A Court of Mist and Fury

This is a second book in a series, so anyone reading this is familiar with sjm's writting and tropes. I'm usually completely against love triangles, especially having the main character switch sides. And yet.

This story picks up after the events of under the mountain and Feyre is dealing with some serious ptsd. And her relationship with Tamlin is tested. In this we can test the ‘happily ever after', the depth of their relationship and the testing goes poorly, to say the least. I've seen many criticize sjm's treatment of Tamlin's character but really, she just enhanced (to the max) the few traits we knew about him, and we really didn't know much aside from him being ‘a protector'. And Feyre, well, she's not all that perfect herself.

Then we have Rhys, who we get to know this book and his side of things since before under the mountain and there the book really got me. I ended up loving him in this book and even his relationship with Feyre and his side of this world.

So if you can put aside the sjm-isms, the drastic changes from the first book, and keep an open mind, you might enjoy this one more then acotar.

Let's be honest, we all read it for Chapter 55, but to get that far? Pure slog. Maybe it was the VA for the audiobook, but Cassian's voice definitely brought me out of scenes. He's supposed to be a muscled, chad of a man, yet sounds like he's in his nerd-phase with his nose clogged up tighter than Nesta's fists in every scene she's in.

Also, suspension of disbelief need not apply itself here with Feyre using working plumbing in the beginning in the Spring Court + working showers.

Also x2, which Editor thought Rhys calling Feyre “Defender of the Rainbow” after the battle of Velaris was brilliant? I would like to have a conversation with them...

Overall, it took me 6 months to get through this, but I would 100% listen / read it again for the memes. Thank you SJM for this masterpiece. 2/5 would get watery bowels, throw a shoe at Rhys, and fling vulgar gestures around like no tomorrow again.

I couldn't put this book down. I loved the progression of Feyre and Rhysand's relationship and all of the plot twists and turns 

Whaaat a rollercoaster of emotions this book was! I was honestly not convinced after the first book in the series, but THIS BOOK!!! I have not had a true 5 star read in years, and this finally did it for me. This book to the adult me is what the Twilight series were to the teenage me. 

6 star read

Feyre, girl, you must know magic and voodoo the way you've got these men tripping.

Compared to the first book this one was much better, I still don’t enjoy the writing style and think there is more to be desired from the imagery. The characters in the book had a bit more depth which was nice but also some connections kinda fell flat for me. The story this one had felt more worth while than the first as well, and it actually had a somewhat good cliff hanger.

I definitely get why people like this one more, but also have heard this is people’s favorite so I am nervous for the next one.

I don’t know if this book makes the series worth it if you haven’t read any but ~ I did enjoy and find it an easy read, if you like more character depth and world building I would probably stay clear though.

I do like the story very much. The new twist in the tale - a much more interesting mml - is much nicer. I also love that the mfl has now come into her power very much. And yet, I hate that the author feels the need to insert one unnecessary chapter describing in cringe-worthy detail their bedroom scenes. That entire chapter could've been done away with so easily; it wouldn't have affected the story in any way. IMHO, the plot is good, the characters are good, but that one chapter takes away the charm quite a bit. 

Summary: A single story arc split between two books.

I am behind on writing about my reading and while I have enjoyed this series enough to keep reading it (I am in the middle of the fourth right now), this if far from a perfect series. I have read pretty widely in the more classical fantasy world. And I have read some romance. The recent trend to Romantasy isn't completely new, but this series seems to have contributed to the movement.

There are some irritating distractions in this version of fantasy. Some are silly things like flush toilets and hot water bathtubs and the level of technology constantly shifting from medieval to 19th-century references. And there is the more common fantasy issues like magic being used to bridge plot points in ways that do not make sense internally to the system.

The series has a sharp turn at the start of the second book (spoilers for the first book and these two books follow), Feyre saved Tamlin and all other Farie courts by breaking the curse. In the process knowingly killed several innocents and herself was killed. But she was brought back to life by the combined work of the seven High Lords who were all gathered together in captivity and who had just been released because of Feyre's work. She is resurrected and becomes the “Curse Breaker”.

