Friday, September 25, 2015

A Court of Thorns and Roses Review: Feyre

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Standing: Book 1
POV: 1st person by Feyre, past tense
Setting: Prythian
Genre: YA fantasy

Source: Physical Copy
Pages: 416
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release: May 5th, 2015

Favourite Line: "Because I wouldn't want to die alone... Because I'd want someone to hold my hand until the end, and awhile after that. That's something everyone deserves, human or faerie."

Rating: 5 Stars


(Goodreads)

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!





                          ✭ 

I honestly don't know where to begin with this book. The world was beautifully, the characters very individual and easy to connect to, and that romance.

Feyre. To begin, the name Feyre is pretty awesome. It's pronounced Fay-ruh, and am I the only one who notices the slight similarity between the word Feyre and faerie? Feyre was a fantastic protagonist, dealing with various issues and emotions being the sole source of survival for her family. It was so easy to feel what she felt, to feel the resentment and unfairness of her human situation, but also the love she has for them. When Tamlin comes to take her away, not once does she back down nor hesitates to do what needs to be done to protect her family. Feyre was resourceful and brilliant, one who is undyingly loyal, and above all, human. She proves that though humans may be physically inferior to the fae, we still have hearts and wits of steel.

Tamlin. As this is a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it was easy to see guess where he was coming from. He wasn't trying to make an enemy out of Feyre, even though she was trying to make an enemy out of him. He always kept his temper in check whenever he was around her. His protectiveness of Feyre had me grinning like an idiot, and the pains he went to do minimal damage in terms of helping her near the end made my heart cry. Again, that romance... I was blushing quite a lot throughout this novel! And at the end...that display of rage and power? *Swoons*

I've heard quite a lot about Rhysand from many of you, so I had high expectations for him. I was not disappointed! Rhysand was dark, mysterious, cocky and arrogant, and though he was a bit of jerk (part of his appeal), he was ultimately a good guy. He had a hidden agenda, one I kept guessing at, and I would love to see more of his inner thoughts. I get the feeling that he's more of a tortured soul than we're let on, which only makes him all the more intriguing. I seriously can see an epic bromance between Rhysand and Tamlin, and maybe even Lucien. 

But now the big question: do I ship Feyre with Tamlin or Feyre with Rhysand? The answer: I don't know! I honestly love them both, and I'm not leaning more towards any particular one. This has never before happened to me. I always knew exactly who I shipped people with, but here? I can't do it. At all. And it's driving me crazy!

Yes, this is loosely based on Beauty and the Beast, but it is nothing like it. This book expands on the original plot line, introducing new elements and reasons for things to happen. It was unpredictable, as nothing was ever as it seemed (human senses, I know). Is there a curse? Yes. But not the one everyone's familiar with. Far from it. And the ending diverged from the whole Gaston-goes-to-kill-the-Beast, and thank god for that. It was so much better, the themes so much deeper, the stakes even higher. Just...wow.

I also really liked the theme of humanity in this book. Yes, Feyre is human, and yes, humans are considerably weaker than fae. But Feyre proves that she, as a human, is able to do things that the fae can't do, and is able to triumph through all the obstacles thrown at her. Yes, her mental state alters with the horrific things she's forced to do, but she remains headstrong the entire time. Humanity for the win!

All in all, a fantastic book. The world was so was so easy to fall into, and Feyre a character easy to identify with. The ending had a sense of finality to it, but also left open enough for readers to guess at what other troubles will stir next (my money is on the King of Hybern). It was fast-paced, gripping, filled with action and the notion of testing one's boundaries, and an iron will to do what's right. I seriously would recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it yet, and now I'm going to sit in quiet agony as I wait for the next book, which is supposed to be a Persephone and Hades retelling (cough, Rhysand).

14 comments:

  1. Soo jealous I’d love to read this book! *-* Great review btw!

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    1. You should read it when you get the chance! It was nothing like I've ever read before!

