Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and RosesA Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you are related to me in any way, I’d appreciate if you didn’t read this post. Unless you wanna read about me having the obscene hots for fictional characters. Thanks.

SECOND TIME READING
Rating change: 5/5 stars.

I was a bloody fool before; only giving it 3.75 stars. I spit at my past self. Forgive her: I was just salty I actually like SJM for once.

I’ve already reviewed this book, and it’s already so wildly popular, so I’ll save you guys the drabble.

Updates from this reread

April 24, 2017 – page 367
84.95% “2: My kink, you ask?
Why, it could only be Rhysand saying “good girl”, of course.”

April 24, 2017 – page 344
79.63% “2: I forgot about the party Rhys took Feyre to… wow was that part of this book????? I read these pretty much back to back and I’m shocked. I guess a lot more of this happens in ACOMAF, huh? ☺👏🏻😍😧”

April 24, 2017 – page 344
79.63% “2: “‘And, Feyre,’ he added, his voice a caressing murmur, ‘I don’t like my belongings tampered with.'”
I’M READY TO COMBUST AND DIE BYE.”

April 24, 2017 – page 344
79.63% “2: ahhhh the simpler times, when Rhys was just a dick and Feyre loathed him.
BUT NOW I KNOW WHAT THEY ALSO THOUGHT THAT ISN’T REVEALED HERE AND IT MAKES ME ALL ☺☺☺☺”

April 24, 2017 – page 331
76.62% “2: “I’ll heal your arm in exchange for you. For two weeks every month, two weeks of my choosing, you’ll live with me at the Night Court.”
IT’S STARTTTTINGGGGG YES MY BBYS”

April 24, 2017 – page 329
76.16% “2: it’s just so weird to read this book and firstly, not realise all the clues, and secondly, not imagine what I already know from ACOMAF.
I envy those who are reading this series for the first time. This series is just one of those that you wish you have a memory-eraser for after, then to read it all over.
💖💖💖”

April 24, 2017 – page 283
65.51% “2: okay… it’s almost laughable how coincidental Amarantha’s curse is.”

April 24, 2017 – page 255
59.03% “2: This is such a wonderful book to escape from reality, isn’t it? :)”

April 24, 2017 – page 234
54.17% “2: FYEAH GUESS WHO HAS JUST JOINED THEM FOR BRUNCH
THAT’S RIGHT; THE MAN, HIMSELF.
RHYYYYS <3”

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April 24, 2017 – page 231
53.47% “2: “This was the happiest moment of my life.”
I feel like sobbing, Tamlin was so nice and not an ass?????? 😦 :(”

April 24, 2017 – page 220
50.93% “2: HA remember when the Night Court were the bad guys????
Good times.”

April 24, 2017 – page 208
48.15% “Ummm… no offence (and by that; I mean with complete offence)… I want my Rhys back ty. Bye Tamlin (though he’s being super hot now, I cannot stand him compared to Rhys).”

April 24, 2017 – page 198
45.83% “Holy hot damn, I forgot how well SJM writes fanfic-level SMUT.”

April 24, 2017 – page 189
43.75% “”Standing before me was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.”
MMM YES BITCHES GUESS WHO JUST TURNED UP(*^3^)”

April 24, 2017 – page 148
34.26% “2: okay so I think my glasses are giving me a major headache but I’m continuing to reread this anyways!
It’s so weird to read this without Rhys being introduced yet… I don’t like it, guys. I pretty much hate Tamlin (bc ACOMAF events).”

April 24, 2017 – page 66
15.28% “2: serious why is this taking me so long to read?? I’ve read it before? I hate reading slowly… :/
Thoughts so far; really enjoyed how terrified Feyre was but still confronted Tamlin.
However it’s still so weird to read about Tamlin after knowing all the shit that goes down in ACOMAF.”

April 23, 2017 – page 32
7.41% “I’ve been reading way too slowly omfg the guys aren’t even in it yet (but guess who just burst through the dooooor).
Idk if I can handle reading this book since reading ACOMAF. I know so much now.”

