Upon Further Review - A Court of Wings and Ruin

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 Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses, # 3)

By: Sarah J Maas

Publication: June 2nd 2020 by Bloomsbury Publishing (first published May 2nd 2017)

736 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin’s actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything—and everyone—she holds dear.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers—both magical and political—and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the fate of Feyre’s world is at stake as armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy it.

I went back and re-read my original review of A Court of Wings and Ruin. Honestly, I pretty much covered it all, but there's a difference between the way you inherently feel reading a book for the first time compared to the second. And that's a lack of disappointment (for the most part) because you already know what's going to happen. You aren't surprised, but you're not reading with any hopes or expectations beyond what you already know is going to happen.

That being said, I didn't end the previous book as irritated with the characters' situation. If anything, I was actually more excited to jump into this book than I was the first time. I also didn't find things as annoying the 2nd read through. Feyre's time with Tamlin's court wasn't so dreaded. I read with excitement for her reunion with Rhys rather than the dread of not knowing how long she would be there and separated from Rhys. I also wasn't so annoyed with my predictions being right because as I said already, I already knew how every single piece would go.

If anything, this read-through gave me space to appreciate how things couldn't have (well I guess they "could" have) gone any different. I just mean that the way they did go made the most sense even if I originally found it a little predictable. I enjoyed the journey more this time.

The one thing that sparked as strong of a reaction the second time reading this book as it did the first time was Mor's big revelation. I guess I blocked that from my mind because I really forgot that's what happened. And I was just as ticked off at her for how she chose to treat Azriel over the last 500 years. She knew how he felt about her, but instead of having an honest conversation with someone who is one of her closest friends, she used him. I am so beyond ticked off. Still. I went from thinking that she was one of the strongest characters to feeling like she was one of the weakest and certainly one of my least favorite.

This re-read also sparked my burning desire to know more about the side characters. Elaine & Lucien. Azriel. Cassian & Nesta. I need to know more. I hope we get some relief and answers soon.

Overall, I enjoyed A Court of Wings and Ruin much more the second time reading it. Not having any expectations allowed me to appreciate the story as it was rather than factoring in the expectations of my experience. A Court of Wings and Ruin now gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Court of Wings and Ruin? 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.