A Court of Thorns and Roses

By: Sarah J. Maas

Narrated by: Jennifer Ikeda

Length: 16 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

When Feyre kills a wolf, a beastlike creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a magical land, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal. As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it....

©2015 Sarah J. Maas (P)2015 Recorded Books Inc

Seriously Overrated - you can’t trust the ratings

I find the 5 star ratings on this book to be misleading and will be seeking a refund.

It’s ok if you are not used to better authors and deeper stories. May be good for teenagers but not for wide read or sophisticated readers who enjoy excellent fantasy by established authors like Patrick Rothfus or even Robin Hobb.

The story is bland as are the characters, all highly predictable and lacking depth, the premise of the story is good but it feels like every opportunity for digging into the material was overlooked and generalities were chosen instead.

Narration is emotionally monotone, overly breathy and needlessly solemn, there are many many better narrators, though the direction may be at fault for all the factors I have criticised.

Very had this book been more realistically rated I think I would have been far less disappointed.

Would recommend for early to mid teens.

What a story!

I started reading this after finishing the Throne of Glass series and I am in love with this new realm. Can’t wait to start the next one!

Great Story

It took me a while to get into the narration but once I got over that I really enjoyed the story. I liked the characters and I like how well-rounded and (in some cases) relatable they are. I think the consequences of certain actions are very well portrayed, thankfully they are not just brushed aside or made light of. The pace was good and the plot kept me wanting to know more eager to get to the end!

Feels much better after reading the second book

After reading /listening to only this book, I wouldn't give it more than 3 stars. The story was too predictable, the characters a little bland and just a little bit boring. I liked the last third of the book most.
BUT after reading the second book of this series it completely changed my view of the first one. When you put the story in the context of the second book it becomes mind blowing.
So if you only kind of like this one, bear with it and read the second one too. I think it will be worth it.

The best of authors that readers could wish for!

There is no limit to the wonder that is Sarah J. Maas. I was so invested in the story and characters that she had me crying for them by Chapter 10... And I never saw that twist coming at the end! She could have easily drawn the challenges out into a book each I suppose, but she never lets us down. As always, she gives us complete satisfaction and closure, and still manages to continue a series.

Yes. Just yes!!!

I can't wait to listen/read the next once
Listening everywhere, anytime

You can't do wrong with Sarah J. Maas

Love the series, not the narration

I’ve read the series twice and this is the first time listening to it. While I love these books (the best ones come later so don’t give up!), the narration left some things to be desired. While the narrator does Feyre alright, most of the male characters sound like ladies to me and she doesn’t even try to give ethereal voices to the faeries… the Attor sounds like a dainty little girl?! Not exactly how I imagined it. Sometimes when two female characters are talking it’s hard to separate who’s who. I listen to a lot of YA fantasy and many female narrators have a fantastic range of voices (Stina Nielsen would be the master!) so I’m a little disappointed one of them weren’t chosen for ACOTAR. It would’ve made the experience so much better. If possible, I’d recommend reading the books instead!

Slow build to an intriguing end

For a good chunk of the book, I struggled to engage deeply. The writing and the story was okay but not amazingly captivating. The last few chapters were much stronger.

Great story

If you like Beauty and the Beast, fae lore and lovestories, this is a great book. I have already bought the next book in the series.

It builds the story for the following books.

So I’m writing this review while on the third book and I have to say the series keep getting better and better. This book has a good amount of world building and not too many characters so it’s easy to keep up with. Each book gets more and more in depth of the characters and kingdoms within the realm.