The second book starts with Fryre having a very clear trauma response to both her actions (especially killing the innocents) and her captivity which lead eventually to her death. She can't be in a confined place because it reminds her of her cell. She can't paint or do other previously enjoyable things because of the trauma response. The story turns because while there was previous evidence of Tamlin's character in the first book, the second book starts to show Tamlin having his own trauma responses, which are expressed in abusive and controlling ways.

As part of the deal with Rhys, that saved her at the end of the last book, she has to go live with Rhys one week a month. Rhys is aware of her trauma responses and works to care for her and over time she starts to have some healing. Feyre also never really learned to read because her mother died when she was young. So a significant part of how Rhys addresses her trauma is by teaching her to read and understand her new Farie powers.

It happens fairly early in the second book, but Tamlin understands that their relationship is not going well. His response is to try to control her more. Feyre reacts to that attempt to control by becoming more insistent on resisting control. Tamlin eventually tries to force a marriage, and that is the breaking point for Feyre. A bond was created when Rhys saved Feyre under the mountain and he can sense her emotions. When she is breaking down before the wedding ceremony he arranges for Feyre to be rescued/kidnapped.

And it is at this point there is a shift in the book toward Feyre starting to heal and then fall in love with Rhys. Internally that does make some sense, but looking at it from the end of the three-book arc, there is a tension between an abusive initial relationship and a probably too good healthy relationship. Real people fall in love with problematic people all the time. There is a trope about the attraction that women have to bad guys. But what this series relies on entirely too heavily is bad characters actually being good characters who do bad seemingly bad things for hidden reasons. And those hidden reasons make sense once you gain understanding.

I don't remember where I read it initially, but I read an article a few years ago about how many Western children's movies are stories of good overcoming evil. While many Eastern children's movies are about the conflict of the story not being rooted in overcoming evil but overcoming misunderstanding. Frozen 2 and Encanto are both stories where the idea of overcoming misunderstanding is more central to the plot than overcoming a specific evil character. There are still evil characters in this series, but many of those evil characters are good guys who were forced to work with the evil characters for a time but were trying to weaken the evil forces from the inside. I like this as a story possibility, but that story possibility is less interesting when it is overused, as it is here.

In this two-book story arc, Feyre has to heal from her trauma, and find faith in herself and her abilities, many of which are new as a result of her resurrection, but many of which were developments of her character and upbringing and doing what it takes to care for those around her. She is unfamiliar with the Faerie world but quickly learns. I am not going to reveal more plot points, but the two books are about 1300 pages overall and are a single-story arc. The fourth book is a pretty short addition. And the fifth book of the series appears to focus on side characters.

Because I was not interested in purchasing I listened to the Graphic Audio versions of these two books from my library. Graphic Audio is an audiobook production company that is making full-cast radio drama adaptations. Although they don't call them radio dramas, they use the tagline, “a movie in your mind.” I don't know how much of the story was cut but the Graphic Audio versions are about 20 percent shorter than the unabridged versions. I did not feel like there were holes in the story but I do not know what I missed so there may be plot points that were cut that would have made the overall story better.

On the whole, these felt like young adult books with a couple of sex scenes added in. The actual sex scenes could easily have been edited out without any loss to the story. I know others will disagree but that does seem important to me that the books are not written primarily around sex as plot points, but include sex. I understand the argument that this makes the sex gratuitous and not central to the story and that may be true. I don't think that the scenes made the books better. And I do understand the critique that these are written as young adult books with sex in ways that would make young adult readers feel comfortable reading them.

Right now I am sort of listening to the fourth book as an audiobook but I have started reading the most recent KB Hoyle book. I have read every KB Hoyle book and this series has reminded me why good writing matters. It is not that Maas is a bad writer as much as she is not a deep writer, everything is on the surface. The first book in this series is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. But by the middle of A Court of Mist and Fury we understand that while the curse against Tamlin was lifted, he is still a beast internally. She leaves because he is abusive and she eventually finds a good healthy relationship.

