Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he's not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever.

From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 1

A Court of Thorns and Roses

This is a lot of people's gateway/starting point into romantasy. The best way to experience this is to go into it blind without spoilers & read at least the first two books. First book is like a beauty & the beast retelling, the second is like hades & persepone retelling. Fae world, found family, started as YA, but got more adult. Obsessive heroes, powerful characters. People think the writing's bad and whatever, but I found it fun. I don't need literary writing, I just want a fun story with edited writing at least.

Sephirra

Love? Death? My first thought is death, but that makes no sense… I was right, I’m pretty sure it’s love

Mariana Foster

There are those who seek me a lifetime but we never meet,

And those I kiss but who trample me beneath ungrateful feet.

At times I seem to favor the clever and the fair,

But I bless all those who are brave enough to dare.

By large, my ministration are soft-handed and sweet,

But scorned, I become a difficult beast to defeat.

For though each of my strikes lands a powerful blow,

This is both depressing and shocking. Just like her, I don’t want her to go home, her life was just getting… happier.

I was leaving. Just when this place had become more than a sanctuary, when the command of the Suriel had become a blessing and Tamlin far, far more than a savior or friend, I was leaving. It could be years until I saw this house again, years until I smelled his rose garden, until I saw those gold-flecked eyes. Home — this was home.

I was so unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world.

He smiled for a heartbeat longer. I had never seen anyone so handsome — and never had so many warning bells pealed in my head because of it.

“I heard you scream,” he said as I examined the blade in my hands. I’d never held one so finely crafted, so perfectly balanced. “And I hesitated. Not long, but I hesitated before I came running. Even though Tam got there in time, I still broke my word in those seconds I waited.” He jerked his chin at the knife. “It’s yours. Don’t bury it in my back, please.”

Another species of the lesser faeries, with blue skin, gangly limbs, pointed ears, and long onyx hair.

I believe (most) humans feel the same way about their children, minus the rare part.

“… But they’re so rare — all our young are — and more precious to us than jewels or gold.”

Only it hadn’t come from the creature’s throat. The noise hadn’t finished echoing before the naga went flying off me, crashing into a tree so hard that the wood cracked. I made out the gleaming gold of his mask and hair and the long, deadly claws before Tamlin tore into the creature.

sounds like a nice sense of relief… had it not been for the fear and the danger

And then I screamed. Sharp and loud and with every bit of air in my too-tight lungs

why does this sound like a darach from teen wolf?

A face that looked like it had been crafted from dried, weather-worn bone, its skin either forgotten or discarded, a lipless mouth and too-long teeth held by blackened gums, slitted holes for nostrils, and eyes… eyes that were nothing more than swirling pits of milky white — the white of death, the white of sickness, the white of clean-picked corpses 

At least I’d learned the layouts of their lands — and I knew to never, ever go north.

Tomes lined each wall like the soldiers of a silent army, and couches, desks, and rich rugs were scattered throughout the room.

“You’ve been going for hints,” Tamlin said at last, “but you really don’t have any interest in hunting.” He cast me a sidelong glance. “No wonder you two never catch anything.”

I’m not good at talking to people either. Just good enough to survive really…

I’d never been particularly good with words, had never learned the social warfare my sisters and mother had been so adept at, but… I’d been decent enough when selling hides at the village market.

Your one job was to stay in the room where it was safe. Dumbass

By ten o’clock, I could no longer stand it. I followed the drums.

When he finished, I tipped back my head and howled, my laughter like sunshine shattering age-hardend ice.

“Because your human joy fascinates me — the way you experience things, in your life span, so wildly and deeply and all at once, is… entrancing. I’m drawn to it, even when I know I shouldn’t be, even when I try not to be.”

“Don’t feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy.”

The liquid was delightfully warm, and I strode in until it was deep enough to swim out a few strokes and casually tread in place. Not water, but something smoother, thicker. Not oil, but something purer, thinner. Like being wrapped in warm silk. I was so busy savoring the tug of my fingers through the silvery substance that I didn’t notice him until he was treading beside me.

