Type of read: Lunch/Weekend Read.

What made me pick it up: Many of my friends have read the ACOTAR series and enjoyed it and between their recommendations and the general description, it's right up my alley.

Overall rating: I had been warned going into this series that I'd be good to go as long as I could make it through the first 100 pages of the first book. I don't know if I would give someone that same warning. Maybe it was because I was caught up in the writing and the gorgeous creation of worlds, but I didn't find the first 100 pages (or so) to be all that boring. They truly helped to build the setting and get you an understanding of the characters. I enjoyed the subtle romance (hoping for a bit more spiciness as the series goes on), the slow build, and the intention with the characters. While I would typically be against the way it ended (could feel forced but Maas wrote it extremely well and didn't overdo it) I do feel like it's a necessary ending to keep the series moving forward.

I also have to add, I LOVE the fact that less than 15 pages in, we get the pronunciation of Fayre's name. Additionally, as characters are introduced throughout the book, we're given additional subtle hints for pronunciation. I don't know if this was intentional or just a beautiful by-product of the story, but as someone who always feels like I'm not saying names correctly in my head, I 100% appreciate this.

I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes.

Reader's Note: ACOTAR includes (very) mild sexual relationships and themes of war, abuse, torture, and murder.