A Court of Thorns and Roses

I think I should perhaps stay off BookTok/Bookstagram… or I should learn to temper my expectations when it comes to series with unbridled hype. :’)

Overall, I think ACOTAR is a fine opener that’s establishing a large universe for an expansive series. So I understand if the pacing is a little slower, giving time for the universe to come to life. That being said, there are a lot of exposition/lore dumps that could have been handled differently. Information is either drip-fed or suddenly revealed all at once. I think ACOTAR is a classic case where “show don’t tell” applies. The lore is fascinating and compelling though – I’m a big sucker for the “kingdoms/empires on the brink of ruin” trope.

I do have to say though, I love love the real-world fairy tales that Sarah J. Maas drew upon for world-building. An expansion of the traditional Seelie vs. Unseelie courts. Tamlin’s name inspired by the Tam Lin folk tale. Constant warnings about revealing names and bargaining with the fae. A love story based on Beauty and the Beast. They all come together for a rich world (with its own creation myth!) that I would love to see more of. My only gripe is that the world Maas created feels a bit… empty and uninhabited. However, that might be attributed to certain events in the plot so take that for what you will.

The opening is atmospheric and really captures all the magic of a grim fairy tale. Unfortunately, the middle part of the book really slows down. I had trouble pushing through it, but it is punctuated by fantastic action scenes. I think this is where Maas’ writing really shines. She writes punchy, crisp fight scenes and it’s what really buoys the plot through the final act. There is some romance, but perhaps I’m a bit too old for the way this romance is written…

I did enjoy ACOTAR; I just think I was a touch disappointed because of the impossibly high expectations I had. I’m interested to see how Feyre’s story will continue to unfold because it seems there are some rumblings in Prythian. Give me some courtly intrigue and politics Maas~