His eyes met mine and he gave me a lazy smile before removing his clothes. Button by button. I could have sworn the gleam in his eyes turned hungry and feral — enough so that I had to look anywhere but his face.

slowly, so slowly, his eyes roved down, then up. As if he were studying every inch, every curve of me. And even though I wore my ivory underthings, that gaze alone stripped me bare.

looked at the pool of glittering starlight and let out a heavy breath

This is so fun to say and beautiful to hear

Shimmering tufts of dandelion fluff drifted by…

Wow! I had heard of this book ages ago, and when I got it, I couldn’t wait to read it, yet it was on my shelf for two or more whole years - it did not disappoint! I loved the world building and the fantasy aspects of the book! The story was also very well written - from a lot of suspense about the secrets of this new world, to twists and turns and to the reveals near the end. I’m hoping to hear more about some of the things from future parts, as I felt there are a few things we don’t know yet! 

Olanda

Elvia Iraheta 

This is a truly fantastic fantasy novel, that builds slowly with fantastic world-building. While the initial set-up may seem slow for some, the payoff is absolutely worth it. I think people have the wrong idea that this is just a smut book, and they expect a vapid book with a lot of “action.” But this is incredible storytelling and a fantastic read. The last 150 pages or so are absolutely thrilling. Highly recommend!!! 

Cecilia Bala

I loved how the characters made sense. Feyre’s decisions and view of the world was consistent with her upbringing and all the characters just made sense which isn’t always the case in every book. I loved how the book has shifted half way and took a dark turn. I felt like I was reading two different books but it was connected in a wholesome way. I loved Tamlin as he gave me green flags. He wasn’t ordering Feyre or making her do anything. He was respectful of her space and decisions. I don’t know why none of the fan art is about Tamlin and Feyre and focuses more on Ryhs, but can’t wait to find out more!

ovgun

I liked the book's ending, but I found the start a bit boring.

Shauni Wuyts

HOLY SHIT. i haven’t been this impressed with a book in a long time. I’M HOOKED. i’m actively running to the store to get the second book because i can’t imagine going to sleep without starting the next book 😭

Maddy T

i will compose my thoughts and write a more eloquent review shortly. 

Emilia Vulliamy

oh yeah, i’m into this

i will compose my thoughts and write a more eloquent review shortly. 

Lose yourself in a land of legends, a fae world so sumptuous that you may never return home . The tantalising start to a seductive high-fantasy trilogy from the New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas. Fans of Laini Taylor and George R.R. Martin will find it irresistible

Not my thing and thought it would be sexier. 

Allegrachatterjee

This Series has been on my Shelf and TBR Pile for a couple of years and I have been daunted to pick this one up as I know so many friends that have loved and enjoyed this one and I didn’t want to be the odd one out in a group of people so have just left it on the shelf until now when I decided that I finally felt ready to dive in and pick this up for the first time. I know that I’m 10 years late but here I am, and I can tell that if book 1 is anything to go by that I think I’m going to enjoy this series! 

This is Beauty and the Beast retelling. Feyre struggled to provide for her family who didn't seem to appreciate her efforts, until she killed a wolf who turned out not be a wolf but a fae and this kill cascaded a series of events. She was forced to live in the Spring Court under the protection of Tamlin, whose handsome face was half-covered by a mask, the result of a curse cast by a ruthless enemy. While a spreading blight threatens the Fairie Realms and the Mortal Lands and nightmarish creatures lurk in the darkness, Feyre must find out her place in an ancient power puzzle without damning her soul in the process.

Feyre, the ultimate heroine, a courageous, strong, and self-sufficient girl who is independent and clever beyond her years. Then we have Tamlin, part beast but looks like a man from the outside until riled and then the hands transform to claws and his ruthless side is exposed. I loved that Sarah Maas did not sacrifice a strong male character by creating a brilliant female one, because both characters are multi layered, complex and fascinating and they both draw you into the story! 

Sarah knew how to keep you on the edge until all you could do was gasp for breath and pray the Lord she would be merciful!

Ian Brakspear

This Series has been on my Shelf and TBR Pile for a couple of years and I have been daunted to pick this one up as I know so many friends that have loved and enjoyed this one and I didn’t want to be the odd one out in a group of people so have just left it on the shelf until now when I decided that I finally felt ready to dive in and pick this up for the first time. I know that I’m 10 years late but here I am, and I can tell that if book 1 is anything to go by that I think I’m going to enjoy this series! 

This is Beauty and the Beast retelling. Feyre struggled to provide for her family who didn't seem to appreciate her efforts, until she killed a wolf who turned out not be a wolf but a fae and this kill cascaded a series of events. She was forced to live in the Spring Court under the protection of Tamlin, whose handsome face was half-covered by a mask, the result of a curse cast by a ruthless enemy. While a spreading blight threatens the Fairie Realms and the Mortal Lands and nightmarish creatures lurk in the darkness, Feyre must find out her place in an ancient power puzzle without damning her soul in the process.

