A Court of Mist and Fury

A Court of Mist and Fury
A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES #2

- by Sarah J Maas

5.0/5.0 stars

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Holy shit holy shit holy shit. I can't even process what I've just read. I am consumed by this want - no, need - to go back to page one and re-read this book because I simply can't cope with what it's done to me. My mind is still reeling and my heart is still recovering and oh dear God having to wait a whole year until book three comes out is going to be the end of me.

A Court of Mist and Fury is the hotly anticipated sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas, my review for which is here, and which I now regret rating five stars. Hell, I'm almost ashamed. Because A Court of Mist and Fury hits it out of the damn park. It is a game-changer. Sarah J Maas stepped it the hell up and it is a phenomenal masterpiece.

A Court of Mist and Fury picks up Feyre's story after the events that transpired Under the Mountain three months ago at the end of ACOTAR. Struggling to adjust to her immortality whilst coming to terms with the price she paid to save the people of Prythian, life in the Spring Court is testing her in ways she can't handle. Haunted by her nightmares and her fractured soul which bleeds with the blood spilled by her own hands, Feyre can't forget the horrors that tortured her Under the Mountain, nor can she forget her bargain with Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court. As he sweeps her away to his lands, she finds herself entangled in dark politics embroiled in a murky history and secrets that span centuries. And when she learns of the war that threatens the safety of Prythian and the mortal world, Feyre has to deal with the horrifying realisation that her fight with Amarantha that she barely survived by the skin of her teeth, was just the beginning, the first of many battles that promise to wreak bloodshed and destruction on their world. But Feyre is now High Fae; her transformation left her with special gifts, a new power that flows through her veins and she could be the key in saving a world divided in two...

Sarah J Maas upped her game in A Court of Mist and Fury. A Court of Thorns and Roses was written well enough, but we were only ever shown the Spring Court and a small glimpse into the history that sets in motion Feyre's part to play in Prythian's story. In ACOMAF, she explores the other Prythian Courts, their lush landscapes, ancient traditions and complicated politics - and in doing so, it is rich in history, steeped in political warfare, and seductive with its sweet air of fantasy. This book is, in every essence, magical. The world-building is so deliciously exquisite as the Night Court comes to life in paper and ink, a court that is enigmatic and exciting, dangerous and deceiving, a court of power and peace and paradoxes. And she paints a beautiful image of its secret city of Velaris, a city of art and mystery and sheer beauty, reminiscent of the intoxicating allure of cities like Paris or Rome. She drove my imagination wild by creating a fictional landscape that I was addicted to and couldn't leave.

The characterisation in this sequel is unreal. Feyre, at the beginning of ACOMAF, is a broken spirit. Understandably so. After everything she went through Under the Mountain, she is left with wounds that gush open and bleed into her waking life. The psychological trauma that she is imparted with in its wake, is raw and oh so real. I felt like I was holding her broken soul in the palm of my hand and watching it splinter to dust before my very eyes. But her growth, her journey of self-discovery and purpose, and the harnessing of her powers makes her the ultimate kickass herione. And Rhysand - RHYSAND - MY HEART. I can't even. What a complex, multi-dimensional badass. His character is a stroke of genius. He is devious, cunning and powerful, but he is also the embodiment of selflessness with an unwavering sense of self-sacrifice. There's so much hidden beneath his many masks and watching them slowly fall off to unmask the painful truths and crushing horrors he's faced was a heart-breaking journey in itself.

|   "Rhys still knelt, wings drooping across the white sheets, head bowed, his tattoos stark against his golden skin. A dark, fallen prince" - Feyre, A Court of Mist and Fury

I appreciated the dynamics between these two. For most of book one and for part of book two, Feyre is suffocated, her fearless spirit and independence suppressed by Tamlin's protective urges. Rhysand on the other hand, treats her like an equal, complementing her fighting nature and her smart sense of politics. It was empowering to watch their relationship develop as they lead the vision that they have of the Night Court and of Prythian; they share a mutual respect for one another, an undying sense of loyalty, and a desperate dream of peace that they will go to the ends of the world to defend. Their wicked scheming and willingness to fight for their people make these two a sight to behold. Coupled with their witty back-and-forth and the heated sexual tension that seeps through the pages, A Court of Mist and Fury echoes with power, mystery and dark passion as it sweeps you into their enchanting world.

The role of secondary characters is also taken up a notch in ACOMAF. Rhysand's Inner Circle are legit squad goals. I loved their dynamics and their little heists together and as characters, they felt authentic and real with their back-stories and the history of their friendship fleshing them out more than the characters introduced in ACOTAR which are bland, almost boring, in comparison. Characters which I fell out of love with as the story progressed and as Feyre's rose-tinted glasses shattered into a million pieces.

Like with ACOTAR, the plot in ACOMAF is slow-building but so much more is revealed to build up to the final instalment in this trilogy which will no doubt be an epic conclusion to Feyre's tale. It's been so carefully crafted and looking back, it has been cleverly set up from the get-go. Whilst the romance was central to ACOTAR, it takes a back-seat and plays its role as a sub-plot in the sequel, intertwining with a much darker, electrifying plot that is explored with intriguing depth. And it works a dream.

And that ending? That ending had me on the edge of my freaking seat. I was hyperventilating throughout and when I read that last sentence, I think my heart stopped. I need book three and I need it now. It promises mind games, deception, and dangerous manipulation and holy hell I don't think I can handle this book hangover and the waiting game that comes with it. (Help me).