Kingdom of Runes VS The Court of Thorns and Roses
I saw a recommendation to read Oath Taker by Audrey Grey because it was like an homage to ACOTAR. Well, I did, and swept through four books in a week. I immediately noticed similarities between the two series, especially with Haven and Stolas’ dynamic. Upon reading the first two books, I became increasingly suspicious of things. I was thinking, ok, is Grey a friend of Sarah J. Maas or something?
I mean, we have a strong, stubborn, kick-butt heroine who comes across a powerful, seemingly dangerous, winged being who’s snarky, and loves to mess with her. Heroine discovers she has magic. Dangerous guy offers to train her, and can speak telepathically. They have a connection, despite driving each other nuts. He’s in love with her, but won’t say anything, doesn’t want to pressure her, and thinks she can do better than him, but she doesn’t care. We ultimately find out they’re destined to be with one another.
However, I am rethinking of it being an exact copy of ACOTAR after reading through book 4. There are a few major differences. First of all, there are a couple of different prophecies of sorts (I’ll get to one of them later). Haven was born with deities for parents, and is supposed to be a savior, whereas Feyre was made into a magical being. Also, when it comes to Stolas, Haven is very much protective of him, and doesn’t want Mr. Pompous Evil Face to get wind of what Stolas means to her, because there is a way to kill him.
Speaking of Stolas, let’s discuss the Rhysand of the series. Like Rhys, Stolas has done everything in his power to protect his home and family from his captors. But he’s a bit more bloodthirsty. He’s a bit more complex in his feelings for Haven than we saw with Feysand when it comes to pursuing a relationship. He obviously loves and wants her, but won’t come out and say it (one of the most drawn out slowburns I’ve ever come across). Thing is, he knows his fate. Dun, dun, duuun. He meets his mate, but she will eventually lead him to his demise. Because of that, his reasoning is if he prolongs putting things off with Haven, he will live longer, and get to be around her longer, even if it means not mating with her. However, things line up at the end of Light Singer where it sets things in motion, including the mating process being complete, and a way for Haven to get her immortality. And he refuses to deny her anything that she deserves. So, he’s living on ambiguously borrowed time.
So, overall, while there are definitely similarities between these two series, it also splits off into something different. KOR is certainly darker, and much more of a “chosen one” plot than ACOTAR was. But, it is amazing all the same. I mean, you’ve basically got a forbidden, epic romance and a sexy dark prince. What more could a girl want in a fantasy series?