4.5/5

For fans of: Sarah J. Mass, Jennifer Armentrout, adult fantasy, fae, found families, sisterhood, smutty romance, dealing with tragedy and loss, post-war healing, mental illness, depression, addiction, anxiety

Premise: The eldest Archaron sister takes center stage as she struggles with the aftermath of the war with Hyberin and the loss of not just her old life, but her humanity. The end of A Court of Silver Flames saw Nesta surrounded by the only people willing to tolerate her and getting a dressing down she deserved. Nesta must now face her demons or be banished from Prythian.

Review: From the very beginning, I have never been a fan of Nesta. She was a brat, absolutely useless, full of bitterness and rage. She would have let her sisters starve to death out of sheer spite. As an eldest child, that was just the line for me. Her actions at the end of A Court of Wings and Ruin slightly warmed me up to her character finally being somewhat redeemable, but then A Court of Frost and Starlight solidified my dislike of character. Until now. Has she completely won me over? Yes, absolutely. I am not surprised in the least because Maas is a genius in character development. Not just Nesta, but all of the characters. Cassian, the rest of the Inner Circle, even Eris. The new characters that expand the world of the Night Court also have won my heart.

While this plot meanders, much like it did in A Court of Mist and Fury, the emotional journeys are absolute *chef’s kiss* Most importantly, however, are the themes of forgiveness, acceptance, healing, redemption, and inner strength. Maas absolutely shines when she conveys how so much self-loathing can truly warp someone to become everything horrible they truly think they are. She doesn’t let Nesta get away with her actions and attitude, but she doesn’t leave her there either. And Cassian. He really went through the ringer here, oh but I love his journey as well. Self-acceptance isn’t just an issue for people who hate themselves, but for people who truly do not think they are worthy of all they have accomplished. His journey hits home for me, all of use self-sabotagers beleaguered with imposter syndrome. This story isn’t all gloom, though. There were so many moments I was absolutely shocked, laughed out loud to dialogue that was sharp and witty, the banter between our Illyrian brothers just gets better and better, and the House. THE HOUSE. You just have to read it. While some characters are not seen much, I have a feeling their time in the limelight will be soon. I am really enjoying this direction that Maas is taking the overall story, highlighting the struggles and growth of different characters while slowly moving the plot along. Hopefully we will see Azriel, Lucien, Elain, Mor, and even Tamlin and Jurian get time in the next books. I can’t wait to see where we go next!