A Court of Mist and Fury | GUSH

[@plushieangela]

I just finished it last night and I think Rhysand has ruined me for other men...like, they can't even come close lol

[@bellanovela7742]

the lord of the summer court needs more "page time" .. he sounded so interesting

[@xoxoxodeborahoxoxox]

I actually really liked how Tamlin was made into the bad guy because at the beginning of ACOTAR I kind of saw him as a hero figure and when Rhysand was first introduced I saw him as the villain figure. So I liked how their two roles completely switched in the second book. I think it just goes to show that first impressions can be completely wrong and I liked how I sort of realized that as a reader at the same time as Feyre realized it in the books.

[@snazzydarcyreads]

"I am shipper trash" Girl, you're speaking to my SOUL

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

yasss

[@GretchenV95]

Honestly this is the very first book that I want to re-read. When the next book comes out I'm totally marathoning them!(:Also I can't begin to describe how much i love Rhys' story. I feel like Sarah touched topics that are pretty much taboo when it comes to men.

[@Sheechiibii]

I honestly thought Tamlin was very much in character. He was controlling, manipulative and angry right from the start - I feel like people think he's been assassinated because the problems in his character (that have been there from the very start) just so happen to have actually caused him problems. I don't see that as an assassination, I see that as realistic and forward-planning. As for her other works, I have a feeling that's a reference to Chaol, who I also thought was kept very well in character. It was refreshing to see a loyal-to-a-fault character, who we've always known is so, actually have that loyalty come in the way of friendships and goals. If he'd given up on Dorian just cause his ex girlfriend told him too then that would have been an assassination of his character.

[@MT-lk7qt]

AMEN.

[@GhoulBunny]

YASSSS

[@Clairemccord]

It’s a classic abusive relationship red flag that look back and go oh yeah it was there from the start

[@lololoanna]

Finally someone who likes Rhys in Acotar! I just had a good feeling about him!

[@LindsayCummings]

loved this freaking book so much. I think it killed me.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

same

[@pianogal879]

It was soooo freaking good. I am officially hooked on the series now. And I have a crush on Rhys.... don't tell my husband. 😂

[@jiji-ht3gc]

Sarah said that ACOTAR 3 will show a journey of Tamlin. She said it would be boring to write him as just a bad person, so I'm excited to see where she takes him.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm soooooooo skeptical about that

[@jiji-ht3gc]

I'm worried she might mess it up and just create a huge redemption arc for him. I feel like that's way too unrealistic. I also think that Cassian is (possibly) going to commit suicide in the third, or have someone kill him, because Rhys said that a man would rather take his own life than lose his wings, so I'm afraid Sarah might use that to kill him off.

[@Ray.500]

Loved this gush. I agree with everything you said. Have you heard the theory that Amren is a Warg queen creature thing from the throne of glass series as Sarah J Maas said that ACOTAR and TOG are part of the same greater universe.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I was actually wondering if there was any cross over between the two series, especially when the Prison was mentioned.

[@lizlovesliterature]

WHHHATATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

[@Jennywren7Blogspot]

I think she could actually be a witch. To me, she seemed very similar to Asterin and Manon. She drinks blood, and there was that little joke about goat blood being the best. I just think that she's most likely to be a witch, and maybe she used that weird power that we haven't seen yet in TOG and that is why she wasn't in a real body anymore when she called to Prythian.

[@BrendaVFitness]

Yepp this book ruined me. I am broken and needing book 3 ASAP. lol I also loved some of the side fae characters (the weaver, the carver)!

[@addis2n571]

Also! While Feyre's last name, Archeron is probably referring to her being an archer, it could also be a reference to Acheron, a river within the Underworld.

[@phantomfictions6128]

“There’s no such thing as High Ladies... Blah blah blah blah blah. I’m a douchebag.” 🤣

[@LydiaKrow]

OK, so something you said peaked my interest. I hear this a lot from book reviewers - the "why no gay characters" question. Why, when there are books out there with authentic gay characters and stories, do we have to level this against writers with straight characters, as if they are doing something wrong? What if we Mad Lib this for a moment and I say "why no bank accountant characters"? I identify with bank accountants, and want to see more of them. As a response, you might say, "Wow... there are lots of novels with bank accountants, why not read one of those instead?" and I would nod and go do that, but if I say to someone, "Why not pick up Six of Crows?" then I get my head snapped off, like I'm somehow being insensitive because I do not insist that [Fill in author name] write about LGBT characters. What am I missing? Does it automatically make the story better?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

We aren't saying that a book suddenly becomes 'better' when it has diversity, it just becomes more authentic. Here's the thing about your comparison to bank accountants... being a bank accountant isn't a central tenant of someone's identity. Profession can be a secondary or a tertiary element, but someone's race, cultural, class, sexual orientation, etc. are core elements of their identity. People want to see themselves in fiction. This probably isn't an issue you have had to struggle with, but I encourage you to check out the multitude of stories from marginalized individuals who talk about how lack of representation has affected them over the years. Things have gotten better in recent years in regards to books being more diverse. But it doesn't make up for the years when there was no diversity in publishing. And it is in no way equal. People shouldn't have to be regulated to a small section of the book world to find stories that include them. And while diverse books are becoming more common, they are still no where are common as non-diverse reads. My question for you is why does this offend you so much? Why does other people wanting to see themselves in fiction met with disdain from you? What does it matter to you if there are more options out there for marginalized individuals to see themselves? How does that detract from you and your reading experience in any way...?

