Kayleigh Paxton

This was the first book to ever make me cry. I think I was in 3rd grade. It took me years to track down this book because I could only vaguely remember the plot leading up to the ending and what the cover looked like. Some kind soul on reddit helped me figure it out, and I promptly purchased a second hand copy online. But then it's sat on my shelves for at least a year, regularly pulled off and looked at, but never opened. When I know something has made me sad before, or suspect it will make me cry, I tend to avoid it like the plague. Even though I know the ending, even though it's been 20 years and logic tells me I won't be quite affected as much.

Two days ago my dog, my sweet boy that I got just four months into living on my own, passed away unexpectedly. He had cancer in his liver and spleen that we didn't know about. He was only 6 and a half. He always listened to me so attentively and I remember telling him everything I could remember about the book when my copy first arrived at the house. I have cried so much the last 45 hours, but there's still more in me to come. I thought now would be a good time to finally reread this book so I can cry about something other than my sweet Kel. It worked. And the book held up to my childhood memories which is a rare and special thing. Pinky's prayer did get me. “Go forth, O unhappy spirit, from this troubled body and imperfect world into the paradise that has been prepared for you by the Almighty Father...” The important detail is that Mama was not unhappy, she loved deeply and was just as loved. And so is Kel.

I've never read another story by Bebe Faas Rice, and it's my understanding she writes scary stories for children. While this one might be haunting, I find it more moving than anything else.

I found myself frustrated with Feyre a little too often for my taste, hence the 4, but I'm hopefully for future character growth! Although I guessed several things correctly through the book, I was happily surprised by the final development! Especially because I was concerned how this human girl was going to believably make it to a 5th book.

This was a fun and easy read, and I'm starting the second book immediately after hitting “Done” on this review! I'm hoping for 1) much more information on fae magic than we've gotten, especially the magic stunt from the very end, 2) information on the gods that I've been constantly reminded humans don't remember, and 3) for Feyre to learn how to read. Good night she could've avoided at least 100 pages of suffering if she was simply literate and had read 3 romance poems in her life.

slow clap Worth the hype.

Halfway through the book, I had suspicions about how far Tamlin would go to get what he wanted, but 1) I expected him to be in on Ianthe's deceit (red petals?! I knew what you were) and 2) I doubted Mass would full send it and go there. I am happy to be proven wrong and am fully invested in this series!

I like Feyre much better now after getting her earned character growth! We got a lot more fae magic, but I'll admit not understand the system of it is something to get used to when you're used to systems like Robert Jordan's and Sanderson's. I want just a little more detail than we've gotten so far. And Feyre learned to read, thank the lord! And speaking of lord, no info about the gods yet, but now that we've gotten introductions to the priestesses and the Book and Cauldron, I'm hopeful for the next book!

Loved every Feyre and Rhysand scene and LOVE the full Court of Dreams! I guessed we were headed towards both her new title and immortality for her sisters, but I had no idea they would come so soon, and I'm so happy to get more time than I thought would be given post both of these developments!

Also, Tam's a bitch and can go to hell.

I watched the movie growing up and loved it, so I was excited to read the book. Neil Gaiman has a lovely voice, both literally and in his writing, and I highly recommend listening to his narration in the audiobook! I had not realized the movie was so different from the book, and this is one of the rare occasions I actually like their differences rather than feel like something precious has been missed. Starlight the novel is both charming as well as surprisingly horrific, just as an adult fairytale should be! Having now read Starlight and Coraline, I'm sensing the unsettling is a marker of his work. I am excited to explore more of it!