KB Hoyle has a series based on a retelling of classic fairy tales that starts with a gender swap Little Mermaid. And then moves to a fairy tale that I didn't know in A Son of Bitter Glass. This third book is Son of Gold and Sorrow and continues with James, the side character in the first book, the helper character in the second book, and the main character in the third book. I bring this up because there is a difference between fluffy writing that keeps me interested (Maas' books) and really good writing that made me stay up a couple of hours past my bedtime last night reading half the book.

KB Hoyle is writing a young adult fairy tale romance that doesn't fit in the romantasy genre but has some of those elements. I think many who are drawn to Maas, would enjoy this series because depth of writing matters. It is not that I am opposed to sex in books. While I picked up this series because it was banned by my local school district because of the sex, the quality of the books matters far more to my perception than the sex. I wasn't offended by the sex. In 1800 pages of the three Maas books, it was only about 20-30 pages, so I just can't get worked up about it.

What I do get a little worked up about is that Maas' books have sold hundreds of thousands of copies and a far superior series by KB Hoyle won't. If you haven't already, I think you should read Holye, I would recommend her Gateway Chronicles, which are early teen fantasy. She has a post-apocalyptic series that is pitched a bit older. She has started a middle-grade series that is pitch a bit younger. She has a stand-alone novella and the Fairy Tale series that I linked above.

Originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/a-court/

Listening to her writing made me much less mad than reading it

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
It was a bit slow the first half but then the story unraveled in a marvelous, mind-blowing way. I just have to start ACOWAR right away!

It is more of the cotidianity after Under the Mountain, yes there are some secrets revealed and I love the banter between Feyre and Rhys, and the last half was stunning, brilliant, and sets everything in motion for ACOWAR (I just read a few chapters)... but I find the first half way too long to get to that point. Some bits are moved fast-forwardly but others are -to me at least- unnecessarily very detailed or repetitive.

It would have been a 5 star if not for this, it took me way too long to want to put the book up again and continue my reading, couldn't get past 10 pages at once for the first half. I even started and finished another one in parallel to keep me motivated, ended up choosing to finish that other book instead lol...

Maybe once I get to ACOWAR I will find those bits necessary or, at least, making sense. I have learned after the end of this book that SJM doesn't leave crumbs without a purpose, so... I am open to be amazed and change my mind ✨️

Hey, book lovers! 📚✨ I just finished *A Court of Mist and Fury* by Sarah J. Maas, and my heart is still racing! This sequel is a glorious blend of magic, emotion, and sizzling tension that left me utterly spellbound!

Feyre is back, and she’s carrying a heavy load. Now a High Fae with incredible powers, she’s haunted by her past deeds Under the Mountain. As her wedding to Tamlin draws near, her struggles become even more pronounced. The nightmares and feelings of hollowness are so intense; you can’t help but feel for her. It’s like she’s torn between two worlds—one with Tamlin in the Spring Court, where she feels trapped, and the other bound to the enigmatic Rhysand, the High Lord of the Night Court. Talk about a love triangle that will leave you breathless! 😱💔

Rhysand is everything you didn’t know you needed! He’s mysterious, charming, and has a depth that pulls Feyre (and us readers) in so deeply. Their banter and connection are electric! 🔥 It’s like watching a slow burn ignite into a full-blown fire, and I couldn’t get enough.

The world-building in this book is phenomenal! Maas intricately weaves a tale filled with politics, power struggles, and breathtaking landscapes that had me feeling like I was right there alongside Feyre. The audiobook adaptation is a game-changer too, with a full cast of actors and immersive sound effects that bring every scene to life. I felt like I was part of the Night Court’s adventures! 🎧✨

Overall, *A Court of Mist and Fury* is an emotional roller coaster, exploring themes of healing, self-discovery, and the struggle for power. Feyre’s journey to reclaim her identity and harness her gifts is inspiring, and I was rooting for her every step of the way. 🌌💖

If you're a fan of fantasy with strong characters and a dash of romance, this book is a must-read! Get ready to fall in love with Feyre's story all over again! 📖💫

omg el enemies to loveeeers omg

I want to give the first half of this book a 3 and the last like 30% a 5 so we've settled on 4.5 stars.

For the hype around this one I thought it would be so much better than ACOTAR and I think that's where I got let down. Don't mistake me, it is better than ACOTAR - the world building and character development and even the plot had a lot more depth but it was just that little bit too overhyped.

