A Court of silver flames

A Court of Silver Flames and Nesta print

Title: A Court of Silver Flames

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Goodreads)
Publisher: Bloomsbury 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Sarah J Maas
Age Group: Adult
Source: Waterstones (purchased)

Review

Fans of Sarah J Maas have waited a few delirious years for A Court of Silver Flames to finally be published and the hype has certainly been worth it! Staying in the world of Velaris we now finally have the chance as readers to understand and read from Nesta’s very own perspective. Continuing in Maas’ regular fashion Nesta is not exempt from her own traumas, in fact I would say that Maas is one of the strongest writers out there at the moment who deals with trauma in a strong and sensitive respectful manner.

If you are one of the those readers who enjoys a little smut in their books then you will not be disappointed. There is plenty of sexual tensions and thrills throughout the entirety of A Court of Silver Flames. Personally I felt that even though I still enjoyed these scenes there were perhaps one too many that distracted from Nesta’s personal journey to overcome her major trauma.

“If you think this training nonsense is going to result in you climbing into my bed, you’re delusional.” She added with a slice of a smile, “I’d sooner let in a mangy street dog.” “Oh, it’s not going to result in me climbing into your bed.” Nesta snickered, victory achieved, and had reached the stairs when he crooned, “You’ll climb into mine.”

What was the most outstanding element of A Court of Silver Flames for me was the female friendships. One of the most important elements of healing is support and friendship and Nesta most certainly finds this with Emerie and Gwyn, who are both equally strong and compelling characters in their own rights. In fact the friendship that Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn share was for me the most meaningful and powerful relationship from the whole of the book. I think this friendship is what redeems the book, without it I personally fear that it would have been a book predominantly about sex and unresolved anguish.

‘Whether the sun beat hot on their brows or freezing rain turned their bones to ice, Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyneth arrived at practice each morning, ready to … The back of her throat ached; her eyes stung. “We’re in a book.” Gwyn’s fingers slid into hers, squeezing tight. Nesta looked up to find her holding Emerie’s free hand as well. Gwyn smiled again, her eyes bright. “Our stories are worth telling.”

What also matters most in A Court of Silver Flames is the continuing importance of family, those that we choose and those we cannot. Part of Nesta’s and Feyre’s joint struggles have always been the strain created in their own family caused by problems out of their control. Therefore, they both share the need to heal through healing their sisterly relationship and Maas certainly delivers a satisfying resolution for Feyre and Nesta together. In my opinion Maas could not have written A Court of Silver Flames without including and giving some attention still to Feyre and Rhys because they are a part of Neta’s own story. I believe the below quote summons up for me one of Maas’ second continuing themes and overriding messages in the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Which is that family is what matters the most and though there are strains and difficulties in the end your family will always be the last remaining ones to stand by and help you no matter what:

“Let me make a wish for all of us,” she explained, gathering the three charms. A small gift—for the friends who had become like sisters. A chosen family. Like the one Feyre had found for herself.’

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

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.

Key Quotes

‘Nesta watched the shadowsinger with a frankness that most people shied from. Azriel returned the look with a stillness that most people ran from. Even Feyre had been hesitant around Az initially, but Nesta considered him with the same unflinching assessment she laid upon everyone. Maybe that was why Azriel had never said a bad word about Nesta.’

‘He said with soft fury, “It took me ten years before I was able to face it. What I’d done to those people, and what I’d lost. Ten years.” He was trembling, but not with fear. “So if you want to take ten years to face whatever is eating you alive from the inside out, go ahead. You want to take twenty years, go ahead.” Silence fell, interrupted only by their uneven panting. Nesta breathed, “Do you regret what you did?” “No.” Such unflinching honesty.’

“I am not a thing to be controlled by you,” Nesta said icily. Everything in her life, from the moment she was born, had been controlled by other people. Things happened to her; anytime she tried to exert control, she’d been thwarted at every turn—and she hated that even more than the King of Hybern.’

“Az won’t be back for a little while. Let’s go flying.” “What about the humans?” They’d run screaming in terror. Cassian gave her a wicked smile, opening that half-broken door for her. Leading her into the sunlight and clean air. “It’ll add a little spice to their days.”

Similar reads

From Blood and Ash, The Bridge Kingdom, Serpent & Dove, The Cruel Prince

Afterthoughts

Who would you turn to in times of need, to help heal from pain and trauma?