April 23, 2017 – page 0
0.0% “2: GUESS WHO IS THE BASIC GR GIRL?
ME
This is a REREAD. Any comments I make in updates will be lead with “2:”.”

Additional thoughts (why this book moved from a 3.75 to a 5 star rating):
This reread has given me a new appreciate towards this series. I think I have sentimental value of this first instalment after reading ACOMAF A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #2) by Sarah J. Maas.

This has been written in such a beautiful world.

Reading the start was extremely slow for me, but pretty much after Rhys strolled into the picture, I was done for.

I felt so bittersweet, reading about how nice Tamlin was. It’s hilarious to think Rhysand was actually being mean when he first met Feyre.

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In no way, is this story original. Obviously. But I than further than the retelling; the love triangle politics that takes place is extremely simple. Am I mad? No.

But if lack of originality and/or love triangles annoy you: stay clear from this series.

This book makes me so happy and I’m glad I finally got around to rereading it!!! I’m just upset I have to do uni stuff again before reading the next one :/

FRIST TIME READING
3.75/5 stars

How can I love a book by SJM dearly; but LOATHE ToG sooooo much?????

Seriously– all you have to do is check out any of the 4 reviews I’ve made for the ToG series, and you’ll get a hint on how much I hate the series.

I gave this book a chance bc the sequel beat Lady Midnight, and I was pissed.

I’m gonna say now; if the sequel is anything like the initial instalment, I still think it isn’t greater than LM. For sure.

I’m almost 100000% sure that this book was FanFiction (pls no comments saying “it kinda is, it’s an adaption of Beauty and the Beast-” I know. What I mean is, I feel like I could upload this story onto The Vampire Diaries and nobody would question it.

I’m a big twihard, and I tend to mention twilight (somehow) in every review I make. SJM’s mating theology is great, I appreciate it, and I read a lot of it in the twilight fanfic universe.

However, SJM’s was a little too…… feral. Weird? Odd? Borderline threatening?

Seriously, I love this book so so so so so so so much more than any of the ToG books. Her protag was way more likeable, instead of the whole “oh look at me, I’m practically a warrior princess, I’m invincible– except when even the smallest of challenges come to me– then by all means, I’m a DID.” Classic.

It isn’t a book I would rave about, but if it were against ToG, oh helllll yeh, I’ll read it over again even. I’m excited to read the next one, but I’ll probably be more critical bc it’s my book’s arch enemy.

I read reviews saying we are supposed to ship Feyre with Rhys????????? I have no complaints, he gives some biiiiiiig Damon (Salvatore) vibes, but his relationship IN THIS INSTALMENT neither transcended anything but manipulative dominator. (So I’m low key shipping it). Honestly, I wouldn’t be mad if she ended up with Tam. I’d be a little disappointed since their entire relationship was cliche, and too instalove, but hey, they’re both strong enough characters for me to care and read further on.

SJM’s writing on action scenes hasn’t really improved, but I don’t care too much bc I’m here for the romance. I would looooove to read a SJM new adult or purely adult romance novel. That would be divine. Why must she taint her writing with poor action and high fantasy (nothing against high fantasy– just SJM’s version) themes?????????

Highlighted quotes from my kindle:

“‘Please, Feyre.’ She drew out the two syllables of my name-”
This was funny to me, in my own little world. I’m sure it wasn’t meant to be a laughing matter, sorry.

“I could smell my doom on his death as he said, ‘Now.'”
I’M SORRY I WILL NEVER FORGET LAUGHING AT HOW AWFUL THIS QUOTE WAS, CMON GUYS– CMON. IS ANYBODY ACTUALLY READING THIS AND STILL WORSHIPPING HER LIKE AN IDOL???????? If so, I’d like to talk with you. I’m interested in your mind.

“‘They’re under orders not to even touch you.'”
DANG guys, I swear I have read this line at least 40 times in my twifics, ngl I’m not mad.

