A Court of Thorns and Roses (Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)

by Sarah J. Maas

[Amber]

This review was originally posted on Books of Amber

I don't really know what to say about this book other than it's an enormous disappointment and I wish I had never read it. In regards to Maas' other books, I liked Throne of Glass  and Crown of Midnight well enough, but Heir of Fire blew me away. Considering A Court of Thorns and Roses was published AFTER that masterpiece, I was expecting more amazing things from a writer who seemed to have gotten this writing thing down.

But actually, my thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses can be summarised in one gif:


I just don't understand how the author of Heir of Fire could give us this shitfest. Because that's what it is. I am honestly disgusted with the depiction of abuse in this book. And yes, I know that A Court of Thorns and Roses  is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but that fairytale is hella old and if you're going to write a retelling and publish it nowadays, I think some adjustments should be made. Like the abuse aspect should be written properly and not romanticised.

Tamlin, the love interest, plays the role of "the Beast" even though he's a beautiful fae creature who's apparently very charismatic. Charismatic enough to get into Feyre's pants, apparently. I didn't like him to start with because I am so over the "look at me I'm hot and broody and mysterious so LOVE ME" thing, and then when he went up to Feyre and told her to stay in her room or he would rape her I was out. So out.

Rape. And. Abuse. Should. Not. Be. A. Cheap. Plot. Device.

I could rage about this all day but in summary:

- Did anyone else lol at the name "Feyre"? Because... fey/fae.
- Tamlin was abusive and a horrible character and I think he should die.
- The trials at the end were quite good.
- Aside from that other brosef who turned up and "claimed" Feyre because no thank you.

Basically, don't read it.