Book Review: A Court of Silver Flames (ACOSF) by Sarah J Maas

'A Court of Silver Flames' (ACOSF) by Sarah J. Maas does not follow Feyre Archeron, who was our leading lady for the past few books. Instead ACOSF follows Feyre's older sister, Nesta Archeron, and Illyrian warrior and brother of Rhysand, Cassian. Both Nesta and Cassian go on a journey of self-healing and make the transition from enemies to lovers. Now that is not a spoiler, we all saw it coming. And oh wow do they become lovers - this book is spicier than all of the others.

This is the fourth book in the series, and it is set in post war Velaris, where Nesta's family and friends force her into a form of rehab to stop her self-destruction. Cassian is assigned the role of training her to become a strong woman capable of holding her own in a fight.

Not only does Nesta give us hope in this book that it is never too late to overcome our mental demons, become the best version of ourselves and to forgive ourselves, she also stops being frightened of the Cauldron's power brewing beneath the surface.

'Keep reaching out your hand'

Rating

5/5 stars

Spice Rating

5/5 chillies. The spiciest book so far in the series!

Recommended Reading Age

This book is quite sexually graphic in parts, so would recommend readers to be 18+

Synopsis (Plot)

Nesta spirals into the comfort of alcohol and sex with strangers after the war. She's not coping with being Made by the Cauldron, fears the Cauldron's power that brews inside of her and blames herself for her father's death. Nesta is quick to anger, pushes everyone away from her and is slow to forgive.

Upset by Nesta's self destruction and wanting to save her older sister from herself, Feyre/High Lady of the Night Court gives Nesta two options: 1.) work in the library and train with Cassian up in the mountains, or 2.) be exiled into the human lands to spend her days as an outcast and target in her new High Fae form. Realising she has no other choice, Nesta agrees to live in the House of Wind high up in the mountains, separated from Velaris and the temptation of alcohol by ten thousand steep steps. It is here that she is ordered to spend her mornings training with Cassian and afternoons working in the library beneath. The close quarters only fuels the flame that's been burning between them from the first time they met.

While Nesta and Cassian eat, train and go on mini missions together, they find love and comfort in each other's arms. Together they battle the monsters they face within and without, helping each other to heal.

Where are Feyre and Rhysand?

We still get glimpses of the High Lady and Lord of the Night Court, and there is even an exciting little subplot that unveils itself halfway through the book.

The Ending

The last 100 pages had me in tears. Both happy tears and tears of despair. I felt every emotion throughout the book, Maas taking me on a rollercoaster ride. The finale saw my emotions take the biggest hit. I was laughing, crying, whooping and raging. All of the emotions I want to feel in a book and especially an ending. Sarah J Maas has done it again!

My Final Thoughts...

My favourite book in the series so far. The whole series is worth reading for this book. It has enemies to lovers. It has a redemption arc. It has adventure, self-healing and magic. It is a book I will think about for a while.

This book is the Nesta redemption arc that we were hoping for, and I think Maas did a brilliant job of it. Her journey of self-healing is inspiring, and I constantly felt like I could relate to Nesta and drew connections between her and my own life. Mental health is important to look after, and Nesta showed us the importance maintaining it.

Nesta makes two wonderful friends in this book, Gwyn and Emerie, who you will adore. These two wonderful women show just how important it is to surround yourself with supportive, caring and accepting people that lift you up.

Now for a Tamlin redemption arc and I will be happy.

If you like the ACOTAR series, you might also like...

1. The 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas

Celeana Sardothien. What a woman. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas follows this fae and deadly Assassin as she competes to be the King of Adarlan's Champion.

Read the rest of my review on this book here.

2. The 'Crescent City' series by Sarah J. Maas

The Crescent City series follows Bryce Quinlan, a 23 year old half fae half human with luscious red hair and a bodacious bod. She is also an absolute BAD ASS. It's set in a world where humans live among fae, angels, demons, werewolves, vampires, mermaids: basically any supernatural being you could hope for. AND IT IS EPIC!!

Read the rest of my review on 'House of Earth & Blood' here