I have been meaning to get reading this series for absolutely ages and I’m so glad for this sampler as I’ve now really got to get the book

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the excerpt in exchange for an honest review!
This was just the first 6 chapters, so keep that in mind but overall I think this was a really great start and I'm intrigued enough to keep reading.
I think the first chapter or two were quite slow, but I understand their necessity in the overall story. I think starting with killing the wolf is the best way to go IMO because that is what kicks off the crux of the action, and the beauty and the beast agreement.
I am pretty angry with Feyre's family and I hope they are able to redeem themselves in the rest of the book and or series, because it seems like she is doing everything and they don't even have the decency to be kind or grateful to her. Lowkey Alis may be my favorite non-main character so far lol. I hope she ends up playing a bigger role in the book.
I'm really liking Feyre so far and will be getting a copy of the book to see how I feel about the rest!

Maybe 2.5? I don't know.
I liked some parts, didn't like others as much. I might pick up the sequel because I find the bargain Feyre made with Rhysand interesting. But it won't be at the top of my TBR-list.
I liked the world this story is set in. All the different kinds of faeries, how they looked etc.
But I find the characters lacking. I liked that Feyre and Lucien became friends and that they didn't fall in love. Tamlin is okay. But in the last chapters, there was foreshadowing for a love triangle between Feyre, Tamlin and Rhysand. Now, I could be wrong and it could be a love triangle I might like (for example how Tahereh Mafi did it in the Shatter Me trilogy) but I'm pretty done with love triangles.
I'll see if I'll continue this series or with any other books of Sarah J. Maas.

Human meets Fae. It's a common story today in YA/NA fantasy and it is one that is done over and over. But ACOTAR is a beauty and the beast retelling with fae. I read the first book unaware that it was a retelling, I knew very little about the story as I read it, I just took the recommendation from BookTok and started reading. Feyre, is our protagonist, main character, female lead and I don't like her that much. She's annoying but I guess she does have some growth in the later books but she's still one of my least favourite lead characters in a novel/series. I feel that she isn't as badass as she could be but she is 10000% times better than her sisters who are extremely selfish and dismissive. In fact I was really happy when we didn't see her sisters for long periods of time. Tamlin is a problematic character, in fact all of the characters are pretty problematic but they all experience trauma and that f*cks with a person and therefore f*cks with a character if they are created effectively. Which is done by Maas, the characters each experience trauma and each of them deal with this differently. writing is really well done and the world building has left it one of the most popular fictional worlds that readers want to visit. Despite it's problems, overall it's not a bad series and it is a decent binge read if you wish to be immersed into the world of fantasy and fae.

I’ve heard about this series but never been compelled to start it. Reading the first 6 chapters, I can see why it’s a hit and I am now more intrigued to carry on. However, the relationship dynamics I’ve heard about do still put me off a bit.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this extract in exchange for an honest review.

A Court of Thorn and Roses follows Feyre and her two sisters who live in complete poverty, relying on Feyre to do everything. While hunting for food Feyre kills a wolf that actually happens to be on of the fae. As punishment of this she is taken to Prythian without the hope of returning.

The first few chapters definitely hook you and I know having read the series it just gets better and better.

I enjoyed the first 6 chapters of this book I had been indecisive on reading this series but the chapters had me hooked and now I want to know what happens in the rest of the story.

The start of this reminds me of hunger games because of the hunting and the deer. I like the concept of fae though I’m excited to read the rest.

I have to say, I've avoided this series until now as it's so hyped on instagram and other social media channels that it's put me off. Maybe after reading CoHo and disliking it intensely, seeing Sarah J Maas given a similar kind of appreciation has made me wary.

I requested this extract out of curiosity, and found myself enjoying the story and wanting to read more about what happens to Freya and how it all plays out, so I bought the book.

The worldbuilding is impressive, following enough of the standard expectations to be comfortable, but also new enough to be interesting and unique.

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is a captivating fantasy novel that stands out from others in its genre. What sets this book apart is its unique blend of fairy tale elements, intricate world-building, and compelling characters.
The story follows Feyre, a young huntress who accidentally kills a faerie and is taken captive to the magical land of Prythian as punishment. As she navigates the treacherous faerie court, Feyre discovers dark secrets, dangerous alliances, and a forbidden love that could change everything.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the imaginative world-building. Maas creates a vivid and immersive world filled with different courts, each with its own distinct characteristics and inhabitants. From the lush Spring Court to the mysterious Night Court, the settings are beautifully described, making it easy for readers to visualize and get lost in the story.
I think that what makes this book truly special is its ability to blend romance, action, and political intrigue seamlessly. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Maas expertly balances intense action sequences with quieter character moments, creating a well-rounded and engaging narrative.
Overall, I would give "A Court of Thorns and Roses" a 5-star rating. The book's unique blend of fairy tale elements, intricate world-building, compelling characters, and a captivating plot make it a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure or a swoon-worthy love story, this book has it all.

I avoided this book because of the hype but I really enjoyed it! Straight on to the next in the series.

4 stars
A great Beauty and The Beast retelling. Freya our fmc goes hunting in the woods to feed her family when she see's a wolf. Not thinking twice she shoots it. The next day an0ther wolf smashes her family cottage's door down demanding to know who took the life of his friend. He demands she either comes with him or he will kill her. Taking her chances with the wolf she leaves her family behind and follows him.
Turns out he's a fae male with a mask stuck on his face thanks to a curse places on him and his court.
This book is a classic Beauty and the beast retiling and I'm a sucker for them. Loads of twists and turns and finding out everything about the courts.

After discovering the world of Sarah J Maas, this excerpt is a real treat, and definitely lives up to its hype.
The story follows Feyre, a human girl taking care of her family in a land overshadowed and fearful of the hated Fae realm. Her actions have consequences and she finds herself apart of the world she feared and the Fae she hated. Although the story is slow to start, the world building is top notch and immersive.
Having continued on with reading the book after this excerpt, I will say it was a very enjoyable read, hard to put down at times, and a great introduction for the continuing series

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre as she is dragged away from her family into the world of the Fae for the murder of a Faerie. She soon realises there's more to the Fae world than she thought.

This book is a great start to the series and really opens you up to how big the world is. The characters have distinct and complex personalities that are evident from the start and begin to make sense more as you get to know them and their pasts.

I think the first chapters do a good job of wanting readers to continue to find the answers to some questions. My star rating is based on the full first book.

Despite the fact this book has been EVERYWHERE, I haven't read it yet so thought I'd check out this excerpt to see what all the hype is about. The world building was great, set a very solid fantasy tone and introduced the Spring Court to give us a base understanding of what world we're being thrown into. The introduction to our main character was carefully crafted, getting to see her sisters and supporting characters too. I'll definitely think about reading more.

This is a great fantasy book, which is a wonderfully written story about a woman called Feyre, who is under hardship at home, so she has to kill a wolf to feed her family. However, killing the wolf turns out to be a very bad thing to do, and she is sent to Prythian which is a fairy land. She is like a prisoner there, and she has to interact with other beings, which makes her feel uncomfortable, although she also feels a pull towards them. She longs to go back to her family, but will she make it?

This is the first book in a series of many books by this author. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

Feyre, a human, is introduced as someone in a pretty desperate situation, who is struggling to support her father and two sisters. By apparent chance, a situation unfolds which leads Feyre into the Fae world, in particular the Spring Court.
The first six chapters do a pretty good job of setting up the world and introducing the reader to the main characters, and were definitely enough to keep me interested in reading more. This sample is also a good indication of the writing style throughout the rest of the book so on that basis, the sample is a great introduction and opportunity to get a feel for it.

A young human woman from a poor family is hunting in the woods one day when she kills a wolf who happens to be a fae shapeshifter. To repay her crime she is summoned to live in the Spring Court as a prisoner (sort of). I found the start of this book a little frustrating - Feyre the main character is independent and constantly striving to look after her family - while all her family do is fritter away whatever coin she manages to earn and scowl (Nesta). A good start to a good series though!

I’ve actually bought the physical copy of the book to finish following this excerpt and continued on with the story, please see my full review of the book in the links below on Goodreads.

My rating is based on the full book as a result, I really enjoyed the first six chapters and hence why I carried on reading it and on reflection rated it as I did due to several issues I had with it (see outline in review of the full book)

Thank you for providing the excerpt!

I do not like Sarah personally ; twice I had an encounter with her and twice she was not nice to me. ACOTAR was okay. 2nd books was great, 3rd one good.
The rest is rubbish.

I'm sure everyone by now has heard of A Court of Thorns and Roses, but if you haven't, it follows Feyre, a human girl who hunts to feed her penniless family. One day Feyre unknowingly kills one of the Fae, and in retaliation she is taken to the lands of the Fae beyond the wall. What follows is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, with romance and a curse to be broken.


This sample is a pretty good representation of the entire book. It introduces us to Feyre and her circumstances, establishes her relationship with her sisters, and shows us Tamlin and a bit of the Spring Court. If you don't enjoy the sample then you probably won't like the rest of it.


I recommend ACoTaR for anyone who enjoys fantasy romance.