Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Crown of Midnight

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 432

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

Year Published: 2013

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy- and the life of your friend.

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul as black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil. 

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances- not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie... and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was an excellent follow-up to the first book. I will say the way Sarah J. Maas wrote these is just YA enough. This was great for me, but I did wish that it was written as a new adult at some points but that's just because I'm obsessed with fantasy romance right now. The character arcs in this series are headed in an interesting direction, although not surprising. I like how this series is going and am curious about where the world is headed. I can't wait to read on in the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Title: The Goose Girl

Author: Shannon Hale

Series/Standalone: The Books of Bayern (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Pages: 432

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"Ani, Crown Princess of Kildenree, has spent her childhood learning the language of the birds. But though Ani can speak to animals, she is never quite comfortable speaking with people. So when Ani's silver-tongued lady-in-waiting leads a mutiny during her journey to marry a prince in a foreign land, Ani cannot persuade anyone to help her. She becomes a goose girl and must use her own special powers to fulfill her true destiny.

Shannon Hale's Books of Bayern have become beloved, perennial favorites, finding more and more readers every year since they were published over a decade ago. Now with fresh new covers, the fantastical, romantic, and gorgeously written series that first introduced Hale as a master storyteller is prime to be discovered by the whole new generation."

My Rating:1.5/5

This book just wasn't for me. I stuck through the book trying to figure out if it was something I could get behind. But this one wasn't it for me. It read more as a middle grade with young adult violence. But this wasn't it for me. Maybe it was the audiobook, maybe it was the way the story itself was told. But it just is kinda bland for me. If you like retellings and love traditional fairy tales mixed with fantasy this might be for you. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks for reading,,

Sidny

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass    

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 406

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Year Published: 2012

Format: Own It (Paperback Copy)

"In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass- and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world."

My Rating: 4/5

I didn't know what to expect when going into this loved series but it wasn't this. I purposefully left myself in the dark throughout the books coming out and now I'm hoping (as long as I keep enjoying the series) I plan to binge through this series. I loved the characters in this first book, the plot was interesting and I'm curious to learn more about the world. I do wonder where the series will take us considering it is 7 (I think) books long. I look forward to watching the relationships between our characters grow. Overall this book was great, just not all I had heard it was hyped up about.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord

Title: The Names They Gave Us
Author: Emery Lord
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 390
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line:  "The first prom crisis is manageable."

"When it all falls apart, who can you believe in?

Everything is going right for Lucy Hansson, until her mother's cancer reappears. Just like that, Lucy breaks with all the constants in her life: her do-good boyfriend, her steady faith, even her longtime summer church camp job.

Instead, Lucy lands at a camp for kids who have been through, tough times. As a counselor, Lucy is in over her head and longs to be with her parents, across the lake. But that's before she gets to know her coworkers, who are as loving and unafraid as she so desperately wants to be.

It's not just new friends that Lucy discovers at camp= more than one old secret is revealed along the way. In fact, maybe there's much more to her family and her faith than Lucy ever realized. "

My Rating: 4.5/5

Trigger for: parents with critical illness
I want to start this review off by saying that I'm not a religious person and I still really enjoyed this book, even though religion played a heavy part in the book. This book really follows Lucy Hansson beginning to question her faith and her life. There are secrets she uncovers about those around her as well as finding who she really is. I didn't think that I would like this coming of age story, but it hit me so hard emotionally. I think the friendships played such a huge role in this story, along with the relationships that are made and broken throughout the course of one summer. I was also grateful to have religious parents who were open to people who were not worshippers, and being just generally good people. I certainly come from a town where some churches are more judgemental and therefore intimidating and upsetting instead of a warm and helpful place to go. 
The negative that I got from this series is that there is not a concrete ending and that is not my favourite thing. I like answers and wrap up to my questions to be sure and certain. That being said, I understand why the author made this choice. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Classic
Pages: 251
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1998
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)
First Line: "Not for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive."

