Warning! Potential spoilers for the first book in the series, A Court of Thorns and Roses.
First of all, I want to start by saying I don't
hate Tamlin. Honestly, I really loved him in the first book. It was after everything happened Under the Mountain that I began to question his motivations. I do think he's weak and allows his emotions to control him, but I don't believe he's inherently evil. Misguided maybe. The High Lord of Spring does have some serious anger issues, and I think they seemed passionate in the first book, but only because his powers were so diminished (thanks to that lovely little curse that brought everyone together in the first place). Once he has full control of his powers again, his outbursts were more violent and damaging, but he was still weak-minded. I don't know if he was broken by Amarantha, or if something happened to him before the curse, but he was clearly not himself afterwards. He let hate and fear fester inside of him, and his friends and allies paid the price, Feyre most of all. His protectiveness from the first book turned into possessiveness, and his affections became smothering and slightly crazed. He
needed Feyre, but for what? Himself? His court? It didn't seem like he had her best interests at heart, only his selfish desires.
I also think Tamlin is a coward. He wronged Rhysand in the
worst possible way, and has shown no remorse for his actions. I'm sure he decided to choose his family and his court over his friend, but he did something unforgivable and didn't even try to make amends (not that it would have helped). Rhys had every right to challenge him, and that was
before Tamlin nearly destroyed his mate on multiple occasions. Despite all of this, I want Tamlin find happiness and love. I hope he's able to crawl out of whatever hole he's in, and start piecing himself and his court back together. I want him to stop obsessing over Feyre, because some of the things he said about her
just because his feelings were hurt... grr! My blood was boiling on her behalf. I half-wished Rhys would take him out right then and there. I don't know what Tamlin needs in order to move forward with his life, but he has a lot to atone for. He did occasionally do
good in the other books, but it was all so confusing and complicated. I have no idea what his motivations or intentions were, so I don't know if they came from a good place. I'm particularly disgusted with how he treated Lucien, since he would have willingly stood by Tamlin's side for eternity.
Speaking of Lucien, I felt like he had more of a backbone in the first book. I also thought he was Feyre's friend, so it hurt when he allowed Tamlin to break her spirit. It wasn't like he couldn't see what was happening. Feyre was literally wasting away and he barely stood up for her. I'm very conflicted about him as a character right now, because like Tamlin, I think he deserves to find his happiness. However, I think he's going to have a long, hard road ahead of him. Everything regarding his situation is super complicated, and he isn't even aware of half of it. Fortunately, he was there when Feyre really needed him, although I suspect his motivations were mostly for his own benefit.
Let's see... Cassian, Azriel, Amren, and Morrigan were phenomenal characters! I really loved their group dynamics, and how their inner circle felt more like a family. They love each other and their city, and they were so welcoming when Feyre entered their lives. Even though most of those relationships were complicated, they were all there for each other when it really mattered. I loved learning more about each and every one of them, and I cannot wait to see what happens to them in future books. I laughed
so much when all of them were in the same room together, and I'm smiling now just thinking about it.
Illryian babies.
Elain and Nesta are complicated additions the story. They were in the first book, but only briefly. Their lives have changed drastically over the course of this series, and I don't think they're adjusting as well as their sister (Feyre). I understand that they've been through something traumatic, but Nesta was cold and distant long before that. It seems now those emotions have amplified, and I really don't like her very much. Elain seems weak and delicate, but I have a feeling she's going to surprise us all. I'm really curious how her little love affair (or lack thereof) is going to work out.
Rhysand is amazing. He sees Feyre as his equal in every way, and genuinely cares about her safety and well-being. He could have stepped in at any time and forced her out of a bad situation, but he tried to let her make her own decisions. He loved so fiercely, and always put everyone else's needs before his own, even when it nearly killed him to do so (sometimes I wish Amarantha was still alive just so she could suffer some more for what she did to him). I liked how patient he was with Feyre, and how willing he was to give her space and time to figure out her thoughts and feelings. He never pushed, but was always there when she needed him. I really loved watching their relationship flourish in
A Court of Mist and Fury, and then seeing them together throughout the next two books. Everything just felt
right. They didn't have to try when they were together. They were able to just be themselves, and there was no holding back or pretending. They connected mentally and physically, but it was their bond that really stood out. Their souls were entwined and it was a beautiful thing to behold.
Feyre isn't always the best at everything, but she never stops trying. Even when her actions feel hopeless, she keeps going. She pushes herself to be better, not only for herself, but for her newfound family. She also doesn't need Rhys to fight her battles for her, although he's more than willing to do so. She proves time and again that she can take care of herself, and fight for what she believes in. She needs a little help every once in awhile, everyone does, but she's able to hold her own with faeries that have been alive for centuries.
I also liked watching Feyre learn to wield her new powers, and her interactions with the other High Lords. All of that was fascinating! Everything she did was an adventure, and I enjoyed all of it. The slow-burn of her relationship with Rhys, her falling in love with Velaris, her training with Cassian and Aziel, everything that happened at the Summer Court with Amren (hah), and her friendship with Mor... all of it was worth experiencing.
A few quibbles... They are constantly making "vulgar gesturs" at each other, and that phrase popped up way too frequently. I wish those gestures had been a little more specific, or at least worded differently. Also, why did Feyre start using faerie slang all of a sudden? Humans don't believe in the Cauldron or the Mother, yet she started using those phrases seemingly without thought. "Cauldron boil me" or "Mother help us" would slip out of her mouth, and it felt weird since she still used human terms occasionally. Additionally, we learned pretty quickly that Rhys would listen whenever Feyre needed him to, and that he thought of her as an equal, but Feyre was
constantly mentioning those qualities (or some variation of them). I never forgot those aspects of his character, so it felt like the equality was shoved down my throat a little bit. The same goes with Cassian and Rhys trying to fight for the Illryian females. It's important, yes, but it could have been mentioned less. The point would've remained.
I really loved this series and the world Maas created. I'm already jonesing for more, and plan on re-reading this series
very soon. I especially want to re-read
A Court of Thorns and Roses with fresh eyes, and knowing what I know now. I feel like I might have a different perspective when certain things happen, which makes me curious and eager to find out. It's also an amazing read, and I want to immerse myself in the world again.
A Court of Frost and Starlight was an enjoyable read, but it didn't have the same sense of urgency and adventure the previous three did. I know it's supposed to be a bridge between this series and the next, but it was mostly fluffy stuff.
There are so many aspects of this series that still need to be addressed, and I cannot wait to see what Maas will do with those threads. Despite leaving a lot left unanswered, the main story wrapped up beautifully. I really like where Feyre and Rhys ended up, and what their futures looks like at the moment. They have so much hope and love... it's wonderful. The creatures they encountered throughout the book were mostly terrifying and crazy powerful, but they were also interesting and very surprising. They definitely kept everyone on their toes... the bargains and sacrifices, a bad deal made for a slightly better outcome... there was just
so much going on.
I could seriously go on and on about this series, which is why I decided to review them all at once. I thought I would get all of my main feelings out there, and not overload everyone with my enthusiasm. I also didn't want to risk being too spoilery by commenting on too may of the specifics. It's something you'll want to experience all on your own! It's been a long time since a book or series has consumed me so completely, and I absolutely loved every second of it. I was wholeheartedly invested in the characters and totally immersed in the story, so it felt like I experienced everything alongside Feyre and the others. If you haven't read this series yet, I highly recommend it. For those of you worried about a love triangle, don't be. It's not an issue.
