SERIESous Spoilers: A Court of Mist and Fury

SERIESous Spoilers: A feature where we discuss what happened in our favourite (or maybe not so favourite) books. Did you like the plot changes? The romance? What surprised you? What angered you? And what do you think will happen next?

This month’s SERIESous Spoilers Pick:

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas | A Court of Thorns and Roses Trilogy

It was probably one of the most anticipated sequels this year so I think it goes without saying that I wanted to share some of my thoughts on it. Please join me!

–So Long Happily Ever After!–

In my series review, I state my problems with Tamlin and Feyre’s romance. In short: my biggest problem was Tamlin’s alpha tendencies and how it made their relationship pretty unhealthy to me. I wasn’t totally sold on it though I did warm to it in time because I did see why they would connect romantically.

So, I think it goes without saying that I wasn’t totally disappointed that things didn’t work out between the two of them. Their relationship is SO UNHEALTHY and I’m glad that gets touched upon in this book as well. Feyre’s character development in this area really impressed me–even if it did seem to take her forever.

It weird though, in this series I’m not a huge fan of the romance overall. I’m rather indifferent to Feyre (I think her jaded personality in ACOTAR prevented me from totally loving her) and I would say the same about Rhys. It’s bizarre for me because I’m not really attached to any of these characters in any way. Not like I am in the Throne of Glass Series or, say, The Mortal Instruments Series.

BUT, I do prefer Rhys for Feyre and I loved watching their relationship develop as a romantic partnership. The key is the partnership part–I love when the romance makes that the focus.

–Reversal of the Beauty and the Beast Story–

In ACOTAR, it’s pretty obvious how the Beauty and the Beast Story works. Tamlin is the Beast and Feyre is Belle who challenges and eventually frees the Beast. Rhys might be the Gaston but his role isn’t as romantic as that, though he is the “bad guy” to a certain degree.

But what’s so great about ACOMAF is that we see these roles shift. Gone is the “is-it-Stockholm-syndrome?” story and instead, we get one that focuses on the healthier side of things.

What happens if Belle had had the choice to stay like Feyre did in Rhys’ court?

What if Belle was able to grow and exert her independence in a positive way?

What does a love look like that isn’t simply a result of forced proximity and protection?

Perhaps the English Literature student in me read too much into this aspect, but what I think Maas did here is pure genius and is easily what made this book a 5 star read for me.

–What’s going to happen next?–

I was warned that some serious shit goes down at the end of ACOMAF but I wasn’t totally prepared for everything that happened. So many great plot lines to be resolved! I thought there was going to be a little more bloodshed but I love these deceptive games that are now afoot!