Book Review: A Court of Thornes and Roses (Book One) by Sarah J. Maas
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I was wrong.
I thought this book was going to be silly and not for me. I thought it was going to be overhyped. I thought I’d read it and crave something more “intellectual.”
I was so, so, so wrong.
Let me try and begin to explain to you why Sarah J. Maas — an author who has sold nearly 40 million copies of her books worldwide — has captured so many hearts with her romantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, otherwise known as ACOTAR.
What I Loved About A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas*
I did a deep dive into chokehold the romantasy genre has on readers over on my Substack publication, but Sarah J. Maas is the epitome of this hybrid blend of romance and fantasy.
Before you click away, I want to say that I am not traditionally a fan of either romance or fantasy genres. But there’s something special in this series, especially if you’re a fan of will-they-won’t-they storylines sheathed in fun adventure storylines with active protagonists (!!) who actually do things (!!!) and want things! (!!!!)
Active main characters are surprisingly rare these days. Just read any of my latest book reviews and you know I’m starving for them and begging authors to please, please, please write characters who give a fuck!
But what I loved about A Court of Thorns and Roses is how the main character is driven to do things. She makes mistakes. She tries, she fails. She’s highly competent, and struggles to learn, to improve, to do things to get what she wants. I’m never shaking my fist at the book or wondering why she’s doing what she’s doing. Her wants are simple but clear and emotional, and I can’t say the same about a lot of books these days that seem to think they can get away with floppy, wandering main characters that do nothing.
I also was surprised when I realized that ACOTAR book #1 was essentially a retelling of a famous fairytale. I won’t tell you which, as it’ll spoil the twist, but when I connected the dots I grinned and put the book down for a moment to marvel at the way this “adaptation” shook me down for my assumptions and really surprised me.
Sarah J. Maas does a great job writing escapist fantasy that doesn’t get bogged down in worldbuilding — which is usually my first complaint with fantasy. She also makes the romance elements of the book feel dynamic and interesting. And yes, this book is on the spicier side, but I never felt like the sex scenes were gratuitous or took away from the plot like some other romance books out there. Maas’ book feels cut to the bone, yet still packed with plenty of fun: I never felt like the plot was dragging, and the pacing is expertly done.
ACOTAR book #1 is a masterclass in how to write a page-turner that gives your readers what they want: romance, adventure, a compelling fantasy world, and thoughtful pacing that blends action with character moments in a way that is both emotional and enthralling. As a first book setting up a massive fantasy series, I was impressed by how expertly plotted this book was, especially in relation to what the second book expands on — and subverts.
What I Didn’t Love About A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas*
What’s odd is that I loved book #2 in the ACOTAR series — review coming soon! — more than book #1. I felt the beginning of this book could have moved a little more quickly, and I wanted more interiority and a look behind the curtain of what these characters are feeling.
However… that’s about it. This book is a bestseller for a reason, and if you haven’t given it a try, I recommend reading at least 50-75 pages and see how you feel about it.
Final Thoughts on A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas*
My final score: 4 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I was surprised and delighted by this fun read, and how well it set up the series. I knocked one star off for the opening being a bit slow, but overall I’m impressed and highly recommend this book — and the full ACOTAR series.
Do I recommend this book? 👍 Yes!
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