Review of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
When I picked up A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, I had high hopes. After all, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series had built a passionate following, and I was eager to dive into the conclusion of this epic saga. Little did I know, I was about to embark on a journey filled with some of the most maddening—and hilarious—moments I’ve experienced in a fantasy novel.
Let’s start with the characters. Oh, the characters! The central figures—Feyre and Rhys—are, at times, as frustrating as they are compelling. At the risk of sounding like a petulant teenager, I can’t help but feel exasperated by Rhysand’s dual nature: heroic leader one moment, insufferable "mate" another. A staggering 202 times, the term "mate" appears throughout the book, reminding us of this whirlwind romance that too often eclipses any genuine character development. Feyre, while undoubtedly strong, sometimes feels like a vessel filled with clichés rather than a fully realized character. I found myself shouting at the pages as Feyre, despite her battles and trauma, often resorts to impulsive decisions that only add fuel to my frustration.
In A Court of Wings and Ruin, themes of loyalty, found family, and the burdens of leadership loom large. However, the execution often felt muddled amid lengthy battle sequences and repetitive dialogue. The pacing, at times, felt sluggish, with long stretches dedicated to planning and strategizing that could have benefited from more action or significant character interactions. The writing style oscillates between lyrical beauty and the cringe-worthy, as Maas balances high fantasy language with contemporary slang that left me puzzled more than once.
As for the humor, I have to admit, I found myself chuckling more than I expected. Whether it was Feyre’s inadvertent “sexting” or the bizarre phrasing that popped up, there were moments that drew genuine laughter. One memorable scene involved a conversation that concluded with Rhysand engaged in an eyebrow-raising activity that left my imagination running wild. These moments brought lightness, even amid the darker themes of the story—a welcome contrast I enjoyed, albeit reluctantly.
Now, let’s talk about the writing itself. I can’t ignore the editing blunders that seemed to multiply as the pages rolled on. The glaring inconsistencies and awkward word choices often made me stop and laugh instead of cringe. “Hybern” became a term that lost all meaning with its excessive usage, while the awkward character interactions, laden with unnecessary ellipses and fragmented sentences, resulted in a reading experience that sometimes felt like an exercise in endurance.
Ultimately, A Court of Wings and Ruin is a tale that blends action, romance, and a hefty dose of melodrama—traits that will deeply resonate with fans of the series but might leave newcomers scratching their heads. While I can’t recommend it universally, readers who thrive on character-driven fantasy and are willing to embrace its quirks may find a rewarding experience within these pages.
Looking back on my journey through this book, I can’t deny it was a challenge—but perhaps that’s what makes discussing it so enjoyable! If you dive in, just prepare your patience and plenty of snacks; you might need them through the two hundred and two instances of "mate"! Happy reading, fellow book lovers!
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