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

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 448
Published By: Bloomsbury Publishing on 5th May, 2015
Format: Paperback
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Book Synopsis:

Book Review

Note on the Author –
Iโ€™m aware of the ongoing conversations and criticisms surrounding Sarah J. Maas and her work. While I think itโ€™s important to acknowledge those conversations, Iโ€™ve decided to go ahead with reviewing the book based on my reading experience. Everyone engages with stories differently, and I respect that this might not be a series/author for everyone.

This book sat on my TBR for 1โ€“2 years because I wasnโ€™t sure it would be for me… I’m always very apprehensive about going into hyped books but this one was a pleasant surprise. People told me this book gives Beauty and the Beast vibes, and that immediately intrigued me since I love a good retelling or reimagining.

Iโ€™ll admit, the start was slow, and I even considered DNFโ€™ing it. But Iโ€™m glad I pushed throughโ€”the second half was much better. Many say this isnโ€™t the strongest book to start the series, and Iโ€™d have to agree. Nonetheless, it definitely made me want to read the next instalment (which I am still yet to do so).

I enjoyed that the FMC was strong and didn’t always need to be rescued. Thereโ€™s a good balance between the FMC saving herself and relying on others when needed. Despite her strength, she still faces personal and emotional growth, adding depth to the story.

Another thing I appreciate with a story is when I am able to become invested in the characters and I definitely felt that way towards them in this book. I will admit after finishing the book, I am still very conflicted about whose team I am on… Team Tamlin or Team Rhysand??? Also, I personally would have liked to see some chapters from another character’s perspective – like Tamlin or Rhysand. This could’ve changed up the narrative and maybe give it a bit more pace towards the beginning…

This book definitely gives Beauty and the Beast vibes which I was glad about. That was one of the main reasons for me wanting to read it. For some reason it also gave me Twilight vibes (not that I am comparing the two against each other but for me, there was just something ‘twilighty’ about it)…

I’m glad to have finally gotten around to reading this as it was a very enjoyable read. However, I am fully aware (as mentioned at the start) about Sarah J. Maas but I will be continuing onto the next book in the series. I donโ€™t agree with her actions or words, but Iโ€™m reading the books for what they areโ€”just books. “Separate the art from the artist.” Iโ€™m not openly recommending this book, as I respect that everyone makes their own choices based on the information they have. However, I wanted to give my honest opinions on what I thought of the book, NOT Sarah J. Maas as a person.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

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6 responses to “A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | Book Review”

  1. Maria avatar
    Maria

    I appreciate the honesty of your input here. I know for some, it is difficult even reading books by authors for various reasons. I have read this novel as well, but when I got into the second novel I realized it was not for me. Not because of the author, just simply the MC. If you know what I mean!

    1. Jessie avatar

      Thank you! I like to try and be open in my reviews and definitely want to try the 2nd one out to see if the series is going to be for me or not.

  2. anwhitebooks avatar
    anwhitebooks

    You’re right about the Twilight comparison, not that they’re similar in any way. But every time someone has asked me if they should read ACOTAR, I ask, “Well did you like Twilight back in the day?” And if they say yes, then I wholeheartedly recommend lol!

    1. Jessie avatar

      Yeah it’s so strange that we automatically go to that question when they aren’t similar haha!

  3. Rosie Amber avatar

    I try to treat a book for what the story is and not what the author does or says outside of this. I am pleased to say that I know nothing of whatever is going on with the author. I have also not read any of her works, just because they haven’t particularly appealed to me.

    1. Jessie avatar

      Yes I’m the exact same with books–I’ll either read them because I’m interested or just leave them completely unless there is some MEGA drama but I try to stay away from seeing that over on Instagram.

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