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I waited a long time to read A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. Not because I didn’t know about it—this book is everywhere—but because fantasy just isn’t my comfort genre.
I’m much more of a realistic fiction reader. I can enjoy fantasy, but only in small doses, and I usually need a long break between fantasy books. A lot of the ones I start end up as DNFs. So when I finally checked this out on Libby after a long hold (which alone tells you how popular it is), I went in with very low expectations.
My mindset was simple: If I don’t like it, I’ll stop.
First Impressions: Slow, But Promising
The beginning is slower than I expected, but not in a way that felt pointless. Almost immediately, I could see the potential. The world-building didn’t overwhelm me, and I appreciated that the story unfolded gradually instead of dumping everything at once.
As the book went on, I found myself more invested—especially in watching the relationships build and learning about the different fae and creatures. Even though it’s a long book, by the end it didn’t feel long, which is something I don’t say often about fantasy.
Expectations vs. Reality
What I expected:
- A dense, confusing fantasy I’d struggle to finish
- Too much lore, not enough payoff
- Something I’d probably DNF halfway through
What I actually got:
- A story that eased me into its world
- Characters and relationships that slowly grew on me
- Enough intrigue to keep me listening until the end
Was it life-changing for me? No.
Did it pleasantly surprise me? Absolutely.
My Final Rating (And Why It Matters)
I gave A Court of Thorns and Roses 3 out of 5 stars.
I know that might sound low—especially for a BookTok favorite—but for me, that rating actually means a lot. Most fantasy books I start don’t even make it to the end. Finishing this one, enjoying it, and immediately placing a hold on the sequel says more than a higher rating ever could.
I already plan to read the next book, I just need a short break first because these books are long—and I know my limits.
Who I Think Will Enjoy This Book
- Readers who are fantasy-curious but hesitant
- People who like slow-burn relationship development
- Readers who enjoy immersive worlds without being overwhelmed right away
- Anyone wondering why this book became such a huge BookTok hit
I can absolutely understand the appeal now—even if fantasy isn’t my main genre. And honestly? That alone makes this book worth trying.