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  2. Well I have one thing to say to you... okay maybe be ten things but let's start with the most important one...
    HOW DARE YOU NOT PICK A SHIP?! You will pick one and you will pick the right one ;)
    I am so happy that you've read this and even happier that you loved it, never in doubt you have excellent taste ;)
    The fantasy and world building were so fantastically written, I just want to re-read it all over again.
    But that romance *swoons*, seriously how bloody gorgeous?
    SJM needs to write nothing but romance, it was amazing :D
    I'm so excited for the next book and I can't wait to visit the other Fae courts... A week every month in the Night Court? ;) okay then <3 god, I am just living for this moment muhahaha
    I can't wait to chat your head off about predictions for ACOTAR2, I've seen so many idea's about what Rhysand saw during that ending and my mind is boggled.
    But you know me, I am wanting a love triangle ;)
    Fabulous review Erika, I really love it!
    Sorry for taking over your comments... to avoid this PICK A DAMN SHIP ;) <3333
    Cody @ Literary-ly Obsessed

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    1. I saw this comment and broke out laughing! Oh, Cody. <3
      I CAN'T PICK A SHIP, I'M SORRY. They're both so good and I just can't even comprehend what's going on in my mind. Haha, living in the Night Court does sound quite appealing, if you know what I mean ;)
      YES I welcome any all and all discussions, I have so many things to say about what I think will happen in ACOTAR2!!! My vivid imagination knows no bounds...
      And you're welcomed to take over my comments any time, they always make my day! :D

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  3. Great review! I'm right on board with you - I can't pick a ship! I'll honestly be happy either one she ends up with. Great review! I just did a review here in July on my blog!

    Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

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    1. I'M NOT ALONE!!! Someone who can't pick a ship, either! Oh, thank god, I was beginning to think I was weird for not picking a ship! Because honestly, I love them both, and I wouldn't mind if she ended up with either of them ;)

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  4. Yay you loved it! I swear, I think this series is better than her Throne of Glass series, and that is saying something! I cannot wait for ACOTAR2, I love retellings of that Persephone and Hades retelling :) Don't worry, I can't pick a ship either! Sometimes I think I'm leaning towards Tamlin, as they're so cute together, but then Ryshand is just so.....ahh! Sarah is just killing me. Great review as always! x

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    1. Thanks so much, Sinead! Agreed, I can't pick a ship. Tamlin and Feyre are adorable and they sacrificed so much for each other, but Rhysand and Feyre...there's something darker going on there. Argh, all my feelings are spiralling out of control! I can't pick! I love them both!

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  5. YAYY! ACOTAR is an amazing book :D I can't wait for ACOTAR2 because Rhysand Rhysand Rhysand <3 He kind of reminds me of Will Herondale from TID and Tamlin reminds me of Jem in a way hahah. I'm totally pumped for the second book because it revolves around Hades and Persephone :D Lovely review!

    One more thing, YOU HAVE TO PICK A SHIP LIKE HOW CAN YOU NOT PICK A SHIP??!?!

    Olivia @ Fictionally Obsessed

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    1. PICKING A SHIP IS TOO HARD. I wasn't able to choose between Will and Jem either, so it goes to say I'm going to be indecisive about picking a ship! ARGH, they're both just amazing! What do I do???

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  6. Loved loved this book!! It was amazing!! I loved Tamlin sooo much. I literally wanted to jump through the book and steal him away from Feyre. lol!! Why is book 2 so far away :((((

    Btw: I tagged you in the The Encouraging Thunder Award
    http://thingslucyreads.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-encouraging-thunder-award.html

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    1. I know! Tamlin was amazing ;) Thanks for the tag, I'm checking it out right now! :D

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  7. Yessss you finally did it! Welcome to the fanworld of ACOTAR! I am so so happy you loved it, not that I have expected any other outcome, I believe in ya girl! *high five* But really, this might sound as a threat which really....is....but you must pick a right ship! The good thing is that we have time to wait till the next book, I guess you just need to sleep on it....think about it and realize you are on the right ship! Just kidding....maybe *pokerface*!

    HannahCassie @ http://psilovethatbook.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I'm trying to pick a ship, but my heart is completely torn in two! This has never happened to me before, and believe me, I am extremely frustrated with myself. I want to pick Tamlin, but then my thoughts go immediately to Rhysand, and the cycle repeats itself over and over again. Argh! What do I do???

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