[@LydiaKrow]

It doesn't offend me; I believe I said it interests me. I even misspelled the word "peaked" (thanks auto-correct), so I'm surprised that didn't stand out. I'm genuinely baffled as to why I often hear the argument that authors (no matter what their own experience/knowledge is) should include more gay characters. If they want to do it and can write it well and not just make a token representation, then by all means. If they can't (or won't), then please don't. Know your limits and don't create cringe-worthy characters with no authenticity. If my choice is a gay character that has been written in by an author who has no frame of reference, and therefore creates what feels to me to be a token character, or to read fewer characters by authors who have either taken the time to research it or have lived it enough to write authentically, I'm going to choose the authentic representation, even if that means it doesn't happen as often as I would like. If an author doesn't write what I want to read, I find another author. I don't waste any time with "I wish you would have written about this" instead. Other people wanting to see themselves in fiction does not meet with my disdain... it's people leveling criticism at authors who don't include that type of character as if they are doing something wrong that bothers me. Authors don't have to write for everyone, and it isn't their responsibility to do so. It's our responsibility as readers to read what we want and ignore what we don't. As to your other questions, I'll pass. You said I probably haven't struggled with these issues? You don't know me at all. (Literally - I'm not just being dramatic.) I was hoping for a chat, but it's clear that's not an option, so thanks for responding at least. I did enjoy what you had to say about the book, including being one of the few reviewers who picked up on the PTSD element of her character development.

[@stevetrowbridge7425]

From gripe to gush, wow!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I know I'm shocked.

[@stevetrowbridge7425]

Omg! You actually responded!

[@katie5998]

I don't really agree with the SJM love thing. I mean *spoiler for the TOG series* when she and Dorian stopped being together, she didn't hate Dorian. She and Chaol end on bad terms, but they did emphasize on the fact that Chaol was very loyal to his court, and the fact Aelin represented everything wrong with that and agents that, I sort of understand why they couldn't work out. However, she and Chaol worked things out after he got out of his slump over Dorian.

[@danilincoln2011]

As o your Persephone and haddies (however you spell that) analogy, I actually think that Tamlin relates more toward Demeter, who in the myth was very over protective, and she did love her daughter, but also kinda stifled her and would stop at nothing to get Persephone back. One of the things she does to get Persephone back was getting the help of the goddess of magic, hekate or something like that, which I think would represent the King of Hyborn as he is very skilled at magic. I duknow, that's just my take

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Ah I can kind of see that!

[@MT-lk7qt]

I never made that connection before, but it totally makes sense!

[@hunterlawrence3573]

If anyone still needs the spelling, it's spelled: Hades

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I'm glad you brought up that about the PSTD, because you would think that a lot of these protagonists would experience this. Harry in book 5 went through it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

yeah it's something you think would be around way more often. That's one thing I liked that the Marvel universe did as well with Tony Stark and his PTSD. More characters should be going through that with everything they've been through.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

Yeah with all the stuff these characters go through. I mean authors put these characters through the ringer. Granted this is a kid's Disney animated movie, but I could even see Belle from BATB going through something like that if the story continued. It definitely made the movie more interesting seeing Tony Stark going through PSTD. I enjoy stories that deal with the psychology of a human being.

[@bluedragonfly81]

I finally read this book. I LOVED it so much. I’m currently reading ACOWAR and I have a feeling my heart will be ripped out before I finish this series. I want them all to be okay too. Loooooooooove this book❤️

[@ginag6328]

I am so with you on this book. Love it. Didn't really love ACOTAR but this book oh man! Just love Rhysand!

[@EmilyRaskett]

I dated Tamlin... this book was my therapy. There were signs in ACOTAR that tamlin was narcissistic and controlling but I didn’t really pick up on them at the time and I didn’t notice the red flags in my own relationship for what they were. This series helped me to let go of the guilt I felt for not being what my ex wanted (much like feyre playing housewife), recognize I was in an extremely toxic relationship, and the blame was not on me. Rhysand showed me what love actually is... freedom not safety. I read this book in one sitting and then multiple times afterwards and recommended the series again and again. I don’t think it is the most amazing in terms of the writing style but there are so many good lessons and Sarah’s books are always a pleasure to read 😉

[@TayRayReads]

Honey I just finished this book for Tome Topple and I needed to share my feels, and usually you are the person I search for if you have a review for of the book, you are usually a person who is good at putting the feelings I can't put into words and spelling them out for me and helping me comprehend my own feelings. Completely 100% agree!!!

[@indil01]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS GUSH! I couldn't agree more with you on this! I was so blown away with this book!

[@Nataliecj]

YES with what you said about Tamlin's character being massacred just to make way for the new ship. They could have just drifted apart, he didn't need to become this cartoonish controlling maniac/villain for Feyre to fall out of love with him. I never liked him in the first book, I was always shipping Feyrhys (feeling smug because I was SO RIGHT) but I felt like it was just bad writing to annihilate his character. What a dickhead though, how arrogant is it that he thinks he knows what's best for her and that he's "rescuing her", misguided saviour complex completely! When he shows up and ruins everything at the end and is expecting applause I just wanted to punch him! While I loved Rhys's belief in Feyre and her character development, the quote that a lot of people use to showcase this book's feminism is the one where Rhys says "She's my Queen, my equal in every way, High Lady of the Night Court", which is all good and beautiful but it's still all about him, and when Feyre makes friends in this book, it's all HIS friends. She still hasn't really been completely independent, which is why I'm looking forward to the next one when she is going to be working kind of undercover and on her own. For the most part it is a very equal relationship but there's something about it that I don't quite love. It feels like we're supposed to be cheering on Rhys for not being abusive which is a little off, but like you said I suppose Feyre draws attention to that when she talks about her inherent rights. I loved that part though when Feyre asks him what he would've done if she had walked away from him and he said that he would have respected her because it was her choice and he would always support whatever choices she makes (not that she needs his permission). I LOVED that, it was so supportive and wonderful and despite some minor qualms I'm still Feyrhys trash. And that part when she says the thing about how people will think he's the one who locked her up but really he was the one who set her free, oh my God, MY HEART. All the romantic stuff between them was just perfect. Yes totally agree with the "special snowflake" thing, when Rhys is like "you're the most powerful Fey in the world, you can do things no one else can" I was like "Really?" Just so unnecessary. Again yes, it was way too convenient that both her sisters are mates to the faeries Feyre knew! Come on now, I had to roll my eyes a little at that. Long comment, but it was a long book!

[@zv8381]

I felt horrid that I did not like the Throne of Glass series. I wasn't too fond of ACTOR....but, this book? Totally loved! Great review.

[@katiescarlettohara1542]

Yes, finally. I've been waiting for your review. I've read both books this weekend and wrote a review on my blog, Im so in love with the second one and I'm so glad that this a Gush video.😊

[@commonsenselyrics]

I spy Uprooted on your shelf...nice!

[@lakebiscuit8653]

urgh, loved all the h&p parallels you made. i caught a few of them while reading but some totally went over my head - like the court under the mountain being a bit like tartarus???!! brilliant.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

It's totally possible that I just want to see as much h&p as possible but I think to think it was intentional :)

[@sonyahale1616]

THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS I LOVED THIS BOOK SO SO SO MUCH I READ IT TWO MONTHS AGO AND IM STILL NOT OVER IT

[@chasieyofacie]

My main gripe with this book is exactly what you mentioned: I feel the characters changed way too quickly between books. I liked Tamlin in book one, and although I did note some abusive tendencies, I felt that he did what he thought was good for Feyre overall. That being said I loved Rhys and am glad that she ends up with him, I just hate how the bridge was burned so quickly with Tamlin. To me it doesn't make sense how instantly out of love Feyre is. If she truly loved him in book one wouldn't it be harder to leave? Wouldn't she want to work on their relationship? Wouldn't she think about him even as she was falling out of love with him? It just wasn't believable and leaves a black mark on the Feyre/Rhys couple.

[@Sheechiibii]

Tamlin in book two is still doing what he thinks is bet for Feyre overall, and is really not doing anything differently to what he did in book one. He definitely didn't undergo any drastic change, that was all on Feyre's part. As for her turning on Tamlin, I thought it was realistic, she had strong feelings for Tamlin, and when people feel badly betrayed by somebody close to them, it hurst far more and those emotions can flip from positive to negative very quickly. She also took a long time to stop dwelling on Tamlin and the Spring court (she does keep thinking about him, for nearly half the book, if not longer) so I didn't see it as that sudden. But in general, when a relationship is over, especially when the split is on bad terms, people aren't eager to go running back to have meet-ups with the ex - especially when that ex still wants to get back together, and will use force to get what they want.

[@Warda-H]

I'd never thought there would be a gush video for ACOMAF. Hallelujah!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

LOL me either.

[@ayabalisany5918]

I've been waiting for this review for forever! I love this book so much! And I'm so happy you liked it. I also know that you haven't read queen of shadows and that you loved Chaol, I wanna say that his character destruction is not even close to tamlins. Chaol doesn't change that much and Aelin didn't even hate him.

[@curtisdavenport2308]

I've been waiting/anticipating this gush review for EVER!!! ACOMAF took me a long time to get through but it was WORTH IT. Can I just say that Rhys and Feyre (OTP of the universe who can rule/conquer all universes) deserves every single bit of happiness that comes their way. I loved the Court of Dreams, their friendship/family dynamic was beautiful and lovely. And Velaris...I want to live there!!!!! I ship all the ships and am so excited for the final book because Tamlin is going to get what's coming to him from the High Lady of the Night Court. Beautiful review Sam!!!!

