A Court of Wings and Ruin | Discussion

[@tanyajayne999]

I also feel like I could have forgiven the Rhysand "revival" if Amren had stayed gone. Not only because I love Rhysand, but like you said, Sarah made a point of always mentioning his pull to sacrifice everything and Feyre is trying to turn him from that frame of mind. So I feel like him coming back made a little more sense. But with Amren, she always felt like more of a temporary character to me, I mean they were trying to get her home etc right? So I would have felt like that was some kind of closure for this monster trapped in a fae body far from home. But yeah, I was disappointed with the lack of sacrifice too.

[@Sheechiibii]

I completely agree on Amren as well. Plus, her little trist with Varian would have actually meant something if she'd had that and then died. But as it was, she just came back and it wasn't explained and it felt thrown in there after Rhys - who's revival was awesome because Tamlin chose to bring him back which was pretty shocking to me. But also, I felt there was no fallout regarding Rhys's sacrifice, I felt like Feyre should have been angry and upset more afterwards.

[@danielayoung652]

Not to mention the lack of character development for Rhys in this book. Everybody is literally telling him not to sacrifice himself...what does he do in the end? Die for the sake of everybody without asking help to his friends or other high lords....what?? Why??? He has so much development in book 2 but here is just...flat. You know he will sacrifice himself and that's it. That's his mission for book 3. C'mon, give me some dirt back! I liked him when he actually had to struggle a bit to let his kindness come through...idk

[@bellanovela7742]

why did Ferye keeps emphasising Rhys as ''the most powerful male/lord in history'' we get it your man is strong and powerful and my mate this and my mate that...

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

the mate thing didn't bother me that much because I think I just started to gloss over it but I know it annoyed so many people

[@oksnariel]

i TOTALLY agree with Amren being asexual, i was shocked when her and Varian were a thing... i was like "wait what?? she has actual real romantic feelings????"

[@bakers42]

I started having problems with this book the second Cassian shows up and his wings are totally fine. ACOMAF spent so long building up how horrible it is to loose your wings, or having your wings ruined, it was irreparable, etc. I felt like Cassian should have had much more lasting effects for what happened at the end of ACOMAF. From then on out I knew that the characters were never in any real danger. Ultimately it just felt cheap. And don't even get me started on what she did with Mor. If you have any suggestions for series with satisfying endings I'd love to hear them!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

YES OMG YES! And then their wings get damaged again and it's fixed by a healer the next chapter... ugh.... My favorite finales so far have been Mistborn and the Magicians series.

[@jessrumely]

I so agree with you on all fronts with my biggest complaint being the ending. Sacrifice without death is meaningless. And war without death isn't realistic. Also, on page 315, Elain foresees Cassian's death and then Maas apparently chickened out in the end. Why have foreshadowing then? I keep seeing people talking about crying at the end and I kept wondering why. Nothing sad happens! They are constantly saved from imminent danger and none of the main characters die and stay that way.

[@clearlyreading2366]

The thing about Miryam and Drakon that bothered me was that Azriel had gone to the island, but they had glamoured it to look empty. Meaning Azriel only needed to fucking land on the island to figure it out, but he didn't?? Like not even to stop and look for clues and investigate??

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Right?! That's so unlike him!!!

[@Maritinylibrary]

I have actually stopped reading SJM books because I heard so many disappointing things about it and about how her books decline. Though I hate to see my favorite characters in danger or even dead, sometimes I crave for it because it makes me invested in them. The reason why I love GoT so much is because George R.R. Martin makes me terrified that anyone could die. And it makes it realistic in a setting of war and political scandals.

[@shinyandteddy957]

Your eye rolls are perfection. :)

[@vanyasaysso]

I was actually disappointed with Rhyse and Feyre as a relationship. They went from this slow burner lust filled chase to the old married couple. So they hook up after months of pant up sexual energy to secretly married to suddenly torn apart to zero chemistry when she returned to the night court. I would have thought that after months with her ex there may have been some re-discovery of feelings and re-establishment of relationships. Not to mention that I think Maas completely emasculated Rhys. In my opinion he lost his agency in this book. He is the most powerful and most feared lord yet the character she built in book two seem to have completely dissolved in book 3. And lastly ..... these ppl are 100s of years old who have fought many looooooong wars before yet it all felt a bit blah to me where was the strategy the planning the sacrifice the cost ...... I'm so disappointed and feel like any minute Maas will come out and say "lol was joking here is the ACTUAL book"

[@_reveux]

Okay, I agree with most of the stuff you said here except a few small things (or not small, it depends, really) 1) The Mor thing. I actually was very very annoyed with Mor throughout this book because she kept snapping at people (especially Nesta) and acted in such a way that a lot of people acted in a different way as soon as she entered a room because she would get mad or something else (prime example is Cassian constantly walking on eggshells around Nesta when Mor was close by) and I just feel like her character regressed instead of developing more. I didn't necesserily like her in ACOMAF, but in this one I was really pissed off at her most of the time, because come on if you've been alive and in this group of people for more than 500 years, I imagine you someone would get tired of the dynamic between the "romantic trio" and they would evetually talk about it.. I don't know, I was really pissed about that. And I agree that her sexuality was used as a plot twist with no foreshadowing and that sucks, but maybe it will be brought up again and possibly made better in a companion?? 2) I actually like Azriel and Elain a lot more than Elain and Lucien, and here's why: it was mentioned in ACOMAF at least two times that Elain considered Azriel the most well mannered and gravitated towards him when they were all in her and Nesta's home, so let's say it's not /completely/ out of nowhere, unlike the bond between her and Lucien that was just kind of thrown in for shock value (and another reason for Lucien to go with Feyre); Azriel was actually really funny and a lot more animated when kept apart from Mor and the redt of the group - which I'm not sure how I feel about; I just think they would be a better match and have a lot more to build up on, as opposed to Lucien and Elain. But then again, the fandom went crazy about that part (the books didn't actually show much of anything about them) and I think that Sarah might be influenced by that a lot as well. I would like to see a mating bond that doesn't work out and Elain choosing her own path in the fae realm, whether that is Azriel or not. I think it would be a more interesting story to explore. 3) Why didn't the Lucien-being-Helion's-son thing NEVER got adressed again?? We found out that Lucien is the sole heir of the Day Court /and/ that that's why he was treated so badly by his power-obsessed father and you're just going to drop it?? Really?? I imagine it's going to be resolved in a companion but, like you said, it should have already been tied up?? Ugh 4) If Amren had remained dead, it would have made the entire thing so much more touching and meaningful.. and Amren without her molten silver eyes and her deadly power is not really the same Amren, is it? I felt like that kind of ruined the entire purpose of her death in the first place (not even going to touch on the Rhys part, that was so expected) 5) Can you actually imagine a crippled or no-longer-completely-able-bodied Cassian, after the Grand Fight™? And him still being the general with like a missing arm or leg and being even more feared because of it. Damn, that would have been amazing. 6) I hate that Lucien got cut out of the picture for about half of the book and we had absolutely no idea what was up with him. Why do that?? It's not too great, and if Sarah actually wanted to go full fan service as she did a bunch of times, she could have kept him around and made him an actual part of the story for more than the initial few parts.. Overall, you pretty much said everything that needed to be said and I don't think I have that much to talk about at this point, but yeah. 3.5/5 sounds like a pretty good rating for it. THANKS FOR THE REVIEW ♥️

[@JJ367]

Theo Potterhead everything you said is so true!

