Feyre’s survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price …

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre’s presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

How was it?

Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses promises an enchanting blend of dark fantasy, romance, and intrigue, the story begins as a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, sprinkled with elements of Cinderella – without the mean step-sisters but mean siblings, but its potential is quickly eclipsed by sluggish pacing and a world-building that doesn’t come with excitements or action but a lot of rambling and plotting.

The opening chapter painted a vivid and atmospheric picture, raising expectations for a gripping narrative. Unfortunately, those expectations fade as the novel delves into a boring tale, devoid of genuine tension or chemistry between its main characters. Feyre, the protagonist, feels underdeveloped, and her relationships with other characters, including her captor-turned-love-interest Tamlin, lack the spark necessary to carry the narrative.

The promise of a magical realm and ancient curses is undermined by repetitive exposition and a frustratingly slow pace. While fans of romantic fantasy may find elements to enjoy, the lack of originality and engaging action left me disengaged. Despite a compelling introduction, I ultimately struggled to complete the book.

If you want to support this site, help by getting me a coffee from the link below: