January 3, 2024sarahylockwood

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Rate: 4.5/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers):

A story of healing and growth, A Court of Mist and Fury takes place in the immediate aftermath of Amarantha’s death. The whole of fae is now coming to terms with the trama and torture they’d endured for the last fifty years. Can the deep wounds heal during the lull before the looming battle with Hybern?

After A Court of Thorns and Roses I was so very eager to pick the story back up to find out how the fairytale love story of Tamlin and Feyre would play out. That said, Maas delightfully has other plans in store for our two lovebirds that simultaneously expands the literary world while exponentially layering depth upon intriguing periphery characters such as Rhys. Maas also introduces a whole cadre of new characters that expands the world beyond the Spring Court. The scene in which we first meet these large personalities is overwhelming to say the least. With the chaos of that dinner party I was thoroughly convinced I would never keep everyone straight. Given time, each member of this close knit group grows into a beloved character with complex backstories and motivations. Also, upon reflection the overwhelming introduction by Maas has to be deliberate and is rather brilliant as the reader’s experience is comparable to Feyre who likely felt just as out of sorts with a group who has had centuries of history together.

In A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas is inspired by various fairytales, while in A Court of Mist and Fury the subtle undertones of mythology stirred deep-seated nostalgia. This amalgamation of established legends and fairytales leaves me feeling conflicted on my feelings regarding this series, I find I am really enjoying the story as a whole.

The ending of A Court of Mist and Fury left me feeling so very frustrated and talk about a cliffhanger. Without giving too much away, our group of heroes stumble their way through a hole filled plan that is completely reliant on luck to succeed. Moreover, the team uncharacteristically underestimated a foe who has consistently out maneuvered them. So when they walk right into the waiting trap, there’s one horror after another waiting in the wings, with the open ending leaving the reader feeling very impatient to pick up the next installment.

Overall, A Court of Mist and Fury is everything and more you want in a sequel with significant developments in worldbuilding and character growth, while Prythian and Feyre heals following Amarantha’s terror.

Additional Insights (Spoilers Abound):

  • We saw glimmers of Rhys’ depth in the first book but hearing the recap from his perspective paints such a different light on so many events in A Court of Thorns and Roses. I was shipping Feyre and Rhys back in book one so needless to say I loved that Feyre and Rhys are mates.
  • Tamlin is the worst! I was right there with Feyre on her wedding day, begging for anyone to stop it. 
  • Will Azriel ever proclaim his love for Morrigan? What is the history here?
  • Cassian will totally end up with Nesta. 
  • Elain and Lucien are mates! I saw it coming but how will that end up playing out. Why is Lucien so loyal to Tamlin when he treats him so poorly? How could the Spring Court side with Hybern and not accept that Feyre didn’t want to return?
  • How will Nesta and Elain adjust to being Fae? Did the Queens become immortal too?
  • Where is the sixth Queen?
  • Who and what is Amren? How did she get out of the prison? Who or what is the bone carver? Or the Weaver?
  • Will Tarquin forgive Rhys or Feyre?
  • Will Varian and Amren end up together?
  • Ianthe is seriously the worst! Will Tamlin finally stop trusting her? 

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