Audiobook Sample
Listen to the sample to experience the story.
Please wait while we verify your browser...
- Title: Court of Wings and Ruin
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- Narrator: Amanda Leigh Cobb
- Length: 1.05
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 02-May
- Publisher: Recorded Books
- Genre: Teen, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Romance, Action & Adventure
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about the way a story unfolds when you’re on the road, the world outside your window blending seamlessly with the one in your ears. I first dove into *Court of Wings and Ruin* by Sarah J. Maas, narrated by Amanda Leigh Cobb, while driving winding roads through Patagonia—an endless expanse of rugged beauty that felt like a mirror to the wild, untamed heart of Prythian. It reminds me of a time when I was crisscrossing the Atacama Desert, the surreal dunes stretching out like a fantasy realm as Gabriel García Márquez’s voice spun tales of magical realism through my speakers. With Maas’s third installment in the *Court of Thorns and Roses* series, I found myself equally transported, the audiobook experience weaving a tapestry of love, war, and resilience that felt as vivid as the landscapes I’ve roamed.
For those who haven’t yet ventured into this Teen Sci-Fi & Fantasy epic laced with Romance and Action & Adventure, *Court of Wings and Ruin* picks up with Feyre Archeron, our fierce heroine, back in the Spring Court. She’s on a mission—part spy, part avenger—to unravel Tamlin’s plans and thwart the looming threat of an invading king. The stakes are sky-high, and Maas doesn’t shy away from plunging us into a deadly game of deceit where one misstep could unravel everything Feyre holds dear. As war looms, she grapples with her newfound powers—both magical and political—while navigating her love for Rhysand and their Night Court family. It’s a story of trust, betrayal, and the hunt for unlikely allies, all set against a backdrop of High Fae courts pulsing with intrigue.
Listening to this audiobook felt personal, like sitting around a fire with a master storyteller. It took me back to Oaxaca, where I once stayed with a family whose grandmother spun tales each night—her voice rising and falling with the rhythm of the stars, her silences as powerful as her words. Amanda Leigh Cobb brings that same intimate, captivating quality to her narration. Her voice is a warm current, carrying the weight of Feyre’s determination and the tenderness of her quieter moments with Rhysand. She shifts effortlessly between the cunning High Lords and the battle-worn warriors, giving each character a distinct flavor—like tasting the spices in a new dish from a far-off market. The audio quality is crisp, immersing you in the clash of swords and the whisper of wings, though at times I wished for a touch more variation in her pacing during the slower, introspective scenes. Still, her performance elevates the listening experience, making it feel like a journey shared over a cup of mate by the roadside.
The heart of this tale lies in its themes—love tested by war, the struggle to master one’s power, and the courage to rebuild in the face of ruin. Feyre’s transformation from a hunted human to a High Fae leader resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever faced a crossroads and chosen to fight for something bigger. It’s a narrative that unfolds like a winding river, pulling you through rapids of action and quiet pools of reflection. Maas excels at building atmosphere—Prythian feels alive, its courts as vibrant and varied as the cultures I’ve encountered in my travels. You can almost taste the crisp night air of the Night Court, hear the rustle of leaves in the Spring Court’s forests. Yet, the book isn’t without its stumbles. The sprawling cast of characters can occasionally overwhelm, and some plot threads—like the endless scheming of the High Lords—feel repetitive, like a trail that loops back on itself one too many times.
Cobb’s narration shines brightest in the romantic and emotional beats. The scenes between Feyre and Rhysand crackle with a chemistry that’s palpable through the speakers, their banter and vulnerability a reminder of the human connections I’ve found in the unlikeliest places—like sharing stories with strangers in a Moroccan souk. But in the dense battle sequences, her steady tone sometimes flattens the chaos, missing the jagged edge of war’s unpredictability. It’s a small quibble in an otherwise stellar performance that brings Maas’s world to life.
Compared to other fantasy audiobooks, *Court of Wings and Ruin* stands alongside the likes of *The Name of the Wind* by Patrick Rothfuss, where the narrator’s voice becomes a character in its own right. Yet, Maas’s blend of romance and action sets it apart, appealing to fans of both *Throne of Glass* and softer fantasy like *The Cruel Prince* by Holly Black. It’s a story that demands your attention, much like a winding mountain pass demands focus from a driver.
For potential listeners, I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves an immersive escape—teens and adults alike who love their fantasy spiked with heart and grit. It’s perfect for a long journey or a quiet night under the stars, though be prepared to lose yourself for its hefty 25-hour runtime. If you can snag it as a free audiobook through platforms like Audiobooks.com (check their trial offers!), it’s an even sweeter deal—a treasure worth uncovering, like a hidden gem in a bustling market.
Reflecting on this listen, I’m struck by how it mirrors my own wanderings—full of unexpected turns, moments of beauty, and the constant pull to find home, wherever that may be. Maas and Cobb together craft an experience that’s as much about the journey as the destination, a reminder of why I’ve always chased stories, whether on the page or through the voices of those who tell them. It’s not flawless, but its heart beats strong, and that’s what lingers long after the final chapter fades.
Until our paths cross again, keep chasing the stories that move you, Marcus Rivera