"Harry can't wait for his holidays with the dire Dursleys to end. But a small, self-punishing house-elf warns Harry of mortal danger awaiting him at Hogwarts School. Returning to the castle nevertheless, Harry hears a rumour about a chamber of secrets, holding unknown horrors to wizards of Muggle parentage. Now someone is casting spells that turn people to stone, and a terrible warning is found painting on the wall. The chief suspect- always in the wrong place- is Harry. But something much darker has yet to be unleashed."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this second book, even more than I remember enjoying it the other times I have read and reread the series. I think that the characters are just so loveable in this book and now that we do understand some aspects of the grounds it was easier to explore the adventure. I also liked that this story focused on relationships with peers a bit more than the first one where we are just getting to know everyone.
I'm so excited about continuing this reread and getting to remember all that JK Rowling's world has to offer.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #1)
Genre: Classic, Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 223
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1997
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Strange things always seem to happen when Harry Potter is around. Things that unsettle his guardians, the Dursleys. They strongly disapprove of strangeness. It's only when a letter arrives, delivered by a shaggy giant of a man called Hagrid, that Harry learns the truth that will transform his entire future: his parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort, and he, Harry, is a wizard.

Whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry discovers a world of enchantments, ghosts, Quidditch, and friends who will stand, throughout everything, by his side. But when Harry hears of a stone with great powers, he finds that his school has its own dark past- and an adventure that will become the stuff of legend begins...."

My Rating: 5/5

This is not my first time reading Harry Potter. For months I was planning to reread this series with my boyfriend and my best friends, so we finally made a plan to start our rereads. I really enjoyed this first book. I think its a great first installment in the series, and as a reread there are things that you definitely pick up on. I also think that I forgot so many things in the years between reading this. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series/Standalone: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Book #3.1)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult
Pages: 229
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "The first snow of winter had begun whipping through Velaris an hour earlier."

"Hope warms the coldest night.

Feryre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve.

Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated-- scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This is an odd way to explain this rating but this book just didn't seem necessary. I was glad to see the characters again and get a glimpse into their lives after the war, but I don't think it was needed to read the upcoming books. It did help me look forward to reading the next instalments, but I'm nervous about where the storyline will go just based on this instalment alone.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series/Standalone: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book #3)
Pages: 699
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2017
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The buzzing of flies and screaming survivors had long since replaced the beating war-drum."

"Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening the bring Prythian to its knees. but to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit- and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords- and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all."

My Rating: 4/5

I know I'm about half a year behind everyone, but here it finally is my review on ACOWAR. I think that this book wasn't a bad wrap up for Feyre's point of view. But I also didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first two books. I think that Sarah J. Maas did a great job with the action parts of this story along with the romance, that being said it was hard to get through at some points and seemed drawn out for some periods of time. That also being said I wonder what A Court of Frost and Starlight.  Overall I enjoyed it and was happy to finish the series and see our favorite characters again. It was also nice to explore the world more along with the other courts.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler; A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

This book has been a long time coming for me to read. I preordered this book after binge reading ACOTAR and ACOMAF two books that I loved so much in 2016, but then kept putting it off (first to reread the first 2 and then just based on the opinions of others that it was a let down). Don't get me wrong this was my least favorite of the series so far, but I still enjoyed it. At some points I just found that the story was unneccesarily long which isn't really a good feeling to have in the last book from a certain p.o.v. All of these taken into consideration I really enjoyed catching up with favorite characters, the drama, the action and the further exploration of the world and am excited to continue reading stories in this setting in the future. I am certainly curious about who the next 3 books will be following. 

Characters:
Feyre: I enjoyed seeing her grow so much and become so confident in who she is. I also appreciated her relationship with Rhy in comparison to her relationship with Tamlin in the start of the series. I think that it was important that she got closure from her family as well as her former lover, but at the same time I don't know how she didn't rip him apart for what he did to her family and the land. I also loved how she held her own in this book against all odds.

Rhys: He is probably one of the most loved fictional characters in the booktube and blogger universe at the moment and I'm still aboard the train. The way he makes sure that Feyre is able to make her own decisions while still keeping her "safe" is really important to me. I respected that he was willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves and what he believes in. But I didn't appreciate the way that his bringing around was a repeat to Feyre's although in an aspect it made the story come full circle. 

Tamlin: While reading the first book I didn't understand how everyone could come to hate him so much, and yet here I am hating him so much. He's an overprotective, abusive asshole. I hated him throughout this story. Especially when he went to the meeting just to throw insults at Feyre and Rhys. What a dick.

Lucien: I do think that he regretted not helping Feyre when he had the chance but overall it did lead him to finding his mate. I do wonder how that will play out for him and Elain after she was so heartbroken by the mortal guy.

