Review: A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
“That’s the key, isn’t it? To know the darkness will always remain, but how you choose to face it, handle it...that’s the important part.”
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The Basics
Title: A Court of Silver Flames (A Court of Thorns and Roses #4)
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Published: 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 751
Format: Hardcover
Genres: Fiction — Fantasy, High fantasy, Romance, Fantasy romance, New adult
Book Synopsis
Since returning from the war with Hybern, Nesta has become even more standoffish, and her behavior has become increasingly self-destructive. In an attempt to help her sister, Feyre presents Nesta with an ultimatum: she can either change her daily routine and begin spending her time training with Cassian and working in the library under the House of Wind or she can face exile to the human realm. Knowing that life among the humans would equate to social ostracism, Nesta opts for the former option. Spending so much time with Cassian, however, has the potential to unearth feelings that she would rather forget, as well as awaken her powers. But the two of them working together might be the key to saving Prythian from the schemes of the mortal queens.
My Review & Overall Thoughts
TLDR: Give Nesta a chance, and read this book.
A Court of Silver Flames is not the sequel I expected. No, it is far better.
The book’s greatest strength is its character-driven nature. While the previous books in the series are laced with action, twists, and turns, A Court of Silver Flames isn’t. Sure, there are some action-filled scenes, but by and large, the focus of the book is Nesta and her road to self-forgiveness and mental wellbeing. We come to understand the reason behind her prickly demeanor and self-sabotaging behavior, and with this knowledge, Nesta transforms from the character everybody loves to hate to someone who is resilient, complex, and worthy of a second chance.
Her friendship with Gwyn and Emerie illustrates that final assertion and is also one of the most memorable aspects of the book. The three females have a shared history of trauma, but through their support of and love for one another, they are able to begin the process of healing together. It is a beautiful story that is both hopeful and empowering.
Equally as memorable and integral to the story is Nesta’s relationship with Cassian. Their relationship deepens, both in a physical (yes, there are plenty of steamy scenes) and emotional sense. We are exposed to another, more caring side of Cassian, which hitherto, we have only seen glimpses of. That said, the outcome of their relationship is never presented as a given. Maas sprinkles in some doubt, as well as throws in a twist for good measure, so that you have to read until the end to see whether Nesta ends up with Cassian (and no, I am not going to tell you if she does).
As with the previous books in the series, A Court of Silver Flames is skillfully written. Places are described in such a way that you can readily imagine yourself there, and the dialogue always feels natural and lifelike. What’s more, Maas knows how to write characters that feel as real as either you or I.
One aspect of this book’s writing, however, that is different from its predecessors is its narrative style. Whereas the previous full-length books in the series are written in the first person from Feyre’s point of view, this book is written in the third person from Nesta and Cassian’s points of view. I like that Maas chose to reserve the first person for Feyre, as it not only prevents confusion but also creates a sense of continuity with the original trilogy. Having the story told from the perspectives of Cassian and Nesta also provides insight into their mindset, as wells as allows us to see the characters from the earlier books in another light. Previously, we had only seen the characters through Feyre’s eyes, so we were only seeing one very specific side of them.
The not so good
Parts of the ending, namely the resolution of the conflict with Briallyn, feel rushed. As I was reading the book, I was unsure if that storyline would even get a resolution, for I was getting closer and closer to the end of the book without any mention of her. Then, she appears super close to the end, and it is over before it ever really began.
The pacing at the beginning of the book also feels off but for the opposite reason. The first couple hundred of pages are a bit slow going, but thankfully, things do pick up shortly thereafter.
Also, I would have liked to have seen more of Azriel, Elain, Mor, Lucien, Vassa, and Jurian, but perhaps they will be featured more prominently in the next book. And I do think there will be a next book based on all of the loose ends that are left remaining at the book’s conclusion.
My last critique relates not to the book itself but rather the manner in which it was published. I do not like that there are two different special editions, each with their own exclusive bonus chapter. This feels like a blatant money grab. Not everyone can afford to buy two copies of the same book, and to withhold these bonus chapters from those who cannot is unfair, to say the least.
Overall
A Court of Silver Flames is a wonderful addition to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series. It is a moving story that shows that all of us, no matter our past, are worthy of love, happiness, and forgiveness.
