a high fae beauty and the beast

I can't believe I haven't read this amazing book sooner. There's so much to like about the fantastic Faerie world Maas has conjured up that I really don't see any room for arguments concerning a lack of imagination or creativity in this fantasy novel. First of all, it's a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, which immediately had my attention and did not disappoint. Secondly, the last hundred or so pages just go absolutely off the rails and send the plot and its main character, Feyre, into scenarios and settings I never could have anticipated. Everything about the aesthetic of the Spring Court, ruled by Tamlin, Feyre's dualistic savior, warden, and lover, is gorgeously written and transported me to an entirely different realm of beauty and splendor. All of the settings, lore, characters, and action scenes are written with the kind of attention to detail I admire and look for that set a book head and shoulders above others that have great plots and characters but lack that extra step of descriptive depth. The element of romance wafting through this novel was deliciously written, lengthening itself out across the pages from enemies to lovers to forbidden lovers, burning slowly and then all at once. I guess this brings me to my only complaint - the spicy scenes. I'm just not the kind of reader that leans towards or specifically looks for books with that extra bit of spice, and this book has certainly been spiced. Even amidst being unaccustomed to those kinds of scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed Feyre and Tamlin's otherworldly attraction and relationship, especially considering how many odds and obstacles seem insistent on obstructing their path towards happiness and peace. I've gotta say - I loved Tamlin almost immediately. He's a fantastic character. I am also so intrigued to see how another interesting High Lord from the Night Court will further play into Feyre's life and potentially stir up some trouble... I'm already trying to get my hands on a copy of the next installment in this five book series, anxious to keep reading and see what is due to happen next. This story really gripped me with its fast-paced plot, extraordinary characters, and message proclaiming love as a superior power over even the most darkest of evils.




Some of my favorite quotes from A Court of Thorns and Roses:

"We need hope, or else we cannot endure."

"Be glad of your human heart, Feyre. Pity those who don't feel anything at all."

"Don't feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy."

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