Nesta: I think that hell hath no fury quite like Nesta. She is all fire and ice. I loved her attitude even when it was a little much because of who she was. I do wonder about her and Cassian's future especially after the war and all they had seen. 

Elain: Will she still be seeing prophecies even though the Cauldron has been sent somewhere safe. I also wonder how she will cope with being High Fae in this new world.

Azriel: My heart breaks for him especially knowing that Mor can't love him in return. Will he think those years a waste and be angry with himself and her. Or will he be willing to find someone else? I strongly hope for the second.

Mor: Throwing in Mor's sexuality kind of seemed like a last ditch effort to make this book more diverse and I don't think it really accomplished that. We didn't see a good example of a female-female romance, we saw someone who wasn't ready to come out (which may be accurate for a lot of people), but I think that it could have been done so much better.

Cassien: He's brutish and finally being able to hear about his fighting skills took my breathe away. I think that he was too willing to risk it all, even though he might have had an idea about the way he felt towards Nesta. I hope that they do have a mating bond and it clicks in soon (although at the start of the series they were made to sound rare and here we are with so many people getting paired up). 

Beron: I hate him with a fiery passion just because you suspect that someone is not your child gives you no right to hurt them the way he hurt Lucien.

Eris: Either he will be a far better leader than his father or he will be far worse, only time will tell. 

Ianthe: I'm glad she met her end in such a horrible way. She certainly deserved it. After all the assualts she's launched in her time she deserved everything she got.

The King: I wonder what waited for him after his attempt to use the cauldron. He deserves a painful death and I wonder about his subjects (whoever is left) and how they will take the defeat.

Jurian: I wonder what will happen to him now, maybe that's where our story will continue or maybe w'll meet up with him in another time. But I suppose we will have to wait and see.

Amren: I will miss her fiery attitude and her power, but she deserves to live.



Moments to Remember:
Pg. 234
"'This could be... a very bad idea,' I admitted, my grip tightening on his hand.
'Oh, it must certainly is,' Cassian said with a faint smile as we continued down and down into the heavy black thrumming silence. 'But this is war. We don't have the luxury of good ideas- only picking between the bad ones.'"

Pg. 436
"Beron threw her a glare that had Kallias tensing. 'Wives were invited as a courtesy, not as consultants.'
Viviane's sapphire eyes flared as if struck by lightning. 'If this war goes poorly, we'll be bleeding out right alongside you, so I think we damn well get a say in things.'"

Final Line:
"All of it."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner's Kiss
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series/Standalone: The Winner's Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 484
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical paperback copy
First Line: "He told himself a story."

"Wishes don't win wars.
The empire is at war and a heartbroken Arin leads his people to battle. But, he can't forget Kestrel- or how she's betrayed him. Kestrel is a sly, ruthless killer, caring more for the goly of the empire than for the lives of innocent people- and certainly more than for him.

At least, that's what he thinks.

In the frozen north, Kestrel is sentenced to life imprisonment in a brutal work camp. As she searches desperately for an escape she wishes Arin could know what she sacrificed for him. She wishes she could make the empire pay for what they've done to her.

But no one gets what they want just by wishing.

High stakes, true love and the destiny of nations come together in a heart-pounding climax to the bestselling Winner's trilogy."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So I finally finished this series and was super nervous for all my fictional babies in this book and damn Marie Rutkoski she did not disappoint. I thought that this was a marvelous conclusion to a very interesting series. The political drama continued, the romance was still swoon worthy and the characters stayed true to who I remembered them to be. That being said, I did find that the beginning of this book seemed to drag a little. I found that it was taking a little to long to get to the pieces that I was hoping would happen and for that reason I knocked off half a star. I will say that the twists and turns in this book still managed to catch me completely off guard and I was ready for the worst at almost every moment. 
Marie Rutkoski you've made me laugh, cry and sigh with this trilogy and when you write more books (which you have to) I will be in line to pick them up.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski

What a good way to start the reading month! Boom! I was looking forward to wrapping up this trilogy but also nervous about all my fictional loves in this book. This series had a way of tearing the reader apart... in a good way. I loved the writing of the romance and the political drama. The characters and the interesting choices that the author made to set this book apart (a girl whose power lies in her smarts, having "savages" enslave the cultured society, etc). I really enjoyed the drama in the first two books and was a little disappointed how Kestrel chose to fight physically more in this book, although it made sense.