[@PianoLibra]

Again, great discussion Sam! Not everyone can pull of a Hero of the Ages I guess.. SPOILERS PEOPLE BEWARE!! . . . I enjoyed it as well but was severely disappointed by it, SJM spent too much time trying to pull off some political intrigue and war planning that she lost sight of the plot and its development, I did get emotional near the end but like you said when everything got wrapped up nicely I felt like my tears were wasted on nothing xD to sum the things I didn't like quickly: 1- 1st POV: I honestly couldn't care less about Rhys and Feyre's romance after their first reunion, I felt like it just lost its charm now that there's no more exploration to do for Rhys' character, he's just there to be Feyre's cheerleader. I did love Feyre's character but it made me cringe a tiny bit in the beginning when I felt SJM was writing her similarly as she wrote Celaena Saradothien's character, I felt that she was more like a vengeful brat rather than a queen in hiding. 2- the whole: YOU GET A MATE, YOU GET A MATE, EVERYONE GETS A MATE!! 3- the whole: WE WILL SAVE YOU, OH WAIT HERE WE ARE TOO *Dramatic entrances everywhere* 4- again with the 1st POV: all the interesting bits happened when Feyre wasn't there to witness it, just make it a 4 book series and get us already all the Nessian goodness (because I don't know now how it'll make an interesting premise on its own) and I would have loved to follow Lucien on his odyssey to " Swan Lake " 5- Mor not being honest with Azriel... don't get me started on that one... (Deep breaths) 6- anytime these words and sentences were mentioned: mate, male, maleness, growl, purr, feast, shatter, silver for describing tears, that line from outlander "does it ever stop the wanting?".. URGH Those were the most prominent annoyances, I guess it taught me to always keep my expectations super low. ACOMAF shall never be surpassed (sigh)

[@shreyajuyal9901]

Everything you said is PERFECT. ALSO the disgraceful lack of question marks EVERYWHERE because SJM wanted everyone to sound fierce of whatever; IT GOT ON MY NERVES.

[@vanyasaysso]

Lama A. Wahed I'm actually waiting for Maas to come out and say that the 700 pages we read was a practical joke and now here is the real book

[@PianoLibra]

Shreya juyal Glad you agree :') and LOL! don't get me even started on the editing and all of those random dashes!

[@PianoLibra]

Vanya Says so hahaha oh my god I wish that would happen! everyday i get even more disappointed everytime I look back on it.. I'm seriously considering reading that fanfic ACOWAS and see if it can replace canon for me!

[@Fedosa91]

Actually the Suriel dying was so sad! I was horrified! Besides that I mostly agree with you. I feel like the sum of everything was too much, eg Mor being lesbian was presented in a weird way but would have been better if there weren't appearing LGBT side characters left and right out of nowhere. Especially cause it was considered normal for everyone but not for her? And just in general she threw way too many twists in there. I feel a simpler plot would have had a greater impact because every obstacle was over quite quickly and the explanations were more and more far-fetched because she was overcomplicating things with unnecessary plot points that didn't really lead anywhere.

[@charlie4022]

Honestly, I felt like this book was almost beat for beat a replica of Empire of Storms. Last minute allies show up to save everyone, a shit ton of other relationships get introduced and dropped, last minute reveals to save all the characters. I don't want to assume, but I really think the crazy schedule she's on is making her sloppy with the plot. This book was pretty disappointing in any case.

[@PossiblyLiterate]

Honestly, I would have been happy w/ 2 books. Feyre had NOOOOOO character development over the course of ACOWAR. That was what made ACOMAF compelling. I think SJM put too big of an emphasis on plot, to the detriment of her character development. The plot was overly convoluted, and that takes away from the emotional impact. All-in-all, I think having the big battle happen at the end of ACOMAF would have been GREAT. This book, as much fun as I had reading, felt so messy and honestly a bit lazy. and YES SO MUCH LAZY DEUS EX MACHINA!!! It drove me freakin crazy.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Yeah it's like she dumped all the good parts into ACOMAF and ACOWAR was just a bridge between this series and the companions.

[@meremees]

I relate to this discussion sm - I didn't want anyone to die because hell no, but I wanted someone to die because war and sadness and heartbreak. Nesta was still kind of bitch to Feyre which was ... dull and annoying ... Amren and Varian?? okay then... No one realizing Mor is homoromantic??? sure? bc Rhys isn't good at people reading and Cassian isn't good with people's emotions and Azriel doesn't have shadows that tell everything (kind of i guess) sure

[@alexandrinemessager6501]

I felt the same!

[@Elle-en8gf]

Honestly this book was so lazy. It had so much potential and then she just squashed all of it. I agree with everything you said but for me a huge problem was all the power stuff like you said with feyre but also AMREN. The whole book Sarah is like the "most powerful this" the "most powerful that" and then when Amren finally becomes her inner creature I was like what was that and oh isn't that convenient she can just wipe out an army but we have no idea how or what Amren's past is idk. I am just so done I wanted explanations and there were NONNNEE!!! Also wtf was feyre thinking in the beginning when the Hybern twins were inspecting the wall? Like why didn't she figure out what they were doing if she cared about the wall and humans so much isn't that a huge part of Hyberns battle plan? Feyre could have done sooo much in the battle without even having to move an inch it makes no sense. Also this is very random but did anyone find that the geography didn't make sense in the book according to the map? When I read it it seemed that Sarah mixed up east and west in the beginning when Feyre and Lucien were heading north through the courts and I TRIPLE checked and it seemed like the map did not fit the writing. Anyone else? Help a sister out

[@ishari1117]

You voiced all the frustrations I had with this book...great review!

[@LikoLovesBooks]

I love this! I'm all for Morrigan being an LGBT character but in ACOMAF Morrigan and Azriel were foreshadowed as mates. I shipped them and I was upset how she just threw that in there and didn't elaborate much. And I think Amren should have stayed dead, even though I loved the hell out of her! Because her sacrifice made me love her MORE and then she was fine and I was like 😐 oh well that's good I guess..

[@JiixBooks]

“I’m just sad cause I wanna be more sad” literally me after finishing the novel

[@isaura1854]

I don't know why but I kind of shipped Nesta and Amren. Am I the only one?

[@alexandrinemessager6501]

They are reflexions in a way

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Izzy a few people have said that and it's opened a whole new world for me

[@zeetuslupeedus]

i think so too. i like cassian and nesta as well. but amren and nesta would be great

[@lailajuras8615]

Oh my gawd, yes, i was waiting for it

[@audiobookworm13]

It's amazing how you always manage to sum up all of my thoughts on a book . Do you live in my brain??

