A Court of Thorns and Roses

I’ve always been a hopeless romantic, and Sarah J. Maas writes a skillful blend of fantasy and romance. I’m especially drawn to stories in which the love seems impossible, like that between Feyre and Tamlin. Though the story is inspired by the old fairytale Beauty and the Beast, Maas goes far beyond the original in turns of realistic emotions within a complex relationship.

I’m also a fan of immersive worldbuilding, and in that area, Maas shines. The complex relationships between humans and fae, as well as the numerous fae courts, with their various alliances and hostilities, make an excellent… show more.

This inventive novel is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but what I enjoyed most about it is the portrayal of the “Fairy Folk” of myth. The Fae.

In most myths, we encounter the dark side of the Fae, the gruesome and frightening side. In modern times we have reduced these creatures to flower fairies. What I loved about this novel is that Maas sticks with the dangerous and malevolent portrayal of these immortals, and she weaves a beautiful mythic tale into their world.

Lovingly referred to as Acotar by many, this series was my introduction to new adult fantasy, which changed my life.

I’d always loved YA fantasy for the immersive worlds but found its *echem* romantic limitations frustrating. Insert A Court of Thornes and Roses, which has enough world building to transport but not enough to get bogged down in and plenty of spice. I found my genre when I read these books.

Okay, I devoured these books—the work friend who recommended them looked distinctly alarmed and confused when I returned to her only a matter of days later to… show more.

Yup. ACOTAR. At first, I wasn’t going to add this to my list because of its popularity and how many people already know about its awesomeness, but I can’t help myself.

Feyre is the queen of getting it done—no matter what “it” is. I specifically like A Court of Mist and Fury more, but again, this is a series that builds on itself so starting with ACOTAR is a must. I love Maas’s world and the romance that unfolds, and she was a big inspiration for me because I have been writing fantasy romances for years.

So, to see one… show more.

This seductive book is a paranormal fantasy adaptation of the fairy tale “Beauty and the Beast,” but with dark elements such as a cruelly sadistic queen, a dangerously macabre villain, and a fiery, passionate romance between the beastlike hero and the brave female warrior who overcomes her fear to heal his broken heart and save the Fae realm from impending doom. I’m a French teacher, and I love how the original version of La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast)—which was penned by the female French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve—was adapted into a steamy paranormal… show more.

This book is an absolute five-star read. Maas has built such a beautiful and rich fae world with its own history and intricacies that really make the setting come alive. The characters are also artfully crafted with deep and rich relationships. This series has really rekindled my love for true fantasy with all new worlds to explore.

I’ll be honest, because I write mainly for the young adult/new adult audience, I rarely read that many simply because I don’t want another author’s work to blend into mine. But I made the exception with A Court of Rose and Thorns. I’m a sucker for a flawed dark hero and Ms. Mass did a great job of leading me down one road, only to switch things up on me later. If you haven’t read this series, it’s a must!

Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, A Court of Thorns and Roses has all the ingredients we look for in YA fantasy — a tantalising enemies-to-lovers plot, lots of courtly intrigues, fae mythology, a mile-a-minute plot, heaps of sizzling sexual tension, and an incredible twist that leaves you desperate for more. However, in order to fully appreciate the magic of A Court of Thorns and Roses we recommend you read the whole trilogy, which just gets better and better! 

Once again my love for the Beauty and the Beast-inspired tales surfaced in this novel. Feyre herself was my favorite can-do girl, charging ahead in the adventure no matter the consequences. She certainly proved that she is no shy beauty, carving her way through the fae lands of Prythian and encountering all of the magical beings along the way. Her capture of the Suriel was a particular favorite scene of mine, using a chicken as bait for the snare trap she had laid in waiting. But that was only one of many well-written scenes that brought out the inner… show more.

Just a few pages into Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses, I was completely ensnared. With descriptive intricacies, a fully-fleshed culture, and frankly incredible character development, the series that begins with A Court of Thorns and Roses only seems to peak higher with each new book. Maas’s world of magic and deception hangs heavy with ancient cultural references (which I adore), and each new plot point weaves in with the last so that instead of a linear thread, the result at the end of the book is a tapestry. Quite frankly, in the days after… show more.