Maas is pretty much a fantasy genius. She has this ability to create such fascinating worlds filled with captivating characters, and she just seems to get better and better. This book was so beautifully written and Maas tackles each aspect with flair. The fantasy world was intricate and the plot, albeit a little slow, was enchanting. The action was riveting and entertaining. And the romance was a good mix of sexy and sweet. As far as first books in a series go, this one was a real winner. 
 The one thing that bugged through most of the book was that I seriously couldn't understand WHY Tamlin spared Feyre's life. It was veery abrupt in the beginning and you get tiny hints here and there, but it wasn't until close to the end of the book that the truth is revealed and his motives finally made sense. I hate when it takes so long for things to be revealed, but that's just me. Also, there were a lot of lulls throughout the book, especially in the beginning. It wasn't necessarily bad in the sense that I was bored or anything, but it made it so that it took me a longer to get through this book than I originally thought. 
 Anyways, I'm sure everyone is going to rave about and love Tamlin, but I have such a soft spot for Rhys. He was just plain awesome. He's basically that kind of bad boy you love to hate. He's not exactly the good guy, but I could tell from the beginning that his intentions are well-meaning and his motives for doing a lot of what he does are definitely more selfless than everyone believes. It was kind of sad how he was basically the big joke of the fae world considering his status with the "Queen", but like I said, I could tell there was more to it than it looks. I especially loved his interactions with Feyre. There is definitely some kind of attractive pull between them, and I seriously want more of them together. Don't get me wrong, this guy is dangerous and he's no saint, but there's definitely some good there that I am hoping Maas explores more in later books. 
 Speaking of Tamlin, he took a bit of warming up to, but when we eventually see cracks through his armor, you can't help but start to care for him. He starts off very aloof and guarded, but he was also cordial and even sweet at times before things started really progressing between him and Feyre. I loved how he welcomed her hobbies and talents and made sure she was taken care of, despite basically being a prisoner. He was also surprisingly sexy when he went all "dangerous beast" on Feyre and did something pretty kinky that I reveled in. I don't know what that says about me. Anyways, I especially loved when he finally started showing how much he cared about Feyre and all that he did to protect her. 
 Their relationship does move pretty slow, but it worked for them because he does start out as the "captor" and their situation isn't exactly ideal for romance, at least, not right off the bat. I think, in regards to their relationship, Maas did a great job with weaving in key elements of the "Beauty and the Beast" story. I could definitely see what I know of Beauty and the Beast in Feyre and Tamlin. Feyre is headstrong and independent and Tamlin is fierce and passionate. I can't exactly pinpoint when things started changing for them, but once their relationship got moving, it was really hard to resist them. There was one scene, after a particular festival, that I thought was delicious. So raunchy, I loved it! 
 Oh, and can we all just take a minute to appreciate CHAPTER 27?! Good lord, Maas, what have you done to me?! 
 Feyre is just plain awesome. I loved her from beginning to end. Maas just has a way of creating such amazing heroines that I would just love to know in person. Feyre cares so much for her family and does whatever she has to in order to care and protect them. I respected the fact that even though she was so far away from them and it was near impossible for her to return to them, she didn't stop finding ways to protect them. She just has that kind of personality that when she cares for someone, she's fiercely loyal and protective of them. She's also very brave and determined. When she journeys deep into the land of the fae and goes against the Queen, man does she put up a fight! The odds were definitely against her and her mind and body get so damaged in the process, yet she never gives up. 
 I will say that I wanted to shake her in regards to that riddle she was given. I mean, the answer was so obvious, but I guess Maas did things the way she did to build suspense and, honestly, if she had figured it out sooner, there wouldn't have been as much action and build-up, so I'll give her that. 
 That ending was spectacular. So amazing. I am seriously dying for more from this series. I loved all the characters, the world Maas created was awe-inspiring, and the romance was scintillating. This book definitely falls more in the upper YA/NA territory, so keep that in mind. Overall, an outstanding book and introduction to what I'm sure will be an amazing series. I need more now, please!