Characters:
Kestrel: So I thought for sure when she lost her memory I was gonna hate this book, I thought that the time in the mine was slow and while the dual perspectives kept me interested it was frustrating how long it took Arin to realize what the hell had happened. None the less, I think it really worked wonders for their relationship. I also mentioned how I was unsure when she kept using physical combat during the war, but in the end, she used her strategizing to win the war for everyone. Very impressed and love her to the end.

Arin: This guy gets me. He is hot and amazing and a martyr which for some reason gets me. I really thought that it was interesting to see how he kept Kestrel at a distance and while he was heart broken after she rescued him. I thought for sure he would throw a pity party but he was patient and got her to fall for him again. Ladies and gentleman, I fell with him. I would do literally anything for him.

Roshar: He is hilarious and wonderful. I did wonder about how he used his humour so much during the war, but he kept this story light and funny. It was great, I hope that he finds love in his lands with his freaking tiger.

Risha: What a badass.

The Emporer: Perfect ending for him. I loved it! I thought that it was incredible.

Verex: The fact that he still tried to help Kestrel, even after she was a "traitor". I hope that he finds happiness with Risha.

The General: He will learn to forgive himself and her, I'm sure.

The Queen: She thought she was so smart huh? You'd get the land if your brother owned it, but your brother is even smarter. So suck it! I'm not her biggest fan... obviously.


Moments to Remember:
There were alot I didn't mark so I'm just going to put the final line.... should I end this section???

Final Line: "'Play.'"


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult
Pages: 624
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "Maybe I'd always been broken and dark inside."

"Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court- but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.
Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms- and she might be the key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured should, and decide how she wishes to shape her future- and the future of a world torn apart."

My Rating: 5/5

First off all the stars! Second off, I thought before I read A Court of Thorns and Roses (my first Sarah J. Maas book), I wondered if Sarah J. Maas was going to be over hyped but for me she sure isn't. I loved it! And now I'm trash and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out (why is 2017 so far away). And now I'm filled with so many emotions. So let's talk about this book. So this book follows Feyre while she lives through what happened Under the Mountain and coping with her new body and life. I think that this book was spectacular. Filled with so much more world building and character growth. I thought that the look into mental illness and surviving an interesting. I also found that I loved this book so much more than ACOTAR and I thought that that book was fantastic. I also thought that Sarah J. Maas does an incredible job of twists and turns. I couldn't believe how many turns this story took and can't wait to read the next one.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

So I did it. I read the mammoth. And I found that this book was so much better than the first one and I loved that one so much! So now get ready for me to loose my mind. I found that the setting was very interesting. The change from the spring court to the night court was fantastic. Everything down to the clothes was amazing. I loved that everything was so different and a different way to look at the "bad characters." I also found that some interesting subjects were tackled in the book, PTSD and abuse was crazy. I thought that the characters did change a little too quickly, but that being said, I found that there wasn't any instalove. Relationships in this book were built over time.
Also this book is very explicit when it talks about sex. Just for young readers

Characters:
Feyre: I thought that the change was a little crazy in this book. The way that she was so disturbed in the beginning made me feel that this book was already headed in a different direction. I loved it. I thought that her finding herself and who she was meant to be was incredible. I also found that the mating was amazing and her and Rhys together make total sense to me. I loved how she changed into a total badass. I thought that the way she fought for everyone and once again sacrificed for her family and for the night court. Can't wait to see her as a spy.  Also the sex was incredibly hot. 

Rhysand: I thought that his back story was incredible. The way we get to see what he did for who he loves. The way he's broken and shattered. I loved it how he was equal and pushed Feyre to be better. Whether that be through flirting or sassing back and forth. I also found that he became an incredible loving character. I think that he was a strong character to say the least and to see him bow to her. Ugh my heart just burst. Especially that ending were they fake their bond is over. My heart. Ow.

Tamlin: What the hell man? I loved you and now you're hurting me so much.  And maybe it's my own fault for writing off all his past behaviour as part of the curse or like hey that's the beauty and the beast part. But now he's just a total dick. I couldn't stand him. The way he locked her in. I was bawling like a child. How could he not see how much he was hurting her?? Also the way he acts to get her back. Once again the possesive crazy behaviour cut me so deep. I did not see the twist coming.

Lucien: Also dude, what the fuck? I try not to swear on this blog but could you not see how stupid things were getting. Did you not think like for the safety of your land at stake? And your people? Come on. Alse you and Elias yay. Finally someone for you but god damn it. You could have seen before that. The frustration is so real.

