After reading A Court of Thorns and Roses and loving it I had to start book 2 right away. It was even better than the first book and I loved it very much. This review will contain spoilers for ACOTAR but not ACOMAF.
Synopsis
Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she’s now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people.
As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre’s hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil.
Review
I can agree with most people that this sequel is better than the first book even though I still loved the first book very much. I was hooked from the start and could not put this book down.
The characters in this story are amazing. Rhysand and Feyre work so well together and I loved reading about them slowly falling in love. They are truly equals and Rhysand treats Feyre so well, contrary to Tamlin. There were so many moments that had me swooning. It was also fun to learn about the “real” Rhys and see what’s behind his mask. As one can expect, the 2 are very different from each other.
We also met Rhysand’s close friends and family in this book and I love them very much. We learned about everyone’s tragic past and how they all found each other which I found added depth to their relationship and the story and made me feel for them. They each bring their own talents to the table and they make a very strong group.
I absolutely fell in love with the Night Court in this book. It sounds so dreamy, magical, and luxurious. I have enjoyed listening to many Night Court ambiences while reading this book. I love Throne of Glass but I’m not sure I would ever want to live in that world whereas the Night Court sounds very appealing.
The plot was definitely not the main show of the book. After defeating Amarantha in the last book they have a new enemy. This book has a lot of working behind the scenes in order to stop this new villain. There was a lot more emphasis on Feyre healing from the trauma she experienced at the end of last book.
The last 50 pages of this book tore my heart out. Everything was fine until it wasn’t and I was screaming inside. There were some exciting things that came from the ending though and I’m so excited to pick up the next book and find out what happens next.
Sarah J. Maas is a legend and I love how empowering all of her female characters are.