Upon Further Review - A Court of Mist and Fury

Upon Further Review is an original feature here at Somewhere Only We Know. I have always loved re-reading my favorite books, and I wanted a way to incorporate re-reading into my blog. Thus From the Ashes and Upon Further Review were born. From the Ashes is where I re-read a book that I have never reviewed before and finally review it. Upon Further Review is where I re-read a book that I've already reviewed and see if my original rating stands or not. This is also the time for me to discuss any new revelations that my latest re-read has brought to my attention.

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 2)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

626 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

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Goodreads description--Feyre survived Amarantha's clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can't forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin's people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be 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 cleaved in two.

With more than a million copies sold of her beloved Throne of Glass series, Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her seductive and action-packed series to new heights.

Since finishing A Court of Thorns and Roses for a second time, I could not fathom not reading A Court of Mist and Fury given what I know is to come. This book has perhaps the best reveal in any book or series I've ever read. I mean this rivals the Snape reveal from Harry Potter and truthfully might be even better. Seriously! I knew immediately that I needed to re-read this reveal. I couldn't wait to see how each piece fit since I knew what was going to happen from my previous read through. And it was just as good the second time through as it was the first.

I went back and read my original review. In it, I complained about the first 30% being slow for me because of the negative place Feyre was in. This time it didn't bother me at all because I knew where things were heading and why those events needed to take place. I also mentioned feeling like I was on a rollercoaster the first time through, but of course, that also wasn't an issue for a re-read since again I already knew what was going to happen.

I did spend this re-read focusing a good bit more on the side characters. Or well pay attention to their stories. Because even though we learn more about each of them, the series ends in a way that there are open storylines for each and every side character. I can't wait for more of their stories. Az, Cassian, Elaine, and Nesta. Those were my favorite side characters. I still need more.

I mentioned the big reveal already but this book has one of the single best relationship builds I've ever read as well. Feyre specifically goes through such a vast transformation from the beginning of A Court of Thorns and Roses to the end of this book. The emotional and mental connection is so deep and the foundation so solid that I wish many other authors would take note of how to build a relationship the right way. Rhys is revealed in just the right amount at the right time. Piece by piece.

I did find myself annoyed yet again with the ending of A Court of Mist and Fury. The crew went into a mission with too little planning and relying on too much luck. Lots happened and left several of the characters in peril. Ultimately, I again understand why Sarah J Maas chose this path since I've read the series before, but I still felt angry about the events. Just the fact that I could feel so strongly about a book I've read before says a lot.

Favorite (non-spoiler) quotes from my re-read:

-“There are a great many things that I wish to do, and don’t get to.”

-Lucien had come to patch me up a few times, but no one risked quite so much in keeping me not only alive, but as mentally intact as I could be considering the circumstances. Just as he’d been doing these past few weeks— taunting and teasing me to keep the hollowness at bay. Just as he was doing now.

-“To the people who look at the stars and wish...”

-“To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered.”

I can't believe I ever considered giving A Court of Mist and Fury anything but 5 Stars. This book is by far my favorite of the series. It has one of my all-time favorite relationship build-ups and reveals of any book I've ever read. Re-reading this book was not an option. It was a MUST. And I felt just as much the second time through as I did the first. Tears pricked my eyes. Anger filled my belly. 5 Stars! Have you read A Court of Mist and Fury? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.