[@alexandrinemessager6501]

Then she lives in my brain too! hah More seriously it just shows that Sarah pretty much messed up..!

[@audiobookworm13]

+Alex mewmewgirl LOL these books are fun though, not like throne of glass. That one is just... NO..as Sam put it. 😁

[@escapedscienceexperiement9824]

when I die I want Sarah to lower me into my grave so she can let me down one last time. EDIT: I would have liked it if Rhys died and Feyre became the sole ruler of the night court. But y'know, in SJM books women can't be powerful without men.

[@shllybkwrm]

o m g

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

💀💀💀

[@escapedscienceexperiement9824]

ALSO. DO NOT get me started on this whole mate shenanigan. You're not Australian, there's no need to be so weird about it. "I need to pay you back for last night mate" what the fuck rhys omg....like I get they're in love and everything but holy shit. can we not go there? Is it cultural for the "males" to refer to their females (this sentence feels so odd to write yikes) as mates?? whats the point?? it feels really lowkey misogynistic. Like a classic objectification type teas. Not here for it. Feyre is better without. Everything about this book is turning me into an unattended salt mine. ugh.

[@shreyajuyal9901]

YOU ARE LITERALLY THE BEST PERSON. I had so many problems with this book honestly! AND SJM PAIRED OFF THE THREE SISTERS WITH THE THREE FRIENDS like cliche much?

[@escapedscienceexperiement9824]

shreya juyal YES. This is happening in the TOG series as well. So done w how Maas writes her relationships, they're the main drive of the "story" and the characters are empty shells without it, it's boring me to death and I am already dead.

[@LadyValentine93]

I have been waiting for your review because I knew you would be REAL about this book. I completely agree with you, this book was a gush and gripe for me too. the plot overall was good to me, but the characters kinda disappointed me. feyres powers kinda weren't used, neesta was hella bitchy the whole way and had no chill, Cassian kept surviving everything, no one realized that the creature that had queen vassa was the carvers brother, Mor told a secret that didn't really justify 500 yrs of leading Az on, etc.

[@ingrid2770]

Yes... I feel the same way about Mor! It feels like Sarah J. Maas got pressured into making one of the really important characters gay, and it just ended up being sloppy and rushed and I ended up hating it. And especially with the way she sat up for her and Azriel to be together, and the fact that Mor has kind of used Azriel for five hundred years, that´s just not something you do and it´s not ok! And the excuses for why she hasn't told Azriel "to shield his feelings" is bullshit, because Azriel could have used the last five hundre years on recovering from that heartbreak. I agree with you on everything with Amren... It was kind of given that she was asexual and it would have been such an easy way to get a more diverse representation in the book. And the way she comes back... I mean, I am happy she is back and happy and everything.. but... I was afraid for Cassian´s ruined wings and his mental health for a year, and then he just turn up and are just fine... Like, oh, is it so easy to recover someones wings, well then. But I was actually afraid for his death when even Rhys said he was going to die. And then Rhys ended up dying, and I loved the way he drained himself and said goodbye and everything, but I wan´t really worried.. And The Suriels death! I don´t think I have ever cried so much in a book before.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Broken Spines yeah the most emotional death to me was the Suriel lol

[@mmarz8201]

I cried when the suriel died and the bone carver and I cried more when the weaver screamed because her brother the carver died. I am a big sister and the description of the world ending scream hit home. and the suriel being a dreamer man that had me bawling my eyes out.

[@BreeLa19]

The Suriel's death made me cry along with the bone carver. I didn't even like them but I felt more emotional over their deaths than I did their father's and Rhys' death. Oh my beautiful Amren super bad ass character contained. She has none of her original powers which upsets me. I don't think Amren would be satisfied with just being high fae. I think she could've waited to revive Rhys until the next books imo.

[@somarriarobles1424]

Broken Spines I felt the same way! I was happy to a certain degree that Mor was gay, but all the petty excuses that she used to cover up her hurtful actions towards Azriel pissed me off! I feel like her not telling the inner circle kind of undermined all the love and trust that the reader came to love about the group. Idk I'm rambling but overall it could have been done better.

[@somarriarobles1424]

Broken Spines omg! also you are really on to something about Cassian's mental health. The book could have been so much deeper and darker if it had delved into the inner thoughts of the other characters. Cassian went though extreme pain and lost his wings, THE most important part of being an Illyrian. Think of what would have been going through his mind.

[@BrandiJBookshelf]

You touched on so many things that I thought when I finished ACOWAR!!

[@badele7364]

Oh gosh your gushes and gripes about books are so real and satisfying please continue making them for the next 100 years. And btw, the book series you are looking for to crush your soul and leave you lifeless for weeks is The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare. They will leave you broken. Destroyed. And you will love it. Hope you consider reading them! The Infernal Devices is the series to start with when it comes to Cassie Clare's books.

[@tidytriumphs]

@ThoughtsonTomes I usually don't comment but OMG you captured all of my emotions, everything you said was true. Another problem I had with ACOWAR is Rhys always being okay with everything Feyre does, like have some backbone and say something. I know Feyre is her own person and can do what every she wants but come. Am I just the only one that thought the word mate was used way to much... my mate this, my mate that just STOP.

[@danielayoung652]

Got to read it finally and I agree with you so much! Feyra's power just seemed to not be important anymore and I just didn't understand why all the build up in book 2!!! That was very frustrating

[@danielayoung652]

So true also about rhy's death. How come that on the same field where her father (who came with three ships to save her and her sisters) is left just dead plain and simple and Rhys is resuscitated in a matter of seconds. She didn't even care about her father, just cared of having her mate come back. But also, is her powers were affected by being resurrected, how are Rhy's power affected? We've been told that he's the most powerful lord of all times...what about now? Is he still? Or does he also have other powers? Idk...so many confusing things... Also I feel that Amren's power is not really explained in such a way where we can actually understand how it is possible for her to wipe out this entire super powerful hybern army in a matter of a chapter. I mean...OK you're powerful..but...weren't all the other characters supposed to be extra powerful as well? Also the whole spell on the broken cauldron...it was so sudden and unnecessary...they couldn't have waited one night to rest and then fix it? And why is feyra doing the spells if Nesta is the one that was called 'the witch'? I loved the book but all of these inconsistencies drive me mad!!! Plus: poor Tamlin wasn't even given the dignity of ONE in persone conversation in this book. I mean...that's too much. He sacrificed himself for her, she should be willing at least to talk to him. Either you are the super compassionate high lady of the night court who would do anything to protect diverse people or you're an angry character that just wants payback. Either you feel compassion for everybody (so it should extend to the spring court which you destroyed) or nobody (not even the night court which you feel you belong to after only a couple of months of being there...wtf?)

[@YinYangAngel55]

With all the premonitions I was expecting Casian to lose AT LEAST a wing.

[@guelamunda1488]

Agghh I've waited for this video since I finished the book! Anyway, I also have mixed feelings about ACOWAR. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. Somewhere in between I guess. Maybe because I feel like it was kinda rushed, and there were a lot of loose ends, but then there are more books to be written in the series. Also, I agree on everything you said about Mor!! I mean I love that SJM included LGBT characters BUT it felt so forced.. which makes me sad because I love Morrigan. I shouldn't compare I know, but ACOMAF still reigns in my heart 💙 Anyway, always a great review/discussion Sam! Much love ❤ P.S. I live for Sam's "NO!" during 9:05-9:20. That is so me!!

[@lenabeana2811]

I cared more about the suriels death ... I feel like it was only there to make up for the lack of death in the main characters. I'm sorry but the weaver should not have been killed that easily. I mean seriously. I know this is a really un popular opinion but I hate nesta and cassian, it was so forced I just couldn't like as if nesta would fall head first for him or anyone

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

SERIOUSLY!!! The death god's dying like that?? Nope. Nope nope nope.

[@StephanieHiett]

“Yes! Destroy them Feyre,” my literal response to everything with Tamlin and the Spring Court. GAH. And I agree so much about the powers and the Amren situation... idk I felt like she was too scared to really kill someone off, but Amren went out with a bang and we knew she wasn't meant for this world to begin with, so I think it was to be expected. As far as pacing, I think that SJM has this habit of writing these scenes where in her mind they are taking a good chunk of time, but she doesn't express that beyond fillers like, "Three days later" or "Hours later" and leaves the reader to fill in blanks and chunks of time. So, I agree, because of her tendency to not convey timeframes well enough, it feels like things just happen then resolve within minutes.

[@amelia_mimi6153]

I would have been okay with Rhysand coming back to life if there had been some sort of caveat to it. For example, he gets brought back to life BUT he no longer has powers or has very limited/basic powers like a regular fae does. This would have been very interesting to explore in the next books, especially since Feyre hits it on the head MANY times that he's "the most powerful high lord in history." So what would it be like if he made the ultimate sacrifice but got brought back to ultimately lose what has made him so fearsome for 300+ years? At this point I imagine it would be like losing a big part of your identity, which could have added some more depth to Rhysand's character. Rhysand losing his powers could also have ramifications for the next books because, for example, the Illyrians may no longer respect his legitimacy and rebel and/or try to take over leadership of the Night Court, especially since they ~are~ the Night Court's military might (bringing up the question of whether being high lord requires impressive magical powers or simply blood inheritance to gain the people's loyalty and respect). Then sjm could have also explored what it would be like for Feyre, who still has the shadowy powers and is high lady, but married into the crown and would in this way probably struggle to use all her power to quell the rebellion and establish her place as a true high lady of a court she wasn't born into. ...But of course not. The ACOTAR world has to be all roses and daisies with clear-cut happy endings and no realistic caveats to everyone's happiness.

[@rememberorbeli4810]

I QUOTE EVERYTHING YOU SAID ABOUT MOR AND AZRIEL I WAS SO FUCKING MAD I STILL AM UGH

[@Xk8rsx]

When you said about Armin being ace I literally clapped my hands and went YAASSSSS because I was getting that vibe from her too and I really wanted it to happen!!!

[@oksnariel]

I agree with what you say about how actually killing off the characters makes you more invested in the story because you actually freak out and wonder if they're going to be okay and stuff... like i remember when i used to watch vampire diaries i was SO obsessed and would cry when characters would die but then it started to get to the point where EVERY TIME a main character would die they would bring them back, and it was so irritating because i wouldn't even be upset anymore or even care when a character died because i knew they would just come back anyway...

[@sandyreadsalot]

I really enjoyed hearing what you have to say about ACOWAR! I also loved what you said about how Maas wrote Mor and Amren's sexuality. I totally agree with you!

[@oLisselo]

Mor's thing reminded me to Aedion's situation. Completely out of nowhere. I will give Sarah a nice solution. Let one of the companion series be about Rhys and Feyre's son, and make him gay. LOL

[@so-phie-llie12]

Absolutely on board with what you said about Mor. It just felt so strange and like not really good written. I loved her in ACOMAF. She was badass but still had a feminine side and I would have loved her if she was bi from the beginning but when I read the 'big reveal' all I could think of is how selfish she was. She always acted like she did not care what her father thinks of her anymore and how she despises him and it made her strong and independent. Now she is afraid what they are going to think? Of course she had a loving and caring side from the start and it is ok to Show weakness but she lied to her friends about it even though they would def support her! And it should not be the biggest problem but she USED Arzriel all this time and seemed to be fine with it and Feyre was like 'oh now I can play matchmaker' without questioning her. I never really shipped Mor with Azriel but I loved their relationship. Now all you can do is pity Azriel for being in live with her. Maas could have done it differently and still could have made her bi. Mor acted like a total different Person in this book: She was terrefied of her father, acted like a child bc of Velaris, she was angry at Rhys and Azriel, was a b**** to Nesta, snapped at Feyre and was overall out of character.

[@freyaapita999]

Oh Sam, great review! Loved your honesty with ACOWAR!

[@emilyisallwrite]

I do have to say I did feel for the Suriel dying...but, damn, all the rest. I saw them all coming out of attacks without a permanent scrape--to be gifted with a love interest. I 100% want Lucien to be a happy guy, but once he got the mating bond, I wasn't sure he felt...the same?

[@janaeknight9216]

while i can see what others r saying i disagree. i am a huge sucker for happy endings so when some one does in a book or show i love im going aaahhh nnnooo bring them bk. i am so emotionally attached & love when they fig out how to bring them bk. that's the beauty of fantasy & fiction.

[@annonymous5478]

The trilogy messed me up bad when I just recently finished it. I haven't read acofas but plan to. It's just I struggle to read sometimes because I hate getting involved in a world for dreamers and then have to come back to reality. It saddens me so much I cry. The books were great but it made me realize just how bad I wanted a story like Feyres. It made me realize I wont have that stunning story and happy ending. I wont be that beautiful or loved by someone. I wont have that deep connection or the power she holds. It makes me so jealous for some reason and I don't know why. I wish scientists would find a way to transfer us into fictional worlds so I can hop in that cauldron and swoon me a high lord. I hope that the afterlife is full of magic for dreamers like me. I'm probably the only one like this lol.

