Spoiler Free Review | A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J.MAAS

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J.MAAS
Pages: 699

Synopsis:

A nightmare, I’d told Tamlin. I was the nightmare.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit—and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords—and hunt for allies in unexpected places

My Review

Well Well Well… The book I have been waiting for. First off I want to say I went into this book thinking that there was going to be another 3 after it but I’ve recently heard that the other books are actually going to be from other characters from this series. Which since finishing the book makes sense because everything was rounded up and I finished it and thought so does this mean their going to just find new drama for the next three? lol I was wrong.

 

In terms of plot this book was pretty much an emotional roller-coaster. I have read previous reviews argue that they think the book is full of ‘filler information’ and starts off slow but for me I wouldn’t say it is filler. At the beginning of ACOWAR, we pick up where ACOMAF left us therefore Rhysand and Feyre are separated so it isn’t going to be fast paced going straight in because Feyre has to pretend as if she isn’t the High Lady of the Night Court now. The moments which some people regard as filler are moments of Feyre needing to escape but as it does start off as a slower pace it does definitely pick up tension and pace until the ending moments regarding the war.

There are many bits in this book to shock you with reveals, deaths, a character’s sexuality is revealed and character returns. For those who have read the book you will know what I mean by all of this, but you know I hate being a spoiler sue so I’m trying to be cryptic for those wanting to read it. The sexuality of the character being revealed was a shock to me because I didn’t see it coming, who am I talking about? You are going to have to read it and find out aren’t you?
I liked this element because it also added more diversity into this book and it didn’t feel like MAAS simply threw it in to add diversity either, once it was revealed I was like Ok so that makes sense in relation to the characters previous behaviour with another character.

One of my favourite little moments of this book was a moment in which all the Highlords get together in an attempt to create a treaty. I liked Feyre being revealed as High Lady in this moment and I liked how they were all together around the table, the tension was their for sure but it was interesting to have a mental image of each of the leaders of the Courts in one place especially as their style and deemener symbolises the courts they belong to.

I’m complete Feyre and Rhysand Trash. I love them both so much and for me this book was really interesting because we got to experience their separation as Feyre is taken back to the Spring Court. The separation makes things interesting because we experience them communicating through their mating bond more.

Feyre and Rhysand are characters which are somewhat disliked in this book, many have argued that Feyre’s entire existence is tied to Rhysand. Whilst I understand this view because of their mating I disagree because he too is tied to her but ultimately without Rhysand, Feyre would still be a strong independent character. I particularly loved how she was the first High Lady because it showcased another depth to Sarah J.MAAS world building as she alters the point of tradition from the high courts. She shows the emphasis be removed from just predominately male leaders which is seemingly close to our own history? Women weren’t allowed on the throne other than through marriage and tradition broke down until Women became Queens independently through birth rather than marriage. (This history is the British Monarchy I am referring to, I may be pretty ignorant to other countries monarchies and their formations over the years) Therefore could this be a moment of Feyre symbolising that break down in tradition being identified as a High Lady even just through marriage?

Furthermore the whole Mating aspect of the book is something I had no problem with because it’s not like they hate each other and became mated even though they were foul to one another. No, they grew to like on another and the mating was additional to their love. Their mating allows them to also use it like ‘magic’  by being able to feel one another’s fear or injuries and also being able to communicate with one another. So the mating is more useful than for just being a symbolism for complete control or ownership of the other person as some have previously argued.

Outside of Feyre and Rhysand, I have to take a moment to just bring up Ianthe. I hate hate HATE her. I’m so glad she got what was coming to her, which isn’t a major spoiler guys because I’m not telling you how but I can’t write a review and not express my joy for that.  Ianthe is so coniving and evil and just a straight up bitch. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin is a 4.5 star read for me. I couldn’t bring myself to give it a full 5 stars because I did expect more. There was just a little something else missing which I can’t put my finger on but it still was a largely enjoyable read for me. I would say that A Court of Mist and Fury is better though. Overall I really liked this book, I did a re-read prior to reading this so I had all the books in my head fresh otherwise I think I would have been slightly lost with it having so much information packed in.  To sum up whilst this book may seem to start of slow, the tension rises and the pace picks up as well leading towards the war scenes so expect action and a whole bunch of drama. 

 

Useful Links

A Court of Wings and Ruin | www.sarajhmaas.com