A Court of Silver Flames

A Court of Silver Flames
by Sarah J Maas

Summary:
Nesta Archeron has always been difficult to get along with, but after her family decides that what is best for her is to spend some time sobering up and training with Cassian at the House of Wind, her temper is at its worst. Cassian has his work cut out for him as he attempts to get her to cooperate during training and to keep his distance from her as the tension between them heats up. As the world is still reeling in the aftermath of the war, Nesta and Cassian have to battle monsters within as well as without in order to find the acceptance they are seeking.  

My Review:
I read A Court of Silver Flames because I was already rolling through the series and this one was next. It is technically the 5^th book in the ACOTAR series, but it almost feels like its own spin off story. If the first 4 books were the story that followed Feyre, then Silver Flames is a spin off that follows Nesta and Cassian because there is so much that shifts in the way this story is told.

First, the perspective bounces from Nesta to Cassian constantly throughout this book which is very different from previous books in the series which only shift under special circumstances. Then we have a massive shift in the language and the level of smut that is present in this book. It definitely steps it up from the last few books in frequency and intensity. The relationship between Nesta and Cassian is more direct and less tender than the relationship between Feyre and Rhys. It isn’t toxic or abusive in any way, but it is a reflection of both of their stubbornness and ends up a bit rougher around the edges.

This book was much slower to get into for me and it is a painfully slow burn in the beginning. Nesta is a stubborn brat who loves to wallow alone in her bedroom rather than give in. It is exhausting when you just want to see her give in and get to the good parts, if you know what I mean. That being said, there is a ton of spicy scenes in this book, and not a ton of plot until the last 200 pages or so. More smut than plot pretty much the whole way through. Not a bad thing if that is what you’re in the mood for though.

I have never been a huge fan of Nesta, I think she is so stubborn and she stays that way for far longer than she needs to. It took me a long time to get pulled into this story, because I was always so frustrated with her being a brat. I was a bit frustrated reading this book because it was such a long wait for Nesta to finally find a way to be happy with herself. Once I had finished it, I realized that the length of the struggle made the resolution more satisfying.

Nesta has a healing arc that speaks deeply to those of us that have ever struggled with grief, trauma, mental instability or self-hatred. I never imagined that a Sarah J Maas book could teach me so much about myself. We all deal with self-loathing and loneliness at some point in our lives. We have all felt the harsh sting of loss and grief that sometimes burns deep into us and makes it hard to move forward for a time. Nesta deals with these things in a more dramatic and intense fashion, suitable to her character. She shows us what is like to finally break through those barriers. To step into the light, not without fear, but despite it. To find your place in the world, even when you feel like you don’t belong. To strive to become strong enough that your fears can’t control you and to hopefully overcome them.

Pros: Journey of self-discovery, beautiful friendships, fun smut, the HOUSE!
Cons: Not much of a plot to pull you along, it is a slow burn and hard climb, but when you get there, it is worth it.  

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good smutty fantasy romance for sure. But also, anyone who enjoys a story about self-discovery and overcoming trauma. Nesta is on a journey to finding a place in a world that she doesn’t feel like she belongs in and she ends up building a family when she isn’t even sure she deserves to be loved. It is a beautiful story that teaches us all a little something about being strong enough to face our own demons.

-Jacqui

Overall, I give A Court of Silver Flames Stars 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Characters 5/5
Setting 5/5
Writing 3/5
Plot & Themes 3/5
Romance 4/5
Diversity 3/5

Author: Sarah J Maas
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Trigger Warnings: Sex, Violence, Death
Abuse & Rape (mentioned) Miscarriage (mentioned)
Age Recommendation: 18+
Length/Page Count: 768 pages
Format & Source: Hardback, Amazon
Publishing Info: Bloomsbury, 2021

“That’s the key, isn’t it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it… that’s the most important part. To not let it consume. To focus upon the good, the things that fill you with wonder.” She gestured to the stars zooming past. “The struggle with that darkness is worth it, just to see such things.” -Amren