Tag Archives: Fairy Tale

A Court Of Thorns And Roses (Review By Kristiyan K. ’27)

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #1)A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prepare to be enchanted. Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses is more than just a book. It’s a lifestyle, a religion. A whirlwind of passion, danger, and unforgettable characters, this novel will leave your hands shaking, your heart pounding, and your mind reeling. You may think this is yet another corny romantasy book. Trust me, it’s not. It’s THE romantasy book.

From the moment Feyre, a fierce and independent young woman, is dragged into the magical faerie realm of Prythian, you’ll be hooked. As she navigates the dangerous politics and treacherous alliances of Prythian, Feyre must confront her own fears and desires while fighting for her freedom. Her journey is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with heart-wrenching trials, exhilarating adventures, and a forbidden love story or two that will fill up your soul.

The writing is nothing short of exquisite. Maas paints a world so lyrical and evocative, you’ll feel like you’re right there, amidst the towering trees or the glittering halls of the Spring and Night Courts. The characters are complex, flawed, and utterly captivating. Feyre is a heroine you’ll root for, her strength and resilience shining through even in the darkest of times. The fantasy elements and world-building are equally impressive. Maas creates a rich and detailed world that is filled with fascinating creatures, ancient lore, and dangerous secrets. The action elements and fighting sequences are well-developed and add depth to the story, providing an interesting and fast-paced narrative. To truly immerse yourself within this magical world, I recommend reading the book with a fantasy book playlist. The music will enhance the experience and help you visualize the scenes even more vividly (Velaris has several songs inspired by it…).

But let’s talk about the real magic of this book: the romance. Oh, my goodness, the romance! It’s spicy, it’s passionate, and it’s everything. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed to perfection, and the tension between Feyre and Tamlin will have you fanning yourself and muttering, “Oh la la.” And don’t even get me started on the plot twists (especially in the second book). These plot twists are canon events, and as such I cannot interfere… even though there is so much I want to write about….

Beyond the romance, the fantasy elements and side character arcs are equally amazing. The faerie politics are fascinating, and the magical creatures are both enchanting and terrifying. And let’s not forget about the lovable and hilarious side characters, like Rhysand, who’s a total dreamboat, and Cassian, who’s just… Cassian. You’ll know what I mean. Anyways, what I was getting at is that once you finish reading ACOTAR you’ll feel like a part of a big and happy family.

In conclusion, A Court of Thorns and Roses is an absolute must-read for any fan of fantasy, romance, or both, or neither. It’s a spicy, plot-twisting adventure that will leave you breathless. So grab your favorite beverage (be careful near the book), get comfy, and prepare to be enchanted. Just a warning: once you finish this book, you might find yourself experiencing a severe case of post-ACOTAR-depression; the next ten books you read will be dry as bricks. Trust me though, it’s totally worth it. This book/series is five stars for a reason!

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Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Review by Anika F. ’21)

Gods of Jade and ShadowGods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

At this point in my fantasy journey, it’s hard for stand-alones to impress me. Some are too short and don’t allow for enough world building or character development. Others are large tomes (like The Priory of the Orange Tree) that are pretty much a full series condensed into a brick. Similarly, Young Adult fantasy is not something I reach for, since I prefer the depth and nuance of New Adult or Adult novels.

Yet, somehow, Gods of Jade and Shadow, clearly both a decently lengthy stand-alone and a Young Adult fantasy, surprised me. While the characters and plot are interesting, what really drew me to the book was the descriptions and the storytelling. Silvia Moreno Garcia creates these lush settings with hints of magic, crossing the boundaries between our world and mythology.

Even if you’re not a big YA fantasy reader, I still think there’s a lot to gain from this book. It discusses racism and discrimination, feminism and misogyny, and the importance of charting your own path, even when your family holds you back. —Review by Anika F. ’21

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