When I first started reading a again after becoming a bookseller (like, hardcore reading), I promised myself I wouldn't read ACOTAR. It was one of those spicy books and I wasn't going to do it. And then I bought it...
Here's where I stand with spicy books: They aren't like movies or TV shows. I can skip a few pages and miss nothing. I can go back without worrying about if I'm seeing something I don't want to see. And, if I feel comfortable enough reading a specific scene (like it isn't that bad or it "fades to black"), I will read it. So, I decided I'd get ACOTAR. Honestly, part of it was because so many of my co-workers were telling me to read it and a customer flat out called me sacrilegious for working as a bookseller and avoiding to read ACOTAR. And that's when I decided I'd read it. After so many months of saying I wouldn't, I caved. And I'm not sorry.
Synopsis
For those of you who are not aware of what ACOTAR is and what it's about, here's the synopsis for you.
When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal immortal faeries who once ruled her world.
At least, he's not a beast all the time.
As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she's ever been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands, An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin--and his world--forever.
When I was younger, I absolutely loved Beauty and the Beast. I still do. But that was the one movie I would watch over and over again. Belle inspired my love for books. I wanted to be just like her. I even dressed up as her when I was younger.
And when I became a Barnes & Noble bookseller, I called myself a modern-day Belle. Because, essentially, I am. So, when I realized ACOTAR is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, I wanted to read it even more.
My Thoughts
I actually really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-developed and the plot was an interesting take on Beauty and the Beast. Feyre, the youngest of three sisters, is the sole provider for her family. Her mom passes away when she is young and asks young Feyre to take care of her family. And so she does. But one day, that gets her into trouble.
I loved the myths shared between the human world and Prythian. Feyre's hesitation in some areas made the plot flow well. She is this human in a strange world, a world she has always been warned against and her hesitancy shows. But it also makes the love story that much more captivating. She slowly lets her guard down, which later becomes an internal battle in regards to keeping her promise to her mother.
And then the twist happens and it was unique. Of course there had to be a curse. It's a Beauty and the Beast retelling. But it was more than I thought it would be. We're talking more characters, more fighting, and Feyre having to prove something to the Fae. And, I'll admit, I cried at the end.
I cannot wait to read the second one. I've heard that's (almost) everyone's favorite. I'm ready to see the character development in Rhysand and Tamlin and the relationship between Rhysand, Tamlin, and Feyre. Because, let's be real, whether we've read the series or not, we all know Rhysand is a very prominent character in ACOMAF.
My Rating
To be completely honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this one. I have heard so many mixed reviews, and more often than not, most of the books people rave about don't quite stick the landing for me. But this one did. I loved basically everything about this.
So, my rating is ⭐⭐⭐⭐. It wasn't a five star read for me simply because I've heard the second will get better. The only thing I didn't like about this book is how part of the ending seemed to drag on, but that's just a personal opinion. I see why it was needed, though.
If you're ever wondering if you should read this series, I will say yes. It's unique and does actually deserve the hype. Plus, there will be a TV series soon and what's not to love about that? Hopefully...
And, just because I love this song, here's some extra music to sing and cry to. 😅 (I did tell you Ilove Beauty and the Beast...)
Have you read this series before? What did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below. Let's start a conversation!