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A review by daniche979
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Domestic abuse