[@HeatherForeverBooks]

This gush was so entertaining. I agree with everything you mentioned. I felt so many things reading this book. I was so invested in all the characters and I also have a feeling SJM is going to break our hearts in some capacity in the third book. I haven't been this excited about a story in a really long time. :D

[@AnaCarolinaVanzetta]

I love that somebody else is as obsessed with Hades and Persephone as me. Loved the gush, everything you said I thought when i was reading. Also, Tumblr?! Of course I'm gonna follow!! At least I won't be the only one massive posting about ACOMAF... Oh, and btw, that lipstick, amazing.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Thanks girl :)

[@Leah-kl6ii]

I love this book but can I just say your eyeshadow is on point

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you :)

[@feistyowls]

Girl..... everything you said is exactly how I felt about this book (and the series, up until this point). ACOMAF was a perfect book. 😍

[@finlayski3732]

First I loved your review you are so relatable But I think Feyre’s attitude changed so drastically because she became a high fae and I think that changed her mindset. It’s just a suggestion Love your channel

[@vickeydisneyqueen]

I hope you are up for all six books that are to come now!

[@AaMNB-zf6rn]

vickeydisneyqueen it's a trilogy but there will soon be a mother trilogy series from the same world.

[@gabbiepoppins]

this book,man,this book

[@sacha.]

Love this gush! I agree with you on soo many of your points. I also really dislike when all the characters are partnered up (especially when it's all straight couples) but totally agree that I love all the ships anyway. With the issue with Tamlin sudden character change, I read it in a different way. It's like ... you when you hear that a friend or co worker has done something terrible e.g abusive partner, raped someone etc that it does come out of the blue and you almost can't believe that person that you knew could be that much of a horrible person. I feel that there was enough hints in ACOTAR to say that Tamlin is an abusive tendencies but ACOMAF is our awakening to HOW MUCH that is so. That's one of my theories to why Maas had a big leap between his actions in the first to second book, to suggest that the golden prince (someone that we like and know) can be corrupted and as you say a total 'douche'.

[@NaomiAnaliss]

Glad you loved it. This is probably my fave book this year it will be hard to top! I totally agree with you about the diversity thing. I love Sarah so much but I feel like the only person of color she's ever written about is Nehemia from TOG. I love when authors have more diversity in books. No so much my son (he came out white like me lol) but Naomi she's only 5 and I didn't realize that she noticed things like that. Her fave Disney princess is Jasmine "cause she's brown like her." And last year when I was reading the wrath and the dawn she opened up the cover and said "wow mommy she's so pretty and she's brown like me!" She was so excited about that it makes me want more diversity in books. I don't want her thinking she's not pretty or smart or just not enough cause she's not blonde hair blue eyed. Great point!

[@anatandyaniv]

i can't wait for your review on "A court of wings and fury"!!

[@alainaspurlock1924]

So I just finished this series and I just recently gotten into Greek mythology. Do you have any suggested reads for Hades and Persephone? Either retelling fiction or just the original story ? TIA

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

this is my favorite retelling I've read. I plan to make a video when I have more to recommend. I have read a number that I haven't liked.

[@nicnovel8907]

I'm only 150 pages in but you best believe I'll be back when I'm done with this book!!

[@annawolska3400]

I DNFed ACOTAR because I wasn't enjoying it at all. Then all the hype around ACOMAF made me want to pick the first book up again. I'm so glad I did it because the ending was so much better than the rest of the book. And I love ACOMAF, didn't feel so invested in a book for a long time. I was really interested in your opinion because I knew you hated the first book. Honestly, I couldn't see why so many people loved it. The hype around ACOMAF I completely understand :) All the things you said were so on point, great review!

[@amymaynard2859]

I'm so glad you liked it!! I thought you might even though the first one was a bit of a let down aha! I hope to god that Sarah doesn't create a redemption arc for Tamlin, I want her to just keep him as a character we love to hate and maybe kill him off... that would be satisfying. As for the hades and persephone aspect to it, I LOVED it. I also loved how we had Rhysand portrayed as being hated and feared by the majority but really it's all a facade and he had so many layers because thats really how Hades is. And I just can't, I love him too much help ahah.

[@amyslager988]

I love your passion about this book. I feel it too!!

[@tonyadull]

Love this book! It is so similar to the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning! the Beauty and the Beast retelling, fae, the wall, the book, her ability to find objects of power. Have you read the Fever Series? If not, you won't believe the similarities!

[@sabrinasstory4809]

Where did you read the Hades and Persephone myth? As in did you read it out of a textbook or did you read it out of a Greek mythology book etc. I really want to read it.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I originally read it when I took a classics class in college. But you can google the myth and find it pretty easily. I'd definitely try to find a site with modern interpretations as well.

[@tiffanyd.2483]

omg dude i agreed with everything you said so much like i've never had a booktuber that expressed what i thought so well omg and near the end when you mentioned the lack of diversity i almost cried omg because it's like everybody who loves sjmaas's writing just gushes about it and doesn't point out the problems that she has. like it irritates me so much when everyone gets paired up (and in a het relationship too like can you at least make it so that not everybody is straight). like in queen of shadows with chaol too with nesryn like it's not necessary!! (also if you're going to make her his love interest at least give her a storyline like pls) great review! :)

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

I was shaking at the end of this book. I was so worried for the characters! Loved this book so much! Oh my gosh - so agree about the polyamorous relationship, it would have made the book 6 stars!

[@emilyn3378]

I just discovered that Feyre's last name is Archeron, which is also the name of one of the Rivers of the Underworld. (the River Archeron)

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

OMG I didn't even make that connection!

[@mettel-ray]

I was a fan of the first book, and an even bigger fan of the second book. The thing is, I'm just not a very critical reader, considering I started to read more extensively just last year, I'm still reading for the fun of it. But watching your review, and your channel in general, I hear about these problems and I understand them, and totally get the fact that how some of these authors write very inside a specific box. What I think I'm saying is that, while I agree there are issues, and there are flaws, and there are inconsistencies, I still really enjoy Sarah J. Maas and her writing. PS: Oh how much I adore the Dream Court as well! Oh boy. And the ships, you know, bring them on, cause I will be excited about every single one of them!

[@niikacaine427]

I 100% understand how you feel! Great way to explain your feelings of the book:)

[@pepsipark4081]

OH MY GOD I TOTALLY AGREE ABOUT TAMLIN. I was totally shipping Rhys and Fayre, but it bothered me the entire time that Fayre just...dumped Tamlin, and Tamlin was just a plot device to drive Fayre into Rhys' arms. That tainted it just a bit for me....

[@Sheechiibii]

So, when people get into abusive relationships they should just...not dump their abusive partner when they realise how miserable they are? Why??? Tamlin was not a plot device, the entire first book was centred on his relationship with Feyre, a relationship that from the start was based on manipulation and control on Tamlin's part.

[@mandababycakes1]

Hades and Persephone! Yes! I thought the same thing!!! Couldn't remember names but hey! I adore this book. You did open my eyes to a few things I didn't realize when I read it. This is definitely my favorite read so far this year. "I can't" was my most repeated phrase when I talk about this book 😂

[@mandababycakes1]

"Do I ship it? Duh" 😂 I love this video 😍

[@MsJosey1986]

I loved this book also! I thought you made a great point about Tamlin being completely ruined in ACOMAF, and it may have been more complex/interesting if he remained a decent guy who was just no longer right for Feyra.

[@alilbitmads]

Totally agree with you on the diversity/relationship parts of this book.The whole trashing Tamlin storyline was just a huge letdown for me. He was a shitty character, don't get me wrong. But it wasn't handled very well. Didn't really think about Feyre being overpowered until you said it though. I wonder if her power will start to cause problems in the second book?

[@FeathersandFaithOfficial]

I honestly think that everyone hates Tamlin because of how he made Feyre feel and they're just going by what she and Rhys thought of him after everything he did. However I think he truly did love her and wanted her to be safe but he went way overboard and became controlling, like a human trying to keep a cat inside 24/7 that wants to roam free, but doesn't allow it to out of love, because they're worried about it. I can understand why Tamlin did the things he did for Feyre, but not the very last thing that happened in Hybern. I think that was just because he reached his boiling point and he was desperate and even after then he realised what a big mistake he had made :/ Otherwise, I absolutely loved the book as well and I always give Sarah's books 5 out of 5 stars because I am a little obsessed haha. Great review! You brought up some real valid points, especially about the PTSD. We need to shine a light more so on mental health issues and Sarah did amazingly with this :)

[@Sheechiibii]

I think you're right about Tamlin. I feel like his charachter didn't change much, but Feyre did, and all the things that had worked in their relationship before no longer did. When she was human she was content to be stuck inside the manor because she was afraid to be out alone. That's no longer the case in the second book. Same with how protective Tamlin is, Feyre wanted to be looked after at that time, she'd never had anyone to rely on her whole life. But after being under the mountain, she can't bear the control. Tamlin's always had a temper too, and a bad hold on his powers when he gets riled up. That was always bound to be a problem (or it would in most realistic portrayals of relationships) but we didn't dislike Tamlin for it back then because Feyre accepted it and we were reading it through her pov. When her attitude towards the treatment changed, that's when it became a problem. I think what Feyre says about them having been right for each other as the people they were before but not as the people they are now is spot on, and it's more on her side than his.

[@FeathersandFaithOfficial]

This is definitely what I was trying to explain and I guess it really helps understand the whole situation a whole lot better. Plus Sarah is breaking the whole trope of the protagonist staying with the first person that's nice to her or that she falls in love with which is great and I'm welcoming all these new ideas. Honestly it's just such a great book series and I'm glad I found out about Sarah's books when I did :)

[@Sheechiibii]

FeathersandFaith Definitely! I love seeing a character love someone but that relationship not work out in the long run and they move on. It's something that happens to pretty much everyone at some point in their lives, yet we see so little of it in fiction. Love triangles are far more prevalent, but I think they're a lot rarer in real life than people who get together, break up and then move on. I guess authors might worry that their audience will assume the safety of the first love interest (since that's usually how it goes) and will get mad when that changes. I definitely think a lot of readers are highly critical of Chaol and Tamlin's storylines, when I personally loved them because I thought they stayed true to their character, faults and all, and that seems so much more real to me.

[@commonsenselyrics]

I feel the same way. Tamlin isn't a bad person, just flawed, and I hope he finds his own form of happiness in the later books

[@danisbooks9237]

if you like Hades and Persephone try Receiver of Many by Rachel Alexander

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I've read it and have a review up on it.

