Title: A Court of Silver Flames
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
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.
Review: Please hold while I stand and applaud author Sarah J. Maas. This book deserves high praise. I don’t give five-star reviews unless the story and writing blows my mind. Guess what, A Court of Silver Flames did that and so much more. I wish I could give it ten stars.
Everyone experiences trauma differently, and Nesta Archeron is no exception. A human turned Fae, Nesta struggles with the death of her father, the resentment she harbors toward her sisters, her feelings toward Cassian, her unexplored powers, and years of suppressed guilt. She’s bitter, stubborn, and downright pissed to be training with Cassian.
A Court of Silver Flames is a book about healing and self-discovery. Maas doesn’t go easy on Nesta. She forces her to hit rock bottom. She sends her on challenges that test her morals and courage. With the help of some new friends and a certain bat boy that fans love, Nesta finally faces her inner demons.
The character growth in this book brought tears to my eyes. A sense of nostalgia washed over me each time Feyre and Rhys appeared on the page. I smiled, laughed, blushed, cried, rolled my eyes, and gritted my teeth. I experienced each character’s emotions. And that, my friends, is a sign of good writing.
Triggers/Warnings: adult language, violence, explicit sex scenes, trauma
Plot: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Escapism Factor: 5/5
Emotional Connection: 5/5
Character Development: 5/5
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Completed Read: February 2021