Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Hello, fellow book lovers! Welcome back to the Wicked Indulgence blog, where we dive deep into the world of fantasy, romance, and all the guilty pleasures that come with it. Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the third installment of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas. Buckle up, because this one is a wild ride filled with battles, betrayals, and a whole lot of character development.
Overview
First off, let’s talk about the length of this book. A Court of Wings and Ruin is a hefty read. It took Kevin and me about three weeks to get through it, and let me tell you, it was a labor of love. The audio version clocks in at about 24 to 25 hours, which is no small feat! But despite its length, I found myself completely engrossed in the story, eager to see what would happen next.
The book picks up right where A Court of Mist and Fury left off, with Feyre returning to the Spring Court and pretending to be on Tamlin’s side. However, she’s not just there to play house; she’s on a mission to gather intel on Highburn’s army. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable from the very first chapter.
Character Development
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Feyre has come a long way since the first book. She’s no longer the naive girl who was just trying to survive; she’s a strategic thinker and a warrior in her own right. I loved seeing her grow into her role as a leader, especially as she navigates the complexities of her relationships with Tamlin, Rhys, and her sisters.
Tamlin, on the other hand, is a character I found increasingly frustrating. His inability to take accountability for his actions and his toxic behavior towards Feyre made it hard for me to sympathize with him. He’s like a toddler throwing a tantrum, blaming Feyre for everything that’s gone wrong in his life. It’s clear that he’s deeply damaged, but I couldn’t help but feel that he needed to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
Rhys, as always, is a breath of fresh air. His unwavering support for Feyre and his commitment to protecting his court make him a standout character. I loved the moments where he and Feyre shared their vulnerabilities, and it was heartwarming to see their relationship deepen. The way he encourages her to embrace her power and take charge of her destiny is truly inspiring.
The Plot
The plot of A Court of Wings and Ruin is packed with action and intrigue. Feyre’s mission to gather information about Highburn’s army leads her to confront Ianthe, who is revealed to be a major predator. The tension between Feyre and Ianthe is palpable, and I found myself cheering for Feyre as she stood up to her.
One of the most intense moments in the book is when Feyre saves Lucien from Ianthe’s predatory advances. The way she uses her powers to protect him is a testament to her growth as a character. It’s not just about her own survival anymore; she’s willing to risk everything to save those she cares about.
As the story progresses, we see Feyre and her allies navigate the various courts of Prithian, each with its own unique challenges. The battles are well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated how Maas balanced the action with character moments, allowing us to see the emotional toll that war takes on everyone involved.
Themes
One of the overarching themes in A Court of Wings and Ruin is the idea of sacrifice. Throughout the book, characters are faced with difficult choices that force them to weigh their own desires against the greater good. Feyre’s willingness to put herself in danger for the sake of her friends and family is a powerful reminder of the lengths we go to for those we love.
Another theme that resonated with me is the importance of community and support. The bond between Feyre and her friends is unbreakable, and it’s clear that they would do anything for one another. This sense of camaraderie is what makes the battles feel so impactful; it’s not just about winning or losing, but about protecting the people you care about.
The Romance
Now, let’s talk about the romance—or lack thereof. I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed by the level of spice in this book. BookTok had me hyped up for some steamy scenes, but I found the romantic moments to be overshadowed by the heavy themes of war and sacrifice. There are a few intimate scenes between Feyre and Rhys, but they felt more like a release from the tension rather than the passionate encounters I was expecting.
That being said, I appreciated how Maas portrayed the relationship between Feyre and Rhys as a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. Their love is not just about physical attraction; it’s about supporting one another through the darkest of times. I found their dynamic to be refreshing, especially in a genre that often leans heavily on the “will they, won’t they” trope.
The Ending
The ending of A Court of Wings and Ruin is both satisfying and heartbreaking. Without giving too much away, I can say that the stakes are higher than ever, and the battles are intense. The resolution of certain character arcs left me feeling a mix of emotions—joy, sadness, and a sense of hope for the future.
I also appreciated how Maas left some threads open for exploration in the next book. There are still unanswered questions and unresolved conflicts that I’m eager to see addressed in the future. It’s clear that the world of Prithian is far from over, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Final Thoughts
Overall, A Court of Wings and Ruin is a thrilling installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The character development, action-packed plot, and exploration of themes like sacrifice and community make it a standout read. While I was a bit let down by the level of romance, I found the emotional depth of the story to be incredibly rewarding.
I would rate this book an 8.5 out of 10. It’s not without its flaws, but the journey is worth it. If you’re a fan of fantasy, strong character arcs, and epic battles, then this book is definitely for you. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and a few surprises along the way!
Thank you for joining me on this journey through A Court of Wings and Ruin. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the book! Did you enjoy it as much as I did? What were your favorite moments? Let’s chat in the comments below! Until next time, happy reading!