Since was one of the most long awaited reads for myself. I had pushed off starting A Court of Thorns and Roses series until I could immediately go into Silver Flames. I started reading it in the first few days of February. This series is what got me through my COVID journey. Whenever I felt overwhelmed because I couldn’t focus on school, I would open up the book. Prythian would take me away from my own troubles and immerse me in a new world.
Goodreads Summary (A Court of Thorns and Roses)
Feyre’s survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price …
Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre’s presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.
Personal Review
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” Rhysand, A Court of Thorns and Roses
This is my first novel that I read from Sarah J. Maas and it most certainly won’t be the last one. Each character is unique in their own way. I think it’s because of the characters being at a more elevated age, that I connected with them a lot better.
One thing I particularly love is that yes, Feyre Archeron is clearly the main character but every character has a role to play. The set up of this world (I don’t really know what to call it) is so detailed. I’m sure there are some moments that left people with questions, but not me so I thought it was perfect.
There is one complaint that I heard consistently on social media regarding the lack of representation. I call bullshit. The Bat Boys all have tan complexions. Kallias and those in the Winter and Summer Courts are P.O.C. Just because SJM doesn’t make a point to bring it up constantly I think is powerful. It shouldn’t have to be focused on, it just is. She doesn’t focus on sexual orientation in most instances because she tries to normalize it by making it on the same level as the other gender identity, skin color, etc.
“‘I’m thinking,’ he said. ‘that I look at you and feel like I’m dying. Like I can’t breathe. I’m thinking that I want you so badly I can’t concentrate half the time I’m around you and this room is too small for me to bed you. Especially with the wings.'” Rhysand, A Court of Mist and Fury
is this really an honest review if I don’t talk about the Bat Boys? I absolutely love them. They are just beautiful, perfection, ughhh! It actually hurts my heart that these men aren’t real. I mean, come on, a real life Cassian?! Yes, please.
“Cassian’s smile softened. ‘Hello, Feyre.’ My throat tightened to the point of pain and I threw my arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. ‘I missed you too,’ Cassian murmured, squeezing me.” A Court of Wings and Ruin
But seriously, this series is amazing. As I said before, each character has their own individuality that anyone can find themselves in this series. The Inner Circle characters each have their own battles that you can see playing out. I was invested in everyone’s storyline even if they weren’t in the scene.
“‘I’ll be with you every step of the way. Just don’t lock me out. You want to walk in silence for a week, I’m fine with that so long as you talk to me at the end of it.'” Cassian, Silver Flames
My favorite book out of the series so far is Silver Flames. The reason isn’t because of the *spice* level, even though that is great. It’s Nesta’s journey with finding a purpose. I feel that so many reader can relate to Nesta in some shape or form. She struggles in overcoming a traumatic experience and refuses to let others help her. Maas is illustrating the trajectory of someone overcoming mental health is a journey that sometimes needs to be done alone and at other times, you need accept someone else’s help.
To me, this new world is the more mature version of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments. (Click here to read my review on The Mortal Instruments Series). Both are amazing, fantastic, etc. in their own right but I do prefer the SJM’s world.
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