My Take on One of TikTok’s Most Viral Fantasy Books

If you’ve spent more than five minutes scrolling through TikTok, chances are you’ve stumbled across BookTok – a hugely popular corner of the platform where readers passionately recommend, review, and dissect novels of all genres. It has become a major driving force behind book sales, especially for romance, fantasy, and young adult fiction, with certain titles going viral seemingly overnight.

One such viral sensation is A Court of Thorns and Roses (or ACOTAR, as fans affectionately call it) by fantasy author Sarah J. Maas. The series has gained cult-like status thanks to BookTok, with readers obsessing over its high-stakes plot, morally grey characters, and emotionally charged romances.

The second instalment, A Court of Mist and Fury, more than earns its hype. But before we dive into the secrets of the Night Court, fair warning: if you haven’t read book one, now’s the time to stop. Spoilers lie ahead.

When I turned the final page of A Court of Thorns and Roses, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect next. Feyre had survived the horrors under the mountain, been remade as immortal, and was finally back with Tamlin. It felt like a well-earned happy ending. But this is only book two in a five-part series – of course, nothing stays calm for long.

What I didn’t expect was how deeply this sequel would change everything I thought I knew. Rhysand, once painted as the villain, slowly emerges as the story’s real heart and hero. I’ll admit, I felt a little emotionally manipulated (in the best way) by Sarah J. Maas as the story unfolded. The love story I thought I was rooting for began to unravel before my eyes.

Tamlin, once protective and tender, soon revealed a darker side. His obsessive need for control began to mirror the traits of a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. As someone who always roots for a redemptive arc, I wanted to believe in Tamlin. But ultimately, it’s Feyre’s growth – and her escape – that makes this book so powerful.

That said, I had some mixed feelings about how Maas handled Feyre’s role. Yes, she made a bargain. Yes, there’s a magical bond. But isn’t this the same woman who slew monsters, fought through trauma, and endured what most of us couldn’t imagine? At times, her portrayal slipped into “damsel in distress” territory, and I found myself wishing for more consistency in her strength.

Still, the slow-burn romance between Feyre and Rhysand is pure BookTok catnip – full of tension, banter, vulnerability, and the kind of deep emotional intimacy that makes you fall in love with both characters. Their bond felt earned, not just fated. And when Feyre arrives in the Night Court it’s a breath of fresh air. Instead of shadows and monsters, we find beauty, kindness, and a chosen family that embraces her for who she is.

The ACOTAR universe is vast, magical, and full of surprises. But what truly keeps readers hooked and has made this series a viral phenomenon is Maas’s ability to make us feel every high and low alongside her characters.

A Court of Mist and Fury isn’t just a fantasy romance. It’s a story about healing, reclaiming power, and discovering what real love looks like.

And if you’ve somehow managed to avoid the spoilers online so far, now’s the time to catch up.

A Court of Mist and Fury is available in all good bookshops.