Book Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #3
Date Started: August 22nd 2025
Date Completed: September 13th 2025
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure, Action
Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Four Star
Final Rating: Four Stars
Review:
I'm gradually coming around to the ACOTAR series, after absolutely hating the first one - but it just doesn't compare to Throne of Glass for me. It's a lot of fun, I raced through the just-about-700 pages and didn't want to put it down, but ultimately I don't connect with the characters. Nesta is my favourite - and feels the more real, presents conflict but is grounded in a compelling narrative arc - and while I like the others, I don't feel close to them which brings the stakes down by quite a bit.
Maas is renowned for the grandeur of her worlds and their places, cultures and politics. But A Court of Wings and Ruin reminded me how great she is at writing battles, in a way that allows the plot to flow through and heighten the excitement. There's just enough action to feel epic, enough chaos to intimidate, but not so bogged down in the movements and strategy that the story is sacrificed.
It firmly feels that this was originally written as a trilogy that then expanded, and while I was a little disapponted at the lack of character deaths and long-standing loss for the world, I really enjoyed the way Maas satisfyingly wrapped up the story, but left the door open just enough for another - which it evidently went on to do and perhaps will continue to.
