Reviews tagging 'Domestic abuse'

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

222 reviews

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

ashesmsmith's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing and Sexual content

Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, and Child abuse

laurenw22's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape and Domestic abuse

cristina_reading24's review against another edition

dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, Pregnancy, Violence, Gore, Cursing, Blood, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Rape

nikkic66's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Rape, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicidal thoughts

literarytraveler's review against another edition

adventurous dark inspiring 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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Sexual assault, and Rape

eblankenship23's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Sexism, Death, Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, Medical trauma, Alcoholism, Violence, Body shaming, Sexual harassment, and War

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Medical trauma, Sexual violence, Infidelity, Rape, Physical abuse, 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Addiction, Child abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Rape

noetical's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Gore, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Torture, Death, Rape, Sexual content, Blood, Cursing, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, Murder, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, and War

daniche979's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

This is my second re-read and wow, I forgot how much I love Nesta and Cassian. 
There were multiple parts in this story where I teared up - Nesta facing herself and her trauma, their love developing, her friendships developing, seeing her softer side when it comes to her love for her sisters (okay I teared up a lot). 
I think SJM does a wonderful job showing the less socially acceptable side of trauma (stemming from childhood and compounded by the Cauldron). Nesta learned very early on in her life negative skills that worsened with more trauma. She pushes people away and is nasty and cruel - and that is how some people hold trauma. And the judgement from others was harsh, but often a reality for people like her. I also love how her healing was not linear - in some moments she found peace and understanding and then soon after her walls and need to push people away comes right back. This is so much more realistic of how people grow and heal than a linear path, and I love it. 
The reason it's not a 5 star, is the plot is a little thin and odd in places. And I don't really care about this villain (yet). I did really enjoy seeing more of Eris though and excited for how his character is developed. 
Additionally, I thought some of the training scenes were a little silly. For how cool and tough Illyrian warriors are SJM writing about squats and planks....well I don't think she works out much. And for how skilled they all became in the amount of time feels like a stretch. 

Overall great read and excited for more - as always when it comes to SJM. 

Oh and the smut - chef's kiss. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Rape, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse