Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Released: May 15, 2015
Pages: 419
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Overall: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 4/5
Setting & World-building: 5/5
Emotional Investment: 5/5
"Because I wouldn't want to die alone. Because I'd want someone to hold my hand until the end, and a while after that."
So this is a reread, but that doesn't mean this entire series doesn't own me. Sarah J. Maas really wrote a book that singlehandedly saved my quarantine life back in 2020. Now I'm rereading the entire series in preparation for the new book that just came out.
Quick Summary: Feyre's entire life is encaptured by the idea of surviving another day. Her survival instincts are the only thing keeping her family alive in the weary mortal lands. But one day she kills a wolf, a wolf that could feed her family for weeks, but it comes with a price. She, unfortunately, killed a faerie from the bordering Fae lands and as retribution will be taken into those lands as a captive of a masked green-eyed Fae. Despite common sense telling her to despise him, the heart wants what it wants, and she starts to fall in love. But he keeps secrets, so to what length will Feyre go to uncover those secrets and allow herself to love him?
Now, because I know how the main trilogy plays out I know things I probably shouldn't about the characters. Because of that, I attempted to read this book as it was the first time I was reading it. And no matter what, I realized I love Feyre. She has been dealt a shitty card in life, taking care of ungrateful older sisters, Nesta and Elain, and watching her father become neglectful. She has to provide for a family, despite being the youngest and getting no gratitude for grievances. Now what I like the most about how she is written is she stays unrelentingly faithful to her character. She values family above else, even though they have let her down, and even after the masked Fae -Tamlin- takes her to a safer, happier place that is all she worries about. Her loyalty to the people she loves was so beautiful to read because I genuinely hope everyone has someone that loyal in their life.
Now Nesta... God I know she gets a redemption arc, but she is so hateful. So far no serious reasoning has given for her contempt towards Feyre other than the fact that Feyre can hunt and she can't. I do know her anger is actually at their dad and I support that. He just died inside when his wife died and relied solely on a 14 year to take care of a family of four. Nesta hating her father made complete sense. Despite her being rude there was a chapter where Nesta was truly there for Feyre and I have never loved her more. I do know that she says/does some awful things in the next four books but I will just remind myself of this quote: "I realized he wouldn't have gone with me to save you from Prythian." when I need to hold onto hope for her.
Tamlin, our favorite captor was dumb the entire book. (I'm sorry, I can't even pretend to not know what's going to happen, I hate him that much.) He really said, "And your hair is... clean." as the first compliment he gives Feyre. If someone said that to me I would literally punch them. He is a tool and everyone knows it. He definitely loves Feyre but I feel like love and possession can be easily confused when you are as powerful as he is.
Now I think the actual plot of this book was only slow during the parts at the Spring Court. When Maas explained how she painted all day, that was boring. But things finally picked up Under the Mountain. The plot was actually interesting because the three trials were all so random, but did an excellent job of proving Feyre's weaknesses and strengths. I must say though, the riddle was so easy. I clearly remember getting the riddle correct right away the first time I read it. Amarantha despite being awful, was a good villain. I kind of wish we got more of her backstory because in a twisted sense she did everything for her family too. Did I think she deserved to burn for everything she made my baby Rhysand go through? Yes. But was it written so well that I kind of want a novella on her life? Also, yes.
Rhysand was your morally grey side-ish character in this book, and I loved every single scene with him. He could be hurting someone and I would be like "No, it's fine. I know why he is doing it." He was truly the comedian of this book. Lucien is also up there though. I have to say I actually like his character a lot and wish him the best of luck because life gets so hard for him.
Hehe, I'm now super excited to reread the next book because all the action is finally heating up. My favorite book is next, and I want everyone to read that, so I need everyone to read this book. :)
Quotes
"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."
"There you are. I've been looking for you."
"I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world."
"Do you ever stop being so serious and dull?"
"Do you ever stop being such a prick?"
"I bet you'll be spitting on Death's face when she comes to claim you, too."
"Be glad of you human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all."
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