A Court of Thorns and Roses, Book 1 Book Review (2024)

I think it wise to read this yourself first, and if you are unwilling to do so, or it's not your style - err on the side of caution and delay a year longer before recommending this to your child. I've just finished it and am happy to let my 15 year old read it. When I was much younger, 12 -13 I discovered much more sexually explicit books and delighted in them, which is all part of growing up. Chances are, if you're questioning if your teenager can handle sexual content - you're too late anyway due to what they've undoubtedly already consumed.Having said that, all children are different and only you know your child. I wouldn't let my 12 year old read this - and not only because of the sexual content. The relationship between the two main characters, and consensual sex that occurs as the result of a loving connection that's described (not in explicit detail) isn't the issue. The graphic and heart wrenching graphic torture scenes that crop up frequently, especially towards the end, are.This book should make a parent wary not because sex occurs. It's vague enough the deeper meaning is lost on younger readers without the experience to draw on, and the implications in print are, for the most part, wrapped up in themes of love and mutual respect. This book requires special consideration when suggesting or buying it for a younger reader because the implications of, and psychological effects of the explanations of physical pain being inflicted on others for sadistic pleasure, and exploring those themes requires some consideration as to whether you believe your child is ready to tackle such ideas.Whilst some sexual content focusing on the objectification of women is touched on at the end, much of the deeper connotations are lost to the less experienced - and pretending these elements aren't an intrinsic part of the very fabric of society is naïve and you do your teenage daughter a disservice by pretending otherwise. Do I wish my daughter's never had to know or experience the most unpleasant side of of sexism and objectification? Of course. Will it serve them to pretend it doesn't exist and censor any material that alludes to it? Absolutely not. Children are corrupted not by the content they consume so much as by the repeated actions of society that doesn't fail to reach their notice. Creative material like this serves to unify female experiences and acknowledge the existence of injustices that are undoubtedly already aware of, and provide an avenue for which to relate their building collective experiences in a way that is meaningful and important for women's voices to be heard finally.Does your 12 year old need to be aware of these issues, no not yet probably. Is it terrible if they are, also no. If they weren't ready for the material - they wouldn't be able to proceed.Do I think a level headed 14 or 15 year old can handle this? Absolutely.

Love the series! Just wanted to make sure readers are aware that it is an erotic romance, with very detailed sex scenes (first book is not that explicit, but as the books progress the explicitness increases).