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

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Published by: Bloomsbury USA Children's on May 3rd, 2016

Rating: ★★★

Genre: Young Adult // Fantasy

SYNOPSIS:

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Due to popular demand on Instagram. I started ACOMAF directly after finishing ACOTAR. And boy do I have a lot of things to say. This review will contain TONS of spoilers, you have been warned. And before you guys rip me a new one, remember: I REALIZE MY FEELINGS ARE CONTROVERSIAL. Please don't come at me.

Let me start by saying, I absolutely loved this series and enjoyed reading it but as usual, I had a few issues with a few things.

I think if I was reading this book without all the hype, seeing the fanart, or when it was first released, I would have absolutely loved it and binged it even. But since I already knew a few important plots and what was going to happen, I focused on all the minor stuff and they are A LOT. So let's begin:

FEYRE VS TAMLIN - COMMUNICATION IS KEY

I know Tamlin and Rhysand are meant t be total opposites: The "imperfect (suddenly abusive?) partner". I know that Tamlin and Feyre were supposed to ultimately portray an abusive relationship. But why can't they just be mismatched? Why must he be panted as a villain? To me, it feels more like after Amarantha, after Feyre lost her humanity, she and Tamlin had insurmountable emotional baggage that they refused to address -- either individually or together.

They were NOT communicating. And no, a couple of half-hearted attempts before Mor Took Feyre away do NOT count.

They both made mistakes. We all make mistakes. But that's why honesty and transparency are key. If Feyre had been honest and transparent all along, and Tamlin had NEVER listened to her -- if he'd ALWAYS overrated, ALWAYS been hurtful, and PERSISTED in being abusive, then I would have been UCH angrier and truly believed he was abusive.

Feyre and Tamlin did not try to "work things out". Feyre was taken by Rhys, Tamlin got more protective, then Feyre was taken by Rhys again, and Tamlin got MORE protective...and then Feyre was taken away forever. The rest is history.

Before any of that happened, Feyre should have broken up with Tamlin. Period. Face to face even, and not in a piece of paper.

RHYSAND VS TAMLIN

Rhys is literally set up to be perfect. The "most beautiful male that Feyre has ever seen". Her mate, a soulmate who is destined to be hr absolute equal.

It's like SJM pushed the idea of how perfect Rhysand is and convinced us that he's the most perfect guy in the world, while Tamlin is the obsessive and overprotective guy. At the end of the day, I feel the narrative was set up for Rhys to win, at any cost, with a lot of double standards and a lot of unhealthy tropes.

And Tamlin, despite truly loving Feyre, despite doing his best, never stood a chance. Because Rhys is the deal. The dream man who can do no wrong and who would never hurt you. While Tamlin is the man who will hurt you because people hurt each other in a relationship all the time without meaning to because everyone thoughtless or careless about or says the wrong thing.

WRITING

In regards to the writing itself, it can be very lovely at times (descriptions, dialogue) but I didn't really like the inner monologue. It felt a bit too repetitive to me and spoke way too much of the unrealistic relationships between characters.

PLOT & THE TWISTS

Plotwise, I can't help but notice that some things were very convenient. You suspect the King of Hybern is preparing for war? Let's ask the monstrous ancient creature, who in the span of five minutes will give us all the answers, including the means to defeat the King and the exact location of the weapons to nullify his powers. Wanna convince the mortal queens to give you what you need? Write a mushy letter about your love for Feyre. The result is guaranteed. I mean, really?

Have you had the chance to read A Court of Mist & Fury?

Let me know in the comments!

happy reading!