A court of wings and ruin excerpt – Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s manoeuvrings 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.
In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.
Note: This review is spoiler-free!
Why did I pick it?
Having loved to the point of worship the ToG series I started on this series a few years back. I’ll be honest, I enjoyed the first one, but I didn’t love it. The second, WOW. I rarely get emotional about a book but the 2nd in the series had me HOOKED! Thankfully it was a lazy beach holiday read, otherwise, I doubt I would have been able to function as an adult as I couldn’t put it down.
I was really looking forward to this final instalment I was worried about. I have a habit of hyping books up so much that they can’t possibly meet my expectations, I just always want them to be amazing. It’s like Christmas, the hype is always better than the actual event!
What I loved about it
The “world” details and descriptions were fantastic. Maas is a genius at creating rich and detailed worlds and the locations in this book, some old and some new, added to the world created so far, as the book expanded out over a greater area than in previous books. This was pretty much necessary given the scale of the battles taking place but I loved the richness of it all.
I loved the further development of secondary characters. I didn’t feel Feyre or Rhysand developed further after the emotional journey that was book two, probably a good thing, given my emotional reaction last time! But learning more about secondary characters as they moved into starring roles was welcome. I’m guessing this was done based on the fact that we know further stories within the world are going to be written and released some time soon.
What I loathed about it
I wouldn’t say I “loathed” anything about it. There were “niggles” though that either annoyed or disappointed me.
At the beginning of the book, we spend a huge portion of time from Feyre POV. All fine, but after every action or conversation we are reminded that she doesn’t mean it, it’s a lie, it’s an act. Fine, I get it, it was annoying to be reminded constantly of that particular plot point. I was pretty thankful when this was over if I’m honest.
The sex scenes felt pointless and inappropriate on occasion. They were also a little more graphic than I usually expect in YA lit. I’ve read mills and boon novels with less sauce! Maybe because this book lacked the “will they won’t they” suspense of book two, it felt less steamy, more trivial than it did previously.
The ending. sorry! I know some people loved it, I just didn’t. I wasn’t unsatisfied by the ending in any way, which is usually the big let down in final books. Instead, I felt it was rushed and a little less well thought out. It lacked the detail that the build up had, especially when during the last quarter of the book I had been on the edge of my seat!
I’m usually annoyed when loose ends aren’t tied up, but as I know the story will continue in some parts (hopefully with Lucien, he was absent for far longer than I wanted!) I’m ok with it
Thoughts
Luckily this one did live up to my expectations, mainly at least (hence 4 stars, not 5!). I just didn’t love it as much as I did the 2nd book. Overall for me, it lacked the emotion and the suspense that I loved so much in the previous instalment.
When and where can you get it
You can purchase A Court of Wings and Ruin on Amazon today
Sounds like a great book! I’ve been meaning to read more recently but it’s just hard finding the time to fit it in around everything else! I’m 100% going to add this to my list though ?
Author
I know what you mean, I really have to make time sometimes which is a shame 🙁
Great review! I think I’ll have to add this to my never ending TBR list! 🙂
S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com
Author
I know, I don’t think I’ll ever finished mine!
Hi, if I’m honest this is not the type of book I would read, but I’m glad that overall you enjoyed it, Chloe #TeacupClub
Fab review! I didn’t read much past 1/4 in to the second book, but I think I’ll pick it back up.
I *love* that there are no spoilers and how balanced this review is. A lot of people have just fan-girled and not had a bad thing to say!
I remember seeing SJM in conversation around the release of book one and she said it was rather more NA than YA because it was going to be a lot steamier.
Cora ❤ http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Author
Thanks! I try and give a balanced viewpoint, there’s always a positive and a negative. It’s a shame you didn’t stick with the second book, it really got going a third of the way in.
I have never heard of these books! So thanks for the review!
To be honest I’ve not had the chance to read for too long now. More than I like.
But when I get hooked, I get hooked bad like you said.
You have inspired me to purchase the set
Author
completely, I get so hooked I sometimes prefer to wait until the series is finished before I start because I HATE waiting for the next one.
I love me a good book and I think I’ll have to read the first one after reading such a good review of from you! Thanks!
Author
enjoy!
I didn’t know abou this book series. I love finding new books & going by your review, I will surely read it!!
I love your in depth review here, I’ve heard some amazing things about this author and this series all over booktube but I really enjoyed your take 🙂
Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
My Instagram | Instagram
Author
Her books are a bit like marmite, I’m in the love camp, you should give them a try 🙂
Wow girl I feel like we have such similar tastes in books! I LOVE Sarah J. Maas, and I love the Throne of Glass Series, too. I haven’t read the 3rd ACOWAR but my sister has…and she told me the ending lol. If she isn’t lying to me, then I’m with you…I don’t like that ending!
But she totally could have tricked me just to get me to read it 🙂
Author
haha, it’s sooooo difficult to write a review without spoilers. I think your sister is tricking you a little bit though 😛
Thanks for the detail in your review – definitely makes me want to check this one out!
I have never heard of this series. Then again, I have t had the chance to sit down and read lately. I have always loved YA books. I actually prefer them lol.
Author
me to, I can’t get enough of them
Right now I am ready to read a new book, and you give me this list so I definitely read this book.
Author
enjoy!
I am a book nerd, and I’ve been looking for new exciting books. I believe this one will fit my needs, but I am more excited about reading the 2nd one! Since you said it is even better. Thank you for the review!
Author
agreed, it’s the first and only time the second book has been my fav!
This is a series! This could be a check out!
I heard so many people talking about this book but haven’t had time to pick it up. I haven’t read a lot of books like this one and I would really love to get into it. xx
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Author
ooo I hope you do and you enjoy it!
I’ve never heard of this series of books but this sounds like a good read! Great review xx
This is an author I haven’t heard of before, so I’m keen to suggest it to my partner as I think she’ll really enjoy. Lol, glad you weren’t really ‘loathed’! 🙂
I’ve never heard of this series before, but loved the way you described. Going to have to check it out!
Ah I love when I find a book that I can not put down. My family on the other hand? not so much! I will be for sure checking out this book series now though!
Author
I just hide 😛
Great review!! I love that theres no spoilers in here, definitely need to look into this!!xx
Author
I hate spoilers, sometimes I have to leave twitter to avoid them!
Thanks for sharing! I love reading and am always looking for new books! Sounds like a brilliant read!
Great book review!