Do you have a family of your own that you have chosen?

Did you enjoy A Court of Silver Flames? Share your thoughts in the comments, I'd love to hear them!

What do you think will happen in the next book?

Review - A Court of Frost and Starlight

A Court of Thorns and Roses series with Faecrate print

Title: A Court of Frost and Starlight 

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Goodreads)
Publisher: Bloomsbury 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Sarah J Maas
Age Group: YA
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

This is an absolutely fantastic little novella if you are a fan of ACOTAR. It truly resolves Feyre and Rhysand’s story that was brought to us in the worlds opening trilogy. However, what excited me most was that this novella begins to set up the future books and what we might expect for the other members of the Inner Circle and Archeron Sisters. After all we have seen Feyre begin her healing process but have yet to see Elain and Nesta face their traumas. But A Court of Frost and Starlight definitely establishes this for the future books (notably, A Court of Silver Flames is Nesta’s individual book). ACOTAR may have begun as Feyre and Rhys’s love story but this world is about truly more than that!

Even though the ACOTAR trilogy was mainly Feyre and Rhys’s story it was always about more than just them. It brought into focus some very important issues such as family conflicts, various traumas and healing from those difficult traumas. In particular sexual harassment was a key trauma suffered by both women and men, as well as the issue of family abuse. All of these issues was what made readers value the trilogy and Maas’ frankness to raise such issues in books targeted towards young adult readers. That’s why the following quote for me sums up one of the key themes raised throughout the trilogy, the power of family offering support and healing through facing and coming to terms with trauma. If you have read the series than you will be aware of the details of Cassian’s particular past, if not, then without giving away spoilers the key thing to know is that Cassian and his mother suffered abuse from their families village. Part of the healing process for Cassian was meeting Rhys and finding not only a friendship but choosing to claim each other as family, as brothers.

‘My mother always had gifts for Azriel and Cassian. For the latter, the initial Solstice we’d shared here had been the first time he’d received any sort of gift, Solstice or not. I could still see the tears Cassian had tried to hide as he’d opened his presents, and the tears in my mother’s eyes as she watched him.’

Now, even though there are difficult issues and themes there are still many positive and happy moments found throughout the ACOTAR trilogy and A Court of Frost and Starlight. At many times through reading this series overall I have found myself smiling and laughing time and again throughout reading about the love and friendship found between the many characters. Moments between The Inner Circle when things are peaceful and happy have always been my most favourite and ACOFAS did not disappoint as there were many of these happy occasions. The overarching story is the winter Solstice celebration, a time similar to our own Christmas, when families come together and enjoy the festivities and remind themselves of those that matter most to them (and of course who can forget the presents! cheeky Emoji). One scene that especially had me laughing and smiling is when Feyre and Cassian get drunk together and attempt to decorate the house for solstice. Of course getting drunk doesn’t lead to very good decorating and Azriel tries to fix it and whilst doing so is coaxed into joining Cass and Feyre for a drink:

“Poor Az,” I said, pouring myself another glass. “Wine will make you feel better.” He glared at me, then the bottle, then Cassian … and finally stormed across the room, took the bottle from my hand, and chugged the rest. Cassian grinned with delight. Mostly because Rhys drawled from the doorway, “Well, at least now I know who’s drinking all my good wine. Want another one, Az?” Azriel nearly spewed the wine into the fire, but made himself swallow and turn, red-faced, to Rhys. “I would like to explain—” Rhys laughed, the rich sound bouncing off the carved oak moldings of the room. “Five centuries, and you think I don’t know that if my wine’s gone, Cassian’s usually behind it?” Cassian raised his glass in a salute.’

Synopsis (Goodreads)

ON THE DARKEST NIGHT, THE STARS STILL SHINE. 

Feyre's first Winter Solstice as High Lady is drawing near. With it will come a hard-earned rest from the work she, Rhys and their friends have done to rebuild the Night Court and the vastly changed the world beyond. Yet the festive atmosphere can't keep shadows from looming. Even as her own heart heals, she finds that those dearest to her have wounds that go deeper than she knew. 

AND THE SCARS OF THE PAST WILL TOUCH HER COURT IN TIMES TO COME.