“‘I might take an animal form, but I am civilised, Feyre.'”
!!!Flashbacks to when Edward said although he isn’t human, he’s still a man!!!!!! This made me giggle. And also cringe. I’m not really into the whole “fear us, we are sexy and dangerous bc we are……… FAERIES!!! Who are shifters. But FAAAAERIES!!” Idk man I’ll always see them as Legolas’, simple (barely badass no mater how much you deny it) pretty fae. I’m sorry. I wish I could find it attractive in the midst of the “””mysteriousness”””. Like I do to vampires. Buuuuuuuut I don’t.

“‘I’m an immortal. I have nothing but time, Feyre.’ He said my name with such… intimacy.”
LOVE IT. LOVE. I actually can’t remember is Tamlin or Rhys. This will probably determine who I ship Feyre with. But then again I shipped Dorian and Cel hella hard, and look how that turned out for me :((((((

“I hated the smell of these books-”
YEP, CAN’T RELATE TO HER THAT WELL.

“‘And we lied when we told those ancient mortals that we couldn’t speak an untruth.'”
I adore the cleverness of this– this… whatever is. Scene? World? Theory within the world?

“Kissed it carefully– in a way that made heat begin pounding in my core, between my legs.”
Uhhhh hot damn, I forgot SJM is dying to publish smut but couldn’t for some reason.

“‘Yes– all of those female faeries around you were females for Tamlin to pick. It’s an honour to be chosen, but it’s his instincts that select her.'”
I S2G I HAVE READ FANFICS JUST LIKE THIS.

“‘She asked me not to be gentle with her, either,” he snarled, his teeth bright in the moonlight. He brought his lips to my ear. ‘I would have been gentle with you.'”
UM SORRY NOTP I’M A LITTLE TOO TURNED OFF.

“‘I’m sending you home, Feyre.'”
OKAY A LITTLE BIT OTP.

“‘No.’ he paces before the bed. ‘Didn’t you read between the lines today?'”
Okay I hate when SJM does anything in between the lines bc I’m pretty sure she’s the only one that follows the mystery while for me it’s just a shitshow for writing.

“‘Give me everything,’ I breathed. He lunged, a beast freed from its tether.”
SORRY NOPE I GIGGLED V LOUDLY ON THE PLANE WHEN I READ THIS SOAP SCENE.

“‘I love you,’ he whispered, and kissed my brow. ‘Thorns and all.'”
SWOOOON.

“‘Tell Her Majesty, you human filth.'”
Can this be put on my tombstone??

“‘And I’ll remember precisely where my hands have been. But if anyone else touches you– let’s say a certain High Lord who enjoys springtime– I’ll know… ‘And, Feyre.’ He added, his voice a carressing murmur, ‘I don’t like my belongings tampered with.'”
It’s so wrong for me to find this attractive but I dooooooo hot hot hot dang.

“Rhysand chuckled. ‘If you’re that desperate for release, you should have asked me.'”
Hello, Damon.

“‘Because I’m tired and lonely, and you’re the only person I can talk to without putting myself at risk.'”
SWOON #2

“‘The answer to the riddle… is … love.'”
KILL ME NOW. SHOOT ME..

So that’s my thoughts right now. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Probably bc I was satirically laughing at it.

I’m glad I’m finally pleased by a SJM book!!!

View all my reviews

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#TheReadingQuest Update 1

Finished my first book, some older woman is bullying some of the participants, and I’m having fun reading…

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I completed my first book!

View my Goodreads review here (it has also been added to this blog’s queue). I read The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh. I enjoyed the story, and it received 3/5 stars. 

 

trq 1
The story was based of Arabian Nights.

Next I will read Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I have read this before and did not like it. Finger’s crossed I do this time!