Mor: I loved how she owned every piece of who she is. She didn't take the crap that other people gave her under the mountain. I also thought that it was tremendous the way she overcame throughout the series. I loved the three people love between herself, Cassian and Azriel. 

Amren: I want to know all her backstory immediately. She is so strange and powerful and eerie. I think that her back story would be one of the most amazing thing I'd ever seen. 

Azriel: I love his angsty, quiet love. I thought that he was a perfect spy and full of interesting secrets of his own. I wonder how long he's loved Mor. I can't be mad at him. At all.

Cassian: I thought that his character was interesting in the background. I thought that he was a tough brute but I wonder about his life without Mor. I also found it interesting that Rhys said he vomited after battle. I hope that Nesta is his mate in all honesty.

Ianthe: I hate her! I knew she wasn't good when I first heard about her but then after Rhys let Feyre into his mind I couldn't shake the feeling that she was more than a little power hungry. What a horrible, yet amazing villian.

The King: How terribly wicked his is. Or is he controlled by the cauldron as much as he controls it.


Moments to Remember: 
Pg. 117
"I was burning through books every day- stories about people and places I'd never heard of. They were perhaps the only thing that kept me teetering into utter despair."

Pg. 495
"'You were in love with him; you were going to marry him. And then you... you were enduring everything and it didn't feel right to tell you.'"

Final Line: "And so Tamlin unwittingly led the High Lady of the Night Court into the heart of his territory."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series/Novel: A Court of Thorns and Roses Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, New Age
Pages: 416
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "The forest had become a labyrinth of snow and ice."

"When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only 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 Feyre dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transforms 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 over the faerie lands in growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it... or doom Tamlin- and his world- forever."

My Rating: 5/5

So I've never read a Sarah J. Maas novel. You can start booing now. But I finally did it! And wow, I understand why the reading community is in love with her writing. I think that the detail put into this book is one of the reasons I really enjoyed it. I knew that it was a retelling of Beauty and The Beast but I really enjoyed how she made it her own type of tale. I thought that the characters were interesting and easy to love. I also found that the setting was interesting. The different areas in this world was something really interesting to me. I think that further exploring this world in the next book (which is a behemoth) will be another chance to learn more about the different areas and the different characters within them. I can't wait! I'm hoping to order it online soon! I would like to mention that this book has adult content that may be a little too much for younger readers, but that is up to your discretion. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

So if you don't like retellings or fantasy, I would suggest you just skip over this one.. But if you like these things or are interested in trying it out I would suggest this book. As mentioned in the review this book has adult content such as sexual scenes, etc. I think that this really added to the book and was done tastefully. I also found that the way this book was written it was very interesting to see how it related to Beauty and The Beast. I think that the way the world building was incredible and detailed. This being said, we don't know everything about the Fae lands all in all. Although I think that we will see more of the realms (?) in the next book.  Also those characters that you can fall in love with though. If you've read this who are you shipping together? Tell me in the comments.

Characters:
Feyre: I think that she was an interesting character to follow and watch. The way she thinks about those around her and was strong enough to take care of those around her through a struggle. Never mind take care of them, how about deal with their spoiled little selves. I also enjoyed watching her fall in love with Tamlin. She was a tough cookie and I'm sure will continue to be. That being said, I believe that she will fall into a darkness with the next book after the guilt at the end of the book.

Tamlin: I ship them. Ok I said it. I'm hip and know things. I think that Tamlin is the obvious choice. I really loved him as a character. He was caring and smart and sweet. I liked that he could be wild and crazy but at other times he was putty in Feyre's hands. I enjoyed it so much. 

Lucien: I think he was a fun character to read about although he had a tragic past. He treated Feyre like an average person, teasing her and taking care of her at the same time. I wonder what he will do in the next book.

Amarantha: So being a brat didn't get her what she wanted. The obvious villain in this book and what a good one. She was great and evil. I wonder more and more about who will replace her in A Court of Mist and Fury.

Rhysand: I understand why people ship them, but I just don't know if I like him yet. I guess the once a month visits will tell. I think that he was helpful, but was that only to get what he wanted or was it because he was drawn into her.

Nesta: Still don't like her. Don't think I ever will. But I do wonder why the glamour didn't work on her.



Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'Let's go home,' I said, and took his hand."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny