A Court of Thorns and Roses

Finished ACOTAR... I give it a solid A- * smooth and lovely writing—hypnotic and dream like * Had some really nice twists and turns with a pleasing payoff at the end. * Interesting and thought provoking protagonist with both strengths and flaws. * My main criticism is that despite her making choices and taking actions here and there, the main beats happen to her instead of being direct consequences of what she did. * This becomes almost a pain point in act 3 due to the way the story is structured. * The ending mostly turns act 3's travails into a magical and pleasing outcome.

This series restored my love for reading and healed a part of me. I don’t think I’ll ever love a series or author as much ❤️

 I love this story! It doesn’t turn out the way you think it is going to. Many times in this book I thought that something was gonna turn in a certain way and it didn’t. It is very surprising, captivating, and your emotions change all throughout this book.

I got this book on a flash sale for $1.99 and thought, "What the hell, I'll see what all the hype is about." Best $1.99 I've ever spent. I'll be honest—it took me a few tries to get into this book and stay focused at first. The beginning is slow, and if you're not feeling it right away, you're not alone. So many readers talk about struggling through the first half before things really take off, and that was absolutely my experience too. It definitely gave off Beauty and the Beast vibes, which is a fair comparison—Sarah J. Maas has even acknowledged that inspiration herself. But if you can push through that initial slowness, it's so worth it. Because by the end? I was hooked. Completely, utterly hooked. The way the story builds and shifts and reveals itself is masterful, and by the time you hit the final act, you're fully invested. Here's my advice: push through to book two. Book one is good; it sets the stage for everything that comes after. But book two is where this series really finds its footing. The payoff is well worth the initial slow burn. Book one is essentially the foundation—important, necessary, and enjoyable in its own right—but the series truly hits its stride once you're past it. This entire series reignited my love of reading again. After ACOTAR, I couldn't stop. I went from struggling to finish one book to devouring series after series, and it all started here, with a $1.99 flash sale and a "what the hell." If you're on the fence, just go for it. And if you start it and feel like it's slow—keep going. You're not wrong, but you're also not done. The best is yet to come.

When idols turn into rivals, the plot twist usually shifts toward mischief and mystery. I'm totally glued and locked in.

This was such a good book! Definitely one of my favorite books. I’m going on to read ACOMAF now, and can’t wait! I’m 100% rooting for Rhysand, and can’t wait to see where this story goes.

Everything past chapter 30, especially chapter 45 was great; it just took a bit to get to there

I avoided reading this series for years, tired of tired romance. I was so wrong about what this is. This is a Story; engaging plot, real characters, intriguing world. Maas is a gifted writer. Not only does she write beautifully and descriptively, you can feel and taste this world she has created. Her characters are complex, multi-faceted, imperfect and interesting. It feels like you're in their story rather than just observing it unfold. So, while this isn't exactly my preferred genre, I am well into book two, and will be reading the series through to the end. This is a great read and I want to know what happens.

Perfect intro book for beginner smut readers! Addicting from the first page, I could not put down!! SJM created a beautiful collection with acotar.

This is one of my favorite series I’ve ever read… amazing!!!!!