Smoking Hot... A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book One
Written by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy, Retelling, New Adult
Published May 1st 2015
432 Pages
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
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.
Feyre lives below the poverty line, her family having lost their fortune and living in a ramshackle cottage not fit for the family of four. Their father barely has the will to live and her two sisters refuse to earn their keep, relying on Feyre to hunt for their next meal. The forest isn't safe for mortals, a centuries old treaty between the Fae and humans barely enforced, as fae and savage monsters roam the walls outside of Prythian, land of the fae. But when Feyre discovers a wolf hunting her prey, the treaty is broken and Tamlin has come to collect. A life for a life.

Tamlin lives within the Spring court, where his captive is expected to live out her human life. His face hid by an elaborate mask, a curse placed upon his kingdom to which neither Tamlin or his courtier and emissary Lucien will speak of. But beyond the compound wall lies a sickness that masks the fae power and threatens to spill into the human realm. Feyre may have the freedom to roam Prythian, but escape is futile and being assured that her family has been taken care of offers little comfort. But Tamlin isn't the cruel tyrant Feyre assumed he would be, his kindness and hospitality now slowly thawing her cool facade and flaming feelings she never thought possible.

But Tamlin's secrets run deeper than the Blight upon his land, and it's Feyre that will risk her life for the Fae she once thought were monsters. The huntress has now become the hunted, and she will stop at nothing to fight for the man she's come to love.

My Thoughts

Sarah J. Maas, you complete me.


I generally don't have much luck with new adult and in the past, I've never been the biggest advocate of fantasy novels as a whole. A Court of Thorns and Roses not only managed to completely surpass my expectations, but has me considering calling my first born little Maas. It's sexy, it's smouldering and incredibly imaginative. A brilliant world so lovingly created that has me ransacking my shelves for anything to maintain my book high. Yes, I'm drunk on faeries.

Feyre is a brilliant and snarky character that isn't afraid to stand up for herself. Reminiscent of Katniss Everdeen, she's strong willed and a born leader, providing for her family who neither seem to care or support her efforts. When Tamlin breaks down her door and takes her captive, I cheered. Anything would be better than living in poverty with her self centered, asshole of a family. This girl probably would have been better off being raised by wolves. Tamlin. He's fae, mysterious, incredibly masculine, but he is far from perfect. Not only is he socially awkward, but is stuck wearing a masquerade mask due to the curse on his kingdom. He's a man of few words and his bravado coming in the form of beastly roaring and killing anything that dares to infiltrate his land. Emissary Lucien is always on hand to provide snarky commentary, while Feyre and Tamlin begin to navigate their growing feelings for one another.

I absolutely loved it. The sass, the reimagining of a classic fairytale and vivid world building. In much the same vain as her Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas builds upon her storyline in layers, allowing the reader to bond with her characters before introducing us to her imagined world. The building romance between Feyre and Tamlin is intense, smouldering and incredibly sexy. She wants him with every part of her being, but is torn between the situation he's forced upon her and wanting to explore her feelings. The captor slash captive romance isn't unique, but Sarah has taken it to an all new level beyond the point of Stockholm Syndrome.

The Final Verdict


Smoking hot. Hold onto your ovaries ladies, A Court of Thorns and Roses is enough to make you spontaneously combust. Sarah J. Maas has done it again. Creating an incredible fantasy world to lose yourself within. Beautifully imagined, lovingly created and proving yet again why she is the premier fantasy author.

43 comments

  1. This new blog design is so cute Kelly!

    DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO FINISH MY REVIEW FOR ACOTAR?!! HOURSSSS! At first I was telling bits and pieces about what happens in the story, but I found myself revealing too much, (because I was excited of course lol) and so I ended up deleting it, and starting from scratch. I seriously didn't expect to love this book. It's about FAERIES for heavens sake, lord knows I would never read about Fae before, but now I'm searching for other books that might fill this void I have. Even though I know nothing will compare. Oh Tamlin, mmm when he bit her in that damn hallway girl, my eyes got soooo wide lmao. Okay let me stop here before I start dropping all types of spoilers. Amazing review as usually my dear :)

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    1. Thanks Tika.

      Oh gosh, me too! It made no sense and was mainly just incoherent sounds and squeals. You sound like me Tika, fairies were always a no go and having tried to get into other fae type reads, I gave up and almost campaigned against them. Until now. Tamlin. Wowsers. I usually don't buy into book boyfriends, apart from Warner from the Shatter Me series, but bloody hell with having a choice of three of them. I can't wait to see what becomes of Rhys, I have a feeling he might turn out to be even hotter than Tamlin is that's even possible.

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  2. YOUR NEW BLOG DESIGN IS GORGEOUS! I'm soooo in love with it!

