Reviews with content warning for Child abuse - A Court of Silver Flames

This book felt like it was rushed and had some lazy tropes brought in to play in the end to wrap up lose ends, but the main focus being Nesta was actually really interesting and dynamic. Anyone who has struggled with self hatred will relate to this book almost immediately. Her growth is actually probably the most impressive character growth in the ACoTaR series.

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bree_h_reads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Honestly, this was the best book in the entire series. Despite the weak ending I felt this was the strongest and best written book out of all 4.5 ACOTAR books. I really hope the shifting POVs continue with these books, as I think it really helps the plot stand up and justify how ridiculously long these books are.

As always the narrator was amazing, but I think this is her best performance. There was just so much more emotion put into the dialogue AND narration. It really sold me on the story and feelings. Which was important as this book is VERY focused on emotions and how they impact the characters. The exploration of trauma and healthy vs unhealthy coping mechanisms was written better than I anticipated. I also really appreciated the friendship Nesta developed with other women in the book and how that aided her recovery. It’s something that was sorely missing from Feyre’s story.

The relationship dynamics in this book were pretty hit-or-miss for me. I thought Azriel and Nesta had the best written dynamic. I really enjoyed the few interactions they had. And the change of Elaine and Nesta’s dynamic as a reaction to their trauma was also interesting. It didn’t feel out of place. It also allowed for more expansion on Elaine’s character, which I really liked. Aside from that, Cassin and Nesta’s dynamic was fine. I didn’t find it anything special, but I enjoyed the way they played off each other. The rest of the dynamics were pretty lacking, and actually made me dislike the Inner Circle. While Nesta wasn’t the kindest, it was clearly a response to being abandoned by the others. My dislike was further driven by their upset at Nesta being traumatised. Where they were gentle and patient with Feyre, they were short tempered and cruel to Nesta. Again, Nesta wasn’t perfect, but it was because the people that were treating her poorly had abandoned her when she needed community. The worst dynamic was Nesta and Rhysand. While it was pretty strong when they hated each other, their reconciliation at the end was horribly rushed. Especially considering Rhysand’s HORRIBLE actions in the book.

On that note, wow. Mister Your Choice shows his colours by taking away Feyre’s choices. Shocker. I am blown away. Truly. Shocked. It’s not like he’s been doing this, but more subtle the entire series. Honestly, if anyone is still swoony over Rhysand after he WITHHELD MEDICAL INFORMATION from his wife about how she MIGHT DIE is a new low. It’s disgusting behaviour and the fact the book brushed it off and shamed Nesta for telling Feyre the truth is INSANE.

My only other gripes are the spice and end, which just felt very rushed. Along with the wedding, their mating ritual happening so abruptly really threw me. The spice was hilarious, but not on purpose. I really don’t like the way SJM writes spice, so I mostly zoned out during those scenes.

Overall it was a just okay book. Nothing special, but better than the others. I presume due to less Rhysand content.

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readyforit's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

5⭐️4🌶️(very descriptive scenes)
I went into this book disliking nesta, mostly for her actions in ACOFAS. I think she may be my favorite character now. Rhys (especially) and feyre took several steps backwards in their character development. Maybe feyre was previously an unreliable narrator since she’s in love with Rhys and his mate, but he was nearly insufferable in this book. He kept making horrible call after horrible call. Maybe we only get to really see his failures and shortcomings because of how he interacts with nesta. I don’t think it excuses some of his behavior though.

I had the absolute pleasure of falling more in love with cassian. I did miss mor in this book a lot though.

The Valkyries were the shining star in this book for me, I love their friendship and that they push each other to succeed. Girlhood at its finest. They even made each other friendship bracelets🥹

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ashesmsmith's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

4.0

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cardigann's review

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

*Fairy Smut PSA: Waaaay more spicy than the other ACOTAR books.*
…
A book on Nesta was not what I expected, but as an older sister with anxiety and a dead dad myself, it was a wonderful surprise. Yes, the book did have a lot of directions going on at once (Is the conflict war? Feminism? Trauma recovery? Spies? Love? Family drama? Yes to all), and yes, some of the inspirational parts were a bit cheesy, but it honestly didn’t bother me because ultimately I was invested in the MC. I loved the house’s role in particular and the development of a few other previously known characters.

I’m pretty disappointed there is no resolution or development with Tamlin or Lucien, not to mention Mor’s sexuality - hopefully we’ll get that someday in the future.

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chrissyistyping's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A court of silver flames is beautifully written and made understand, love, and relate to Nesta so much.

I was a solid Nesta hater- so much so it took me weeks to start this book after finishing ACOFAS, but now I feel like she’s the character I relate to most as a girl with BPD.

This book is the spiciest of the series, and has the most character development out of the series, this book felt more magical than the others, like whimsical almost, the love was strong and the spice was stronger but it also features parts that made me cry, laugh and put the book down out of literal fear. This is the best book in the series by far and I cannot wait for the next book.

TW- descriptions of SA

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eblankenship23's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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bex2023's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

If you’re not into smut, don’t pick it up. If you’re into smut but in private areas, don’t do what I did and read it on a train next to a little old lady who keeps peeking at your book

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