Definitely going to give this one a thorough review, but as I stayed up all night reading it, I think a nap is in order. 
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 4.5 rating 
 Um, let me begin this review with a hearty YAAAAAAAAS! 
 The majority of the YA/NA novels (is this even YA??? Oh well, I've already called it that, so now I'm sticking to it) I've read since my college years have left me unenthused and, largely, disappointed enough to be reluctant about the genre. But this book...THIS BOOK. 
 I don't know if it's because I'm getting older that I enjoy books best when they rely heavily on intertwining detailed world-building, character development, romance, and mystery - but ACOTAR ticked every box and left me wanting more for the right reasons, as in, "I need to run to the bookstore ASAP and purchase the other two books in the series!" 
 I loved pretty much everything about it. Especially LUCIEN. 
 But, ugh, I sort of spoiled myself for the other books when I looked up artwork (mainly Charlie Bowater and Merwild) while reading ACOTAR to get an idea of the characters and world. The results of my search led me to many a drawing of two characters canoodling, but to that I say - 
 Love triangles are the worst, okay? They're a lazy and frustrating source of drama (Twilight flashbacks, anyone? *shudder*), and it's a trope I am overly tired of reading. We are initially introduced to this third piece of the triangle during Calanmai - nearly 200 pages into the action - and don't see him again until the last 100 pages of the book, but even then his interactions with Feyre are limited. This person appears as though he will be a key component to future books, but I feel protective of the original relationship that we are fed for over 3/4 of the story. 
 And speaking of Calanmai... 
 I greatly appreciate that this book is geared toward more mature readers and the elder end of the YA fanbase (again, is this YA???), because WHOA - so many steamy scenes. 
 Given the excellent writing talent of Sarah J. Maas, my issues with story are minor at best, but I want to write them down anyway: 
 1) Feyre's family. Oh boy, did I hate them all. Nesta, the eldest of the sisters, is a total dick who treats Feyre worse than dirt. She's selfish and narcissistic, and takes out her anger at their father and dissatisfaction in life on just about everyone. Feyre is basically a doormat even though she's the sole breadwinner of the family, and lets Nesta push her around because she made a promise to their dying mother to look after the family. Personally, I think that's a lot of unfair pressure to put on the youngest child who was all of eight years old at the time, but I digress. Back to Nesta - she admits later that she purposely overspent the family's money in the past, because she hoped they would starve. That's right, she hoped they would starve so that it'd be a catalyst for their crippled, mentally absent father to suddenly do something about their impoverished situation. What? Oh, and get this, Nesta claims her behavior and attitude is the result of her caring too much. 
 She cares SO much, that instead of pulling her weight and being helpful and a decent human being, she hides behind a downright mean exterior. Mmm, okay. I was so glad when Feyre got the hell out of there. 
 2) This one is really minor, but it was repeated so often that I took notice. I was pretty irritated by the number of times Feyre mentions that she will never be able to capture something - a person, a moment, a feeling - with her painting skills. She's not confident in her abilities, but it doesn't need to be said every time something good/bad happens. 
 3) As I said above, I'm not a supporter of love triangles. Beyond that, I'm not so sure we should be rooting for this guy. He bargains for Feyre's life and only "saves" her after she agrees to spending a week out of every month with him, and then he repeatedly drugs, humiliates, and fondles her in front of the court. Ultimately, he does those things to be "helpful" to Feyre, a source of rage fuel for Tamlin, as well as an act of open rebellion against Amarantha. But, it still feels icky. Just - 
 4) The last 100 pages are extremely rushed in comparison with the pacing of the first 3/4 of the story. The action is really crammed down your throat here, and felt like I never had a moment to catch my breath or acclimate to the new setting and characters. 
 5) Feyre turning High Fae. 
 I understand the author's motivation behind it, but it's too cliche and reminiscent of many other literary female characters becoming "empowered" via male intervention. Or in this case, multiple male High Fae. The description of her turning High Fae is strangely written, too. Like, she wakes up after the final trial, confused, and is all, "What happ- I'm High Fae." Uh, talk about anticlimactic. In my opinion, the transformation happens far too early on in the series, if it even needed to happen at all. It just worries me that she'll be "Bella Swan-ed" in future books. AKA: be the bestest, smartest, strongest, most talented and beautiful and desired High Fae that ever lived. Please, no. The best thing about Feyre is her humanity and flaws. 
 All that aside, my excitement about reading YA is totally restored, at least momentarily, thanks to Sarah J. Maas! I can't wait to read the rest of the books!