[@faerybookish3898]

You know, I really enjoyed this book, but I think it struggled because ACOMAF was so good. I was worried going in that ACOWAR just couldn't live up, and it didn't. I really loved the beginning, I loved Feyre in hiding, I loved her and Lucien (

[@nefariousbutgregario]

YAS TO EVERYTHING YOU SAID. YASSSSSS. SPOILERS BELOW Idk why, but Feysand romance in here wasnt so captivating as in acomaf. I guess it's because theyre already together so theres not much tension and Rhys so submissive and self sacrificing Its just, meh. I actually start shipping Nessian, because, you of slow burn, obv. I do like Nesta, but i also agree with what many people said, we need an explanation for her behaviour. Like she was about to tell Feyre that something happened. IT BETTER BE A GODDAMN GOOD REASON. And yes about the Lgbtq rep and Mor. seriously. Dont you feel her character us a bit off in here? Shes like moodier and I still dont get why shes third in command. Like, what is her power? I also hate that she just made Azriel love her for 500 years when there's no chance. And yeah, its def a last minute decision to make her bi. That moriel foreshadowing in acomaf. I hate that theres no real sacrifices. And suddenly in a nick of time help comes. AND THEIR FATHER OUT OF THE BLUE RALLYING HELP? WHAT. Sigh. But i did enjoy some parts. esp the starting. OH, dont you feel the evil twins dying a bit to early? Also, what did you think of Jurian and Eris actually being good guys? I feel like we didnt see any real antagonist and the King of Hybern died like that. PS YOUR REACTION AT 9:10 TO 9:20 IS HILARIOUS AND I SO CAN RELATE. Love your review and you!

[@watchingsmosh]

It was only at 4min 50sec that I liked this video & by the end there was NO REGRETS. Every single point you made I 100% agree with. Too many easy way outs, too many resurrections, just too many paired relationships. And with the caring for characters that you previously didn't... I thought Amren was just okay in Acomaf, but during the cauldron scene when she "broke free" I was sobbing. THEN SHE CAME BACK. It just cheapened all the feelings and made me put up a wall to the book. Also don't get me started on Elain foreseeing Cassian's death, which never eventuated. If he doesn't die in (assuming) one of his companion books, it will just really show how sloppy the writing is.

[@alexandrinemessager6501]

"I thought Amren was just okay in Acomaf, but during the cauldron scene when she "broke free" I was sobbing. THEN SHE CAME BACK. It just cheapened all the feelings and made me put up a wall to the book." -> Exactly my feelings! I was like: "Wait...did she just made me cry for NOTHING?!!!"

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

So agree about your comments regarding Mor! A much more interesting and potentially developed relationship would have been between Amren and Nesta! Then it would have been interesting if Amren sacrificed herself in the couldren and her soul/essence was somehow absorbed into Nesta’s powers leaving her seething about her mates death.

[@CyndiSilva]

I think Tamlin is not done. What does everyone think?

[@m.m.7552]

no "GUSH" or "GRIPE" - Thank you for that!!! I didn't finish reading it, and knowing how you feel about this book would be a spolier for me! I can't wait to finish it and come here watch the discussion!

[@Ray.500]

please read the infernal devices they get better with each book and it has my favourite finale of a series ever.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

rayhan jalil I plan to!

[@Ray.500]

Thoughts on Tomes yay!

[@xWerecutiex]

Thoughts on Tomes YES please read it it's my favorite series and you'll love will and jem and tessa so much they honestly warm up my heart

[@judithmarciano3249]

This series has the best finale ever!

[@sophiakrantz2783]

I read ACOWAR almost as soon as it came out and was very disappointed at how people were raving about the book, when I was rather angry about how it all played out. You're the first booktuber I've run across who spoke my mind, and THANK YOU for showing me that I'm not just annoyingly nit-picking the story. I agreed with everything you had to say, though I personally felt that the Feysand that Maas established back in ACOMAF was this beautifully raw relationship built on healing and overcoming their internal and external battles, and then Feysand in ACOWAR was nothing but gross smut. Every scene with the two of them was just about getting it on rather than showing their emotions. In this sense I really felt for your opinion that Maas's female characters don't seem to exist without their male counterparts, because Feyre in this book constantly acted submissive to Rhys, in the way she was to Tamlin (putting his reputation before her opinion, thinking that his agreeing to hold off sex if she didn't want to is an incredible self sacrifice on his part), and I didn't see how I was supposed to be supportive of that. Rhys in this book constantly flipped between shy, sweet, perfect Rhys who builds libraries for damaged females and cruel, powerful, wicked Rhysand who tortures his enemies and bathed in the blood of his enemies, and I felt that he was gradually either becoming the Tamlin of the book or was just becoming too unrealistic even for a fantasy world. And the whole book really felt like one deus ex machina after another, from BOOM this powerful creature under the library is submissive enough to fight for you, to BOOM we have enough power to create and illusion of an ENTIRE ARMY and still have energy left, to BOOM every single ally we needed to stand a chance in this battle just showed up out of nowhere and incinerated our enemies without a scratch on us.

[@BearlyReading]

You brought up some excellent points Samantha. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the book as well, but I completely agree with you on the loose plot points, shoehorned in salvation moments, and everyone just being perfectly okay at the end of it.

[@laurens5813]

"She doesnt have the ovaries" 😂😂😂

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

:)

[@mmarz8201]

Hey Sam I wanted to know what you thought about Helion being Lucien's father. Do you think both or either on of them knows.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

I think Helion MAY suspect but I think Lucien has no clue.

[@mmarz8201]

Yeah that would make sense when I read that part I was like Lucien finally has a place to belong because I believe it was eluded that he felt he really didn't belong or fit in anywhere.

[@joya841]

Did you make a video of A Court and Silver Flames? I can't find it!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Haven't read it yet!

[@joya841]

@@ThoughtsOnTomes But you are going to read it? 😁

[@michelletapia7354]

Yesssss. I was waiting for this. Overall I enjoyed the books but I had so many issues throughout. You really hit the nail on the head.

[@ellechernousov6318]

I am beyond thrilled... YOU GET IT, YOU UNDERSTAND IT, AND YOU SAID IT. I have so much love for this series that my mind literally rejects any bad thoughts towards acowar, but watching this video... I have never agreed more with a review. You summed up every feeling I had but didn't want to acknowledge towards acowar and I feel like I can finally release a huge sigh. The revelation about Mor's sexuality irked me more than ever!! It felt random, out of character, and then completely bipassed. Mor held that secret forever and then bam, it's revealed and its not really discussed again. Also the idea of Amren being asexual?! I hadn't even considered it until I watched this video and yes, just YES. I wasn't really invested in Amren and Varian's relationship because just, who is Varian to catch the attention of this otherworld being?! No, it would have been so much better if she could have stayed independent and true to her 'I don't feel romantic' self. Hate to say it too, but I think Amren should have stayed dead. I love, love, love her character, but her return home felt so hyped that I felt she HAD to go! She deserved to go home! I love the inner circle, but with all the extra characters (like Elain, Nesta, Lucien, etc.) now also in the night court, it made sense for her to take her leave. She would always be remembered and her sacrifice would have meant so. much. MORE. I agree so much when you say you feel 'cheated' and 'slighted', cause it does seem WAY to easy. And Rhysands death. UGH. I love him to pieces, I mean he is the heart and soul of this series, more so than I think even Feyre is, and I did not want him to die (permanently). THAT BEING SAID, it fit his character that he did end up making a sacrifice because acowar had established this as the theme for Rhys, and I just WISH I could have FELT HIS DEATH. As mentioned in the video, he was alive and well again in a matter of three or so paragraphs?! NO. I knew going into acowar he died but then came back (stupid spoilers), so maybe had I not known he would be okay I would've felt the shock reading it, but even then, I wanted and NEEDED Feyre to AGONISE over his death. SJM usually conveys emotions soooo well and gives time to really express and make you understand how a character is feeling or how deeply affected they are, and this scene lacked that writing so hard it hurt. I didn't necessarily need more time to pass while he was dead, but I really needed SJM to elaborate on Feyre's deep emotions for maybe a chapter - because hell it's her GODDAMN MATE. Bleh. I don't even want to get started on the mates in this book, but also I really do. Harrumph. First, I LOVE the idea of mates and two people being MADE for each other, destined to be together, best friends and EQUALS - sorry, can't help it, I know many hate this. BUT, what I absolutely love about SJM books is that it takes WORK to find this person or reach this point. Because the mate is never the first person the protagonist (Aelin and Feyre) fall in love with or have a relationship with. And given all this, it just adds to how SPECIAL it is when someone does eventually find their mate. And so, I was so TERRIBLY upset by how many (potential mates) were set up in acowar. Nesta - Cassian, Elain - Lucien, idk if there's more but still. It devalued the mating bond for me when it seems like mates are more common than they are made out to be. Yes, I want the characters to be happy, but why does EVERYONE need to have someone? Not even just mates, but partners too? This relates to the whole Amren should have been ace idea, where it feels like everyone needs a partner to be happy. Hmm no. I do however, like the idea of Lucien and Elain's bond because I want to see it NOT work out. It's somewhat awful, but I want to see what happens when the mates DO reject each other and the obvious EPIC consequences (?) that would result. I like Lucien (I remember loving him when I first read acotar when it came out), but his character doesn't do it for me as much as the others anymore. So it's not that I don't want to seem him happy, but I think he is the perfect character to experience this. It was mentioned in the video that Azriel and Elain play into that stereotypical 'he's darkness and she's the light' type of character roles, which I do see, BUT I still can't help but love their relationship. I KNOW already SJM has said their relationship is 'brother, sister', yet I still feel they would have been a good match. The scene that really sold them for me was when Azriel discovers Elain is a seer and takes her seriously when everyone else thinks she's batshit cray. Azriel SEES Elain for who she is and he understands her trauma to a degree, about not knowing who she is or where she belongs in this world (something Azriel and Feyre also bonded over in acomaf!). Elain is quite different from everyone else, and she's like Azriel in the sense that she is also a reserved type character, and I think the two of them would go well together. What I definitely do NOT WANT though, is for the three Archeron sisters to end up with the three Illyrians. Nopee, nah, not here for it. So, having said I would like to see Azriel - Elain happen, the only option to avoid this would to make Cassian - Nesta, NOT a thing. AHH, please don't yell at me. I knoww how likely this is to become a thing, and to be explored in the spinoffs, but urgh! Cassian is AMAZING. I don't need to explain how much I love Cassian. It's Nesta I have a MAJOR problem with. First and foremost, I love Nesta's characterization, but I don't love her. Nesta to me, is an amazingly AWFUL person. She has some of the funniest, toe-curling, squealing, OMG scenes throughout all the acotar books, which is what makes her so amazing. However, Nesta is a downright, awful person. I love female characters who can be wicked-tongued (ie. Aelin, Manon, Amren), which Nesta definitely is, but what I hate is her abuse towards Feyre. This hits close to home for me. The mental and psychological abuse Feyre receives from Nesta is incredible. It is a very good example of sibling abuse. A lot of people find that Nesta redeems herself through other qualities like her undying loyalty and her fierceness (qualities I do praise in her!), but the establishment of her character as an abusive sister in acotar stuck with me throughout the series. Feyre doesn't dwell on the abuse in the series and the sisters by the end of acowar have a somewhat restored relationship (the sleeping scene was admittedly heartwarming), but I don't think it should be sidelined how abusive Nesta was with her comments and intention to HURT Feyre. I know she also had a childhood of neglect by her father and trauma of losing her mother, but projecting her anger onto Feyre is. not. acceptable. or excusable. Nesta has a right to be mad at the world, but taking it out on her younger sister, who provides for her again and again, is just awful. All in all, I really wish that Cassian and Nesta weren't a thing, sorry. The one person in the Archeron family who really did redeem themselves for me was Feyre's father. His neglect of his daughters was absolutely despicable, so I was quite happy when he died. His death really felt like a proper sacrifice. He didn't say much, as pointed out in the video, but he came through for Feyre when she most needed it and his ACTIONS speak louder than anything he could have said. Feyre's father - the man who built his LIFE around acquiring money, who barely knew anything about Fae or the war at hand, and who gave everything (money and life) in the end to help his daughters. I absolutely bawled when he arrived, not simply for what he did, but because of the ships named after his daughters. The ships were such a statement to me, of him RECOGNISING them after so many years of neglect, HONOURING them despite barely even knowing them, OFFERING everything he could muster for them, SERVING them and with pride and love in his heart. Their relationship always makes me so sad, and to think that he came back and died made me feel so much. It was so bittersweet and his death needed to happen. Last comment. This book felt wayy to much like a set up for all the other books SJM has planned for this world, and I cannot agree more that the ends should have been more or less wrapped up in this last book, since it is the FINALE and everything. I think time needed to be directed towards Feyre's story (ESPECIALLY in the Ourobouros moment!!) and less on her sisters. Despite everything said, I would still rate it 5/5 because I the writing itself is so beautiful and good and there were so many good scenes and I'm too invested in these characters, and I feel like the fact that I think enough about this book to bother writing this much should go to show how much I love it. Thanks for giving me the chance to rant, I feel quite a bit better. For those who made it to the end, thank you for taking the time to read my opinions!

[@aliyahsuva104]

I’m glad you made this review! I felt and agreed to basically all your opinions on acowar! Things happened to fast and there wasn’t enough sacrifice...

[@yezzN02]

I'm three years late, but can I say that you really understood my feelings for this book better than me? I ended it and felt...mmm...unfulfilled? Yes, to everything you said! And I will add one more thing, the fact that we lost Lucien for half the book for nothing!!! I mean, Vassa was already on the way to help, convinced by Feyre' father....so Lucien was out of the scene for absolutely nothing. And he's one of the most interesting characters. WTH! Also, if he had stayed, maybe the story with Helion could have taken flight. If they met at the meeting, etc. Ugh!

[@justperfumes3611]

One think that I don't understand ,in this book, is Mor being jealous of Cassian and Nesta. Have I missed something ? Help me...

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Mor acted so out of character in this book I'm so confused as well!

[@savannah3781]

I totally agree with your review! When I finished reading ACOWAR, I felt like something was off even though I did enjoy it. You so perfectly nailed exactly why i was having weird feeling about it! Great discussion!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

thank you!

[@aquarius2284]

I love that you acknowledged the fact that the whole thing with Vassa comes from lore. Specifically Russian fairytales. In the fairytales, the cursed girl's name is Vasilisa and she does turn into a bird. SJM barely made an effort to cover up her borrowing.

[@dreferre21]

I think personally the Drakon and Miryam made sense, and her dad coming with Vassa made sense. But I think that the issue is that this series was so big like there was a lot inner workings and a large world that squishing everything into this book was hard and I agree that four books would've been best.

[@ayabalisany5918]

I agree with most of the things you said. I hate it when no one dies in finales and I DESPISE resurrection plots! But for some reason I didn't mind them in this book. It was because I was sooo head over heels for these characters and I knew that logically someone should've died but I just couldn't care less because I loved them all so much and I was so glad they all made it out. I didn't give it full five stars ( even tho it broke my heart not to) because of Amren. I think she should've stayed single and I thought her 'thing' with Varian was ridiculous even in acomaf and her sacrifice was so cool and coming back from it was... unsatisfying. But I was wondering why you didn't mention the highlords, that meeting was my fav thing about this book!

[@beautyb4876]

i actually loved this series as a whole and really enjoyed reading it but i do agree with the problems in it. There wasn't enough of Lucien in the story, I think Amren should have stayed dead (I'm glad about Rhys because he is my new book boyfriend lol) I do agree about Mor! I wasn't expecting that at all and there are so many loose ends still. And Tamlin ....i don't know. Sigh...his story could have been better told.

[@anybethmae]

I feel like if Rhys hadn't died and been resurrected, if Cassian had died - which Rhys said he was likely to, and if Amren hadn't been resurrected, this book would've been much better. Rhys and Amren pissed me off tbh. That was when all the other cheap, easy successes just became too damn much and I just rolled my eyes.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Yes! A few of the characters basically alluded to Cassian dying and then he didn't.

[@mmarz8201]

So I think Sarah is going to make the companion books from both nesta and elain's point of views. And I really did like it, but agree about the pacing of the book as well as liking unexpected characters.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Yeah I'm sure she will but I'm also like..... I don't care about the sisters THAT much lol

[@mmarz8201]

I read the excerpt Wings and Embers from ACOMAF and it was mainly from Nesta's POV but it also had Cassian's POV and that is where I started to care about Nesta and understand her. As for Elain I just love her innocence and want to see the love triangle that Sarah has set up BTW her, Lucien, and Az.

[@Kasterwill]

Thank you so much for making a point about death not being a serious thing in YA fantasy. I've gone through so many books and worried and then boom...oh... A pink and fluffy ending. nah pal leave me cold. I can't even reread the inheritance cycle because the ending was just...like... wtf I've just waited four books worth of time

[@JennaBookHaven]

I really loved this book I agree that there should a fourth book with Rhys and feyre everything was little rushed

[@maryhelen7588]

Amren's revival was really the only not-death that got an eye roll from me. But Santa Claus could have shown up fighting with magical reindeer poop and as long as it meant Rhysand and Feyre ended up okay, I was gonna be happy.

[@TheIlovemusic22]

I believe you voiced my thoughts 100%. The Mor plot twist was completely unjustified and it is bad representation, in an era with a lot of bad representation, or no representation at all. I didn't mind the loose ends as much, though I will not be reading any companion novels, unless the protagonist is either Lucien or Azriel -highly unlikely. But I also do agree with the 'high stakes' curse that all YAs seem to be under. The stakes are always in the realm of 'OMG our world is ending!' and then there's always a big battle and no one important dies. I'm a writer too, I get loving your characters too much to hurt them, but when the time came, I did, man. It still hurts but I did. It's like you said. You have to 'take it there, get your hands dirty.'

[@JashanaC]

I agree about the end. I was not nearly as emotionally involved since it was clear that nobody I genuinely cared about was going to die. AND--I was honestly really annoyed that these three badass warrior-gods (the Bone Carver, Weaver, and that other thing I can't remember right now that was down in the library) got on the battlefield and then were pretty easily defeated, it seemed!!!! Like, what? What was the point of wasting so much time in the books getting them to fight??

[@tovaportmann]

"I have no feelings." I love the fandom's view on Amren.

[@stefanieschindler8600]

YES! I completely agree with what everything you said! So many things rushed and unexplored and not tied up. There could have easily been one more book in the series.

[@EmiliaIKnow]

So agree! I feel like in my reasonable mind I know there are loads of problems and things that are ridiculous, but something just gets to me?!

[@marnetteryes2613]

Feyesand - Hades & Persephone Nessian - Morrigan and Cu Chulainn Elucien - Loki and Sigyn

[@beckelleher2633]

I was never worried that anyone important was going to die. So there is no suspense in the battle scenes! I want to be shocked! Also it was so obvious all these different parties would meet at the end battle - the dangerous creatures, her dad and Miryam and Drakon. I did feel there was more set up for Amren and Varian with the jewellery she received. There are just so many open ends and things felt so slow in the middle just to be rushed at the end.

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

YEP! I just kept waiting for her dad, Miryam, and Drakon to show up lol

[@sceggy60]

Finally finished the book so I immediately came here! Thank you Sam for voicing my exact thoughts!

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

:)

[@Nataliecj]

I personally really liked this book but I definitely see how a lot of people are frustrated with it. Everyone I've seen talk about this trilogy say that ACOMAF is still their favourite and I think I'm the other way around, I loved ACOWAR more than ACOMAF (at least on first read-through). I basically spent all of ACOMAF waiting for Feyre and Rhys to get together so I was impatient with everything else, I didn't really care about any of the inner circle, and ACOWAR actually gave me time to start caring about all the characters and I really did, I loved them all. There are things wrong with this book but I can't deny that I thoroughly enjoyed myself while reading it, I cried several times, and I spent the whole time terrified that someone was going to die. I agree that the end was too happy and Breaking Dawn-ish, I think Amren should have stayed dead, especially given the scale of the war/battle. I love that Rhys brought her back and that she wanted to come back gave me all sorts of feels but it was a little silly and unrealistic. The open ends don't really bother me and I'm excited to see who it will follow next. Either Nesta or Elain or maybe Vassa (if she was the one Lucien went looking for) because I feel like Lucien will definitely figure somewhere down the line. It'd make sense if there were three trilogies following each Archeron sister but who knows. Some things were definitely shoe-horned in and retconned but I think that's just SJM's style and she did it so much worse in ToG so I'm not quite as mad about it in this series (nothing could be as disappointing as EoS for me). With the diversity aspects thrown in, relating to race and sexuality, I'm thrilled that SJM is finally implementing some diversity but knowing it probably comes from her seeing all the criticism makes it feel really forced and poorly done. Diversity is 100% natural and yet it feels inauthentic in her books somehow. I'm glad she's trying anyway, although many people would be justified in thinking it's too little too late. With it being rushed, I agree, but I do feel a bit sorry for SJM because her publisher or editor or whoever is giving her absolutely no time to breathe, making her release two 500+ page books a year, wringing the most amount of money out of her while she's still so popular. It was especially obvious reading EoS after ACOMAF when some scenes were almost word for word. SJM has a lot to apologise for but I don't think she's been given enough time to write and really think and plot out and edit her books and that's unfair to her (and then us reading a rushed book).