 

Feyre, the ultimate heroine, a courageous, strong, and self-sufficient girl who is independent and clever beyond her years. Then we have Tamlin, part beast but looks like a man from the outside until riled and then the hands transform to claws and his ruthless side is exposed. I loved that Sarah Maas did not sacrifice a strong male character by creating a brilliant female one, because both characters are multi layered, complex and fascinating and they both draw you into the story! 



Sarah knew how to keep you on the edge until all you could do was gasp for breath and pray the Lord she would be merciful!

Terra Ganey

reading this felt low vibrational asf I was so pissed off for the first 75% but the end was lit 😔✌️

Annie Millman

some parts were super slow and boring, but this is a great introduction into the fae world and its magic system. i can't say i didn't enjoy it :)

will

Acotar is such a fun time. I’m not alone when it comes say this book resparked a love for reading id lost for a few years. 

Kalista Dickson

Very good book. Mostly build up and world design, with the ending being the best part for sure. Don’t get caught up in the slow start, push through and enjoy the ending and the beginning to a fun series!

Kyle James

The majority of the action happens towards the end of the book. I found myself pushing through because I heard that the first book can be a bit boring in the beginning. But I am glad I finished it because I am overall excited to learn more about this universe. Seems to be a very complex universe and I look forward to learning more about the other courts. I hope it is as good as everyone claims! 

Leah Diaz 

Oh, where do I even begin with this dumpster fire of a book? It's like everyone suddenly decided that this mess was the greatest thing to ever grace their feeds, and now I can’t escape it. My eyes were practically bleeding from the cringey dialogue, and don't even get me started on Tamlin—he made me want to shove my head in a pillow and scream. "I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world." Seriously? What is this, a bad poetry slam from middle school? This book didn’t just disappoint—it ruined my soul.

Liana

Oh, where do I even begin with this dumpster fire of a book? It's like everyone suddenly decided that this mess was the greatest thing to ever grace their feeds, and now I can’t escape it. My eyes were practically bleeding from the cringey dialogue, and don't even get me started on Tamlin—he made me want to shove my head in a pillow and scream. "I was as unburdened as a piece of dandelion fluff, and he was the wind that stirred me about the world." Seriously? What is this, a bad poetry slam from middle school? This book didn’t just disappoint—it ruined my soul.



The girls at work made me read it & it's just not for me. I skimmed the last 200 or so pages, I just could not get into it at all. 

hessensitive

With bits of Buffy, Game Of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series of total joy - Stylist The tantalising start to a seductive fantasy series from global #1 bestselling author Sarah J. Maas Feyre is a huntress. And when she sees a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she kills the predator and takes its prey to feed herself and her family. But the wolf was not what it seemed, and Feyre cannot predict the high price she will have to pay for its death ... Dragged away from her family for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding even more than his piercing green eyes suggest. As Feyre's feelings for Tamlin turn from hostility to passion, she learns that the faerie lands are a far more dangerous place than she realized. And Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever. Sarah J. Maas's books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into 37 languages. Discover the sweeping romantic fantasy for yourself.

(A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)

I enjoyed it but did not like how Fayre was treated after the mountain by Tamlin

Marie

Very late to the party but couldnt not read it... Was spoilered for what happens in the 2nd book big time so had my suspicions while reading. Was very annoyed about the riddle, like it was so obvious? Spice was okay, expected more tbh. I have my suspicions about what will happen next especially with rhysand. 

ARPITA ♡

the first third of this book was truly boring and i struggled to get through it. just internal angst with no movement in any direction. last third was improved, but also no one made decisions that really made sense. no offense but the answer to the riddle was really obvious

i’ll probably still read the next one bc all my friends said this series gets better

julia

the first third of this book was truly boring and i struggled to get through it. just internal angst with no movement in any direction. last third was improved, but also no one made decisions that really made sense. no offense but the answer to the riddle was really obvious

i’ll probably still read the next one bc all my friends said this series gets better

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. At least, he’s not a beast all the time. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever. From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

Was a slow first book, but the last 10% was very entertaining and where it picked up.

A Court of Thorns and Roses A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 1

Reviews

Highlights