Review of the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ sequel

At the beginning of January, I officially finish the fifth and last (to date) book of the ACOTAR series, and I think that Sarah J. Mass have utterly turned my world upside down, forever.

I’ve been so obsessed, that I started listening to the graphical audiobook of ‘A Court of Mist and Fury’ just because I wanted to relive the characters and the story once more. (seven days after I finished the books. I know I am insane).

Anyways, where do I start?

It’s going take more than one single blog post to write everything I want, about these books, so consider this a summarised version.

And before I dive in, let me tell you, I was not the most furious fantasy reader, but after this sequel I think I am officially part of the dark fantasy romance club. (at least that’s what my TikTok feed might tell you)

A Court of Throne and (Book #1)

Everything starts after Feyre (19 y/o self made huntress) kills a wolf in the woods, and a beast comes to claim her freedom as punishment. Quickly after that in turns out that the beast is no other than the sexy and charming High Lord of the Spring Court. Her story starts to unfold, and she finds love with him, while she battles some inner Damons (and some very present ones)

Initially I wasn’t really a fan of the whole Stockholm Syndrome plot, but man, does Sarah knows how to keep a story interesting, and most of all - how to make you fall in love with the characters. The culmination and denouement, which for me came after she went Under the Mountain to fight for Tamlin, was the most interesting part!

It’s all good when it ends good, right?

Rating: 5 stars.

A Court of Mist and Fury (Book #2)

Nope, not really.

After Feyre survived and freed the people of Prythian, she goes through this whole post traumatic experience and depression. Things are getting much worse, because of Tamlin, who is driving her to the age of self-destruction and deep drepession with his controlling and possessive actions. That’s when Rhys swops in and saves her from him, and from herself. A new love story between the now High Fae Feyre and the dark and twisted High Lord of the Night Court begins and I don’t have the words to describe it.

The love story, all the new characters from the Court of Dreams and the Summer Court, and the preparations to attack (or rather face an attack from) the King of Hybern sets a whole new story line.

Once I finish the second book, it felt like the first one was just a spark, in a very very big fire Sarah has lighted up.

Also, I think the way she described Ferye’s relationship with Tamlin in the first book, compared to the second one, comes so close to reality. So many women on daily basis experience abusive relationships, and I think that was the key to make this book so relatable - not the love story itself, but the trauma of a girl, who simply loved the wrong person.

Rating: 5.1 starts for this masterpiece!

A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book #3) &
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book #3.1)

The High Lady of the Night Court returns to the Spring Court, so she can spy on Tamlin and the King Of Hybern. The third book mostly covers the war between the King and the rest of the High Lords of Prythian. Ferye, her family and her friends are faced with some though choices, and it seems they are ready to do everything for the ones they love. Including dying…

I kind of got lost a couple of times, so it’s safe to say this was not my favourite book of the series.

Also, I know ACOWAR is quite long as it is, but I really think that ACOFAS should have been part of it, and not separate book on its own.

Maybe that’s why it’s named #3.1?

Still, it was interesting to see (in ACOFAS) how Feyre and her new (and old) family heal after the war and everything else they went through. Also, finally some chapters from Rhysand’s point of view!

Rating: 4.7 stars. (just because I was not really a fan of the way the war was described)

A Court of Silver Flames (Book #4)

The last book maybe got me most angry/emotional, because I don’t think we should have found out about Feyre’s pregnancy, the birth and everything, through a third party narrative.

In the fifth book, the struggle of Feyre’s oldest sister - Nesta with herself and her demons was finally evidential. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book, where the character’s hatred towards herself was so well captured. Sometimes, it made me pity her, others it made me outrageously angry. I don’t think anyone can write and develop characters quite like Sarah.

Also, the girl power moments between Nesta and her new-found circle of friends, who btw resurrected a female only warriors movement, and the whole “Cassian love story” was pretty good! Not sure if he deserved such a ‘mate’, but (hopefully) we will see the progress of their love!

Rating: 5 stars.

According to Goodreads.com there should be a six book coming out (soon, hopefully!), but how’s story line we will see next, we don’t know yet. My bet is on Mor or Az, but I’ll be happy to se Lucien getting his happy ending.

In the meantime I leave you with the fact that Hulu is developing tv series based on the books, let’s pray it will be good!