Synopsis
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.
Review
I found this book to be an intriguing fantasy novel that has its strengths and weaknesses.
The book has a fascinating premise that immerses the reader in a world of faeries and magic. Feyre’s journey as a human taken into the faerie realm is interesting, and the political intrigue and world-building are commendable.
The romance between Feyre and Tamlin, while at times a little disturbing, is technically another strength of the novel. Their relationship is developed slowly and organically, with plenty of tension and passion along the way. Tamlin is a complex character, with his own demons to face, and his interactions with Feyre are both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
However, the novel also has its downsides. The pacing can be slow at times, and there are sections where the story drags on unnecessarily. The writing style can also be repetitive, with certain phrases and descriptions used repeatedly. The dialogue can also come off as stilted and unnatural, particularly during tense or emotional scenes.
The characters are another weak point of the novel.While Feyre and Tamlin are well-developed, the supporting characters are not as fleshed out as they could be and have no growth throughout the story, which detracts from the overall story. They are often one-dimensional and forgettable. They lack depth and complexity, and their motivations and actions are often unclear. The villain of the book, in particular, is underdeveloped and lacking in nuance, making it difficult for the reader to fully engage with the conflict.
Another issue with the book is the lack of diversity. The characters are almost exclusively white, and there is little representation of people of colour or other marginalized groups. This is particularly disappointing given the book’s potential to explore themes of discrimination and otherness within a fantasy context. I know that the books later in the series fix this, but it would have been nice to see a bit more diversity in the first book.
Despite its flaws, it’s an enjoyable read. The world-building and romance are strong enough to carry the book, even with its slower moments and weaker supporting characters. Maas’s writing is engaging and immersive, and the novel’s cliffhanger ending leaves the reader eager to see what happens next.
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a decent young adult fantasy novel that falls short in some areas but excels in others. I’d recommended it for fans of the genre, particularly those interested in romance and intricate world-building. However, readers looking for diversity, nuanced characters, and fast-paced action may be disappointed.
The Ink Thief 