April 29, 2024sarahylockwood

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Rate: 4/5 

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers):

A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third installment of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the last of the series told from Feyre’s point of view. It is no coincidence that the acronym for A Court of Wings and Ruin spells out WAR because there is so much heartache and fighting throughout. With the cliffhanger that the last book had left us with I couldn’t wait to pick up this next novel, desperate to find out how Feyre and Rhys would reunite.

Feyre has evolved so much since we first met her in the woods, hunting for her survival. While much of this series Maas has explored her characters healing from extreme trauma, A Court of Wings and Ruin finally allows Feyre to grow beyond her past, dominating her peers in both strategy and magic. Her long game has one almost feeling bad for Ianthe and Tamlin. Ok. Maybe not. But seriously, Ianthe’s karma comes due for her in some rather brutal ways.  

I found myself exasperated at quite a few of the over the top exchanges in A Court of Wings and Ruin. As I picked up this novel right away following A Court of Mist and Fury, perhaps I was approaching Maas burnout with Nesta infuriated me and Elain’s moping dragged on seemingly forever. On a fun note, there is so much spiciness. Trust me. I am in no way complaining, but it was often so inappropriate, and totally disregarding any of their friends who might be present.

I wish that Hybern had been better developed as the King of Hybern seems to be this all powerful being who is constantly confounding Rhys and his allies. Even after the trap the team walked into at the end of A Court of Mist and Fury, everyone continually underestimated the King of Hybern. How is this Fae so powerful and why is he so evil? I would have loved a deeper dive into his inner workings.

Overall, this third installment is dimmed by dread and hopelessness compared to its predecessors, though wraps up many of the tragedies and messes in a too tidy bow. That said, the story kept me hooked through every over the top, dramatic scene. 

Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound):

  • Seeing the Spring Court through Feyre’s eyes now that she’s turned spy was so hard. It seemed like she’d hardened so much toward the suffering of the common Fae. 
  • Ugh. Cue the tears when Tamlin brought back Rhys, wishing Feyre to be happy. Will Tamlin find love?
  • How will Elain and Lucien find love?
  • I knew Nesta loved Cassian!
  • I loved that Feyre becomes High Lady. That part of how Tamlin was going to place Feyre in his court always seemed off. 
  • Is Eris actually evil?
  • Was the Bone Carver and the Weaver actually killed? Where did Bryaxis go? What about the Bone Carver and the Weaver’s other sibling. Will we meet him?
  • Helion had an affair with Lucien’s mother! Is he actually Lucien’s father?
  • How will Keir eventually betray Rhys?
  • How can Vassa be freed from her curse?
  • Greyson is the worst!
  • How will Jurian use his second chance at life? I did not see it coming that he was actually on the good side.
  • It was terrible sad that the Suriel is killed. That said, this sequence led Feyre to take Ianthe to the Weaver’s Cottage where she meets a horrific ending.
  •  What will happen to the Ouroboros Mirror after the Bone Carver died?
  • Will Maryam and Drakon be able to keep the cauldron hidden?
  • The ending was so abrupt with the Feyre’s Dad showing up the hero but then dying at the hands of the Hybern King quickly. 
  • Rhys dying was too much but bringing him back was even more sigh worthy. 

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