May 1, 2024sarahylockwood

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Rate: 4/5

Medium: Audiobook

Overview (No Spoilers): 

A Court of Silver Flames is the first book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses that doesn’t feature Feyre. Instead we are treated to alternating Cassian and Nesta perspectives. Nesta is just as prickly and dislikable as ever, with Cassian being proportionally dreamy. I have yet to read A Court of Frost and Starlight. Honestly, I hadn’t realized there was a book between this and The Court of Wings and Ruin, though I don’t believe I have missed much other than Nesta being insufferable. 

A Court of Silver Flames is on a whole new level of spice for this particular series. Cassian and Nesta are full of passions and when they aren’t sparring with each other they’re releasing some steam in other physical ways, if you get what I mean. Will Nesta be able to come to terms with her own powers and her past scars before everything she loves is taken from her. 

Character wise it is wonderful to finally get a glimpse of what makes Nesta tick. That said, she is just as frustrating as ever as she constantly pushes away anyone who gets close. Cassian’s patience is so impressive as he endlessly absorbs barbs from her as he tries to get her frosty exterior to thaw and expend her energy in a more productive outlet. Once we start to see Nesta’s walls start to crack this story finally gets interesting as she finds her own friends among the fae and a mission worthy of her passions. That said, she still has her moments, but the cast that surrounds Nesta makes her surliness tolerable. 

I can’t imagine the complex storyboard that Maas must have wove to make this story come together seamlessly. There is so much going on, from Nesta and her training to Illyrian politics, along with much broader scheming involving the Autumn Court and Briallyn. Not to mention the internal Night Court machinations that threaten the fragile happiness that Feyre and Rhys have built. Maas takes us to new areas of her magical world that are steeped in ancient magic and powerful beings. We also learn more about Nesta’s unique powers and the implications of a magic that no one knows how to wield. Especially when Nesta is too stubborn to try to learn. 

Overall, whether you ponder the romance, training, ancient artifacts, or politics, A Court of Silver Flames is action packed from cover to cover and is a happy ending needed by those who deserve it the most. 

Additional Insight (Spoilers Abound): 

  • What is Mor doing in Vallahan?
  • Cassian taking dancing lessons from Mor made me so happy! That said the whole dancing for seduction regarding Erris was a bit much.
  • Why not have Nesta make more magical items before she gave away her magic to save Feyre? I loved that she made new magical items. Even the bracelets. What else did she unknowingly magic?
  • I love that Nesta made a friend from the house and brought it to life!
  • Where is Bryaxis
  • What is going on between Elain and Azriel?
  • What is Merrill’s problem?
  • Are we ever going to find out about Helion potentially being Lucien’s father?
  • Will Tamlin ever recover? I wouldn’t mind him having a redemption arc.
  • The scene with Lanthys was terrifying and brutal. Nesta was such a badass.
  • Ugh. Seriously my heart was so happy with Cassian gave Nesta a Symphonia. How thoughtful!
  • What revenge will Cassian and Rhys doll out in the aftermath of the Blood Rite. So much corruption and backstabbing.
  • Why would Rhys have given such a powerful weapon to Erris? That trade seemed uneven.
  • When Briallyn orders Cassian to kill Nesta is such a brutal scene!
  • I’ve decided Eris needs his own happy ending.
  • What does it mean that Nesta gave back her powers? Does she still have magic?

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