Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas

Book Title: A Court of Mist and Fury

Author: Sarah J Maas
Series: A Court of Thorn & Roses #2
Release Date: May 3rd, 2016
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy Romance

Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court--but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms--and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future--and the future of a world cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Why does it hurt so much to breathe after putting this book down? The overload of feels and that cliffhanger and THE LOVE I HAVE FOR THIS AUTHOR - I need to take a moment while I get over this read.  

I had the absolute pleasure to meet Sarah in the flesh during her book tour (honestly I could have died happy ever since) and when she spoke about ACOMAF being as thick as Queen of Shadows, the excitement from the crowd was inevitable. She also mentioned that this book will be one of her sexiest book yet, which I totally have to agree after finishing because hot damn woman, you sure you're not considering writing adult fantasy in the future? Like pretty please with more Rhysand on the top?

There are so many things I want to say about this book but in doing so, I'm almost scared I'll end up spoiling it. Hence, I'll try to keep this short and sweet with zero spoilers. 

So this book- generally I can foresee that the opinions from the fans on this series could be very divided because of how the story was steered in an almost complete different direction from the first. For me, I was a little shocked, partly baffled and mostly satisfied with how things all came into at the end of the read. In a non-spoilerish context (but those of you who have read will know what I mean), I felt a little unjust towards one of our main heroes who SJM seemed to have done a complete 180 of his initial character that most of us came to love. However, I also thought it was justified that he became that way due to the aftermath of what happened Under the Mountain in ACOTAR. 

"There are good days and hard days for me - even now. Don't let the hard days win."

This book definitely surprised me on several occasions. What I wasn't expecting was how the major portion of the book took place in a whole new setting and introducing a whole new gang of characters. It kinda reminded me of Heir of Fire when Celeana went off to another whole new land to discover her origins and harness her powers. The world-building this round was completely breathtaking as SJM comes up with all these new, vividly beautiful settings during Feyre's journey, especially for one particular court! 

"To the stars who listen - and the dreams that are answered."

Now the romance, is there a love triangle? Yes and no. But by the end of the read, you'll get a solid answer on where Feyre's heart lies. The romance will be a slowburn tease throughout and it will build up to the point of a climax that will hit you so hard that you'll be flooded with feels. SO MUCH FEELS I TELL YOU. The alluded Chapter 54 which everyone seemed to be raving about, oh my god *displays Mockingjay salute to SJM*. 

"I want you to know, that I am broken and healing, but every piece of my heart belongs to you."

   

ACOMAF will mainly see Feyre, Tamlin and even Rhysand trying to come to terms with the aftermath in ACOTAR. Be warned that the tone of the book is mostly sombre with Feyre's constant self-beating, Tamlin's paranoia of losing Feyre again and Rhysand who is finally freed from the evil queen after being her whore for 50 years. It'll be a tough journey ahead and SJM doesn't make it easy for any of them. Loyalties will be tested, love will be challenged and war is upon them. 

ACOMAF ends on a high note even with a dreaded cliffhanger as Feyre is prepared to do whatever it takes to stop King Hybern from tearing down the walls and destroying the mortal lands. I absolutely can't wait to see how this epic saga will end in the next book, bring it on 2017! 

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series , as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.