Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
I have a lot to say about this book but as a reminder, if you haven’t read the other books in the ACOTAR series, this review will contain spoilers!
I’ve debated sharing this “review” for a while for a lot of the reasons listed below. I never want to invalidate anyone’s experiences so this is MY experience, my connection. If there were triggers in this book for you or how mental health was portrayed didn’t resonate with you, that’s okay. I won’t invalidate your experience. Please don’t invalidate mine.
First of all, I’m going to start off this review by saying this was a really personal book for me to read and I’m so grateful that it exists. Obviously, everyone’s reading experience is different and one experience doesn’t invalidate the other.
A Court of Silver Flames
Reading and writing are two incredibly personal works of art. A reader can feel so close to a character they didn’t create, a character who makes them feel seen and validated. A writer can pour different pieces of them and their experiences into a story that is cathartic for them, necessary for them, and deeply personal.
We never know what someone is going through so I always try to approach stories (and my reviews) with grace because as we know, words matter.
This is my review, my experience reading this book. When I tell you this book made me feel so seen and so validated, it is marked up and highlighted and will be reread for years to come when I need to feel that connection again.
I saw some things on Instagram that really hurt, making me question my own experiences and intelligence. I haven’t read other reviews of this book for that reason. This was more than a story for me.
Every once in a while, a book like that comes along and I’m really grateful it came to me when it did.
Synopsis: “Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.
The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.
Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.
Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.” —From the publisher
What I LIked:
The Character Driven Storyline—I am normally one for plot driven stories, but I felt Nesta so deeply, I didn’t care. I loved how personal this story was and that even in this fantasy world the characters feel so real.
The Easter Eggs for Future Books—I love the ACOTAR universe. I resonated with it more than the Throne of Glass series because the characters totally pull you in, versus the plot (yes i know i just said I’m more attracted to plot driven stories lol) and we are going to get so much more in the universe that I cannot wait for.
Nesta and Cassian’s Relationship—The only other relationship we’ve seen in ACOTAR is that of Feyre and Rhysand who are two entirely different people than Nesta and Cassian. I loved that Cassian and Nesta had a messy relationship, that there was such a distinct fear of being hurt and they were trying to protect themselves. Also, that they had a free and consensual sexual relationship. There’s been a lot of discourse surround their sexual relationship and i just don’t think it’s fair to judge anyone for their preferences. I also have a lot to say about the judgement surround “steamy” or “sexually explicit” books. We’ll be here all day if I try to get into it but so much of it boils down to sexism and misogyny and frankly, I’m sick of it.
What Didn’t Work:
Truly, the only thing I wish this book came with was a set of trigger warnings. It’s something that reviewers are known to do, but there were some things in the book that I think really deserved to be shared ahead of time. Trigger Warnings in the publishing industry is a another huge conversation that needs its own post.
TW/CW: Addiction (alcohol), suicidal ideation, description of rape and sexual assault, high risk pregnancy, traumatic birth
Character Authenticity: 5/5 Steam Rating: 5/5 Overall Rating: 5/5