[@watchingsmosh]

Every single point you made, positive or negative, I completely agreed with! 100% it's ridiculous. May 2017 cannot come quick enough, oh my goodness.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

:))))

[@kamalanibrun2375]

Wasn't Nehemia and her court in ToG a person/people of color?

[@MT-lk7qt]

I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't care about Varian. I don't even remember him. Did he even get a line?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I'm re-reading the book now and I haven't even gotten to him lol so idk.

[@MT-lk7qt]

That's a good idea. I should probably do that, since ACOWAR's gonna be out in a few days...

[@toriisdefinitlynutz]

I just finished this book 5 min ago and now i must read it again until the 3rd book comes out

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

:)))

[@Sarahb6162]

AHHH!! THIS WAS WONDERFUL

[@ashleyartiaga-bartley4856]

YED, YES,YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was not into ACOTAR but this... this book.. RHYS.... I just cant.. no words.... none.. loved it more and more. All of your thoughts are exact!!! what are some books you love that are a retelling of Hades/Persephone?? I love that story, so im looking for book that are awesome tellings/retellings! Thanks as always!!

[@jane-vh5rw]

His wingspan

[@traciecardone6778]

I totes agree about Amren. She always seemed either like the type of character that would do her own thing by herself or a character that would be with other girls.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

definitely

[@franky3000]

"I'm ready" ME TOO AHHH

[@LoveLexi227]

So hearing your rant of Persephone and Hades makes me want to ask what book(s) you have read and would recommend because I am a sucker for it. Please 🙏🏻

[@LoveLexi227]

Pertaining to H&P I mean.

[@JulesKM]

I love this book. Feyre is a strong female lead, the friendships are wonderful, and the romantic relationship is one of mutual respect. It's very satisfying to see her take charge of her life and fight back. You mentioned that the author has a tendency to change her characters so drastically that it's like a jump instead of an arc. I couldn't agree more; and that is my one complaint with this series. I found that my mind automatically separated the Feyre of this book with the Feyre of ACoTAR. It didn't read like a character arc to me; I didn't see the growth happening. It felt like we got an entirely new protagonist in this novel. If it wasn't for the necessary story set up, I would be happy pretending that this is the first novel in the series!

[@halleys.library]

I relate so much to your feelings on this book, Sarah J Maas's writing style, and your hatred for ACOTAR. I hated that first book so much but ACOMAF was really fantastic, and I'm going to continue to pretend that the first book didn't exist and look forward to the duology that this series is going to be in my mind 👍🏻😝

[@kittymachine3798]

Can we simply start with this book then?

[@sunflowervol6]

I loved this video so much! I feel the same exact way about the Court of Dreams four. I feel like one can almost sneak by for favorite of the four. But then I think about the qualities and personalities of the others and I'm right back to loving them equally. Especially when you put them together in ships, reasons come out and I'm like "I LOVE YOU MOST" but no, they're always fighting for my love. Also I agree with hating that they're all paired up. Although I refuse to accept Amren is paired up with anyone because she's completely badass on her own. Sorry in advance but I'm going to stalk your tumblr now because I need more ACOMAF on my tumblr. :D

[@thejordanjournals]

So much giggling just happened as I watched this. So many feelings. I can't. I did not catch the hinted relationship between Amren and anyone. I ship Amren with her home. I just want her to be able to go home and be happy. I'm really curious to see what creature she ends up being. A lot of traits with the jewelry and hoarding reminded me of dragons. I also really really enjoyed how Feyre acknowledged and reflected on her relationship with tamlin. I loved that SJM pointed out that there were problems and that our main character could see that. Loved it. Rhys is my precious baby cinnamon roll and I love him.

[@bookishsami]

So she announced 3 more books in this series and I'm concerned - what does this mean??????

[@abigail6394]

Great review! SPOILERS BELOW! Spoilers! Spoilers! I agree with you, Tamlin's character was completely destroyed. I didn't like him in the first book, he was my least favorite character and still he was utterly thrown into the mud in this book. I love that Feyre is the High Lady but I kind of hate when authors make their characters, who were once not a part of the world at all, make their characters the most powerful. As someone who doesn't like Feyre's sisters, I absolutely hated what happened at the end of the book. First of all, if the bath to turn into a Fae is so hard to live through, one of them should have died or one of them should have gotten seriously hurt. I think it's a complete copout that SJM did this to her sisters because it was the easiest way possible for them to be in the third book. I agree!! I also absolutely HATE when authors do that thing where there are only two single people left and they put them together. I would call BS if Feyre, Elain, and Nesta all found their mates within DAYS of each other. The mating bond is supposed to be really rare right? BS. I also hate when authors add a sudden redemption arc for the villain of the story. Like the ones that come out of nowhere when the villain is supposed to be dying or in the second to last chapter of the book they are suddenly good again. I hope this doesn't happen with Tamlin. But I think it could because we have another villain in the king and Jurian. Those were a lot of negatives but I actually really loved this book. I gave it 4.5 stars, and I completely agree with your opinions of SJM's books/writing. I DNF'd Heir of Fire, gave ACOTAR a 2.5 stars so I have a love-hate relationship with her too. ACOMAF is the only book I've really loved of hers.