    I've never read a Sarah J. Maas book ever, so I'm pretty much torn whether I should read Throne of Glass or ACOTAR first. But I'm sooo intrigued by this because as you say, it's got a sexy turn and I love sexy books, haha! Wonderful review as always, Kelly! :)

    Blessie @ Mischievous Reads

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    1. Thanks Blessie. It's all thanks to the lovely Mango Blogs who did the coding. She's incredible isn't she.

      Both books have the same type of feel, magical with an intense romance. But A Court of Thorns and Roses is the sexier one of the two. I'm really torn with which I like better, but I think the Throne of Glass series is just that little bit better. You can't go past Celaena, she's just too kick ass. Regardless, she's a phenomenal author and hopefully you can pick up one of her books soon.

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  3. AHahhahah loved the last gif xD
    I cannot wait for this book to come in the mail, I JUST NEED IT, GOODNESS!!! *-*
    Gimme steamy sexy scenes Sarah, Just give 'em to me! :P

    Hey, have you changed your blog's graphic? I love it! :D

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    1. I have a little. Thanks Frannie.

      Oh, I can't wait to see what you think of it, it's smoking hot! Think of Chaol from Throne of Glass, but bigger, gruffer and even more protective. Frannie, you'll swoon your pants off.

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  4. I am dying to read this book! All these rave reviews are tempting me quite a lot and I am impatiently waiting to get my hands on a copy.
    Wonderful review Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Mishma. It's awesome. Absolutely brilliant! I knew being Sarah J. Maas that it would be, but she never ceases to amaze me. Hopefully you can grab a copy soon and meet Tamlin.

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  5. LOL! I just finished reading this last night! I agree Tamlin is sooooo smolderingly (is this a word?) sexy. I don't think I liked it as much as you did though. However, I agree this is a fantastic book. Great Review, very accurate!

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    1. Smolderingly sexy is so a thing Taylor, and couldn't agree more. I can't wait to see what book two brings, since this wrapped up pretty nicely. Hopefully more Rhys!

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  6. *waits impatiently on doorstep for bookmail* I preordered the book from Amazon but they said there was a delay and I'm so soooo angry. I might even run to B&N just to get another copy and the other one will just be given to a friend or something. OMG I'm so glad u loved the book. Everyone is reading Throne of Glass and Sarah J. Maas' books! I'm glad she is getting the fandom she deserves. I also love the blog design!

    Alex @ The Book's Buzz

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    1. Thanks Alex.

      I was one of those who was late to the Maas fandom. It wasn't until I started reading a few more fantasy novels when I could really appreciate the Throne of Glass series especially. The two are pretty much neck and neck, but Throne of Glass is just a smidge better I think. But A Court of Thrones and Roses is far sexier, really looking forward to seeing what you think of it. Fingers crossed your copy arrives soon!

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  7. I have quite recently become a major fan of Maas and I am so darn excited to read this one! Smouldering you say? Bring it on!! :)

    -P.E. @ The Sirenic Codex

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    1. Me too! I was late to that party, but making up for it now and only now have The Assassin's Blade to read, and saving that until the fourth book is released. I loved it! She's such an incredible author, there's probably none better in young adult at the moment than Maas. Everything she seems to touch turns into a best seller, and rightly so. Grab a copy and fire extinguisher, you're going to need it.

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  8. Ohhh yes Tamlin did it for you as well? He's so dreamy <33 I loved the snarky commentary with Lucien as well! Gosh, I don't know who to pick. Can we just have both? Wonderful review Kelly, I know you haven't had the best luck with NA or fantasy so I'm glad this one tickled your fancy.

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    1. It did more than tickle my fancy, it completely blew me away. As much as I adored Throne of Glass, I'm always hesitant when it comes to new adult. Most usually miss the mark with me and I've ended up loathing the genre. But this. THIS. WAS. EPIC. And Rhys! Gosh, too much hotness in one book. I really hope we see more of him in the next book. Hear that Miss Maas, more Rhys!

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  9. oooh I've heard great things about ACOTAR!!!! I'll have to read it soon! I do so love the Throne of Glass series and I'm sure I'll love this one too! (BECAUSE FAERIES!!!)
    Thanks for sharing Kelly and let's get to those sexy scenes!!!! XD

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    1. I think every review I've seen had loved it on some level, I absolutely adored it! If you loved Throne of Glass, it has the same intensity and feel, but far more sexier. A lot more sexier actually. And you'll have three book boyfriends to choose from Renee. I can't wait to see you fangirl over this one, it'll be epic!

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  10. Oh my god I CANNOT WAIT TO MEET TAMLIN. I swear, the things I'm reading about him. I'm already swooning! This book just arrived on my doorstep yesterday and I cannot wait to start it. This will be my first from Sarah!!!! Awesome review Kelly!! <3

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    1. What a way to start though Paula. It's brilliant! I have absolutely no doubt you'll fall in love with this one, and Tamlin. And the bonus being that while you wait for book two, you can get started on the Throne of Glass series as well.

