Meeting Sarah J Maas with ACOTAR

Loved meeting author Sarah J Maas in Cardiff for a book signing of her new fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses. She was seriously charming and answered everyone's questions. She also had the most fabulous cat ring on!!

 Can't wait to see what happens in the series.

I asked her how long it took to write this book. She said the plot took about a month then editing about 9 months after that! She is now writing 2 books a year, which her fans will be thrilled about, including me! 

It was interesing to know also that not only did she get inspiration from Beauty and the Beast but also looked to Greek Myth, specifically Hades and Persephone. Is this a clue for the next installment? We will have to wait and see.

Book Review; A Court of Throne and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Synopsis

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

My Musings

The Deliciously decadent new fantasy series from Sarah J Maas weaves a seductive spell over her fans again.

Based on Beauty and the Beast and aimed for a slightly older audience we are introduced to a new fantasy world where humans and faeries live uncomfortably side by side after a great war but evil is still lurking. Feyre lives in poverty with her family and when out hunting for them kills what she thinks is a wolf but in fact is a faery in disguise. In retribution a warrior faery Lord named Tamlin, in his 'beast' form demands she give her life and return with him to his home or her family dies. Maas cleverly paints a bleak barren picture of Fayre's life so when she arrives at the Tamlin's home both the reader and Feyre delight in the beauty and colour of , what we find out, is The Spring Court. The contrast is striking.

When he is home Tamlin, turns from beast to man but still  has to forever wear a golden mask due to a curse on his court by the evil queen Amarantha. The mystery of the man behind the mask hangs in the air between them. Their clash of wills  as Feyre refuses to be intimidated by Tamlin and their fight for survival and love is captivating and their chemistry grows powerfully throughout the book. I should also mention Tamlin's best friend Lucien who adds quite a bit of spice!

The book really starts to twist and turn when Spring Court is attacked and both Feyre and Tamlin become prisoners to Amarantha, Queen of Prithian. It is here we are introduced to the darkly addictive Rhysand, Faery Lord of the Night Court. The plot weaves a deliciously complex plot, where bad characters turn good , or do they? The end still leaves many questions unanswered frustratingly. Will Fayre save Tamlin? Is Rhysand to be trusted? And what of the bargain he has made with Feyre. Shadows of the myth Hades and Persephone spring to mind. You hold your breath as their lives hang in the balance.

Marr has created an hedonistic world full of sensual and decadent heroes and a fiercely passionate and  beautiful heroine that will carve their names into your memory for a long time after finishing this awesome book.  I didn't realise I was so fully hooked until the last page when I felt quite desolate it had finished and I would have to wait a full year until the next one! Definitely one of my favourite books this year!!

If you can try and catch Sarah J. Maas on her UK Tour. ON NOW

If you like this you might like
The Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas


Follow Sarah J Maas on
www.sarahjmaas.com
Twitter https://twitter.com/SJMaas/
 Facebook Sarah J. Maas

Book Review; Summer at Tiffanys by Karen Swan

Summer At Tiffany's by Karen Swan

Synopsis

A return to the characters from the bestselling Christmas at Tiffany's. With a wedding to plan and a wedding to stop, what could go wrong?

My Musings 

So lucky to get a proof thanks to Cover to Cover Book Shop in Mumbles! Thankyou x



 This book is a welcome return to the amazing characters of Karen Swan's Christmas in Tiffanys but what lies in store for them in the sequel?

Certainly all that glitters is not gold. I was dying to know what happened to Cassie, Henry and her best friends so many of us fell in love with and Karen certainly takes her readers on a rollercoaster ride. We left Cassie and Henry in a perfect place as they just got engaged at the end of the last book. But sometimes life can be too perfect and Cassie seems to want to deliberately sabotage her own chance of happiness. Cassie will not or cannot commit to a wedding much to Henry's obvious frustration. What I like about Karen Swan books is she makes her character flawed, thereby relatable and Cassie is certainly that. You want to shake her sometimes but also recognize we all carry baggage that can influence future decisions and not always in a good way. 

This book also sends out some curve balls. When a husband of one of Cassie's friends has a heart attack it sets in motion a set of events that will change their lives and highlight unresolved issues. My heart was in my mouth for some parts and I was hoping Karen wasn't going to be too cruel to her readers!

The second part of the book is set in Cornwall which sounds divine, especially to someone who's never been. Karen's scene building of the gorgeous beach house,  interiors, the fashion is fabulous and you are transported there with the characters. Its in Cornwall things come to a head as while Henry is away an old lover of Cassie's appears. Its at this point you really want to scream at her! Surely Cassie can't be that stupid ? Well you'll have to read the book to find out as I don't do Spoilers!

Really LOVED this book. I was feeling a bit poorly when I started it and it really provided some much need escapism. I was totally smitten. The overriding message in this book is the importance of friendship, living in the moment and grabbing happiness while you can. Definately something to remember!

ENJOY!!

If you like this you will love
Christmas At Tiffany's by Karen Swan. (You don't have to read this first but I would)
The Summer Without You by Karen Swan

If you want to follow Karen Swan find her on
Twitter @KarenSwan1
Facebook Karen Swan

Cornwall