[@MarisaYounker]

I have been waiting for this video and it did not disappoint. I am right there with you being Hades/Persephone trash.

[@fateharazak8459]

I love this! The best review ever!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

:)

[@leahmojo]

I finished the 3rd book today. My dreams were shattered about Azriel and Mor. Completely shattered.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

same

[@moonologies1577]

LOVED THIS. Also Azriel trash 5ever tbh. I also agree with you about the feyre thing. Her development didn't have a gradual transition which is very typical of Sarah J. Maas, the same really happened with aelin- one minute she's celaena and the next she's aelin (particularly QoS- it was a bit too overwhelming) but other then that I loved acomaf!! ❤️

[@moonologies1577]

I also was extremely annoyed with the fact that everyone was being paired up- another thing v typical of Sarah lol. I'm here for all the ships but at the same time, really, Sarah, really???

[@AR-sz7iz]

YOU ARE A VOICE OF REASON IN A SEA OF UNINTELLIGIBLE SCREECHING! I'm literally scared of raising any objections I have with the way some things are in ACOMAF because people think that you can't love something and still be critical of it! I did enjoy so many things but I agree with every single thing you said!

[@AR-sz7iz]

the people of colour thing was much better in her throne of glass series which is weird because this series came later and has no characters like Nehemia or Nesryn!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you :) yeah I actually love being able to dissect my favorite books.

[@bookrockgoddess]

I loved this book also! I did however enjoy the first book also. So much of the firsts book scenarios struck a cord with me because of the dysfunctional issues that I saw. I knew people who acted like the characters in that book and it just rung true to me. I did love how thing changed in this one but am disappointed at how quickly the beginning of the book was resolved.

[@clearlyreading2366]

I actually kind of like that she's like the fae avatar with having every ability. But I mean... in Avatar there's a season dedicated to each element, so her being able to control every power in less than one book is a loooot of suspended disbelief for me.

[@clearlyreading2366]

Also omg with the everyone being paired up thing. I was reading the end, really into it and then (spoiler) I read the part where Lucien was like "we're... mates" to Elain and I literally had to put the book down and laugh before I could go on. It just felt kind of hamfisted in there and it kind of broke up the pacing a bit. Not that I'm not for it, but it just didn't feel like it needed to be there.

[@ashtonbluerose]

Did you hear that they are adding 3 new books to the series! XD

[@kdrew2015]

I have to agree with most everything you said, EXCEPT for the idea that Sarah ruins every love interest her main characters have in order to move onto a new one. In my opinion, that's only happened once, with Tamlin. In ToG, the only past love interests were Sam and Chaol. As for Sam, Caelena loved him long after he was dead because he was a really great person for her. Chaol was a little different, in the fact that he mad a mistake that in NO WAY technically makes him a bad person, just makes Caelena see him in a different light. Sarah did not intentionally destroy either of those people only for her to move on to someone else later. I think Tamlin was never a great person from the get-go, and his problems after Under the Mountain only got worse.

[@Sheechiibii]

I'm not sure how Tamlin's character was ruined. I thought he stayed pretty much the exact same from book one to book two. Feyre changed a lot, both physically and mentally, but Tamlin was manipulative, controlling, abusive, and had anger problems in book one. Feyre just didn't see it as bad because she was starved for affection, was terrified of leaving the house, and craved security and comfort. In book two, she's a very different person and sis no longer content to be locked in a house for the rest of her now immortal life, with little say in her own life. It was Feyre's perception that changed, rather than Tamlin' character. So he wasn't ruined imo.

[@fruitfulberry1901]

I just finished the book last night and until now, I can't stop thinking of Nesta being the Sixth Queen. Anyone else please? Please tell me it could be possible 😅😊

[@DiddiPinkki]

What is the book called that have similarities sith ACOMAF?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

The Hades and Persephone myth from Greek mythology.

[@pianoplayer017]

I LOVE how you brought up the fact that Feyre doesn't start learning and doing stuff until a man tells her to do it. And people don't talk about the fact that this is an anti-feminist book and yes she finally is able to do things and see other parts of the fae world but the fact remains she isn't taught by anyone EXCEPT MEN. It's anti-feminist.

[@amyr3293]

I loved this book even though I didn't like ACoTAR much either! Feyre and Rhys are such an OTP for me now, and I also liked that in this book Feyre seemed to accept that she's pretty and hot and own it rather than all the false modesty in ACoTAR. I was so upset with Lucien in this book though, he'd better improve in the next book. I was also so irritated when Feyre flipped out at Rhys for not telling her about the bond, like, when was he supposed to mention that without sounding like a total kidnapping creep? Amren was my fave of the court of dreams, but tbh I kind of want Cassian and Azriel to be a couple, I wish SJM had written them that way, although as it is I still ship Azriel and Mor! I'm the opposite of you though, I want to reread ACoTAR now and see if I can find new meaning in it in light of this book.

[@sophieluvsbooks2629]

I was also mad at Feyre at that point but at that same time it was completely in her character to do that, you know?

