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

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful 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

5.0

Loved this so much, I finished it and read it again right away - first time I've done that. But I'm almost ready to read it again now... just a huge fan of this book!

Aside from this being deliciously spicy (would give a 4/5), the story here really spoke to me. Like the first trilogy, this is a story of healing from trauma, both childhood trauma as well as trauma caused by recent events.
Nesta really struggles with the fact her body was violently changed against her will. Some discussions of ACOSF liken this to a rape, and I'm not sure I would go that far, but it is definitely physically violent.
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I especially liked Nesta's development because it resonated with me a lot: the poisonous isolation she puts herself through, alienating everyone around her and keeping her distance, the lack of self-confidence and self-respect, etc. This all is a really accurate description of what some people experience. The fantasy part - to me - is having Cassian at her side, who never gives up and helps her through this, regardless of what she throws at him. I'm pretty sure, in real life, there is a limit to what people will tolerate, but here there doesn't seem to be.
Obviously, that is the magic of the mating bond.
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I could go on and gush about this for a while yet, but let's just say: If you like your fantasy tropes, but maybe are struggling with isolation and trauma recovery yourself, I think this will resonate with you. I found it pretty inspiring. 5 stars every time!
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