[@taylaleonardis6951]

This is fantastic, I totally agree with everything you say in this video.

[@madNbooks]

*round of applause* Wow, I agree...basically 100% with almost everything you said. It's a total "odi et amo" case, where I like and hate the book in relatively equal measure, so ended up completely frustrated by the entire reading experience. I especially love your section on Mor, especially, because I couldn't quite put my finger on what was bothering me about it -- and you're so right: it's because it's not developed and feels like we, as an audience, are being thrown a narrative bone to placate us, which is just patronising and insulting. It's great that there's an iota of representation, but having it treated the way SJM did isn't good. And, also, the deus ex machina + resurrection ending...yeah, I was just screaming internally throughout that whole bit because I, too, absolutely loathe resurrection plots and that entire finale was underwhelming and predictable because it so wholly lacked in tension. Also, Helion is great and I would absolutely read a novel about him and his adventures :D

[@beautyb4876]

i did like the bit in the meeting between the high lords and everyone was taking bets on who would fight first so funny lol

[@zoekate9943]

From what I've heard from her book events, the novels are going to follow couples. But I would be very surprised if we didn't get a book about breaking Vassa's curse. That whole scenario with the lake lord of death or whatever seemed so interesting to me, and it would bring my baby Lucien back to the forefront of the story (and then maybe we'd get some Elucien answers).

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

Yeah I'm certain they'll be focused on all the couples too

[@GelisVb]

I would recommend to read the whole Red rising serie. Mornings star has one of my favourite finales

[@CherrieWalker]

I felt like there was soo many loose ends left in this book that I'm hoping will get explained more in the next lot of books and I agree it bugged me a bit that Feyre was soo angry at Tamlin in the earlier books for not allowing her to train and fight but now shes with someone thats like yes fight by my side she just stands on a hill and watches the fight????

[@haleylutz3446]

Will you be discussing A Court of Frost and Starlight sometime soon?

[@mollymcentee5361]

Read the Half Blood Trilogy.... it's a bit older but it takes it there !

[@solarisduvaniel7203]

"She doesn't have the ovaries" BAHAHAHA!!! You are totally my head's inner voice. You're right in it! SPOT. ON. Thank you as always :) Put so eloquently and intelligently!!

[@abigail6394]

Nice review as always! I always enjoy your honesty. The convenient thing bothered me so much.I mean the convenient thing all started when Rhys and the others needed help and poof! Allies are here. Every single time. I still don't like Feyre's sisters so I had trouble with Nesta and Cassian. Also I'm not gonna just like Nesta cause she has a sudden realization because Feyre is brave. No. Have Nesta apologize for being a terrible person then I'll think about liking her. I also have trouble with shipping Azriel and Elain, not just cause I don't like her but why start up another ship if we know (assume... but we know c'mon) that Elain and Lucien are going to get together in the end. Why do it? I completely agree with everything you said regarding Mor. I see her as bisexual because she clearly says in the book 'I find pleasure in both males and females'. Even if she has a preference for females, I see her as bisexual. The really big problem I had with Mor was... Yes, honey, you are horrible for leading Azriel (and to some degree Cassian) for 500 years. Just tell Azriel, tell Cassian and it's over with. She was so strong and brave in the second book idk what happened to her. It just bothered me. I thought the Elain stabbing the King threw the throat thing was so anticlimactic. Like you're telling me that this person, Elain, has no practice whatsoever sneaks up on and kills someone who is older than Rhys I assume, has Fae hearing, and is a incredibly skilled fighter. Oh but wait... he was talking and had his back turned so he was caught off guard. Okay sure. That bothered me a lot. The other thing that bothered me was I felt Rhysand was dumb in this book. It just makes sense to me that Rhys would either have enough power to keep an eye on his enemies in the other courts and the king OR it makes sense to me that Rhys is smart enough to get like a Molly Weasley clock that shows what the other courts are doing. Because this is a war. You know the king is after you, you know that some of the other courts don't like you so why, Rhysand darling, are you always so surprised when someone attacks you or an ally? It happened over and over again and it bothered me so much. HELL YES TO EVERYTHING YOU SAID ABOUT SACRIFICING AND NO ONE DYING!

[@Lukesimmer]

i totally agree with you. i enjoyed it but i have soooo many issues

[@autumnbehon942]

"She doesn't have the ovaries" 😂 Going to be using that one now!

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I'm so conflicted, because I get that it would mean more if major characters died, but at the same time I don't want my babies to die either. I was worried that half the book would be in spring court too, so I'm glad it wasn't dragged out.

[@autumnrosedearborn8923]

This is an old review, so sorry for the late reply. I completely agree with you criticism of this book, it did need a lot more, but knowing that Sarah was very influenced by classic fairy tales it makes sense that her series have happily ever afters.

[@apopofjess9931]

I really loved this book; however, I completely agree with your points of cheapening death. Let someone go, anyone. That is one thing that HP taught me. War is messy and it isn't neatly wrapped up. Death happens, even if my best friend refuses to acknowledge that this particular character death. I think this has become a line that so many authors aren't willing to cross. This may be why I don't cry doing books that often. Loved your review though, I had been looking forward to it!

[@annehartung6511]

I totally agree with everything you said. You said it much better than me when I was reviewing ACOWAR. The only thing I disagree with, is that I wanted more of the Spring Court scheming. Or for it to at least have lasted more than a few weeks. But everything began going so fast, and although it worked pretty good for a while, it completely threw me off with Elain being kidnapped. God, that was just so annoying and unnecessary. And the last bit of the war was just so freaking annoying and disappointing. I love Amren, but she should've left and that would've been that.

[@maricruz3544]

I wanted Mor and Azerial together. I was upset about the whole Mor thing. totally agree with everything you said. Yes Lucien needs to be happy and I do not like Elain and Azerial together no. I know a lot were saying that they cried so much but honestly I didn't cry one bit, because like you said I knew they were going to be ok at the end. when Rhys " died" I just rolled my eyes cause I knew she was going to bring him back.

[@ms.razzledazzlepants3819]

i had the same problem with the mirror part glad im not the only one

[@shuzzlinreader5339]

Sam thank u so much for not being another SJM fan girl. I enjoyed parts but I agree about morrigan and especially azriel. Also can we talk about how if the high lords can resurrect another high lord with no consequences (not even power loss) there's no reason for any of them to die from here on in?

[@ThoughtsOnTomes]

LOLOLOL RIGHT?! The High Lord resurrection thing was such bullshit.

[@winju2757]

YAS girl totally agree with you it's such a shame since ACOMAF was so good. Did it bother anyone how Feysand was a little ruined because before they had good banter and cute incidents but now they just have sexy time quite often, is there no more of Rhys to find out or could they just have not been turned on so often. I feel like Lucien was easily convinced to come on our side I thought he would have been more suspicious and I wanted Tamlin to try to come for Feyre and she manipulated him more. I dunno I'm just bleurgh

[@alliek23]

I appreciate you phrasing this as you still liked the book! Hate between everyone is sad