-ick-ptui from giddy-up to whoa.