A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES is one of those books that I can’t help recommending to everyone. Maas not only has a phenomenal high concept (a loose Beauty and the Beast retelling with faeries) but Maas packs this book with a gripping plot, a multi-dimensional heroine, and gorgeous, lyrical prose.
Here’s the blurb from Amazon.com:
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin–one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.
As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin–and his world–forever.
This novel opens with Feyre out hunting in the middle of winter for her desperate family’s next meal–a family that doesn’t necessarily appreciate her. But this relationship is complex, and Feyre’s urge to protect her clan is something she will find in common with the incredibly powerful Tamlin.
Feyre isn’t perfect nor is she apologetic. She’s been hardened by her circumstances but still yearns for color in her life–her desire to make art driving her through the worst of times. Her character is tested–her values pushed to their limits, especially in the later half of the novel. Navigating through the world and trying to make the best choices is hard enough. Navigating through the faerie realm where your senses may deceive you, well…
I fell in love with this character but also with Maas’s voice. I’m more likely to sample a series than read it completely through, but in this case, I’m definitely picking up the next book!
Check out Maas’s site for more on her books!
Have you read any incredible NA fantasies or paranormals?
Michelle Joyce Bond