 

This week is flooded with uni assessments and exams, so bear with me.

bear

 

Point Count:

XP 30

HP 50

Level 1 

 

IN OTHER NEWS… 

peaces_icons-harrumphI’ve had beef with somebody who’s being a shark on the book blogs and forums participating. This woman is going around on teenager’s accounts and discounting their reading; taking this reading challenge way too far. I scavenged the web to see if other #TheReadingQuest participants were being attacked, and indeed there were. In particular: teen girls. Not cool, Miss ‘I like to spend my time trying to argue with minors who are just trying to have some fun while reading’.

 

I’ve been obsessed with The Office (U.S.) lately. Half way through season 3, it just clicked. I suddenly understood the humour.

 

Okay back to assignments and study…

Review: Six of Crows

Six of Crows Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This review is essentially spoiler free aside from talking about characters’ personalities(?? also, anything accidental bc idk what would be a spoiler for those who have read Grisha sorry).

4.5/5 stars.

It would’ve been 5 if I knew more references; alas, I am a noob who immensely regrets not reading the Grisha trilogy before this.

Overall thoughts:
It was hard for me to get into, because we really do just jump into the world, so if you’re wondering if you can read this without reading Grisha; bloody well just don’t. Okay? DON’T. I regret it.Have I emphasised that enough? Cool.

It was a cool story. Not usually something I’d love, but the characters are what hooked me.

Do I think this story is overrated?
Yep. Totally. It’s just like any other high fantasy in YA. I saw nothing outstanding from the rest.

This doesn’t stop it from getting such a high rating, however. The writing was beautiful, but I had to read slowly. That was only because there’s a lot for me, personally (as the noob who didn’t read the other series prior– REGRETS) to pick up and understand.

As many people know; I had a few problems with the building of the world. If you don’t know, here’s to catch you up:

Updates

April 20, 2017 – page 0
0.0% “Have I read the Grisha Trilogy?
No.
Do I think I’ll like this?
Probably not. It has a map. I’m already getting ToG vibes (and you guys KNOW I do not like that series).
Am I reading this because it’s so popular on GR and very YA fan raves about it on my feed?
Yep.”

April 20, 2017 – page 16
3.23% “Okay this is good!
But idk wtf half of these Grisha terminologies were– maybe I should’ve read them after all…”

April 20, 2017 – page 33
6.67% “This is written really well. I have phased out a few times, due to long descriptions of the setting, but most of it is coherent.
I seriously regret not reading Grisha beforehand.”

April 20, 2017 – page 42
8.48% “”When everyone knows you’re a monster, you Brent waste time doing every monstrous thing.””

April 20, 2017 – page 88
17.78% “I like Nina! She’s a good voice of reason. She seems like she has some huge backstory.
This entire time I feel like I’m missing out on this big crazy war that happened in the other series… is that the case?
How many of these characters were from the old series?”

April 20, 2017 – page 128
25.86% “Idk wtf the dynamic is between Matthias and Nina and idk if they have backstory (I’m sitting here going “what the actual fuck is going on” because he wakes up, we don’t get told a thing about this guy, and book; he’s strangling her) but rn I’m just feeling some Peeta vibes circa. Mockingjay part 1&2.
I’m sad bc I’m confused and feel like a noob.”

April 20, 2017 – page 162
32.73% “Okay so basically NOTHING has happened in this chunk, ffs, but there was a funny joke taken to Kaz about a nursemaid.
Question for fans who know better; WHY is there not a glossary for some terms? They’re italicised, but not explained.
And some words are unnecessarily spelled wrong; like “medik”. For gods sake; WHY DO HIGH FANTASY’S DO THIS. WHY.
Somebody actually answer me please? Sorry, I’m frustrated.”

April 21, 2017 – page 216
43.64% “Yay I got new glasses now I can READ even CLEARER woo.
So a heap of character/relationship stuff is building while they’re on the ship; but it’s taking longer for me to understand the relations.
I feel so behind. I can’t believe I’ve gone into this hot reading Grisha first.
Like who’s good and who’s bad? Why should I care about a certain person’s feelings to this other character’s betrayal? Idk?”

