“No one was my master—but I might be master of everything, if I wished. If I dared.”
A Court of Mist and Fury is the second instalment of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and the writing is classic Sarah J. Maas. I found the first book, a retelling, to be slightly off her normal groove, but this returned to it. Similarly to Throne of Glass, there are many hidden agendas and so much more of the world is revealed. Maas’ writing is addictive. It never pales.
(Warning, spoilers for A Court of Thorns and Roses and possible spoilers for A Court of Mist and Fury)
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court from Under the Mountain. She changed considerably while she was imprisoned by Amarantha: forced to do heart-wrenching, frightening deeds for the freedom of Tamlin, herself and the rest of the imprisoned fae. Tamlin and Feyre’s minds were affected profoundly. They continue to have nightmares and Feyre cannot forgive herself. Not only that, but she is trying to become familiar with her new fae body. Her awkwardness can be humorous at times, but it is a sombre reminder of the past. Despite now being immortal, she hates it. Plus, the matter of her new fae abilities creates much tension from both herself and those around her.
The bargain she made with Rhysand to live at the Night Court for one week of every month needs to be adhered to. This bargain changes the fate of many, when she is lured into the complications of hundreds of years of High Fae history and a looming war. As Feyre has grown in the first book, she is inspired to confront those events and embrace a stronger part of herself.
“I was not a pet, not a doll, not an animal.
I was a survivor, and I was strong.
I would not be weak, or helpless again
I would not, could not be broken. Tamed.”
It was empowering for Feyre to take control of her own life in this book. There were many obstacles—people, traditions, politics—and it was interesting to see how she worked through these. The different ways people deal with trauma and stress were explored, although not too overtly. It was also an effective lesson in toxic people vs. supportive/loving people.
The night court is beautiful, with so much variety. I can’t wait to visit the other courts. Despite Feyre's negativity towards him, Rhysand was so patient in return. He had such a depth to his character. I loved that Rhysand’s history is so complex, as is his present life. It will take a long time to reveal it all. I especially enjoyed the inclusions of Rhys’ point of view on events that have happened so far.
The wings are one of my favourite things about the Illyrians. They provide fodder for many great one-liners and rumours. They enhance the world by bringing comfort, beauty and all too often, humour.
The members of the Inner Circle are delightful and fascinating with their hundreds of years of history (plus they’re great actors!). They must have so many in-jokes. I am looking forward to getting to know them all further.
“I painted stars and the moon and clouds and just endless, dark sky…I wonder if, even in my despair and hopelessness, I was never truly alone. I wonder if I was looking for this place—looking for you all.”
A Court of Mist and Fury is known to be the favourite book in this series of many bookworms. I can see why. Maas creates her worlds, characters, histories and futures so intricately that it’s hard not to live in her writing. Her writing style is powerful and massively quoteworthy. As in Throne of Glass, the realm of Prythian grows and grows throughout each book. Along with it, the characters and stakes. I’m almost sad to have only one more of her books (plus a novella) to read for the first time. (Crescent City, a new series is coming out this year, so I won’t have to wait for long!)
Reading this book was my first time trying a “buddy read”. I highly recommend it! Some things are better shared. Thank you to
on Instagram for doing this with me.
A last thought: one thing that strikes me with this book, is that it’s first-person, but it is written so well that this is lost in the story. It’s not as obvious and distracting as in so many other books.
“To the people who look at the stars and wish...”
...“To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered.”
5 Stars
Read: November 2019
Published: 2016
Related
Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Mini Review: A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas