A review by sirkeili
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious 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

4.5

I enjoyed the change of authorial voice in the novel, as much as I adore Feyre, I felt her tale has concluded in a way that suits her, and it gives us a chance to interact with the extended circle in a more interesting way.

When we initially meet Nesta, she seemed to be shown as an antagonist in Feyre's eyes, and I felt there was more to her than her fights with her youngest sister. I'm glad I was right, because her sarcastic and cynical attitude was a fun change, as well the addressing of her own trauma was done in a very respectful way.

When reading the second book, I knew Cassian and Nesta were either "gonna fuck, become unwilling companions, or maybe be friends..." and I hit the nail on the head with each of those.  Watching them interact within the series was both frustrating at times, but being the first two throw themselves into the line of fire for the other left no doubt in my mind they were connected.

The gratuitous sex scenes were not what I was here for, but the slowly blossoming friendship between them was. When Nesta finally allowed herself to release her trauma she held in, and Cas just held her, I nearly cried.

I also adored the friendship between the Valkyries, they are so damn precious and I hope future installments feature them. Especially with the way both Gwyn and Emerie seem to have either caught the eye of the inner circle, or have been the one who's attention has been grabbed (I see you Emerie). 

Don't even get me started on baby Nyx and the Bat Boys™️ crew, I can't wait to see him interact with his family, and see the future they are trying to secure for him.

I did find the ending lacking something, almost as though Nesta's tale felt incomplete. Her sacrifice of power to save Feyre and Nyx (and spare herself a similar fate with birthing a winged babe) was heartwarming, but I felt Nesta deserved a little more.  I hope she get a chance to get that in future installements.


I think it's hard to address such a sensitive topic, but as someone who also experiences PTSD, I felt for Nesta. She didn't want to be a burden, but at the same time she was causing her own destruction. 

The book places a heavy emphasis on platonic, romantic and familial love. Sorrow and grief cannot truly be cured or contained, but rather they can be tended to and lessened by those you surround yourself with. 

It was a lovely read, and I will very much miss Nesta's snark and quick wit that the Archeron sisters all share. 

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