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

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

It's been over two weeks since I finished "A Court of Silver Flames" and I still have no words to describe how absolutely incredible this installment of the ACOTAR series is. But, I am going to try. 

For a story that has been mainly told through Feyre's POV, it was refreshing and exciting to get to experience the world of Prythian through the eyes of the mysterious, angry, and brooding Nesta, as well as the charming, determined, and dedicated Cassian. And, for a character who was described as so cold-hearted and cruel by her sister, Nesta's struggles and triumphs really struck a chord with me on a personal level that left me enjoying "Silver Flames" as much, if not more, than the other books in the series. 

Maas' ability to write believable strong female friendships is one of her biggest talents and, while we've been given a glimpse into Feyre and Morrigan's growing camaraderie, the development of the bond between Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie was so fun to read. Of course, the painfully slow development of Nesta's relationship with Cassian was delicious, as well! SJM continues to impress me with her ability to write erotic scenes that are so vivid and exciting without feeling pornographic.


I appreciated the pivot from a first-person POV to multiple POVs that started in "A Court of Frost and Starlight" and transitioned to third-person POVs throughout "A Court of Silver Flames". While I love Feyre, all of the characters now have fond places in my heart so, I am really grateful that I am now getting to experience Prythian, the trials and tribulations of the High Fae, as well as the more joyful moments, through the eyes of more characters. 

On the same subject, I have to tip my hat to Sarah J. Maas for her incredible transition of POVs. The technique of using "Frost and Starlight" and its focus on one night to make that subtle shift in her writing style was completely genius. And, as someone who did not read the ACOTAR series as it came out, but has waited while other authors take their time publishing the next installment in various series, I can only imagine how delightful it was to pick up "Frost and Starlight" for the first time, get this intimate check-in on where all of the characters are after the war, and then carry that new writing approach into "Silver Flames" by giving us alternating POVs from Cassian and Nesta. 

I'm very excited for the next installment and hope that we continue to get to experience the story from other characters' POVs. (Azriel, Elain, Lucien, Morrigan, and dare I say, Tamlin?)


TLDR; 5/5, this book SLAPPED, I love Nesta no matter what anyone else says, and I need the next installment to come out ASAP. 
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