Reviews tagging 'Body horror'

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

57 reviews

anndreya's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content and Violence

Moderate: Death of parent, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Torture, Blood, Cursing, Alcoholism, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Grief

Minor: Body horror, Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, and War

saintxkathryn's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-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

Nesta‘s story was a compassionate reminder of my own journey in processing and learning to live after many years of trauma and grief. Some of the biggest themes revolved around learning to forgive yourself and learning that many of the things you might blame yourself for, were not your fault in the first place (in a context of surviving trauma and/or abuse). I took comfort in noticing the parallels between Nesta’s and her friends’ healing journeys and my own. This book was actually pretty cathartic for me. Of course, the fantastical elements of the novel were highly entertaining and kept me reading. Maas‘ talent for vivid descriptions and detailed world building make it hard to put this book down. I look forward to her coming works. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gore, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Violence

Moderate: Body horror, Classism, Misogyny, Child death, Confinement, and Addiction

Minor: Kidnapping

caitlinspeachyreads's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Sexual harassment, Classism, Self harm, Pregnancy, Blood, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Rape, Bullying, Cursing, Death of parent, Sexual violence, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Death, Sexism, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Body horror, Gore, Physical abuse, Vomit, Suicidal thoughts, and Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Child death, Murder, Confinement, Cursing, Gaslighting, Body horror, Grief, Sexual harassment, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Abandonment, Chronic illness, Death, Dysphoria, Fire/Fire injury, Addiction, Domestic abuse, Ableism, Child abuse, Gore, Death of parent, and Rape

Minor: Forced institutionalization, Rape, Gaslighting, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Infertility, and Medical trauma

barbarianmissy's review

adventurous dark emotional funny 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

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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Content Warnings

Minor: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, Sexual violence, Sexism, Body horror, Alcohol, Child death, Blood, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Grief, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Murder, Miscarriage, Death of parent, Gore, Medical trauma, Misogyny, and Violence

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.

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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

readyforit's review against another edition

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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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.

aladybug19's review against another edition

challenging emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Panic attacks/disorders

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Medical trauma, Pregnancy, and Body horror

bog223's review

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I actually think that this is the worst book Sara and ever written. It felt like a set up for the next book.  I was disappointed the first time I read it and I just finished my second re read, in preparation for HOFAS and I was honestly equally disappointed. There are parts of this book that are so beautiful, and well thought out and interesting and well written. But it is almost completely overshadowed by the

CONSTANT sex scenes, like to the point where I feel like it takes away from the characters, story and even romance of the book. I LOVED Nedra’s redemption arc and I loved seeing how she grew as a person and I related to her so strongly but there were several points where I was reading this and I found myself taken out of the story because the constant sex was like not even believable.  The first three (okay four if you count ACOFAS) I loved, literally ate them up my actual favorite series. But it almost feels like this ones ruins those to a certain extent.  I really hope that the next book in this series is written more similarly to the first half of the series, (with some of the beautiful writing of overcoming the things that you have been through, and depression from this book.) 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Addiction, Death, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Body horror, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Alcoholism

mangofraiche's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring 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

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence

Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Violence, Toxic relationship, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Blood, Child abuse, Cursing, Kidnapping, Death, Rape, Body horror, Death of parent, and Gore

erkietheturkey's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Slavery, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Rape, Physical abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy, Child abuse, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Drug abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, and Body horror