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.

Enjoyed reading this book and it was the beginning of me following the series where Feyre is captured by her beast. A Court of Thorns and Roses was a real surprise and I enjoyed reading it.

This novel completely re-ignited my love of fantasy and I went on to read all of Sarah J Maas' fantasy series. I really recommend to anyone that would like to lose themselves in engaging and interesting plots set in another world.

I wanted to like this book, so I went into it with an open mind. I wasn't a fan of the excessive writing style or the shoddy world-building, but I was still willing to give it three stars because I saw it as a simple, guilt-free romance novel. I still don't understand how the connection could be as troublesome as others make it out to be because it appears innocent. The book's first half is not bad, but it's also not particularly noteworthy. However, the second half truly suffers from a lack of quality, which caused me to reduce my ranking to two stars. I'm ready to ignore the writing style and uninteresting relationship, however, once I reached the section when Feyre solves the puzzle, I had to put it down since it was so silly and sloppy.

Well I finally read it. And I will admit everyone is right; I'm total trash for A Court of Thorns and Roses. Is this just smutty teen crack? Yes, yes it is.

The Intended Audience
Just like I said with Bridget Kemmerer's series, that is okay, because that is the audience it was written for. Is Sarah J. Maas the most brilliant writer ever? No. That's not to say that she's isn't good at keeping the readers attention, moving the story forward, and creating intrigue. She's in fact excellent at all of those things. Although, I felt her descriptions were a bit lacking in places, and I would have preferred more lore and information about the magic and Fae system in general. But I'm a hard-core fantasy reader at heart and love world-building.

The Ending
The biggest thing that has importance to me in teen stories like this is that the ending isn't cheap. It was clearly set-up right from the beginning; it felt logical, the pieces locked in together and it flowed nicely. I was actually surprised that this book had a real sort of ending given it's a part of a larger series. You could read just this first book and have a complete story without feeling forced to move onto book 2. However that is not me. I will be starting book 2 in the next few days for sure!

The Best Part?
That is the easiest question to answer. And anyone else who also loves this character as much as I do probably gets it... Rhysand. Ohhh Rhysand.
I am a total and complete suck for the bad boy, anti-hero, do good'er villain. The one who might be trying to do covert good; but whose number one priority is keeping the imagine of them as a villain alive. Also, the descriptive, wicked, blue hair. I could imagine Rhysand almost from the moment he enters the room (page?). He's beautiful, sexy, and dangerous. Even at nearly 40-years-old I still appreciate the bad now. And I know 16-year-old me would have been completely obsessed and swooned for Rhysand. I've briefly seen in the past comments about being on a 'team' (gosh I hate that phrase for picking love interests) and if I had to pick I'm team Rhysand. It does not matter what he does in the rest of the series. He can be the worst person ever, I'll still love him. Just as I loved Jamie Lannister (Game of Thrones) a little bit even before he showed some humanity. The ultimate bad boy cannot be beat in my mind.

The Other Characters
As per usual with most books in this genre the character the reader is supposed to love and get all gooey about is not the one I liked much at all. I'm sorry but Tamlin is boring, annoyingly broody, moody, and overall just not that interesting. I do hope he gets a chance to show more of his personality as the series goes on.
Then it's onto our leading girl, I don't hate her. Which is saying a lot as I tend to really have an issue with a lot of female heroines in these types of series for teens. The lead girl in Iron Widow for example is just a horrible bitch, there is no two ways about it. So I'm pleased that I don't totally hate Feyruh, and I do hope that she is given the chance to grow and explore (mostly Rhysand, lol) her personality and feelings further. I'm assuming this growth is what makes the rest of the series interesting.

Sex, sexual tension, and oh look, sex
Finally, let's talk about the sexual nature of these books. These are not middle grade books. I wouldn't even call them young adult. While we often us YA and Teen interchangeably there is perhaps one distinction that should be made. YA generally doesn't have too much sex or implying of sex. Teen is generally that step above it. We often experience characters losing their virginity, experimenting, coming into their own sexually, etc. in teen books. I have no problem at all with a 15-year-old reading this. As I was that age when I was active; so it seems only fair that I at least accept that age is appropriate to read about sex. I would actually go as low as age 13 for this book. BUT I would be hard pressed to say younger. It might depend on the child; however I think most 12 and younger would not enjoy the sexual tension here because it's "icky". Their emotional maturity is just not there yet.
Honestly, given the violence, gore, and other elements of today's TV, movies, and video games; the making-out, lusting, and sex is quite tame. It may be important to point out that, for me, sex is no more taboo than gory. Therefore I am not at all concerned about how this is labelled or marketed the way some have been. Never mind the fact that the title, cover art, and blurb make it pretty clear you're going into a fantasy teen romance novel and those tend to get hot and heavy at some point. Especially as the series moves forward.

Overall
I mean what can I say that everyone else hasn't said? Not a lot really. It's as good as people say; IF that is the kind of content you want. I get why some hate it; because they are just not into books like this. And that's okay. But for those of us that do love this romance trash; it's up there with being very compelling to read.
I'd like to add that within 5 pages of reading the riddle I knew the answer. Maas actually gives a tiny tip-off shortly after reciting the riddle that I'm sure most picked up on. And while I was quite certain for the next 100+ pages I knew the answer; it was still exciting to read the solution.

If you like Bridgit Kemmerer, Rin Chupeco, or Tracey Deon (Legendborn), or most big name authors in the fantasy teen realm then I am quite confident you will like this.
If you're an adult that has enjoyed Laurell K. Hamilton (Anita or Mercy series), Anne Bishop, or Jacqueline Carey's Kushiel series then I think you'll enjoy this. It's a bit tamer than your adult horror/fantasy scenarios listed; but in the same vein. It keeps up the idea of punishment for punishment sake, and love for love's sake; and ultimately taking punishment to show love.

I'm picking up book 2 tomorrow, because somehow I had book 1, 3 and 4 on my shelf! Weird or what? I can't wait to get further into the pants (I mean mind...) of Rhysand.
Lastly, if you didn't laugh at my joke just now and kind sneered or wrinkled your nose then maybe don't pick this up, it's probably not your cup of tea.

Full review to come on Goodreads and Amazon. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a review copy.

One of my favorite books ever. And this was a great start to the series. I loved every character and the world is just lush!!!

This beauty and the beast inspired fantasy romance was absolutely amazing. It begins with 19 year old Feyre killing a wolf in the forest to feed and provide for her family. This act of self preservation causes Feyre to be taken captive into the dangerous land of faeries.

Filled with action, romance, and suspense this book was incredible and is the first book in the Court of Thorns and Roses trilogy. Would definitely recommend.