[@amyr3293]

+Sophie Luvs Books Yeah, it was classic Feyre, but when she just left him in the mud I was like 😡

[@sophieluvsbooks2629]

+Amy R I know me too! I was like "Feyre that is such an overreaction." Like does she really think she would've reacted just fine if Rhysand had told her that she was his mate earlier? This means she fell in love with him without that being a factor.

[@amyr3293]

+Sophie Luvs Books I know, if he'd have told her earlier she probably would have punched him! It's so much better that she fell in love with him first and then found out later

[@amyr3293]

+Sophie Luvs Books I know, if he'd have told her earlier she probably would have punched him! It's so much better that she fell in love with him first and then found out later

[@sakurahan91]

I LOVED this book!!! I think that's it's going to be more than a trilogy because at the end it said "the next book" releases in May 2017. Not the final book...we're going to see Feyre pregnant at some point as well as it was brought up in ACOMAF. I actually think it might happen in the first book as they were physical before she took the tonic. It'd be interesting if she was I think as Tamlin would have to give her back. Also if Rhys could feel she was pregnant through their bond, he wouldn't give up getting her back. Not that he would anyway but yeah, I just think the twist would be interesting. And Lucien had the bond with Elain, not Nesta. I agree about him helping Feyre get back to Rhys. Especially if she is pregnant.

[@sakurahan91]

I actually liked ACOTAR. But ACOMAF was SO much better! Tamlin is a real douche. Rhys 😍 lol.

[@sakurahan91]

us11.campaign-archive1.com/?u=5c089368beca495744a37af11&id=5cc6d80ac3&e=7852d6c03a It says the A Court Of... series will be 6 books there, with a couple of novellas.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

In regards to how many books there are in this series -- That was announced after I made this video, and I'm still unsure how many books will actually be in this series. It sounds like there are going to be 2 companion trilogies, this one and another one following different characters. It's all very confusing and money-grabbing and I'm not a fan tbh.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I REALLY REALLY REALLY hope we don't see her pregnant. That is a trope I HATE. I think the tonic thing was brought up to show she wouldn't be pregnant and that they discussed it like mature adults that it wasn't the right time, especially since it is such a common trope. I think that was SJM's way of saying it wasn't going to happen.

[@sakurahan91]

I actually think it might happen in the third book I meant. This is new adult too so it could happen. I really hope we do get to see the father/child dynamic between Rhys and his child. I also hope we get all of the books about Feyre, Rhys, Tamlin and those characters tbh. I think we will as it's not all going to be solved in one more book.

[@annettebonteri3234]

what is your dream cast for this book?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I actually have a really hard time with fancasts, but all I know if that Sean O'Pry CANNOT be Rhys because he's already The Darkling in my head and he cannot be both. But I've reblogged a lot of photosets on tumblr that I enjoy. I definitely picture Amren as being Korean or Japanese descent but I don't have specific models for any of them.

[@annettebonteri3234]

Thoughts on Tomes I imagine Ian somerhalder as Rhysand, Kellen Lutz as Tamlin, and Adriana Lima for Feyre. I actually have all of the characters paired up with actors that resemble them a lot, but it's a long list jaja. Thanks for responding 😃😃😃

[@ariannaj5789]

I really like your review. I loved this book so much but I still agree with your problems you had with it. The relationships and lack of diversity irked me soo much.

[@dannyblossom]

I would love if you did a HadesxPersephone book recommendations, I love them so much as well! Also great review! It was one of my fav books of 2016! Nesta, my Fae Divine Being ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Also if you enjoy great character development you should read The Air Awakens Series by Elise Kova.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I have a video coming up talking about H&P! I think it's going to be up next weekend. I have that series on my wishlist so that's perfect :)

[@taylaleonardis6951]

Yeah I thought all the ships were a bit excessive in both of her series.

[@vickilove2029]

I don't think she makes all previous love interests into bad people. She definitely did with Tamlin but she didn't with Dorian and she also didn't with Chaol. It may have seemed that way in Queen of Shadows but we can see that Chaol is still not a bad person. He's just mad and annoyed. By the end of the book Chaol and Aelin kind of make up and start kind of getting along again. She didn't make Chaol a bad person.

[@Sheechiibii]

I don't think Tamlin changed, he was always like that. Feyre just saw him differently because she changed. She was no longer content being manipulated, controlled or abused like she was in the first book. I also don't think he's a totally bad person either, he does have good intentions but he's blinded by love and is in denial. And when it comes to a relationship he and Feyre just aren't compatible any more. He was a good match for the girl who'd never been taken care of and was terrified of the creatures outside the grounds, but not for the immortal fae who needed freedom after her captivity. I agree about Chaol though.

[@72cay]

I just love your videos so much!!! I just finished reading reading acomaf and I agree with everything you said especially the lack of diversity!!! I swear almost every female character in that serious has golden skin with golden hair and it annoyed me so much!

[@GretchenV95]

I do absolutely agree about you wishing that she would've realized that her opinions and her wishes mattered on her own. I don't think it's wrong for someone to be there to help you become a better person but yeah at the same time I do wish she would've woken up on her own (:

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I know!!! :(

[@aubreyjane6659]

10:34 just you wait.....

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

this video is two years old I've read the last book lol