April 22, 2017 – page 275
55.56% “Matthias and Nina are such hunky dorks it’s adorable.
But why is Nina so sketchy to Kaz??? I wanna hug Kaz. He has no idea what’s about to blindside him :/
Nina is my all time fave character in this book. She is the best badass protag I have EVER read.
EVER.”

April 22, 2017 – page 372
75.15% “”Because, Matthias, you stink of decency.”
I’m loving all the last moments before the show down.
However, coolest moment in the chunk: Inej and Nina’s girlpower- and dressing up as Fjerdan (or however else you spell it) women soldiers and trying to get in. That was very cool.
This whole book is quite cool, actually. I’m 17. They’re 17. Why aren’t I that cool?”

April 22, 2017 – page 406
82.02% “MATTHAIS WHAT THE FUCK, MAN??????????”

April 22, 2017 – page 470
94.95% “”I will have you without armour, Kaz Brekker. Or I will not have you at all.”
God DAMNIT how is this book going to already make me bawl like a baby???????????? HOW
I am about to CRY.
WHAT IS THIS BOOK DOING TO ME?”

Okay so favourite to least fave characters:
1: NINA.

I HAVE A BIG OL’ CRUSH ON NINA AND I AM NOT ASHAMED. I LOVE THIS CHARACTER SO MUCH. I WANT TO DATE HER. SO. BADLY. SOMEBODY GIVE ME A NINA. I LOVE HER. I WANNA HUG HER TO BITS. WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW.

2: Matthais.

At first, I didn’t like the guy. In my updates I said he reminded me of Peeta c.Mockingjay parts 1&2 lmao. I had no idea what the heck was going on at the start; but I’m guessing he’s from Grisha and I’m missing some big plot. Then we were pranked by our own author, who tricked me into thinking he was a badly a bazillion times. But specially when (view spoiler) Also; he and Nina are my ABSOLUTE FAVE. Together and apart. But especially together. What hunky dorks. Hunky. Dorks.

3: Inej (+ especially Inej when she’s super girly and soft oml)

So Inej was great but at the start I kept getting her confused with Nina, oops. I really only like Inek when she’s with Kaz (primarily), or doing badass trickery with Nina. Like stealing the cloaks and making a disguise? (Hey wait I feel like we didn’t end up knowing what happened to Inej when (view spoiler). Anyways; she’s great. She’s super trust-worthy. I knew from the start that she was like, the only good person I could trust. Crooked Kingdom; don’t let me down I s2s (saints? get it ACCEPT ME FANDOM PLS I’M TRYING SO HARD)

4: Kaz

… Look. Guys. Hear me out. He’s a cool guy. But… dang. I got pretty much sick of him afer 3 chapters. I’m ngl, I like when he has his angst bla bla bla, but his macho/pride is boring and tropey. I’m sorry. He’s the main man and I’m not loving him?

5: Jesper

I’m sorry but his POV was the worst to read IMO. I was bored and it didn’t give an exciting insight like the others idd. He had the least personality, for me.

6: Wyland

Redeeming quality: plays the flute, has daddy issues. Great. Same gurl, we can have some great sleepovers together. But for reading about him; I felt sad at the end, his dad is a dick, but we never get a direct POV from him and so I’m not as attached. Sorry-not-sorry for this ruling…

Idk what else to say? I’m being really generous for my love for this book. It’s super popular. I enjoyed it, the writing is standard YA fantasy. It’s not something I’d tattoo on my face like I s2g half the members on GR are doing, but it was enjoyable and certainly not trash. It did drag a bit though… in the middle? IDK if it was more meaningful to readers from Grisha; for me, I was like “how long are are they on this ship daaaang can’t the assassination just happen already jeez”.

Yes I’ll read on. Mainly because this book did get me attached, by the end I wanted to cry mainly for Nina and Inej. Bless those girls. Men have been shit to both of them. I hope they’re okay in the next book.

Thanks for all the likes I got in my updates, too, btw. It’s the most response I’ve ever received?? I didn’t know this book was so popular until then wowee.

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EMBRACE ME FANDOM

View all my reviews

#TheReadingQuest has Started!

From today until the 10th of September, I will be participating in a book challenge hosted by Read at Midnight. You can find my sign up/entry post hereI love that this is an Australian-hosted challenge! 

I’ve made a couple cute images for the quest!

thereadingquest poster
This is just a run-down of the challenge’s rules.

And I finally made a character profile:

reading quest start

I am determined to win! (or at the very least; have a lot of fun 🙂 )

ARE YOU PARTICIPATING IN THE READING QUEST?

Poll

Are you participating in #TheReadingQuest? If so, which character are you playing as?

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Check out my blog post explaining it/entering here or check out the original post explaining it here.

 

I will also try to read as many recommended books that I found on the Reading Quest’s Goodreads Discussion group:

trq recs mage

DO YOU UNDERSTAND HOW EXCITED I AM FOR THIS CHALLENGE???

this-is-the-best

I know it’s just reading, but this whole set up will be cool to interact with fellow readers and have friendly competition going on.

I wish everybody good luck!

Let’s pray I don’t get swamped by uni work and have to neglect this challenge like I did for Make Me Read-a-thon 😦

I Failed the Make Me Read-a-thon

I read 0 out of 5 books.

 

Pathetic, I know.

 

But I did end up listening to two audiobooks! I still classify it my attempt a failure, but know I wasn’t completely out of the loop. Please don’t shun me. Okay, I deserve it a lil bit for being so weak and ‘procratinative’…

 

Funky INCREDBIBLY SAD Audiobooks I Listened to This Week:

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All the Bright Places by Jennifer NivenKirby Heybourne (Narrator)Ariadne Meyers (Narrator). I rated this book 4/5 stars.

 

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Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (Goodreads Author)Bahni Turpin (Narrator)Robbie Daymond (Narrator). I also rated this book 4/5 stars.

 

How’d you guys go with your reading challenges? Were they a success or failure? Which book is your current favourite?

 

Friday 56 #5

TGIF! This week features a gorgeous sunset and the pretty cover of A Thousand Pieces of You 🙂

Happy Friday! For me, it’s just like any other day 🙂 except tonight I allow myself to stay up reading 😎 real booknerds sacrifice sleep for more reading.

This week’s page 56 comes from a newfound fave of mine; A Thousand Pieces of You.

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For me, this book started off poorly, but then a heap of sci-fi and historical stuff starts to occur. PLUS there’s a great plot twist. 

 

Enjoy your weekend!

Have you read this book, or anything similar? I’d love to hear some book-recs!

When I First Saw You? #4

wow these books sucked ass

Judging books by the cover is a weakness for me. I’m sorry. I have learned my lesson (mostly), but a few months back, I read these god awful books.

 

They were written by the same author who wrote the Vampire Diaries. You know, the books I’ve RAVED about???

 

Well: They. Blew.

 

They SUCKED. 0/5 stars. They are a disgrace to my bookshelf. Take them away from me.

these suck 1

 

These books are called the Night World series. 

 

I have ranted many times about these books. I cannot believe I made myself read them.

 

 

 

comic edited
Basically: I saw these in the library. A friend gave them to me. I read them. They sucked. I was in denial, bc paranormal romances are always a win for me. Then after reading every single story; I concluded: They Sucked.

Library Loot #5

I went outside to take a shot of these beautiful books cmon give me attention

Holy crap, guys! I haven’t done one of these tags for over two months!

 

I promise I’ve been ever-so-faithful to the library. But it’s always mainly been SJM books.

 

Additional to the Make Me Read-a-thon selection, I’m hoping to read these books I found last week!

I didn’t know Meg Cabot and Stephenie Meyer wrote a book together??? THAT’S THE BEST NEWS EVER.

tyre

 

Books I Looted from the Library: