Spoilers!! ACOWAR - Let's discuss

[ThirdandLong]

Is anyone ready to discuss A Court of Wings and Ruin?

Overall, I enjoyed it, though ACOMAF is still my favorite. I enjoyed meeting all of the High Lords and members of the other courts, the descriptions of the territories and their powers. The moment with Azriel and Eris and the choking was excellent, and so were Feyre and Lucien's skirmishes with his brothers while fleeing to the Night Court. I thought the battles were fairly well written; I found them intense but appreciated that the descriptions of death and gore were not overly much. I liked how SJM didn't just jump right to Nesta and Elaine being A-ok, rather she brought their personalities back slowly and rediscovered who they were post-cauldron. I was blind-sided by Jurian and Tamlin, especially during the rescuing Elaine scene. I enjoyed every mention of the Carver, the Weaver, and Bryaxis, that Feyre & Rhys bargained with such incredible power to try to save their loved ones. I guess I'm a bit bloodthirsty because I enjoyed the end of Ianthe. I especially appreciate that this series closely looks at how a person who has suffered, who has perhaps been damaged, can heal and become strong again and can make a great difference in the lives of many.

There were a few things I didn't care for - Feyre is so young compared to these immortals yet she can often out maneuver them in the game of politics, which I find terribly unrealistic. I missed the tension and banter between Rhys and Feyre; I get that we moved passed that in ACOMAF, but that clever, sharp tongue was one of Rhys' best attributes. Lucien, poor Lucien, I just feel sorry for him; things never go his way.

I love a HEA, and I don't care how much the rules were bent to accomplish it. I loved the ending.

So SJM's letter says that this is the end of Feyre and Rhys' story. Where will she go from here?  I think Vassa will be in the next book, on the continent. Since she left Nesta's story hanging, I think we'll see her again as well.

[MrsAxilla]

Their mating gifts to each other were perfection! I really needed a happy ending to this story. With all the shit IRL and the bad guys getting away with straight-up cruelty, I needed some throats ripped out - haha. The end feels very much like the beginning; a thousand years later, the tale of how Rhys and Feyre destroyed the evil king, united the human and fae, and ruled with justice and kindness will still be told.

I can see the side novellas spinning off in so many directions. Nesta, of course. What is up with Azriel and Elain? I'd like to hear more about that relationship. I was disappointed that Elain was checked out for most of the book. She just kind of floated through the story and we didn't learn too much about her. I'd like to see a little more of Rhys and Feyre, even if they're just background characters in someone else's story.

[ThirdandLong]

MrsAxilla, I wouldn't be surprised at all if we saw Azriel and Elain together in a future story. There was that bit that SJM put in where Feyre basically questions the mating bond, says that Rhys' parents were mated and Tamlin's parents were mated but both sets were terribly wrong for each other. Then she ponders how her and Rhys are so right for each other. Then they discuss how in other territories a mated female has no choice, she's property of the male. Could be foreshadowing.

Wasn't there a tiny scene when Nesta is asking Feyre several questions about mating bonds? It made me curious if she was just finding out how tightly Elain is bound or if she wanted to know for her own purpose. I've never cared much about the Nessian ship, but the scene against the King was very moving.

[sarahsays]

I loved it.

I don't see her putting Azriel and Elain together. I think Elain will inspire Lucien to be better. I hope to see more of them and Nesa/Cassian in a future book.

Since Lucien's metal eye can see through glamours and spells, does that mean he knew Feyre was playing them at the Spring Court the whole time?

[sarahsays]

Oh, I did just remember that SJM said in an interview somewhere once, that you could have more than one mate. Like if you rejected the mating bond or your mate died, you could have another one.

It was in context of the Throne of Glass series, but I don't see why it couldn't be true for ACOTAR too. Maybe Azriel and Elain will be mates too.

[ilikedonuts]

I absolutely think a Lucien/Vassa/Elain/Azriel book is coming. Especially with Lucien and his (unknown to him) dad issues.

[turboteal]

Well, as I've already said, I found this book very satisfying

I was so happy for the HEA! I'm glad this didn't go the way of Divergent. I was ready to accept some of the characters dying though, specifically I think I would have been fine if Amren didn't come back, not because I don't love her, but because I think it would have made sense and been a noble sacrifice kind of act that fit their group. I did also feel Rhy's sacrifice was obviously going to happen, they talked the whole book about how he would give everything, so I was not surprised and kinda thought it was dumb that Feyre didn't see it coming. I was thinking maybe she would realize it would take too much power to re-forge the cauldron, and they would do it by drawing power from others as a group effort kind of thing. I think I might have preferred that or something else rather than as c7 said, a repeat of Feyre's sacrifice. I did really like the bargaining to bring in the Bone Carver, Weaver, and Bryaxis though! And the human queen is definitely cursed by the Bone Carver/Weaver's brother, right??

I did like Nesta's arc through this book, and I definitely think she will be a focus of a spin-off, cuz she seems to still have a long way to go. I agree that Elain was kinda glossed over, and I had figured out that she was having visions or something like that pretty quickly. She also deserves more fleshing out in future books.

As soon as Lucien left for the continent, I was like "Hm, I bet we don't see him again until he swans in with the 6th human queen to save the day in the final battle". I was thinking his journey might be one of the spin-offs, but that doesn't seem enough, so maybe that will just be part of the book, and the rest will be him dealing with Elain maybe not wanting the mating bond and him trying to be ok with that? Or him finding out about Hellion, or maybe becoming High Lord of Day court if Hellion dies? Lots of fodder in the Lucien pile!

Other stories I think we could learn about in future books: Eris's bid to take over the Autumn Court, maybe more of Tamlin? he still seems pretty messed up, although he did finally have some redemption, though he was contemptous about it. I do wonder if we'll learn more about Father Archeron's journey (everytime they talked about how he was off doing "who knows what" I was very suspicious, but I never guessed he was going after the human queens to bring them back and fight!).

Last random thought, I wonder if Mor and the human queen will get together? Or would that be weird, since she loved her ancestor?

[sarahsays]

May 8, 2017 23:40:21 GMT -5 turboteal said:

Well, as I've already said, I found this book very satisfying

I was so happy for the HEA! I'm glad this didn't go the way of Divergent. I was ready to accept some of the characters dying though, specifically I think I would have been fine if Amren didn't come back, not because I don't love her, but because I think it would have made sense and been a noble sacrifice kind of act that fit their group. I did also feel Rhy's sacrifice was obviously going to happen, they talked the whole book about how he would give everything, so I was not surprised and kinda thought it was dumb that Feyre didn't see it coming. I was thinking maybe she would realize it would take too much power to re-forge the cauldron, and they would do it by drawing power from others as a group effort kind of thing. I think I might have preferred that or something else rather than as c7 said, a repeat of Feyre's sacrifice. I did really like the bargaining to bring in the Bone Carver, Weaver, and Bryaxis though! And the human queen is definitely cursed by the Bone Carver/Weaver's brother, right??

I did like Nesta's arc through this book, and I definitely think she will be a focus of a spin-off, cuz she seems to still have a long way to go. I agree that Elain was kinda glossed over, and I had figured out that she was having visions or something like that pretty quickly. She also deserves more fleshing out in future books.

As soon as Lucien left for the continent, I was like "Hm, I bet we don't see him again until he swans in with the 6th human queen to save the day in the final battle". I was thinking his journey might be one of the spin-offs, but that doesn't seem enough, so maybe that will just be part of the book, and the rest will be him dealing with Elain maybe not wanting the mating bond and him trying to be ok with that? Or him finding out about Hellion, or maybe becoming High Lord of Day court if Hellion dies? Lots of fodder in the Lucien pile!

Other stories I think we could learn about in future books: Eris's bid to take over the Autumn Court, maybe more of Tamlin? he still seems pretty messed up, although he did finally have some redemption, though he was contemptous about it. I do wonder if we'll learn more about Father Archeron's journey (everytime they talked about how he was off doing "who knows what" I was very suspicious, but I never guessed he was going after the human queens to bring them back and fight!).

Last random thought, I wonder if Mor and the human queen will get together? Or would that be weird, since she loved her ancestor?

I'm a sucker for a HEA too, so I was thrilled with the ending. Although, like you, I could have accepted Amren's death if it had played out that way.

I think part of the problem with Elain's character is that SJM has said that she didn't intend them to be brought into the story so deeply originally. I think she had a clear plan for where she wants Nesa to go, but it's more blurry with Elain.

I agree it's the weaver/carver's brother who has the swan queen enslaved. I think the human queen whose ancestor Mor loved is the one who was killed in ACOMAF.

[pisces]

I would say I enjoyed about 75% of the book. I need to reread since my 1st reading was a speed read.

What I was disappointed in the most was the lack of Feyre's powers in big situations, ex. when the Ravens corner her in the library, when Ianthe found her in the woods, the end when she touched the cauldron. I wanted to see her use her powers more, she has the power of 7 high lords, I wish SJM would have written her into the battles.

Rhys dying seemed unnecessary. That whole part seemed to happen so fast and just, idk not satisfying. I need to go back and reread.

[ThirdandLong]

May 9, 2017 7:18:40 GMT -5 pisces said:

*snip*

Rhys dying seemed unnecessary. That whole part seemed to happen so fast and just, idk not satisfying. I need to go back and reread.

I agree with you. I wanted a HEA, so I'm happy to just La-De-Da past that part. But as I read it I thought, if a High Lord could truly be brought back to life by all the other High Lords, then they would always stay on good terms. They would always want to/wish to rely on the other High Lords to bring them back if they should die. I find it hard to believe that in the history of their world the High Lords hadn't discovered this before and exploited it; it means that every High Lord would make a High Lady so she'd carry a kernel of his power. And not just exploited it for themselves but for their loved ones also. Why would you start a quarrel with another High Lord if it meant he wouldn't come to save your lost wife or child? Or heck, even their entire armies in situations like this with a common enemy Hybern. Or the population of cities like Adriata after a battle. In swoop the High Lords handing out drops of power and bringing fae back to life.  I think it's a big rule breaker by SJM. One time for Feyre, where everyone in the story acknowledges it's incredibly rare and used to 'Make' a human into fae, that sets the rule. Suddenly bringing a fae back from death... that breaks the rule, I think, and now it doesn't make sense.

[sarahsays]

I just left the signing. SJM said that the three companion books will each follow a couple.

She wouldn't give me a straight answer about Amrens back story or wether Lucien knew Feyre was playing them at the spring court the whole time.

[ThirdandLong]

sarahsays, what are your guesses?

Based on how things were left hanging, I'm guessing Nessian and Elucien. But... maybe Amren/Varian? Or Myriam/Drakon?

[pisces]

I really hope there is a Lucien, Nessian, and Amren/Varian book(plus we would see more Tarquin). I could care less about Myrian and Drakon haha.

[ilikedonuts]

I'd love more Tarquin so Amren/Varian book would be great.

[sarahsays]

May 10, 2017 7:39:47 GMT -5 ThirdandLong said:

sarahsays , what are your guesses?

Based on how things were left hanging, I'm guessing Nessian and Elucien. But... maybe Amren/Varian? Or Myriam/Drakon?

I think Nessa/Cassian, Elain/Lucien, and Amren/Varian.

I don't know why she would have brought Amren back if there weren't plans for her.

[sarahsays]

May 10, 2017 11:19:35 GMT -5 c7 said:

May 10, 2017 10:23:43 GMT -5 sarahsays said:

I think Nessa/Cassian, Elain/Lucien/Azriel, and Amren/Varian.

I don't know why she would have brought Amren back if there weren't plans for her.

FTFY

haha. I almost wrote it like that too.

[abs]

I finally finished last night! Overall I really enjoyed the book but as others noted ACOMAF is my favorite in the series.

I didn't really care for the first part when Feyre was in the Spring Court. I knew that I wouldn't like it before even reading the book so I am glad it was short lived. I did tear up a little with her reunion with Cassian and Azriel (and then of course Rhys). I think this book did a good job of showcasing her ties with the rest of the Rhys's court.

There were a few twists I didn't see coming--Jurien, Feyre's dad. I am glad that Tamlin redeemed himself in the end. I did like him in the first book so I am glad he wasn't written off as a total villain. Hopefully he will find happiness.

So far as the ending goes I am glad everyone survived. I am also a sucker for HEA. I'm not exactly sure why Rhys needed to die and Amren's arc was slightly confusing. Still, those are nit picky things I can easily get past. I do wish we had seen more of Lucien but I think we probably will in one of the later books. I am glad he and Elain never really clicked. That was one thing that bugged me in ACOMAF. Feyre and Rhys are mates! Oh, surprise! So are Elain and Rhys! Seeing that their relationship stayed strained the whole time made me feel better about the intimacy of the bond somehow. I'd love to see more of Nesta and Cassian, too.

Overall it was a good ending to the Rhys/Feyre arc. Parts were kind of slow but I think it's because I've been reading this series for a good month now. I am glad they are happy and together and I'm eager to see what comes.

[pisces]

May 11, 2017 6:35:06 GMT -5 abs said:

I finally finished last night! Overall I really enjoyed the book but as others noted ACOMAF is my favorite in the series.

I didn't really care for the first part when Feyre was in the Spring Court. I knew that I wouldn't like it before even reading the book so I am glad it was short lived. I did tear up a little with her reunion with Cassian and Azriel (and then of course Rhys). I think this book did a good job of showcasing her ties with the rest of the Rhys's court.

There were a few twists I didn't see coming--Jurien, Feyre's dad. I am glad that Tamlin redeemed himself in the end. I did like him in the first book so I am glad he wasn't written off as a total villain. Hopefully he will find happiness.

So far as the ending goes I am glad everyone survived. I am also a sucker for HEA. I'm not exactly sure why Rhys needed to die and Amren's arc was slightly confusing. Still, those are nit picky things I can easily get past. I do wish we had seen more of Lucien but I think we probably will in one of the later books. I am glad he and Elain never really clicked. That was one thing that bugged me in ACOMAF. Feyre and Rhys are mates! Oh, surprise! So are Elain and Rhys! Seeing that their relationship stayed strained the whole time made me feel better about the intimacy of the bond somehow. I'd love to see more of Nesta and Cassian, too.

Overall it was a good ending to the Rhys/Feyre arc. Parts were kind of slow but I think it's because I've been reading this series for a good month now. I am glad they are happy and together and I'm eager to see what comes.

I teared up too, I'm glad I wasn't the only one haha.

[bex]

Okay so I finally finished those last pages lol.

I liked the book overall but had some issues.

I did not like Mor's reveal. Not because of the reveal itself, but because Maas spent a book and a half building up Mor and Azriel as an item. She made them foils of each other. She created chemistry between them that wasn't there between Mor and Cassian etc. and then we find out....Mor's a lesbian and doesn't like Az that way?? REALLY? I found that to be a very weird turn of events.

It seemed to me that she intended for Mor and Az to be an item, but then couldn't really make Lucien and Elain work so figured Elain and Az would be better so that's why she made it clear mating bonds didn't have to be accepted, etc. it seemed like an error in story planning on her part.

Another error on her part - I have NEVER liked Nesta. She made her so horrible in the opening of ACOTAR that I never could come down from that, and then she was never a very nice or likeable character. We were just supposed to like her because she loved Elain? I adore Cassian so a Cassian- nesta combination is off to me. I know she changed the story arc for the sisters so that explains the inconsistencies but still, first impressions are strongest, you know?

I also agree with PP that Rhys's resurrection was a little contrived. If high lords could do that......wouldn't they, if it was at all to their advantage?

What I did like: that the story line with Hybern roughly concluded and that Rhys and Feyre get a HEA. I feel like you COULD just read those three books and be okay with it. You don't need to read any future books, and I liked that.

I actually liked Tamlin's character. I mean he was an asshole, but I felt that was a reasonable response lol. He was a good male who just....sucked sometimes. And even though I wanted to hit him I still understood him, so I liked that.

So overall I really enjoyed it. I didn't LOVE it like I love ACOMAF, but it was satisfying.

[sarahsays]

May 12, 2017 19:55:22 GMT -5 bex said:

Okay so I finally finished those last pages lol.

I liked the book overall but had some issues.

I did not like Mor's reveal. Not because of the reveal itself, but because Maas spent a book and a half building up Mor and Azriel as an item. She made them foils of each other. She created chemistry between them that wasn't there between Mor and Cassian etc. and then we find out....Mor's a lesbian and doesn't like Az that way?? REALLY? I found that to be a very weird turn of events.

It seemed to me that she intended for Mor and Az to be an item, but then couldn't really make Lucien and Elain work so figured Elain and Az would be better so that's why she made it clear mating bonds didn't have to be accepted, etc. it seemed like an error in story planning on her part.

Another error on her part - I have NEVER liked Nesta. She made her so horrible in the opening of ACOTAR that I never could come down from that, and then she was never a very nice or likeable character. We were just supposed to like her because she loved Elain? I adore Cassian so a Cassian- nesta combination is off to me. I know she changed the story arc for the sisters so that explains the inconsistencies but still, first impressions are strongest, you know?

I also agree with PP that Rhys's resurrection was a little contrived. If high lords could do that......wouldn't they, if it was at all to their advantage?

What I did like: that the story line with Hybern roughly concluded and that Rhys and Feyre get a HEA. I feel like you COULD just read those three books and be okay with it. You don't need to read any future books, and I liked that.

I actually liked Tamlin's character. I mean he was an asshole, but I felt that was a reasonable response lol. He was a good male who just....sucked sometimes. And even though I wanted to hit him I still understood him, so I liked that.

So overall I really enjoyed it. I didn't LOVE it like I love ACOMAF, but it was satisfying.

She actually addressed Nesta at the signing I went to. You are suppose to dislike her. She's suppose to be a bitch*.

*direct quote

[ufcasey]

Alright, unpopular opinion time. I only kinda liked this book, it was on the same level as book 1 for me. Maybe even a little less than that.

Random thoughts:

1. I was expecting a LOT more from the whole secret intrusion into Tamlin's court as his girlfriend again. All that dramatic acting to make everyone think she was tricked into being with Rhysand only for her to - what? Shine some pretty light on herself during a ceremony which she would somehow KNOW would piss Ianthe off enough for her to set someone else up to have done something awful so Ianthe could save the day and take the spotlight back, which then Feyre would somehow KNOW she could use to make Tamlin alienate himself from his supporters by having him punish the wrong person while Feyre takes that person's side against Tamlin/Ianthe? Come on. That wasn't even slightly reasonable, or much of a plan, and I was expecting a lot more political maneuvering.

2. Name one person who was not at the final battle. EVERYONE showed up who wasn't dead (RIP Suriel). And how did the king of Hybern somehow become more powerful than every single High Court ruler + Amren + Weaver + the monster thing in the library + the Carver + all the people fighting on their side. Like, really? And I realize that he was supposed to be more powerful than Amarantha who kept all those people under her thumb too, BUT she didn't face them all fighting her at once plus those additional old things. It just seemed unlikely, even when accounting for his use of the cauldron. Because it's not like he used it much in the fight other than when Nesta saved Cassian's life near the end by having him move out of the way when he finally did use it.

3. Nesta. She's a bitch and I see sarahsays 's comment above direct from Sarah Maas herself BUT what I don't understand is why NO ONE calls her out for being one! Not one person! Amren just tries to teach her, Cassian is obsessed with her, Elain is all sweet and weak, and Feyre for no good reason puts up with her shit as does Rhysand. The only person who even comes close to calling her out was that ONE TIME by Mor in Cassian's defense. But otherwise - nada. Feyre fed her, underwent barbaric treatment under the mountain, died, and yet Nesta is all about Nesta and her preferred sister Elain. Just no. NO. Someone needs to call her out on her shit and her two attempts to save Cassian does not erase her being a horrible person to Feyre all the time.

3. There's this big build up about that magical mirror and when Feyre finally gets brave enough to face it she sees some kind of monster in the mirror (which is apparently really her) and then it's fade to black. Then we get some kind of shortened memory-lookback account of her really facing herself and accepting it, which ok, nice sentiment, but wouldn't that have been better to SEE it rather than TELL it. Seeing vs telling is a major thing that differentiates good books from great books, and this was a prime opportunity for Maas to hit it out of the park but she totally wimped out on it. I was pretty mad about that.

4. Feyre's powers: apparently she wants to learn how to fly more than she wants to learn how to do anything else, like say control her magic. She did a lot of practicing of magic in book 2, but in this book it was just physical fighting plus flight lessons and that's it. Conveniently that meant she did practically nothing magically in this book, other than somehow being able to pull off some amazing feats like make an entire army appear as if they were alive and moving at a location where they were no longer at AND stripping away Amren's fey body (with her instructions mentally last minute on how to do it). Oh and she saved her ass with the fight on the ice when she was fleeing Tamlin and did a little bit with fighting in the streets for Tarquin. But no big face off with Hybern at all with her powers from every court.

5. Speaking of the other courts, I didn't really find them memorable. We had the mean guy who has a son who wants to take over his court, we have the guy who wants an orgy, we have the guy who hosted the meeting and has a male partner, we have the guy whose wife is friends with Mor, and then Tarquin, Tamlin, and Rhy who we already knew from previous books. So, I can name all of them, but they didn't really have a lot going on other than the things I listed. They didn't show off centuries of political savvy and fighting. They were easily swayed by Feyre who is a virtual nobody to them. Also, did I miss it or did Rhysand never really come out and say what happened to him under the mountain and what he went through to save his people? Was that another 'tell and not show' moment that I just forgot? I'm feeling too lazy to look it up. But if so, what a waste again of a good moment to show emotion and impact.

6. Mor being a lesbian. I'm not mad about that, and I thought that was a nice vulnerable and unexpected moment. But then if you think much about it, you might might be all "Really?!" I mean, she led a man on for CENTURIES because she didn't want her family to find out she was a lesbian after not living with her family or seeing them very often over, again, CENTURIES? There's being in the closet, and then there's being unnecessarily cruel. She could have told Az and Cassian. They never would have told anyone else. That was such bs.

7. Tamlin - I was hoping for another big reveal showing why he was the way he was in book 2, but all we got was a small 'he was looking for a work around of the bond she was 'forced' into with Rhysand'. No contemplation on his part or Lucien's about how she was mistreated. While I appreciate all the 'bad' guys not being so black/white, I was hoping for a little more badness or goodness to complicate matters further. In the end he did some nice things and I guess now they are going to be happy for each other or something. Sure.

8. Jurian - now there was a good surprise! I have nothing bad to say about that other than I just wish it maybe went into more detail if anything.

9. Finding out about Amren's prior existence, seeing her take a lover, and then try to save everyone plus coming back as a normal Fey - I thought that was great! Maybe more detail would have been nice, but I was happy with it.

10. Carver backstory being siblings with the Weaver and some other brother - cool. Though his death was a little anti-climatic. I loved the reason why he appeared to her as a little boy!

11. Suriel - RIP. No complaints there. Very sad and well done. One of the best parts of the whole book.

12. Ianthe getting a beat down of her own hand by her own hand and then later dying - awesome. Would have loved to see even more of it if anything LOL!

13. NO ONE ELSE DIED besides Ianthe and Suriel. Really? I like it when an author gets more bloodthirsty and kills off an important secondary character. Oh well. ETA: and Feyre's dad. Forgot about him, that's how little I cared about it LOL

14. Az and Elain and not Elain and Lucien - loved that.  Let's go with that in the future books please, Maas.

15. Lucien's real father - good set up for another book down the line I assume. Nice little preview into that.

Ok that's enough. Please don't vote me off the island. I just really super duper loved ACOMAF, it was my FAVORITE book last year. And this one just didn't come even close. Maybe my expectations were just too high.

[ufcasey]

May 8, 2017 23:40:21 GMT -5 turboteal said:

And the human queen is definitely cursed by the Bone Carver/Weaver's brother, right??

Oh I totally didn't think about that! I bet you are right!!! Ok that sounds interesting to read about. Especially if Vassa ends up being Lucien's love interest.

[MrsAxilla]

ufcasey , you think too much! 

[sarahsays]

ufcasey killing it as usual.

I love the book (ACOMAF is still my favorite) but I appreciate your criticism.