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  11. Us Canadians have had so many issues getting our hands on this one but i'm so excited to read it. I love Sarah J Maas and had no doubts this one was going to knock my socks off but youre review is just <3
    I've heard so much from this Tamlin fellow that i'm beyond excited to finally get a chance to meet him. Lovely review!

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    1. Sorry to hear that Lily, I would have thought this would have been a huge release worldwide and most bookshops would have catered for that. I can't wait for you to get your hands on a copy and see what you think, it was all kinds of awesome. And Tamlin isn't the only one who'll knock your socks off.

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  12. Another book I need to get my greedy hands on! I'm more optimistic about the outcome of this narrative with your 5 star review! You've convinced even more with severe hangover around the world building; this is what satisfies my heart in the books I read: World building. I seriously cannot wait to read this one; possibly for summer!

    Claudia @ My Soul Called Life

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    1. This book is epic Claudia! I swooned, I laughed and I smouldered. Not only is Tamlin absolutely gorgeous, but Feyre is fierce and isn't afraid to stand up for herself either. I can't wait to see what you think of it, I absolutely LOVED IT!

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  13. haha I love your gifs. It sounds like a really well done New Adult title, and it's awesome to see NA that's not contemporary (even though I DO love contemporary novels).

    -Lauren

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    1. Isn't it just Lauren! Nearly all new adult is contemporary and sexually based as well, and I hope this one spurs new adult authors to give readers a bit more variety. it's beautifully written and although there are a few mild adult scenes, it's really an afterthought and the characters and world building really are at the forefront instead.I loved it and can't wait to see your thoughts on this one.

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  14. Whoa. Five stars! That's it! As soon as it's available in Canada, I'm getting myself a copy. You lucky duck. :D

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    1. Joy, you NEED this book. The intensity and the forbidden type romance. You'll absolutely adore it. YES! Grab a copy and be prepared to be set alight.

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  15. These reviews are making me depressed because my copy of the book hasn't arrived yet :( I ordered it two months ago.. Okay I'm done, the gifs you have used are pretty cute though lol made me laugh. I love FairyTale retellings especially the classic Beauty & the beast so I hope it's as amazing as it sounds. I'm more excited now though - wonderful novel, the book does sound more sexy than TOG, even the cover too. <3 Benish| Feminist Reflections

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    1. It is Benish, much more sexier. But it has the same feel, strong heroine, swoonworthy love interest and her world building is the best there is. I've seen so many bloggers who have had their preorders delayed, especially in the US and Canada, so hopefully it arrives soon. Really looking forward to seeing your thoughts.

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  16. NO GOD DAMMIT IT ATE MY COMMENT. *rage*

    Anyway like I was saying, I'm so glad that you like this one, Kelly! I guess that this one just wasn't my cup of tea as I didn't end up loving it as much as I wanted to :| Love the review, hun <33

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    1. I'm glad you were still able to enjoy it somewhat though poppet, I think fantasy new adult would be tricky to tackle, as it won't be everyone's cup of tea. I absolutely loved it. Even more so than I'd expected. I haven't read all that many fantasy and don't seem to have any luck with new adult either, but mix in Maas and BOOM! Perfection.

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  17. HAHAHAHA "hold onto your ovaries". Truer words have never been spoken. Hot damn, how steamy was this book, am I right? Which is something I quite appreciate about NA. Sometimes the unspoken PG13 label on YA really does my head in.

    So with you. I loved how sassy Feyre was! Super refreshing. So glad you enjoyed this one, Kelly! Absolutely beautiful review! <3

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  18. Love the review, Kelly! Somehow I’ve been missing all of your posts, though luckily I came around in time to get this, which is really rather fantastic. I can’t say I loved this nearly as much as you, though I enjoyed it quite a lot and loved the way it wove Beauty and the Beast into it, it was really a glorious retelling, but my expectations were too high, from ToG, and it didn’t meet them. Still, I’m really enjoying seeing how bloggers are reacting to it, and I’m absolutely certain that this is a series that will only get better, with each book, so I’m definitely coming back for more!
    Xx

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  19. Smoking hot sounds about right, definitely. This book had me fanning under the collar, but I wish there was more romp time as it was more "fade to blackness" haha. PLUS, RHYSAND!!! This might be one of the very few times I am so enamored with a dark, broody, mysterious hero. I would be perfectly okay with a threesome even loooool

    Faye at The Social Potato

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  20. This is the first five star review I've seen of this book! I really liked the Throne of Glass series, so I was interested when Maas came out with this new series. With so much talk about it, I'm dying to read it.

    Great review!

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