A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas | Book Review

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Date Published: May 2, 2017

Date Read: May 15, 2017

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 699

 

This book will seriously give you the worst book hangover in the history of all book hangovers. The moment I’ve put it down I immediately wanted to reread the whole series. I’m gonna miss everyone, I’m gonna miss the adventure, the banters, the magical world, the romance, the heart-stopping scenes, the way I held my breath. Oh Cauldron, I will miss every bit of this series. Especially Cassian.

So I would have to apologize in advance if this review will come out incoherent. I just couldn’t fully grasp what went down with the final book of Rhysand and Feyre’s story, but I am happy that there would be three novels set in this world, more of Cassian please.

Also because I was dilly-dallying in writing this review, (seriously Eunice, it has been two weeks, what is wrong with you?) I’ve perused Tumblr, oh yes that magical world where everything is so beautiful but also is a dark place full of spoilers so be warned. So as I was wasting my precious time there, I stumbled upon a post where it says “A Court of Thorns and Roses is the longest prologue since everything starts at A Court of Mist and Fury” and I couldn’t help but agree 100% haha. You have to give it to Sarah J. Maas to turn a prologue into a full blown book, haha but seriously though, that is the most real short description of this series I came across with. This series had me hooked like crazy, and it has been a long time since that happened and for that I am eternally grateful.

I mentioned in my review of A Court of Mist and Fury  that I could not even begin to fathom what would book three be like since ACOMAF totally outdid A Court of Thorns and Roses  and now book three – A Court of Wings and Ruin. And boy did I like it? I LOVE IT! It was way better than ACOMAF. Some may disagree with me since most of the people I know really loved ACOMAF more than ACOWAR, but I tell you ACOWAR totally did a great job concluding the story of Rhysand and Feyre. There were loose ends, yes, but it’s more of about the other characters which I am positive will be given answers to in the next three books to come. So fret not, we will all get the answers and elaborate stories we need to tie everything up into a nice satin black ribbon. Let’s cross all our damn fingers for that.

A Court of Wings and Ruin is very plot driven, so much so that I had hard time processing all the vital information coming my way. I had to take mental notes on who’s who and what happened to this and that and all that crazy back pedaling on what transpired from the first two books that correlated with what was happening with book three. This is what I get for not re-reading ACOTAR and ACOMAF, but seriously ain’t nobody got time for that. So I relied mostly on my review of the the first two books, read summaries online (which did little help to be honest), and asked friends to refresh my memory, hello Cath of To All The Books I’ve Read Before. And so I dived in. At first I was confused as hell, happens to the best of us I suppose, but here’s what I commend about ACOWAR – it was able to guide the reader into easing their way in to the book. What I’m trying to say is, it was helping out the readers to fully remember what had happened in the previous books while injecting new information in a smooth and flawless manner. It’s like you just picked up where you left off.

I cannot say much about what went down with this one since I don’t want to spoil anyone. But what I can say is kudos to SJM for writing about characters of color and painting them in the best light possible and for injecting LGBTQ theme, my heart is happy. See this guys, authors actually listen to their readers. Authors learn too. This is such a beautiful thing and I hope this continues on. So now back to the story, ACOWAR had those heart-stopping scenes, and I wish I could name a few of my favorites but again that would be spoiling you guys. But note this, Cassian and Azriel, both are more bad-ass than ever! Like seriously I could marry Cassian right now. This book was complex yet very easy to follow, if that even makes sense. There were intricacies but also they were presented in a digestible manner. Not too overwhelming and not lackluster either, it was just right and perfect. There are parts that I savored longer than necessary and there are parts that broke my heart. It was a perfect mixture of everything exciting and heartbreaking yet you wouldn’t have it any other way. Can we get the next three books now? Nope? Please release us of this agony.

