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

Honestly I had a fun time. This was definitely the spiciest SJM book I have read THUS FAR, but I kind of missed Feyre and Rhys, not gonna lie. However, it was exciting dipping my toes into a new ACOTAR storyline. The third person writing took a while to get used to but I ended up adjusting to it and liking the shifting perspectives.

Although, I must admit that Nesta is a nasty wee thing and it took me a while to appreciate her character as she was QUITE A BRAT for the first part, but I like that she’s very imperfect and recognizes her flaws and is trying to do better. Cassian on the other hand is a golden retriever and everytime she’s mean to him I wanna stomp my foot in protest cause HE DOES NOT DESERVE IT! Although the line “stop being so mean to me or I’m gonna fall in love with you” is 100% him. BUT STILL! BE NICER, NES!

I really enjoyed the Valkyrie storyline and I’m excited to see more of Gwyn and Emerie moving forward. Reclaiming their power after the patriarchy was a real bitch to them is quite awesome and I love that they’re girlbossing so hard. This book made me want to exercise so I could potentially eventually kick someone’s ass (am I going to? Probably not. But I thought about it!)

🚨HOT TAKE ALERT 🚨

I know everyone likes the idea of Elain and Az BUT I think they’re both too quiet for it to be interesting. I honestly think I’d like to see the awkwardness that is her and Lucien’s mating bond unfurl AND I think I like the idea of Az with Gwyn better! Cause Gwyn is hella cool and they already have banter and mutual respect for each other. I DUNNO ITS JUST MY HOT TAKE!!!! 🤷‍♀️

Hoping SJM comes out with another ACOTAR book soon so I can hang out with all of my imaginary friends again, but until then - CRESCENT CITY YOU’RE UP NEXT!

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tallard's review

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

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aimnorth's review

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emotional tense fast-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

4.0

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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angus_is_reading's review

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective sad tense 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

lots of spice, but also some deep issues are tackled

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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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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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laurenw22's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

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

4.5

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