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bree_h_reads's review against another edition
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, Cursing, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Confinement, Toxic relationship, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Blood, Sexism, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Death, Grief, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Moderate: Miscarriage, Stalking, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Emotional abuse, Kidnapping, Rape, and Child abuse
vermontsnowboarder's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
3.0
This is my second favourite book in the ACOTAR series. But it has its flaws.
What I liked:
-I think that the description of depression and being able to see it through Nesta was powerful. It was clear that Nesta was struggling, and we were shown this in many ways (rather than told, which I hate.)
- The friendships that Nesta developed
- The overall storyline - I love this world but what I liked about this book in particular is getting to see it through Nesta's eyes.
What I didn't like (and why it didn't get rated higher)
-I disliked how Nesta's family treated her. There were so many instances, especially at the beginning of the book. Nesta is struggling, and their answer is to shun her and make her shelve books and work out?
-Cassian, though a character I enjoy reading, really only seemed to be invested in Nesta because she was his mate. He wasn't helping her because it was the right thing to do; he was helping her because he wanted her. Azriel contrasted this - he didn't have to be there, didn't have to be kind, and yet he was just as solid of a rock, probably more so because it was his choice.
- The backstory that takes place behind Nesta's healing journey wasn't developed enough. It was almost like it was there to be there. We caught glimpes and pieces but none of it was written well enough to be interesting.I wish that Eris was better developed - there is a lot there and perhaps we'll see more in future books.
The most frustrating thing about these books, actually any of Maas' books, is that because there are more coming she doesn't do a good job of sprinkling crumbs.Eris is a good example - we might see more of him in future stories, and because of that she didn't take the time to make his time in this book as well written as it should have been. An example of crumbs that were done well was Cassian explaining the prison to Nesta and mentioning that he thought the prison was stocked with inmates to hide the harp and other powerful things. The description of the chamber the harp was in. Those are very important details for when you read Cresent City, they aren't thrown in your face or highlighted too much, and are well written.
What I liked:
-
- The friendships that Nesta developed
- The overall storyline - I love this world but what I liked about this book in particular is getting to see it through Nesta's eyes.
What I didn't like (and why it didn't get rated higher)
-
-
- The backstory that takes place behind Nesta's healing journey wasn't developed enough. It was almost like it was there to be there. We caught glimpes and pieces but none of it was written well enough to be interesting.
The most frustrating thing about these books, actually any of Maas' books, is that because there are more coming she doesn't do a good job of sprinkling crumbs.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, and Confinement
Moderate: Kidnapping and Gore
Minor: Alcoholism, Death of parent, Blood, and Child death
readyforit's review
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🥹
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🥹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Body horror, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual assault, Misogyny, Classism, Eating disorder, Cursing, Alcohol, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Medical trauma, Sexism, Physical abuse, and Murder
Minor: Vomit, Kidnapping, and Excrement
This book might be triggering for someone who is struggling currently with addictions or suicidal thoughts. I’d suggest waiting to read until you’re in a better headspace.neliadiedenise's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, War, Alcohol, Blood, Classism, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Murder, Violence, Abandonment, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Grief, and Vomit
avialaeleigh's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Nesta was one of those characters that I just didn't like when we were first introduce to her. But she grows do much in this. We come to understand why she did what she did. And why she acted the way that she did. Not only to herself but also to those around her.
We come to see her make friendships, family and finally the love her life. Nesta is a classic eldest daughter character and throw in fantasy drama and it is even worse than real life. Yes she makes mistakes, yes she is a bitch. But even from the beginning she is aware of who she is and how people might see her. She makes others think that she doesn't care what they think of her, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
She used what other people might think of her and how they might perceive her as armour to protect herself from being her and used words and her weapon to make them keep thinking of her in that like.
I love the character growth that we see from her and how she becomes the person that she was always meant to be.
I cried, laughed and lived through every moment of this book and this series and I cannot wait to see what comes next, especially of its true that SJM is continuing this series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Grief
Moderate: Kidnapping and Pregnancy
bex2023's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Addiction, Child abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Rape
taliatalksbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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 by Sarah J. Maas was fantastic! I’ve loved this whole series so much, and I really think this book is one of my favorites of all time, along with ACOMAF. I’m so sad it took me such a long time to start this series, but it’s been a really long time since I’ve absolutely devoured multiple 600+ page books in just a few sittings. I really love how easily the narration transitioned from Feyre to Nesta, and I loved the journey Nesta takes throughout ACOSF. I love that we learn more about Cassian, but still get to see many of our other favorite characters, even if it’s a little less than when Feyre narrated. I LOVE the other characters we meet in this book, namely Geyn and Emerie, and their relationships with each other throughout the book. These characters are so wonderful and robust. They certainly feel real, and I can 100% say that my love is DEFINITELY real. I just love them and this story in so many different ways, from the pacing to the interactions, it’s pretty much perfect if you are a lover of romantasy in every sense. There’s definitely a reason this series is a fan favorite, and if you haven’t read it yet, definitely pick it up and join the rest of us waiting anxiously for the next installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, Sexism, Kidnapping, Grief, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, Addiction, Alcohol, Gore, Alcoholism, Medical trauma, Pregnancy, Cursing, Medical content, and Mental illness
theimposter's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Death, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual violence, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Kidnapping, and Mental illness
amollick's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Sexual content
Moderate: Violence, Death, Pregnancy, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent, Kidnapping, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Torture, and Rape
jas_thompson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
slow-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
3.5
I love this world overall, but the pace of the book felt off. The main romantic relationship had a lot of toxicity for most of the book and it made it hard to read at times. Overall, the FMC had a lot of development. I loved her interactions with her friends and the theme of women empowering women.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Rape, and Torture