Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Title: A Court of Mist and Fury
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 5/5 stars
Release date: May 3rd 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Goodreads' synopsis (*SPOILERS CONTAINED IN SYNOPSIS. READ THE REVIEW FOR MY NON-SPOILER THOUGHTS INSTEAD*):
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.
Review:
Loved it. A brilliant sequel to what was merely the remnants of an unfinished story (thus far). Everything in the book finally clicked. I don't recall much of the events that occurred in ACOTAR, but going through ACOMAF was a breeze. Sarah J. Maas no doubt has lots of twists in store for us. I can tell how cleverly planned-out the whole story was; not a single loose thread out of place. The characters, new and old ones, felt tangible - their emotions and feelings weren't overly exaggerated, making them seem realistic and human-like. I won't mention who, but there were certain characters that started a plethora of problems which, not surprisingly, might frustrate the readers to no end. But when I flip those pages, I just nod and go alright, alright. I get why you're doing this. It's a stupid mistake, but no one is to be blamed. What I meant to say is that the drama does not go overboard. It's presented for a reason, it maintains the flow of the story and connects every piece together. It's vital in a story. Basically, the author was able to come up with a reasonable conflict, which is very rare in YA/NA novels these days (The characters are either always too emotional and sensitive or dull and boring). She's able to contradict the reader's thoughts as if to say read the next few chapters, then you'll know why *inserts character's name* chose to *inserts problem*. I'm also pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed her writing. She writes articulately, no doubt. But I was not the biggest fan of her TOG series because of how she actually drags the story extensively with details of literally everything, which drives me to sleep every single chapter. The writing in her ACOTAR series, though the differences weren't distinct, was bearable.
Of course, being a SJM novel, the hype was real. My Instagram feed was literally flooding with praise for this book. Fair enough, I let the hype take over my expectations because why shouldn't it? I adored the first book, and knowing that there were a handful that found ACOMAF absolutely flawless despite loathing ACOTAR, I had nothing to lose. Well.. I was partly right, but after I read those last words and skimmed through the last page (as I always do, just to wrap things around my head), I felt like I wasn't completely satisfied, like something was missing. But what? I just said that the story was flawless. What could've possibly squashed that last bit of satisfaction that was needed to fulfill my craving? Yep, it was the hype.
There were readers who re-read the book due to major book hangovers and others who couldn't stop gushing over it. I get it. It's an amazing book. Rhys is beautiful. But it's ashame that the praises were what actually got me just the tiniest bit disappointed overall. Yes I gave it a 5/5 stars, so the hype didn't actually interfere with my rating. Why? Because the story deserves a perfect rating. An epic story with well crafted characters and an enchanting setting should receive all the love and support, not disappointing reviews just because the hype ruined it. It may sound like I'm ranting but I'm just emphasizing my point, and that is: do not let the hype get to you. It's an amazing read, and you will not be disappointed. Not one bit. Trust me. Don't let the hype get to you like it did to me. Pick it up and go into it blind if you must, and leave out other people's opinions.
Wow okay so that was tiring. Didn't realize It got that long. So anyway, yes it was a great sequel and I'd highly recommend this series! I would like to warn the younger readers out there that the story does get explicit and.. Well, mature. So consider yourself warned before you pick it up!
What did you think of the book? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
if you're interested in buying A Court of Mist and Fury, you can click here to shop the book at Book Depository - i receive a small commission if you use the link! :)