The characters were also distinct from one another. You will definitely love how they have developed. We have Nesta (whom I was annoyed most of the time) who was feisty and snob haha, we have Elain whom I feared was crazy but also proved to be an important character towards the end. Also let’s not ignore the #NightCourtSquad, starting off with Cassian, my love, ahhhh Cassian is so swoon-worthy! Im pretty positive Im gonna name my kid after him. That’s how obsessed I was with his character. He took bad-assery to whole new level. Azriel on the other hand is also quite the character. Azriel and Mor’s story is just, I can’t form a coherent sentence, they make my heart hurt but also made me understand. God I wish I could say why, but again that would be a spoiler. Also Amren! Amren is also such a kick-ass character. I loved her participation towards the end, I swear every character in this book played a crucial role in the development of the story. Then of course we have Feyre, our cursebreaker, our High Lady of the Night Court. I know I made mention that I was annoyed by her character in ACOMAF, well in ACOWAR that seemed to change. Well she still isn’t a favorite but her character here is so clever and cunning that I have no choice but to like her. There certainly was a shift in her character in ACOWAR. It was more put-together. Then we have Rhysand, while he isn’t also a favorite but I don’t hate his character. I have hated him in ACOTAR but then loved him in ACOMAF, and in ACOWAR he was just all things amazing. What I specifically love about Rhysand’s character was he was always giving Feyre the choice, always putting her decision and want first more than anything. I love that he wasn’t pushy or controlling *ahem Tamlin*, but he was just so good Feyre doesn’t deserve him haha. Rhysand was selfless and a true leader, add the fact that he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to Feyre but at the same time always giving Feyre the opportunity to do things on her own or her way – which was nice for a change. And this doesn’t make him any less manly. Sarah J. Maas made sure to point this out in this book, stressed it even, that Rhysand and Feyre are equal. So yass Feminism right there! I loved that Feyre wasn’t portrayed to be a weak damsel in distress, she actually had balls! So kudos to that! I would also like to take the opportunity to tell you guys that you shouldn’t go on hating Tamlin okay, his character was unbearable most of the time but I swear he has a redeeming quality, so watch out for it! Of course I won’t forget Lucien, I remember saying in my review of ACOTAR that I am #TeamLucien but then that changed in ACOMAF, now in ACOWAR let’s just say I wanted more of him but his character fell short. I would love to know more about his back story. God so many things to watch out for.

Can I also mention that I was too afraid about possible deaths here? The anticipation of it killed me, especially during the crucial parts of the war. All I was murmuring was “Kill everyone else, just not my Cassian please.” And why can’t they fucking leave Cassian’s wings alone! I was furious.

This incoherent review has gone on for too long, I’m going to end your suffering now. All I can say is this book was worth losing sleep over! So yes read it!!!

 

“Night Triumphant- and the Stars Eternal.”
― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Wings and Ruin

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A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: Book Review

Synopsis: Feyre is immortal.

After rescuing her lover Tamlin from a wicked Faerie Queen, she returns to the Spring Court possessing the powers of the High Fae. But Feyre cannot forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people – nor the bargain she made with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court.

As Feyre is drawn ever deeper into Rhysand’s dark web of politics and passion, war is looming and an evil far greater than any queen threatens to destroy everything Feyre has fought for. She must confront her past, embrace her gifts and decide her fate.

She must surrender her heart to heal a world torn in two.

Publisher: Bloombsbury

Date Published: May 3, 2016

Date Read: May 24, 2016

No. Of Pages: 624

Source: National Book Store

REVIEW

A Court of Mist and Fury? more like A Court of Serious Case of Book Hangover and Too Much Attachment over Fictional Characters.

Warning: Welcome to the world where everything is not what they seem. If you want the agony of liking a character and then cursing them in the end or vice versa, or possibly running the risk of being attached to a ship that could sink any moment, then be my guest. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Oh my Cauldron! This book totally outdid the the first, I could not even begin to fathom how the third book would be like. I’m tingling with happiness, and some emotions I can’t quite name, and a tad bit sad all at once. It was as surreal as it could get. It has been a long time since I felt like this reading a fantasy book. I’m latching on to every idea of the book, I could not let go of it just yet, I want to savor it over and over. I had my issues, still (which I will talk about a little later), but the way SJM concluded the book was just truly amazing, hats off on this one. I hope I could give this book justice. I’ll try my best.

I have to admit this now, I had a change of heart. In ACOTAR I was Team Tamlin through and through, who could blame me? It didn’t actually sit well with me the fact that Rhysand’s actions were painted in a romantic way, which to be honest I found very alarming and wrong in so many levels as I have mentioned in my review on A Court of Thorns and Roses. But then, the book took a 360 degree turn and changed everything. My change of heart wasn’t instant, no, it was not like how Feyre instantly fell in love with Tamlin in Book 1. But it happened gradually. I had to convince myself that there was something more under all the facade of Rhysand. To say the least, I was trying to convince myself, I was looking for all the redeeming qualities, I was looking for great character development – and I got it, it was served to me in a quilt box with beautiful ribbon tied around it.

