a review: a court of wings and ruin by sarah j. maas

*All reviews are spoiler-free unless otherwise specified.*

"It's a rare person to face who they are and not run from it--not be broken by it." - Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Wings and Ruin

In the third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre find herself faced with the looming threat of war with Hybern, all while adjusting to her new position in the Night Court. The Inner Circle is tasked with joining together the different courts of Prythian to assemble an army large and powerful enough to take on Hybern. The events of the previous two books come together in one final, gripping battle that leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time (and a couple of heart-wrenching twists are thrown in along the way).

Maas does a phenomenal job bringing Feyre's story to a "close" (although it continues in A Court of Frost and Starlight and will carry on in the novels to follow, a fact that I am absolutely THRILLED about). She has a way of writing that, although in first person, allows us glimpses into the minds of each character. We are able to understand their pasts, motives, and emotions on a deeper level, even without changing the POV.

Never have I fallen so quickly in love with a series as I did with this one. All three novels are impossible to put down, and you quickly find yourself invested in the lives of the characters (I finished the series weeks ago and am still in serious post-series depression). Although it is a fantasy series starring Fae characters, they are truly "human"--they wrestle with deep emotions, must navigate their flaws and weaknesses, and care deeply about one another. I can say I read these books for the story, but I fell in love with them because of the characters.

With that being said...

Pros:

The Inner Circle. THESE CHARACTERS THOUGH. They are all bring their own strengths to the group and are extremely interesting and multi-faceted. But most importantly, I love that they are a family, not by blood but by bond. They will do anything to protect each other, and are quick to forgive after working through disagreements or hurt. They represent the type of healthy and functioning family everyone should have.

Depth of the characters. Like I said, each character carries a trove of emotional baggage, so to speak, and I am using that term in a good way. They each have powerful and trying backstories that explain why they are the way they are in the present. Each is entirely unique and lovable in different ways.

The battles against Hybern. I've made it clear in my previous reviews that I am not a fan of the weak, "fluffy" bad guys. You know, the ones who like to spout out all of their plans before actually attacking, giving the heroes time to escape? Ugh, ridiculous. This is why I loved the battle sequences in ACOWAR, as Maas definitely does nothave any characters that vapid. The danger is real and frightening, making the story all the more believable and honest.

As always, Feyre and Rhysand's relationship. Excuse this major fangirl moment, but OMG MY SHIPPER HEART. I love every single thing about this ship. Feyre and Rhysand complement each other perfectly, supporting and encouraging one another without ever stepping over into codependency. Both are fully independent and powerful on their own; they've simply chosen to live life together, as a team. It's beautiful.

Sisterly love. Elain, Nesta, and Feyre all get put to the test during ACOWAR, which only makes them realize how important they truly are to each other. I love that Maas made both Elain and Nesta main characters in this novel, and that she really shined a spotlight on the importance of family (both with the Inner Circle and between the sisters). After everything they've been through and all of the disagreements they've had, the three sisters are only brought closer together in the tumultuous world of war.

Cons:

Tamlin's angst. Sure, I'm a little biased, but I really couldn't deal with how Tamlin behaves through this entire book. It just seems like someone who has lived as long as him wouldn't resort to sulking and pouting when he doesn't get his way. His controlling, overpowering manner simply becomes all the more annoying in this book.

Slow start. Feyre's time at the Spring Court, while important, drags on for far too long (not to mention the journey back to the Night Court). In the end, it lasts a while for a reason, but it really could have gone by quicker.

So many negotiations. While I loved getting to experience a little of each court for the first time, the war negotiations that take place between the High Lords go on for a very, verylong time. That's not to say it wasn't enjoyable, I just would have enjoyed it more if it was a tad more condensed.

I HIGHLY recommend this series if you are a fan of fantasy novels. It is so worth it. My favorite book was by far the second, A Court of Mist and Fury, with A Court of Wings and Ruin coming in a close second. I loved the first book as I was reading it, but after reading the following novels, it really pales in comparison. This will definitely be a series I read and re-read many times.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars Series rating: 5/5 stars