Court of Roses and Thorns Review

Court of Roses and Thorns

Sarah J. Maas

Bloomsbury USA Childrens

May 5, 2015

3/5 Stars

    Sarah J. Maas, known for her bestselling “Throne of Glass” series, ventures into new territory with “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” the first installment in her fantasy saga. As a reader familiar with Maas’s previous work, I approached this novel with a mix of anticipation and caution. While it shares some similarities with her earlier series, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” presents a refreshing departure from Maas’s established formula, offering a more mature and nuanced narrative that shows promise for the series ahead.

The story unfolds in a world where the realms of mortals and Fae coexist, separated by an ancient treaty and a magical wall. This well-worn theme in fantasy literature is given new life through Maas’s vivid descriptions and intricate world-building. The author paints a rich tapestry of the Fae realm, known as Prythian, with its various courts and complex political dynamics.

Our protagonist, Feyre, is a young human woman struggling to support her impoverished family through hunting. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she kills a wolf in the woods, unwittingly setting off a chain of events that thrusts her into the dangerous and alluring world of the Fae.

Feyre stands out as a more relatable and multifaceted protagonist compared to Celaena from the “Throne of Glass” series. Her struggles with poverty, her fierce devotion to her family, and her artistic inclinations make her a compelling character from the outset. As the story progresses, we witness Feyre’s growth from a wary, survival-focused mortal to a woman who begins to understand and navigate the complexities of the Fae world. Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court and Feyre’s love interest, initially appears as the typical brooding Fae male often found in this genre. However, Maas gradually peels back layers of his character, revealing vulnerabilities and complexities that make him more than just a romantic foil. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Lucien and the menacing Amarantha, adds depth to the narrative. Each character feels distinct and serves a purpose beyond merely advancing the plot.

The story’s pacing is one of its strengths. Maas skillfully balances world-building, character development, and plot progression, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The first half of the book focuses on Feyre’s adjustment to life in the Spring Court and the slow-burn romance between her and Tamlin. This section, while somewhat predictable, is enjoyable due to the lush descriptions and the gradual unveiling of the Fae world’s mysteries. The second half of the book takes a darker turn, introducing higher stakes and more complex conflicts. This is where Maas’s storytelling truly shines, as she subverts expectations and pushes her characters to their limits. The trials Feyre faces Under the Mountain are harrowing and compelling, forcing her to confront not only external threats but also her own limitations and prejudices.

As with many young adult and new adult fantasy novels, romance plays a significant role in “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” The relationship between Feyre and Tamlin develops organically, with moments of tension, tenderness, and passion. Maas handles the romantic elements with more maturity than in her previous series, exploring themes of consent, sacrifice, and the complexities of love across cultural divides.

However, the romance doesn’t overshadow the broader narrative. Feyre’s relationships with other characters, particularly Lucien and Rhysand, add layers of intrigue and complexity to the story. These interactions hint at deeper conflicts and alliances that are likely to be explored in future installments of the series.

Maas weaves several themes throughout the novel, including the nature of love and sacrifice, the consequences of prejudice, and the power of art and creativity. The author draws inspiration from various fairy tales, most notably “Beauty and the Beast,” but reimagines these familiar elements in fresh and sometimes subversive ways.

The symbolism of the different Fae courts, each associated with a season or time of day, adds depth to the world-building and provides a rich backdrop for exploring themes of change, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of power.

Maas’s writing has noticeably improved since her earlier works. Her prose in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is more polished and evocative, particularly in her descriptions of the Fae realm and its inhabitants. She strikes a balance between lyrical passages and straightforward narration, creating a reading experience that is both immersive and accessible.

However, there are moments where the dialogue feels stilted or overly dramatic, particularly in some of the romantic exchanges. These instances, while not frequent, can momentarily pull the reader out of the story.

One of the main criticisms that can be leveled at “A Court of Thorns and Roses” is its predictability, especially in the first half of the book. Many of the plot points and character dynamics will feel familiar to readers well-versed in the fantasy romance genre. However, Maas manages to inject enough originality and charm into these familiar tropes to keep them engaging.

The latter part of the book, particularly the finale, is where Maas truly subverts expectations. The resolution of the conflict Under the Mountain takes unexpected turns, challenging both the characters and the readers’ assumptions. This section elevates the book above many of its peers in the genre and sets up intriguing possibilities for the rest of the series.

A point of contention in the novel is the use of an old and well-known riddle as a pivotal plot device. While the inclusion of riddles and trials is a common trope in fantasy literature, the choice of such a familiar puzzle may disappoint readers looking for more originality. It’s possible that Maas intended this as a nod to classic fairy tale elements, but it comes across as a missed opportunity for a more creative challenge.

For readers familiar with Maas’s previous work, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” represents a significant step forward in terms of storytelling and character development. While it shares some similarities with “Throne of Glass,” such as a strong female protagonist and a fantasy setting, the overall narrative feels more cohesive and mature.

The romance in this series is better integrated into the plot, avoiding the sometimes-convoluted love triangles that characterized “Throne of Glass.” Additionally, the world-building in “A Court of Thorns and Roses” feels more fully realized from the outset, providing a solid foundation for the series to build upon.

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” is a promising start to Sarah J. Maas’s new series. While it doesn’t completely break free from the conventions of the fantasy romance genre, it offers enough fresh elements and compelling storytelling to stand out. The book’s strengths lie in its vivid world-building, complex characters, and the unexpected twists in its latter half.

For fans of fantasy romance, this novel offers a satisfying blend of magic, political intrigue, and passionate relationships. For those new to Maas’s work or those who found “Throne of Glass” lacking, “A Court of Thorns and Roses” presents an excellent entry point into her storytelling. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it certainly demonstrates Maas’s evolving skills as a writer and her ability to craft a captivating tale that leaves readers anticipating the next installment.