First, I have to say this book floored me. It was beautifully crafted, the complexities of the plot was presented in an engaging way, gripping its readers from the first page to the last. And oh what a satisfying feeling to finish this beast of a book. It is a well-thought-out sequel. I am going to say this now, this book did not suffer the proverbial Second Book Syndrome, this book surpassed the first book’s greatness and even beyond it. The story really came together, making it more solid and more polished. I commend how SJM weaved all the intricate details and make all its connection unto each other. The world was painted in a beautiful light, with the abundance of great imagery and on-point descriptions of each scene, it sure served my imagination well. , SJM sure knows how to set the mood for every scene. Reading this book was definitely a journey.

Second, the characters. Well, Feyre still annoyed the shit out of me. Still hated her for being indecisive and stubborn to a fault, and probably too caught up with herself – as if every damn thing is about her. Wake up woman, NOT everything is about you. Haha if it is not too obvious that she gets under my skin, then I don’t know what will make it obvious. I know a great deal of the book sprung from what happened to her during the last chapters of the first book, but she was just a part of a bigger picture. I wish her character wasn’t too self-centered? (for lack of a better term). There are things that have been convenient, case in point: Feyre’s powers. Then Rhysand, o Rhysand! As I have mentioned Rhysand’s character didn’t instantly win me over, I wasn’t exactly the proverbial moth to the flame. His character definitely needed some getting used to on my part, well, this is my observation, it is like ACOTAR Rhysand (which was douche, for me at least) and ACOMAF Rhysand are two very different characters. It was a complete shocker how his character turned from worst to best. He was literally zero to hero. I was Team Tamlin, if you haven’t noticed already (operative word here: WAS), but then all this great backstory and explanation why Rhysand is what he is actually made so much more sense in this book. I’m not saying I instantly forgave what he did in book1, but book 2 served as enlightenment to his true character and how “noble” he is, in the most “noble” Rhysand could possibly be. ACOMAF was indeed a revelation, not only of Rhysand’s character but of the whole back story. Rhysand’s history is rich and thoroughly explained, which I appreciate a lot. I appreciate how SJM took her sweet time to lay out everything, how each and every detail was explained down to the very dot. And then Tamlin, again ACOTAR Tamlin and ACOMAF Tamlin can very well be two different characters. Tamlin went from hero to zero. I lost him somewhere between him losing control of his rage and the too-controlling/too possessive high lord that he secretly was. I didn’t expect his character to be lackluster, and I tell you, more than half of the book he isn’t even there. This could very well be one of my issues, it felt like one of the main characters was just ignored a great deal if not entirely. It’s like the book could actually do away with his character, which was a little disappointing since Tamlin’s character was brimming with potential, but was not brought to its full capacity. There could have been so much to do with his character, so much room to play around. And all we got was few chapters in the beginning and even fewer chapters in the end. I don’t know if it was a writing technique, but I was not buying it.

Now to the other characters. ACOMAF introduced new and interesting characters. My new favorites were Amren, Azriel, Mor and Cassian. Damn these guys are all badass in their own ways. Literally #SquadGoals haha! I would love to be friends with them. And hey Jurian, what’s up with this weirdo? Haha. He was unnecessary to me much like Feyre’s father, ooops! SJM, I noticed, has a habit of making a character very likable at first and then as the story went on you will end up hating them or vice versa. Definitely toying with reader’s emotions. I’m not so sure if I like that or not. Let’s just say, there’s not much consistency on the characters, especially the major ones *insert TAMLIN and Rhysand*

The whole plot twist(s), gahhh there have been so many things going on. It was a cobweb of complex plot and even more complex idea as to where the book is leading its readers. There was this war coming, and then the mortal queens, and the cauldron and the book, and everything else. Skip one page and you will be lost. This book sure needed all the attention one could possibly muster. It was convoluted but it was what the book required, if anything the complexities of it all added extra flavor to the book and the whole series. Making the reader eager to know where the story will take them. There’s just so many room to play with, so many ideas to work with. There was this sense of meeting one’s expectation and so much more. The ending though, I know there are still a lot of things to resolve, but the ending sure gave me eh? moments, but something I could easily shrug off because the whole book compensated whatever issues I had. It was not flawless, much like every book there is, but this book definitely made a promise and it definitely delivered. This book was intense and gripping, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was such a great experience to be completely immersed to the world SJM created, it was so good while it lasted and now I have to suffer a whole year to get the answers I needed, but don’t worry I’ll live. There just so much more to look forward to!

Rating: 

“To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys.”
Rhys clinked his glass against mine. “To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered.”
― Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury