19-year-old Feyre’s only concern is keeping her father and sisters fed, but a hunting trip in the forest that separates the human realm from that of the Faerie realm goes awry when she comes across a wolf that might not be of her world at all. Killing the wolf proves to be the most risky choice Feyre has ever made, when a shapeshifting Faerie comes across the wall to take her back with him: a life for a life, in exchange for the disguised Faerie she murdered in the woods. As Feyre adjusts to her new home in Prythian, she finds out that all she has known of the Faeries may not be as it seems – and she is plunged into a war that began long before her birth. Can she survive as a mere mortal girl in the world of Faeries, or will she be ripped apart like so many before her?
This book was recommended to me by such an incredibly large group of people that I finally caved and grabbed it from my local library. I felt that it started off a little bit slow, but once I hit the 20% mark or so, I was captivated unlike any book has done so for me in years. I understand now why this series has such a cult following! Feyre can be a bit unlovable as far as narrators go, to be frank, but that’s never stopped me as I’ve always been fond of protagonists that feel human enough to be flawed. There are some really enjoyable characters besides her, though (my favorite being Lucien, whose quick wit and brutal honesty made me smile a few times). I found myself on the edge of my seat a few times, rooting for this character or that one, and for me, any book that can make me care enough to be held in suspense, is worthy of a decent review. I would recommend this title to anyone who enjoys YA or NA fantasy! I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.
