Kirkus Inspired Book Review

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 A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah. J. Maas

Graphic Audio Edition, read by a full voice cast.

     



 

     In the vintage style of radio shows from days far gone, we follow the story of a young woman who hunts in the cold and dangerous forest outside her small village. Feyre lives a hard life with her two sisters and father in their minuscule cottage near the magical border between realms. Sometimes things, that have no place in the Human world, cross over and devour any unfortunate enough to run across them. Feyre discovers this in the worst way possible when a beast breaks down the door of her family's humble dwelling demanding a life for a life. She is spirited away to the land of the fae, a realm far more dangerous than meets the eye. And Feyre knows that much like a carnivorous plant, it lures humans like flies for dinner.

    Sarah J. Maas creates a world both unfamiliar and familiar in this romantic retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Though engrossing, the plot moves slowly for the majority of the book in the interest of world-building. The high stakes third act more than makes up for this and will have readers at the edge of their seat wondering, what, exactly the author has in store for Feyre. 

    Audiobook lovers will be thoroughly impressed by this fully voice acted "Movie in Your Mind." Likewise, established fans of the Sarah J. Maas Universe will find the novelty medium fascinating, though some may find the American accents jarring in a fantasy setting. The music and sound effects add realism; perhaps some traditional audiobook aficionados will find them distracting, but those waiting with bated breath for the Hulu adaptation will be happy with this morsel of what could be.  

 

 

Sources:

ACOTAR Graphic Audio Part 1 cover source: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654719102i/61252170.jpg

"Movie in Your Mind" is Graphic Audio's catchphrase.



 


Comments

  1. KFebruary 12, 2023 at 2:03 PM

    I love this series so much and I'm really glad you picked it for your review! I believe I've read the second book, A Court of Mist and Fury, 3 times now. You did a great job explaining the concept of the book without giving too much away.

    When it comes to audiobooks I have to have listened to the book first or I tend to be very critical of the voice actors. ACOTAR's graphic audiobook is exciting and I hope future productions like it are made for popular series, but I had to stop listening to it because none of the voices were what I had imagined and it ruined some of the magic for me. I truly hope that they cast the Hulu adaptation well because I so badly want to love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Megan RichardsFebruary 12, 2023 at 4:08 PM

      I really liked your review of this book. I enjoyed this series but I find it difficult to explain to people, and I think you were able to simplify a complicated story, and make it sound worth reading without giving anything away.

      Delete
    2. Katie Reads BooksFebruary 15, 2023 at 3:11 PM

      I've heard a lot of people didn't like the American accents in particular, as well as complaints about the sound effect for winnowing. I personally like them, but I understand why some people don't. First, our imagination is hard to live up to. Second, we are primed to hear Received Pronunciation (for elves, nobility, scholars, etc) and Irish or regional English accents for commoners. It's a bit jarring for a lot of people on multiple levels.

      Delete
  2. Molly MillsopFebruary 12, 2023 at 5:22 PM

    Excellently written book review! I love a well done fairy tale retelling (I chose one for my Kirkus style review as well) and love an audio book with full cast audio. I'm definitely going to check this out. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Katie Reads BooksFebruary 15, 2023 at 3:12 PM

      Molly,
      I highly recommend it. It's a good read. I've re-read it several times.

      Delete
  3. Erin CataldiFebruary 16, 2023 at 9:36 AM

    You did an excellent job on this review and you did a great job talking about the audiobook appeals!

    ReplyDelete

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