Many of you have probably seen or heard about the ACOTAR series very recently. I’ve given the first book of the series a read and wanted to share some thoughts for those unsure of whether to purchase or read the book before getting swept up in the hype.
⭐ My Rating: [3.5/5]
⸻
1. Quick Summary (No Spoilers)
The series is a mystical fantasy theme based in an alternate world where humans lived in a small corner of land whilst faeries and magical creatures invaded the rest.
The first book follows the main character, ‘Feyre’, a young huntress living with her father and two sisters, captured by a powerful being in the faerie realm. The story explores Feyre’s role in the faerie realm, whilst she figures out her place in the world and understands what the darkness that encompasses the world means for her and her loved ones.
I would say the book is a read for young adults and above with themes of adventure, loss and separation, intimacy, romance and puzzle solving.
⸻
2. First Impressions
This book was recommended to me by a friend, we share an interest in mystical style stories, such as Harry Potter and things alike. Initially, I was intimidated by the length of the book as I do not often have time to read, but she highly recommended the series and had already read every book so I was intrigued.
The initial draw to the series was her high recommendation as well as the colourful covers to the series, I felt this was carefully selected by the author and allows for the series to stand out on a bookshelf (shallow you may say, I know). But I also didn’t want to judge a book by its cover and with a motivation to read in order to discuss the story with my friend, I was committed. Whilst I hadn’t heard about the hype at this point, I did discover the attraction to the book once I had began reading it and felt I was in for a good ride at this point.
My friend had mentioned to me that the beginning was fairly slow and the gripping parts of the story didn’t commence until roughly halfway through, and I would agree. I went in open minded, and I usually find a mystical world hard to follow, however the scene was set well and although it took my a while to learn the ins and outs, it was a sturdy beginning.
I had high expectations going in due to my fri ends recommendation, however I did manage these as she is more of a book fanatic than I am and everyone’s taste is different.
Whilst it took my a while to read due to my lifestyle and a slow beginning, I would say the book is worth a read and I hope now that the ground work is laid, the following stories are as gripping as the end of the book. The story met all my expectations, although the ending was comfortingly unexpected.
⸻
3. Writing Style & Pacing
Whilst the story initially started slower, the depth of the story was very well written. The author was very descriptive and I feel all senses were covered throughout, I was able to very clearly visualise the story and the language was used cleverly and understandable. Descriptions of various elements flowed very well and there was never a point I didn’t understand the scene.
This is evidentially not a children’s book and could be a hard read for some, however I don’t have the widest vocabulary and I was able to pick up on the story despite being unsure of some language used.
I would like to emphasize again that the first half to 2/3 of the story is slower, however the pace does pick up and the pace at the beginning benefits the love story. There is not too much going on at once which I feel allows for there to be so much detail within the main plot.
The language and writing definitely made for an interesting and encompassing read which allowed me to stay gripped.
⸻
4. Characters & Relationships
The main characters, whilst somewhat typical, were very well written. Your typical heart throb and damsel in distress with a hidden strength storyline played a heavy part but very well written. I felt I knew the characters and learned more about them throughout, feeling more of an emotional attachment to the storyline.
You get to understand each relationship and all the characters become connected in some way, both negative and positive which I feel enriches the story.
There is a typical ‘the more you learn, the more you feel for them’ theme even within the more cynical characters, however I feel this actually made for a better read.
I don’t feel that the amount of characters was overwhelming either. Each linked to the storyline in a sensical manner that makes sense for the events that occurred and I wasn’t losing track of what was happening which can sometimes make a book difficult to read.
I enjoy a book which provokes emotion and makes me feel engrossed in the story which I feel the characters emphasised.
⸻
5. Themes & Takeaways
I don’t necessarily feel this was a book which provoked intimate and deep thinking about personal life despite the intense story line, however I do feel that there are some underlying storylines within.
For example, a big take away for me was the sense of unexpected love and despite all morale you would do what you needed to do for those you care the most deeply about. Finding inner strength and drive through pure will power no matter your abilities. There was also a sense of understanding of others, with reference to meaning behind malice. I enjoy when a writer puts meaning behind action, even when that action is considered evil which I quite enjoyed in the story.
Not to mention it again, but I also enjoyed the slow development of the story. You didn’t get all the information at once and the subtle foreshadowing provoked ‘of course!’ moments which connected and completed narrative and kept me hooked. In moments of action, I actually noticed my heart racing a little.
The book is definitely aimed at those who enjoy the mystical, magical world, which I do, but the storyline itself also makes for a perfect love novel. The nature of the book itself, however, is completely fictional though so I wouldn’t recommend for those who like realistic books.
⸻
6. Final Thoughts
Overall, I would recommend this book for those who share in interest in the genre. I feel like comparing the book to marmite, I really enjoyed it, but I know people who wouldn’t.
I don’t want you to be put off by the rating, as the book was very enjoyable to read. But, I want to make it clear that it’s a ‘buckle up for the ride’ type of book that needs an element of commitment, and a ‘bare with attitude’, but I promise it’s worth it.
I’m excited to read the next book and let you all know whether it’s worth the continued commitment, although I wouldn’t dismiss the potential of only reading this book and being satisfied.
Thanks for Reading,
Amy x
Additional Read
About the Author, Sarah J Maas
Sarah J Maas is an American author, best known for her A Court Of Thorns and Roses series. She began to develop her ‘Throne of Glass’ series on fictionpress at the age of 16, which gained thousands of views. By 2012, Maas published her first novel. Maas is a Disney fan, it was during her listening to Cinderella score that she became intrigued in alternate ideas for the storyline, in some gruesome ways. Over the years, she has developed her books into magical storylines interlinking everyone’s favourite fairy tales.