I think my biggest problem was with the pacing. The first part of the book was such a snooze fest I'm so sorry I didn't give a shit about her being in the spring court and her inner turmoil about leaving Tamlin literally was such a drag. Also why do I need to be told every time she changes into leggings and an oversized sweater? I just feel like so much could've been shortened for better pacing leading up to the climax. But I have to give it to SJM, the ending was so good. Like she really knows how to tie it all together and leave you wanting more and I'm so keen to read the next book. I just hope the pacing gets better because those books are thickkkkkk

incredibly attracted to rhys

Chef kiss

slow clap Worth the hype.

Halfway through the book, I had suspicions about how far Tamlin would go to get what he wanted, but 1) I expected him to be in on Ianthe's deceit (red petals?! I knew what you were) and 2) I doubted Mass would full send it and go there. I am happy to be proven wrong and am fully invested in this series!

I like Feyre much better now after getting her earned character growth! We got a lot more fae magic, but I'll admit not understand the system of it is something to get used to when you're used to systems like Robert Jordan's and Sanderson's. I want just a little more detail than we've gotten so far. And Feyre learned to read, thank the lord! And speaking of lord, no info about the gods yet, but now that we've gotten introductions to the priestesses and the Book and Cauldron, I'm hopeful for the next book!

Loved every Feyre and Rhysand scene and LOVE the full Court of Dreams! I guessed we were headed towards both her new title and immortality for her sisters, but I had no idea they would come so soon, and I'm so happy to get more time than I thought would be given post both of these developments!

Also, Tam's a bitch and can go to hell.

Wowwwww!!! Okay we're getting better! Definitely better than the first book with lots of twists and turns!!!

3.5

This one does really improve upon the first. The complexity I felt the first lacked is found here. I found Feyre's trauma (and reaction to those who “protect her” to feel very real in this very unreal universe. This sequel does well to show how sometime the thing you always wished for is not the thing you want or need- and the leaving for the unexpected is the best thing you can do for yourself.

The way Rhysand has got me giggling and kicking my feet is honestly unacceptable. Don't know how I will survive 3 more books. Send help

Amazing follow up to the first novel The world building is better, the lands we visited, the characters we meet, the magic and action, and the romance! l loved the humor, the banter, and just the general dynamic between the characters. Feyre is gonna destroy the shit out of Tamin and cannot wait! SJM has a knack for glorious endings. I love Rhysand and still hate Tamlin.

All I can say is wow I now have a mist and fury hangover to deal with. I'll write a proper review once I have my brain back from the night court

This is my favorite book in the ACOTAR series. I dream about Rhys and the way he helps Feyre, it is genuinely the most beautiful thing. She doesn't want to admit she needs help, but he does it anyways. She pushes back and is a bit cruel, he takes it in stride and makes her write "Rhysand is the most handsome High Lord" over and over again until she can read.

I loved this book not only for their relationship progression, but also for the depiction of depression, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and healing. Both of them are struggling, and I thought Sarah J Maas did such a great job depicting these feelings and thoughts in the book. It is so powerful to read experiences like this in a popular book, because it helps normalize mental health issues and bring recognition to what it can look like from the outside.

Watching Feyre heal slowly and find joy again with Rhys is incredible, and I will never not love this book. It is an always must read each year, if not more than 1x in a year.

I feel for Rhys and can only imagine what he is going through on his own, but admire him and can't believe he pushes his own issues aside to help her with hers.

Thankfully we get another interaction with the beloved Suriel, and unfortunately, we get to see a desperate and horrid part of Tamlin. I do not like Tamlin, but I will say I do think he deserves a redemption arc.

The end of the book brings me to tears every damn time, and I love it so much. This book and series as a whole is a must read!

I really like this one! 4 stars because some of the writing is choppy and rushed.

Update: after reading the third book I have decided I love this one. 5 stars

SJM continues to throw me into the most beautiful world, and I especially loved seeing some of the other courts and the romance developing. My best friend and I had a whale of a time reading this and sending voice notes back and forth as we did so!!