Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses

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A Court of Thorns and Roses 〰️

There was so much talk about this book (and series), and while some didn't like it (as with any book), most talk I've heard was not only positive but bragging about its praise. And I gotta say, after all, my friends (mostly my best friend in particular) raving about this book series, I finally got myself the box set, and I was not disappointed.

It's been a while since I delved back into fantasy books, and this was a great start. I was hooked from the first chapter, and it was hard to put the book down. I'm enchanted by this world and its characters. I love the world-building in this book. Every bit of info we needed was delivered at the right time. The pacing was well done, and Feyre's character was believable.

I will admit, I both saw the ending coming and not all at the same time. When Feyre died (didn't see it coming because we all know there are more books), I instantly knew they would revive her. What I didn't foresee, however, was that they'd turn her Fae. But it makes sense since she's going to be around the fae for a while, and growing old would take away from the spiciness I'm told is coming in later books. I love how not once throughout the book, despite later falling in love with Tamlin, it never once crosses Feyre's mind that she'd want to be fae in order to stay with Tamlin. She knew she was human and was fine with that. Even without knowing she could become fae, she never once wished, "Oh, I wish there was a way to become immortal." I love that about her. Looking at you, Twilight, lol. (I still enjoyed reading Twilight, however).

The only thing I could see an issue with is the age gap. Cause ho, boy, if people thought the age gap in Twilight was bad, that has nothing on Tamlin and friends. But they look young, and their story is great, and it's fantasy, so I can suspend my disbelief that someone who is many centuries old can fall in love with a nineteen-year-old human (which is still young by human standards). Feyre must be like a seconds-old newborn baby to Tamlin.

Aside from that, I'm hooked and can't wait to dive into the rest of the books.

Book Review: Living Dead Girl by Rachel Vincent

Living Dead Girl

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Living Dead Girl 〰️

Holy hell, what a ride! Seeing as this was one of her earlier works put on the back burner for a hot min, it's safe to say Vincent always knew how to tell a good story.

My only concern is since this was written many years ago, I wonder if she also wrote a sequel. The ending was great, but if this was a standalone book, it was also not satisfying at all. In fact, it's the type of ending that demands a sequel, and I worry we will never get one. I sure hope we do. There were so many unanswered questions.

That being said, I'm glad to see another adult book back in her urban fantasy roots. Don't get me wrong; she writes the best YA. (though I may be biased since literally anything of any genre Vincent writes is literary gold for me). But she also writes amazing adult, and I feel like we haven't seen that in a while. And technically still haven't since this was originally written years ago, only now to resurface and polish up for modern times.

This story had me right from the start. Vincent knows how to give a good chapter cliffhanger that keeps you reading straight until the very end. If you are a fan of Vincent's earlier works, like the Shifters series (a great series, by the way), you'll also love this book. I will never stop recommending Vincent's books to anyone who will listen to me.