Key Quotes

‘Elain met me halfway to the kitchen, bearing a tray of jam tarts toward the table in the dining room. Where an assortment of baked goods had already begun to take form, tiered cakes and iced cookies. Sugar-frosted buns and caramel-drizzled fruit pies. “Those look pretty,” I told her by way of greeting, nodding toward the heart-shaped cookies on her tray.’

“Hot cocoa or wine?” Cassian curved a wing around me, turning us toward the cellar door. “How many good bottles does little Rhysie have left?”

‘I cupped Rhys’s cheek, and he leaned into the touch as I quietly asked, “Do you think it’s stupid to wonder if painting might help others, too? Not my painting, I mean. But teaching others to paint. Letting them paint. People who might struggle the same way I do.” His eyes softened. “I don’t think that’s stupid at all.” I traced my thumb over his cheekbone, savoring every inch of contact. “It makes me feel better—perhaps it would do the same for others.”

“The females bring their jewelry. I bring my weapons.” “I know a few females in this house who might take offense to that.” Cassian offered me a wicked grin in response.’

Similar Reads

Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, The Cruel Prince, Serpent & Dove, Kingdom of the Wicked

Afterthoughts

Sometimes it's the family we choose, our friends, that help us the most and we should cherish the family we go to choose.

Healing from trauma takes time and it isn't a quick process but a lifetimes worth of healing.

Have you read A Court of Frost and Starlight, what did you think?

What books would you recommend for readers that love Fae inspired stories?

Review - A Court of Wings and Ruin

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Goodreads)
Publisher: Bloomsbury 
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Author: Sarah J Maas
Age Group: YA
Source: Amazon (purchased)

Review

The end to a series is always bittersweet and A Court of Wings and Ruin is no exception. This was such a beautiful ending to a fantastic series. If you enjoy books with strong liberated and complex women than this is a series I would definitely recommend to you. It is also a great series if you value the importance of family and friendship too, exploring the highs, lows and complications of these very relationships. One of the main themes that runs through the series and is especially prominent in A Court of Wings and Ruin is that of acceptance of ones self and of others. This theme is especially linked to the characters that have faced traumas and are considered LGBTQ+. Though this series and this book in particular explore and discuss some difficult themes and issues there are still lots of fun and light-hearted moments too especially in relation to the friendships of the Inner Circle and the romantic relationships as well. Maas is an incredible writer not only because she creates strong and compelling characters and creates absorbing worlds but because she explores themes and issues of importance through the safety of a fantasy novel.

There will be some spoilers below!

Throughout the A court of Thorns and Roses series as well as in A Court of Wings and Ruin in particular there has always been the theme of trauma, living it and trying to overcome it. More importantly, it is not just woman that experience trauma but the men too which for me is so important to highlight because in real life no matter what your sex, gender, sexuality or race anyone could be a victim of a traumatic experience. Therefore, for Maas not to discriminate and say that it is only woman that experience and have to face traumas is a huge positive of this book and series overall. The protagonist Feyre is the most obvious character to undergo and face traumas as well as having to overcome them. However, I would like to mention the other characters Nesta and Lucian in particular who also live through painful traumas and how they have to process it afterwards. One of the main themes is sexual assault and lack of consent or forced consent and this relates in particular to Lucian. Lucian is pursued relentlessly by the priestess Ianthe who tries to force him into a non-consensual sexual relationship. Below is an extract of one of the scenes where Ianthe tries to sexually assault Lucian. I think it highlights that it is not just women who are sexually assaulted and are the only victims of this kind of assault but can actually be the perpetrators of assault and that men can actually also be the victims of sexual assault too. To say that it is only woman who are the victims of sexual assault is a dangerous way of thinking and that is why I believe Maas is an important author because she dispels this harmful ideology and actually highlights that men can be the victims of sexual assault and that women can be the ones to perform it too.

‘I heard Lucien first. “Back off.” A low female laugh. Everything in me went still and cold at that sound. […] “Do not touch me,” he growled. And then I was moving. I masked the sound of my footfalls, silent as a panther as I stalked to the little clearing where they stood. Where Lucien stood, back against a tree—twin bands of blue stone shackled around his wrists. I’d seen them before. On Rhys, to immobilize his power. Stone hewn from Hybern’s rotted land, capable of nullifying magic. And in this case … holding Lucien against that tree as Ianthe surveyed him like a snake before a meal. She slid a hand over the broad panes of his chest, his stomach. And Lucien’s eyes shot to me as I stepped between the trees, fear and humiliation reddening his golden skin.’

