A Court of Mist and Fury

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• Have you read other books by Sarah J. Maas or other romantic fantasy novels in general (e.g., Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing or Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince)? How does A Court of Mist and Fury compare to these other texts? Why do you think the romantasy genre is so popular with readers?
• If you’ve read A Court of Thorns and Roses, what did you think of Tamlin’s characterization in this book versus his portrayal in the first book in the series? Do you prefer Tamlin or Rhysand as Feyre’s romantic interest, and why? 

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Feyre’s experiences in this novel overturn her beliefs about the Night Court and Rhys. Has there been a time in your own life when your preconceptions about a person or place were challenged? What did you learn from this experience?
• Fae society is steeped in rigid gender roles. How have you seen gender roles shift within your own lifetime? How do you feel about the current state of gender roles?
• Whereas Tamlin demonstrates his feelings for Feyre by seeking to control her, Rhys’s love frees the protagonist to experience self-actualization. Within your own life, how has love (romantic or otherwise) impacted your relationship with yourself? 
• How did you feel about Feyre and Rhys’s love story? In A Court of Mist and Fury, some couples are mates who share a sacred bond. Do you believe that some people are destined for one another? Why or why not? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context 

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• After their traumatic experiences Under the Mountain, Tamlin and Feyre’s relationship undergoes a dire transformation. What comments about domestic abuse and mental health might the author be making? What interventions could help in such situations?
• What does this novel have to say about social problems in the real world? How does A Court of Mist and Fury use the lens of fantasy to contribute to a conversation about class inequities, privilege, and misogyny? What solutions (if any) does it propose?

4. Literary Analysis 

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• How does Feyre change throughout the novel? What factors, such as her relationship with Rhys and the development of her High Fae abilities, influence her growth? How does her arc contribute to the series’ broader exploration of love, identity, and power?
• Consider the importance of the color red in the novel. How does this symbolic color develop Feyre’s passionate nature? How does the color red factor into Mor’s character arc?
• What does Feyre’s tattoo symbolize? How does its meaning change as her relationship with Rhys evolves? What do the visible changes to the tattoo at the end of the story signify?
• What narrative techniques does Maas use to subvert the male gaze? How does this contribute to the novel’s tone and examination of gender and power dynamics?
• Examine Maas’s presentation of Tamlin and Rhys as foil characters. Compare and contrast their backstories, personality traits, relationships with Feyre, and leadership styles.

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Create a playlist that captures Feyre’s emotional journey and evolving relationships over the course of the novel. Take turns explaining the songs you selected and how they resonate with the protagonist’s experiences.
• Hulu acquired the rights to adapt the A Court of Thorns and Roses series for television. Whom would you cast in the lead roles? Are there any particular aspects of this novel you would like to see onscreen?

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