By Sarah J. Maas
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
I had expectations of this book that were high - blame the #bookstagram and updates from various friends who have all been on the receiving end of my screaming texts throughout. But, what I failed to realize was that this book skyrocketed my expectations. I thought the first was good. This book, however, was great. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Let's talk about Rhysand
From Book 1, I was intrigued. The air of mystery, the quips, the banters -- it was all there, ready to set up the love triangle we all knew was coming. And, his introduction and character insights we got in A Court of Thorns and Roses already had me convinced I liked him. He was the epitome of every bad decision wrapped up in a good heart that every girl craves. The mystery around him had me hooked, but I really didn't think I would get this hooked.
The sheer scream that echoed from my lips the moment Rhys appeared in the book - though slightly predictable - was beyond perfection. In fact, I had been waiting with every page for him to appear because I so badly wanted to know more. I loved how much there was to know about him throughout the book. I feel like we didn't get this level of insight into Tamlin in Book 1, and maybe that is the overall plan. That, or I just really found myself holding onto every moment with Rhys instead of Tamlin. His past weaved into what we know about Tamlin was incredible and heartbreaking.
My favorite thing about Rhysand is that he was set up to be Tamlin's counter and opposite in every possible way. At first, it's described as Tamlin is light and Rhysand is darkness - at bare minimum, the assumption that one is good and one is evil is heavily set. But, Book 2 takes this predictable notion, and maybe also in a very predictable but lovable fashion, twists and manipulates it into something else. Rhys becomes the hero while Tamlin becomes a crazed and obsessive villain.
Rhys and Feyre being the main characters in the book with very little Tamlin was a blessing and a curse. I loved the growing knowledge of Rhys's character, and the actual growth that came with it. The transformation that it also created within Feyre was beyond incredible. Their bond is something most would crave and the satisfaction we get from the passionate progress of it all highlighted the entire storyline for me.
The Storyline
Everything about this book's storyline had me completely gripped. I understand the hold that it has on so many - and, I am one of those people now. Reeling from the first book, I was fully under the impression that Tamlin was good - was the hero that we were made to believe in the beginning. Little did I know. . .
One of my favorite things about A Court of Mist and Fury is the layers in which it dissects a post-war type of mentality and the weight it can put on a person. Typically, when a book ends the way the first one did, it's happily ever after. I love that we saw the damage that the actions Under the Mountain had on everyone and everything. But, especially what it did to Feyre. The angst that came in from page one of her actions was such a gut punch in the best way possible. Adding the friction to become normal and return to a life that everyone once knew coupled with this new persona that she had to endure was such a beautiful melody.
At first, I understood Tamlin's actions - the desire to protect what he had lost and was allowed back again. As his protectiveness turned to possessiveness and shutting her out of everything - despite what she had accomplished on her own - my opinion of him shattered. It was as if he wanted nothing more than to put her in a glass cage, a box, for everyone to look upon - his prize that he had earned for enduring everything. As if he had been the one to break the curse just because it had been put upon him.
For each thing he kept from her, Rhys was the opposite; for all the times Tamlin made choices for her, Rhys allowed her to choose regardless of how it affected him. I came to hate Tamlin the more I fell in love with Rhys and what he had done. Tamlin hadn't seen what he had been doing to the woman he loved because perception mattered more. Rhysand took one look and immediately went into protective mode - the right way. To give her happiness back when the man she once loved stole it away just to keep appearances.
The parallels throughout the book, culminating in Feyre realizing what she was becoming and who she needed to be with, was incredible. Tamlin's stronger grip fought Rhysand's willingness to give her freedom. Beautiful, really.
Inner Circle's entirety throughout the book had me convinced that they were the group I would forever be rooting for. I needed more detail, more about them - I needed snippets of them just being together, having fun, being friends. War aside, I loved their relationship with each other and how it grew and invited Feyre into the mix without so much as a beat of hesitation.
In the last few chapters of the book, I found myself gripping the pages tight, tearing up with every word and wishing I could undo what had been done. I had suspected Tamlin of doing something evil - especially after the command to bring her home and ignoring Feyre's letter (which only further proved his need to protect appearances rather than what he loved) - but, I had no idea that it would end the way it did. It tore my heart apart to see Rhysand and Feyre being split apart because she had to. Right when she actually saw her future.
Ready for Book 3
The classic enemies-to-lovers slow burn of their relationship coming together was perfect. I didn't want it to just stop so suddenly. But, to know that their bond exists, still, has me ready to dive into Book 3 immediately. I was ready to dive into this book after the first, and now I'm more eager keep moving along. I desperately need them back together, for the darkness and killing to end.
A Court of Mist and Fury was beautiful, magical, dark, adventurous and sexy all at the same time. I can't wait for the next one to just blow my mind.
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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