A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses Series #1
4.5 / 5 Stars
419 Pages
Originally Published in 2015
Finished Reading on December 13, 2023
Beauty and the Beast reimagined – with fae magic, danger, and a love story that pulls you in? Yes please. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas had me hooked from the very first page.
This story follows Feyre, a mortal huntress who accidentally kills a faerie wolf in the woods. When Tamlin, a High Fae lord, arrives at her door demanding retribution, Feyre is whisked away to the magical land of Prythian. There, she learns that not all fae are monsters, and the mysterious curse plaguing Tamlin’s court is more dangerous than she ever imagined. Feyre is faced with impossible choices as she navigates her growing feelings for Tamlin and the threats closing in around them.
“There is a better world, a better life, out there. I can sense it”
What I loved
First, the world-building. Prythian is absolutely magical, with each court feeling distinct and full of wonder. The Spring Court, where most of the book takes place, is lush, vibrant, and so vividly described, it felt like stepping into a painting. Feyre is a fantastic protagonist. She’s tough, stubborn, and loyal to a fault, which makes her easy to root for. Watching her navigate this new, dangerous world and rise to meet the challenges thrown at her was so satisfying.
And then there’s Tamlin. He’s mysterious, brooding, and yet so tender and protective. The romance between Feyre and Tamlin is swoon-worthy – it’s a slow burn that had me flipping pages long into the night.
“Don’t feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.”
What I Didn’t Love
The beginning is a bit slow as Feyre adjusts to life in the Spring Court, but once the curse and its stakes come to light, the story takes off. Also, while I loved the romance, I wish we had gotten to know Tamlin more deeply.
“I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal. I was a survivor, and I was strong.”
Final Thoughts
This book is about survival, sacrifice, and resilience – something I deeply connected with. Feyre’s determination to protect her family and fight for the people she loves reminded me of my Capricorn sun energy (loyal and hard-working, even in the face of impossible odds).
It’s also a story about learning to trust, both in others and in yourself. Feyre’s journey to understanding her own worth is one that stuck with me long after I finished reading
This book is for:
- Fans of fairy tale retellings, especially Beauty and the Beast
- Readers who enjoy lush world-building and forbidden romance
- Anyone looking for a fantasy series to completely lose themselves in
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a magical, romantic, and emotional start to a series that I’m already obsessed with. It’s got danger, mystery, and just the right amount of romance to keep you hooked.
I’d give it 4.5/5 stars – this one is a must-read for fantasy lovers.
If you’ve read it, let’s chat: What’s your favorite part of Prythian so far?