Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Wings and Ruin is the third book in the popular fantasy series A Court of Thorns and Roses.

This story continues the adventures of Feyre Archeron, a young woman who started as a human but has since become a powerful High Fae.

The audiobook version, read by Amanda Leigh Cobb, brings the story to life in a way that many listeners find exciting and emotional.

Let’s break down the plot, characters, narration, and themes in simple terms to help you understand why this book is loved by so many—and why some readers had mixed feelings about it.

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What’s the Story About?

The book begins right after the events of the second book, A Court of Mist and Fury.

Feyre, now a High Fae with incredible magical powers, returns to the Spring Court, the home of her ex-lover, Tamlin.

But she’s not there to fix their relationship. Instead, she’s pretending to still care about him so she can spy on his plans.

Tamlin’s court is working with an evil king named Hybern, who wants to destroy the human world and enslave humans and Fae alike.

Feyre’s goal is to gather information, weaken Tamlin’s court from the inside, and protect her true family and friends.

As the story unfolds, Feyre faces dangerous challenges.

She uses her intelligence and magic to trick Tamlin and his allies, but things get complicated when Hybern’s army begins attacking.

Feyre reunites with her mate, Rhysand (the powerful High Lord of the Night Court), and together, they try to unite the seven High Lords of Prythian (the Fae world) to fight against Hybern.

The problem?

These High Lords hate each other and rarely work together. Feyre and Rhysand must convince them to set aside their differences or risk losing everything.

The book is packed with battles, political schemes, and emotional moments.

Friendships are tested, alliances are formed, and characters make huge sacrifices.

By the end, the story sets up future conflicts and leaves readers wondering what’s next for Prythian.

The Audiobook Experience: A New Voice Brings the Story to Life

The audiobook version of A Court of Wings and Ruin is over 25 hours long, which might sound intimidating, but many fans say it’s worth the time.

The narrator, Amanda Leigh Cobb, takes over from the previous narrator, and listeners have mixed feelings about the change.

Some loved Cobb’s performance, saying she added more emotion and depth to the characters.

Others missed the old narrator’s style but grew to enjoy Cobb’s take.

Here’s why the audiobook works:

- Emotional scenes feel real: Cobb does a great job showing Feyre’s anger, fear, and love through her voice. For example, when Feyre confronts Tamlin, you can hear the tension and bitterness in her tone.

- Different voices for characters: Cobb gives each character a unique voice. Rhysand sounds calm and confident, while Tamlin’s voice is rougher and more aggressive. This helps listeners keep track of who’s speaking.

- Pacing: Even during slower parts of the story, Cobb’s narration keeps things engaging. Her voice rises during battle scenes and softens during romantic or sad moments.

Some listeners admit they enjoyed the audiobook more than reading the physical book because the narrator’s performance made the story feel dramatic and immersive.

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What Readers Loved About the Book

1. Feyre’s Growth as a Leader

In the first book, Feyre was a struggling human trying to survive. Now, she’s a fierce leader who isn’t afraid to make hard choices.

For example, she risks her life to trick Tamlin and later stands up to the High Lords, demanding they join her cause.

Fans love watching her become a confident, strategic hero.

2. The Romance Between Feyre and Rhysand

Rhysand and Feyre’s relationship is a big focus. Unlike her toxic past with Tamlin, Rhysand treats Feyre as an equal.

They trust each other, share power, and fight side by side.

Many readers call their partnership goals for healthy relationships.

3. Side Characters Shine

Characters like Cassian (a warrior with a funny attitude), Nesta (Feyre’s cold but brave sister), and Amren (a mysterious, ancient being) get more screen time.

Their personalities and backstories add humor and depth to the story.

4. Epic Battles and Twists

The war scenes are intense and well-written. For instance, a major battle near the end involves dragons, magic, and heartbreaking losses.

The story also has surprising twists, like betrayals from unexpected characters.

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Criticisms and Why Some Readers Were Disappointed

While many fans adore this book, others felt it didn’t live up to the previous ones. Here’s why:

1. Too Many Plotlines

The story tries to juggle war politics, romance, family drama, and magical lore. Some readers felt overwhelmed, especially with new characters and subplots added quickly.

For example, the scenes with the High Lords meeting felt rushed—they argue one minute and agree to work together the next, without enough buildup.

2. The Ending Feels Rushed

After a long buildup to the final battle, the war ends abruptly. Key villains like Hybern are defeated too easily, and some fans wanted more consequences for the main characters.

3. Repetitive Phrases

Words like “mate” (a Fae term for soulmate) and “power” are used constantly. While this shows the importance of relationships and magic in Fae culture, it annoyed readers who felt it was overdone.

4. Lack of Consequences

Despite the war, most main characters survive with minor injuries. Some readers wanted higher stakes, where major characters die or face lasting trauma.

Themes: What’s the Story Really About?

1. Power Isn’t Everything

The book shows that true strength isn’t just about magic or armies—it’s about loyalty, love, and teamwork.

For example, Rhysand’s court (the Night Court) wins battles because they trust each other, while Hybern’s army falls apart due to greed and fear.

2. Forgiveness and Second Chances

Characters like Tamlin and Feyre’s sister, Elain, get chances to redeem themselves.

The story suggests that even people who make terrible mistakes can change.

3. Equality in Relationships

Feyre and Rhysand’s relationship is built on mutual respect.

They make decisions together and support each other’s goals, which contrasts with Tamlin’s controlling behavior in earlier books.

4. War’s Cost

The story doesn’t shy away from showing how war hurts everyone—soldiers, families, and even winners.

For instance, a peaceful village is destroyed in the crossfire, reminding readers that victory often comes with loss.

Should You Read (or Listen to) This Book?

If you enjoyed the first two books in the series, A Court of Wings and Ruin is a must-read. It answers big questions from earlier books and sets up new adventures.

The audiobook is a great choice if you want to feel immersed in the world of Prythian, thanks to Amanda Leigh Cobb’s lively narration.

However, if you’re new to the series, start with Book 1 (A Court of Thorns and Roses).

This third book relies heavily on past events and relationships, so jumping in here might confuse you.

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Final Thoughts

A Court of Wings and Ruin isn’t perfect—some parts feel rushed, and not every character gets the attention they deserve.

But it’s a thrilling, emotional ride with strong themes of love, courage, and unity. Fans of fantasy, romance, and action will likely enjoy it, especially the audiobook version.

The series isn’t over yet, and this book leaves plenty of room for future stories about Feyre, Rhysand, and their allies.

Whether you’re Team Rhysand or just here for the magic and battles, this book is a key chapter in a series that keeps readers hooked.

Grab some popcorn (or tissues) and dive in!

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