[ufcasey]

MrsAxilla, sarahsays, I know, I know. I need to dial it back considering I will never write a book and if I did it wouldn't even be half as good as anything Sarah Maas has ever written. I'm that person I make fun of for yelling at the tv while watching professional athletes as if they are some kind of coach who knows exactly what the players should do, as they sit on their couch having not played that sport ever in their entire lives. That's my father watching football and now that's me reading books sometimes haha! I'll try to stop. Overthinking things does take the enjoyment out of it. Hopefully with adjusted expectations I will go back to loving this series. I think I was just so genuinely shocked and pleased by ACOMAF that I thought the next book would somehow blow my mind because I was looking for hidden clues from the previous books again that set up this new book's plot. And it did happen with Jurian being good, Mor being a lesbian, the Carver being Feyre's future child, the Suriel being a good thing, the Carver and Weaver being siblings, etc. But it just wasn't on the same scale as ACOMAF where everything had a double meaning from the previous book. But she can't repeat the same formula either or else that would get boring too - so I'm just being a picky pants. I'll go hide now haha.

[MrsAxilla]

ufcasey, it's cool. pixy0stix said she's read better series in this genre and I asked for recs but forgot to bookmark (will you give them again, please?).

If pixy says there's better, I want to read it!

[abs]

LOL ufcasey. That's how I felt after the end of Empire of Storms. I was like all of these words and that's it?! So I get it.

I think ACOMAF came out of nowhere and no follow up could have touched it IMO. I went in with my expectations lower and I think that helped me enjoy the book more. There are some of your points I definitely agree with: #1, #6. I am still really, really surprised that no one major died but since that isn't the way these things usually go I am glad she went in a different direction and spared my emotions.

[pisces]

After reading your summary ufcasey, I lower my percentage of liking the book lol.

I am still really bothered by Feyre's lack of power usage. I had high hopes after her battle with her Hybern Royals and her escape to the Night Court.

Hopefully SJM happy endings will carry over to the final book of the TOG series. 😬

[snshne322]

All the points that ufcasey brought up were issues I had with it. I still gave it 5 stars, but I did have issues. I spent most of the book wondering which if the characters were going to die and when no one did, it was a little disappointing. I wanted to grieve a little bit in the book.

I really enjoyed the Jurien plot twist and was surprised to see their dad pop up. However, for a character with such a big impact, he was surprisingly...blank. He was cowardly in the first book and appeared greedy/money hungry in the second, and the third he pops up for 5 seconds in the final battle and dies.

One thing that I'm conflicted about is the Bone Carver being seen as Feyre and Rhys's son. I thought it was a nice little twist, but I'm kind of disappointed it didn't go anywhere. Conversely, I think I would have been pissed if Feyre ended the book pregnant. I imagine that's what Feyre showed Rhys when she showed him the future (is that what happened?), but it felt like a detail that should have been wrapped up and it wasn't for me, so why have it at all. I will be disappointed if it shows up in one of the spin offs as a side plot.

[bex]

ufcasey I think you bring up some good points.

Like I said the Nesta character really bothered me. Okay, so she's supposed to be a bitch. Fine. But what is her redeeming quality? What about her makes Feyre defend her against all others? They keep referencing "her power" but at the end of the day, I didn't see anything too impressive. She was horrible to Cassian but because they exchanged some long looks it was supposed to be okay? It's one thing to have an unlikeable character. But you can't then have so much of the plot revolved around that character to the point where it changes your views of the other characters. I thought it made Feyre seem weak, it made Rhys seem boring, even Cassian just seemed like he liked her because she was pretty. the interactions with nesta made me dislike OTHER characters besides just her and that's a problem, IMO. You can make her a bitch but if you want me to have any interest in her storyline, you've gotta give me SOMETHING that makes me care.


I think with the High Lords, part of the issue was that we had met very few of them - just Tamlin, Tarquin and Rhys. And so meeting the other four was a lot of personality and background being shoved into a handful of chapters. And there did seem to be more emphasis on who they slept with than anything else.

I read a review on goodreads that mentioned how there was no tension in this book, and I think that basically sums it up for me. I enjoyed it, I liked that there was closure on the main story of Feyre and Rhys, I liked Amren's storyline, etc. But part of the reason I took longer than anticipated to read it was that I just didn't feel this need to keep picking it up to see what happened next. The final battle was interesting (and I think the reason Hybern was winning was because of sheer numbers more than magic) but there was something "flat" about the book. I felt the same way about the ACOTAR - for the first half. The second half got more interesting for me, but I said in my review of ACOTAR that had I not peeked at ACOMAF, I probably would not have finished it.