Although there are some challenging themes and issues this series and A Court of Wings and Ruin explore there are still tons of happy and uplifting moments and relationships too. For me the most powerful friendship and family relationships that bring enjoyment and happiness to this series and A Court of Wings and Ruin in particular is that of the Inner Circle. Feyre begins this book as a spy in another court and once she’s completed her task of undermining its High Lord and breaking their military defences she is able to return home to her own court. On trying to get home she and Lucian are attacked but are rescued by Azriel and Cassian. I love this moment when Feyre and Cassian are reunited after months of separation because it emphasises the strength and purity of their friendship:

‘I met those laughing, fierce hazel eyes. Cassian’s smile softened. “Hello, Feyre.” My throat tightened to the point of pain, and I threw my arms around his neck, embracing him tightly. “I missed you, too,” Cassian murmured, squeezing me.’

Feyre and Cassian’s friendship is only one example of those found amongst those in the Inner Circle and it is this groups pure love and devotion to each other that is the most beautiful and powerful part of A Court of Wings and Ruin and the series overall. In fact, it is the Inner Circle that is one of the most outstanding elements of this book and series and why I love this series as a whole. It is not only because they are devoted to each other and make me laugh at times between their interactions, but because they prove that there are always complications even when you love someone unconditionally, and it is these conflicts that can potentially strengthen a relationship and stresses the importance of accepting others for who they are, both the good and the bad.

Synopsis (From Goodreads)

Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit – and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords – and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Key Quotes

'He might have completed the Great Rite with Ianthe of his own free will, but he certainly hadn’t enjoyed it. Some line had been blurred—badly. And my heart shifted a bit in my chest […] The weight of that jeweled knife and belt seemed to grow. “I wish I had been there to stop it. I should have been there to stop it.” I meant every word. Lucien squeezed our linked arms as we rounded a hedge, the house rising up before us. “You are a better friend to me, Feyre,” he said quietly, “than I ever was to you.”

“I see you brought home a new pet,” she said, nose crinkling with distaste. Something like fear had entered Lucien’s eye, as if he, too, beheld the monster that lurked beneath that beautiful face. Indeed, it seemed he had heard of her already. Before I could introduce him, Lucien bowed at the waist. Deeply. Cassian let out an amused grunt, and I shot him a warning glare. Amren smiled slightly. “Already trained, I see.”

“He wanted a—gift. In exchange. The Ouroboros.” The Suriel let out a sound that might have been a gasp—delight or horror, I did not know. “The Mirror of Beginnings and Endings.” “Yes—but … I cannot retrieve it.” “You are afraid to look. To see what is within.” “Will it drive me—mad? Break me?” It was an effort not to flinch at that monstrous face, at the milky eyes and lipless mouth. All focused upon me. “Only you can decide what breaks you, Cursebreaker. Only you.”

“… My gift is truth—and yet I have been living a lie my entire existence.” I squeezed her hand once more. “You’ll tell them when you’re ready. And I’ll stand by you no matter what. Until then … Your secret is safe. I won’t tell anyone—even Rhys.” “Thank you,” she breathed. I shook my head. “No—thank you for telling me…”

Similar Reads

The Cruel Prince, Serpent & Dove, Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows, From Blood and Ash, The Shadows Between Us, Shatter Me, Red Queen.

Afterthoughts

People that experience trauma do not always need to be strong afterwards, it will take time to process and come to terms with the traumatic experience. It will potentially be easier or more manageable with the right and supportive people surrounding you to help process the trauma.

When coming to terms with being LGBTQ+ it is on that persons terms that they must be comfortable and willing to talk to people. They should not be forced into sharing who they are until they have themselves accepted who they are and are comfortable that they will be accepted by those that matter to them most.

I really loved the developed relationships between Feyre and her sisters, Elain and Nesta. Also this book stresses that Rhys is more than just interested in sex with his partner but willing to sacrifice himself for his Court and people, with no exceptions!

Have you read the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, what did you think? 

If you've read A Court of Wings and Ruin I'd love to hear your thoughts!