A Court of Thorns and Roses — Spoiler-Free Review
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy Romance
SJR Quick Take
⭐ Overall: 5/5
🌶️ Spice: 3/5
💔 Emotional Impact: 4/5
📖 Would I Read Again? Absolutely
💬 Would I Recommend? Yes
📚 Will I Continue the Series? Absolutely!
What Is A Court of Thorns and Roses About?
Feyre is doing whatever she can to keep her family alive. Her family used to be wealthy, but after losing their fortune and their mother, Feyre has become the hunter and provider. While her father and two sisters depend on her, she's the one going into the woods to make sure there's food on the table. One day while hunting, Feyre finally spots a deer. But she's not alone.
There's a giant wolf nearby, and Feyre isn't sure if it's actually a wolf or possibly Fae. She isn't willing to take the risk. She kills the wolf using an ash arrow, which is supposed to be deadly to Fae, takes its pelt, and returns home.
Everything seems normal. Until... BAM.
A huge Fae arrives at her home demanding retribution for the wolf she killed. Feyre has no choice but to leave her family behind and travel with him beyond the Wall into the dangerous world of the Fae.
Now she's trapped in a kingdom she doesn't understand, surrounded by creatures she's spent her life being warned about, and trying to figure out whether there's any way she can escape and get back to her family.
Overall Reaction
I went into A Court of Thorns and Roses completely blind. I've somehow managed to avoid spoilers, so I genuinely had no idea what was going to happen. And I loved it!
I liked Feyre from the beginning. She's the wildling, the hunter, the physical one, and the provider, while her sisters seem more worried about their shoes, coats, and socializing with the other young women. Then she's taken beyond the Wall and thrown into an almost Beauty and the Beast-feeling type of mansion. Except instead of talking objects, everybody is wearing a mask.
She doesn't know if they don't want her knowing who they are, if it's some kind of Fae trend, or what the hell is going on. And neither did I!
The Court & Its Characters
We meet Tamlin and his emissary, Lucien, who can be very charming gentlemen Fae, but they aren't exactly fond of Feyre for killing their friend. I really enjoyed the court, all the different Fae we encounter, and the budding friendships. We meet big, scary Fae and nice, charming ones. We get to see the sexy side of the Fae and the dark and scary side. The Fae world feels dangerous, and Feyre is trying to figure out how much of what humans believe about them is actually true.
World Building & Mystery
This was one of my favorite parts of the story. I loved the breadcrumbs Maas leaves for you to try to figure out what the hell is going on in this kingdom. We start learning about the other courts, and Feyre begins seeing and hearing things she probably shouldn't—things that could help her find the answer to what's happening around her. I liked being able to put the pieces together with her instead of having everything explained immediately.
And once those pieces started coming together?
Mhm.
I was IN.
Spice — 3/5
There's definitely a sexy side to the Fae. I'm giving the spice a 3/5. It was enough for me to notice and enjoy without taking over the entire story.
Emotional Impact — 4/5
I'm giving the emotional impact a 4/5. I became invested in these characters and their relationships, and there were definitely moments that got me emotionally.
Final Verdict
⭐ 5/5
I loved this story! And the fact that we're getting all of this in BOOK ONE?! Count me in for the rest because this is going to be a fun ride!!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes!
If you enjoy fantasy romance, Fae, mysterious kingdoms, dangerous creatures, and trying to put together clues about what's really happening, I think this one is worth trying.
Would I Read It Again?
Absolutely. And I'm definitely continuing the series.
Ready to Go Cover to Cover?
I left a LOT out because I was lucky enough to go into this book without spoilers, and I'm not ruining that experience for anybody else.
But in Cover to Cover?
We're talking about EVERYTHING.
Until the next chapter,
Happy Reading,
S. J. Robinson
Want to Read It Yourself?
You can find the books I review and recommend on my SJR Writes & Reads Bookshop.org shelf.
