You aren't what I expected - for a human.
In an attempt to be well-read in popular YA fiction of the time, I got around to reading A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. It took me a while to get into this book but after getting hooked I could see why it got so popular!
A Court of Thorns and Roses starts with Feyre, the youngest daughter of three trying to take care of her impoverished family. Much like Katniss from the Hunger Games, Feyre risks her life hunting in the forest. But instead of dodging Peacekeepers, she risks faeries that center the dark legends of the land. After a fateful hunt, Feyre ends up in the faerie realm to learn of curses, legends, and that there is more to the creatures her people had feared for years.
Although I did end up enjoying her narration, Feyre fell a bit flat to me. As I mentioned, she reminded me a lot of Katniss placed into a mix of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast. I wish her character had just been a bit more distinct. And despite the pace of the book working well, Feyre and Tamlin's relationship progressed erratically in my opinion. From their violent meeting, to perfectly polite, to fully in love, I didn't see many transitions between these stages.
The descriptions of the setting and the magic system were my favorite parts. Maas somehow made the forest sound both terrifying and spectacular. Along with that, the magic system was so unique... terrifying, powerful, and foreign. The faerie celebrations were also quite a wonder. I liked how it would show the reader a different side to the faerie realm while also progressing the story and character development.
Additionally, there was a subtlety to the writing that I really enjoyed. There were parallels drawn between Feyre and Tamlin that added depth to their characters, and it was so sweet to see Feyre come into herself during her time at the Spring Court, "she had come alive here, and her joy was infectious,". I loved when she would connect the things happening to her painting, and how her passion grows with her freedom.
Magic, darkness, romance, and adventure all play a part in making this read so lovely.
I love you... thorns and all.
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