Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury

Hey there, fellow horny fae friends! Welcome back to the Wicked Indulgence podcast, where we dive into the juicy, scandalous, and sometimes downright ridiculous world of our favorite guilty pleasure reads. Today, we’re talking about A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, the second book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Buckle up, because this ride is about to get wild!

The Setup: Tamlin, You Big Pussy Prick

Let’s just get this out of the way: Tamlin is a big fat pussy prick. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time I wanted to throw a shoe at him while reading this book, I could probably buy my own fairy kingdom. I mean, come on! This guy starts off as the brooding, mysterious love interest, but by the end of the first book, he’s just a whiny baby who throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. Spoiler alert: he doesn’t get better in this book.

So, Feyre, our lovely protagonist, is now a Fae after her harrowing experience under the mountain. You’d think she’d be living her best life, right? Wrong! Instead, she’s stuck in the Spring Court with Tamlin, who’s busy being a control freak and throwing hissy fits like a toddler who lost his favorite toy. Honestly, I half expected him to start crying and demanding a nap.

The Wedding That Wasn’t

Now, let’s talk about the wedding. Feyre is literally walking down the aisle, and instead of feeling like a princess, she’s having a full-blown panic attack. I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s about to marry a guy who can’t even handle his own emotions, let alone hers. As she’s standing there, mentally screaming for someone to save her, guess who swoops in like a knight in shining armor? That’s right, it’s Reese, the king of the Night Court, and he’s here to rescue her from the clutches of Tamlin’s emotional baggage.

And can we just take a moment to appreciate how dramatic this whole scene is? Feyre throws both of her shoes at Reese, and I’m over here thinking, “Girl, you just got saved from a wedding you didn’t want. You should be throwing confetti, not shoes!” But hey, I guess that’s just how she rolls.

Welcome to the Night Court

Once Feyre is safely in the Night Court, things start to get interesting. Reese is like, “Welcome to my kingdom, where the vibes are good, the food is great, and the emotional trauma is optional.” Seriously, the Night Court is like the cool kids’ table at school, and Feyre is finally getting a taste of what it’s like to be part of the in-crowd.

Reese is not only a total snack (I mean, have you seen those abs?), but he’s also a great mentor. He’s all about helping Feyre unlock her potential and embrace her powers. Meanwhile, Tamlin is back at the Spring Court, probably sulking in a corner and throwing things. Honestly, I can’t blame Feyre for wanting to stay in the Night Court. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with a bunch of hot, brooding warriors who can fly?

Training Montage: Feyre Gets Her Groove Back

Now, let’s talk about Feyre’s training. It’s like a montage from a cheesy 80s movie, complete with upbeat music and lots of sweat. She’s learning to fight, to harness her powers, and to stand up for herself. And can we just say, it’s about time! This girl has been through enough trauma to fill a therapy session, and now she’s finally taking control of her life.

But of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Feyre is still dealing with some serious PTSD from her time under the mountain. It’s like she’s carrying around a backpack full of emotional baggage, and every time she tries to take a step forward, it feels like that backpack gets heavier. But with Reese and his crew by her side, she starts to find her footing again.

The Crew: Power Rangers Assemble!

Speaking of Reese’s crew, can we just take a moment to appreciate how fabulous they are? We’ve got Cassian, the brooding warrior with a heart of gold; Azrael, the mysterious one who probably has a dark backstory; and Mor, the fierce female who’s not afraid to throw down. It’s like the Power Rangers, but with more angst and way better outfits.

These characters add so much depth to the story, and their banter is top-notch. I found myself laughing out loud at their interactions, especially when they’re teasing Feyre about her “human” quirks. It’s like they’re all in on the joke, and Feyre is just trying to keep up.

The Bone Carver: Creepy and Cool

Now, let’s talk about the Bone Carver. This guy is like the creepy uncle you never wanted but somehow ended up with at family gatherings. He’s mysterious, a little terrifying, and definitely knows more than he lets on. When Feyre and the crew go to visit him, it’s like stepping into a horror movie. You can practically hear the ominous music playing in the background.

But here’s the thing: the Bone Carver is also super interesting. He has this way of making you question everything you thought you knew about the world. Feyre’s interactions with him are some of the most thought-provoking moments in the book, and they really push her character development forward.

The Big Bad: Highburn

As the story progresses, we learn about the looming threat of Highburn and the potential for war. It’s like the dark cloud hanging over Feyre’s newfound happiness, and it’s a constant reminder that she can’t escape her past. But instead of letting it consume her, Feyre decides to fight back. She’s not going to let some evil king ruin her life again, and I’m here for it!

The stakes are raised, and the tension builds as Feyre and her crew prepare for the inevitable confrontation. It’s like watching a game of chess unfold, and you can’t help but root for Feyre as she navigates the complexities of her new life.

The Romance: A Love Triangle?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: the love triangle. Feyre is torn between Tamlin and Reese, and honestly, I’m over here like, “Girl, just pick the one who doesn’t throw tantrums!” But I get it; it’s complicated. Tamlin represents safety and familiarity, while Reese represents adventure and passion. It’s like choosing between a cozy blanket and a rollercoaster ride.

As the story unfolds, Feyre starts to realize that she deserves more than just safety. She deserves to be with someone who challenges her, who pushes her to be better, and who respects her as an equal. And spoiler alert: that someone is Reese.

The Climax: Epic Showdown

The climax of the book is nothing short of epic. Feyre and her crew face off against Highburn and his forces, and it’s a battle for the ages. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. You can practically feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins as you read.

But what I love most about this showdown is that it’s not just about physical strength; it’s also about strategy and teamwork. Feyre has come a long way from the scared human we met in the first book, and it’s inspiring to see her take charge and fight for what she believes in.

The Conclusion: A New Beginning

As the dust settles and the battle comes to an end, Feyre finds herself at a crossroads. She’s no longer the same person she was at the beginning of the series. She’s stronger, more confident, and ready to embrace her new life as a Fae.

The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager for more. It’s like the author knows exactly how to keep us hooked, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Final Thoughts: 8 Out of 10

Overall, I’d give A Court of Mist and Fury an 8 out of 10. It’s a significant step up from the first book, with more action, deeper character development, and a romance that actually feels earned. Plus, the humor and banter between the characters make it a fun read.

So, if you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts fantasy, romance, and humor, look no further. Grab your favorite snack, settle in, and prepare to be swept away into the world of Feyre and her fabulous crew. Just remember: Tamlin is a big pussy prick, and you deserve better!

Until next time, happy reading!