A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
MAIN THEMES:
Found Family
Healing After Trauma
Cozy Fantasy
Holiday Setting
Established Relationships
Book 4 in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series was… meh. This was definitely a “filler novel” in my book, but I’m not entirely sure what the point was, other than to firmly cement the already established emotions and highlight the healing process after the war with Hybern.
I rather enjoyed the banter between the characters as they each aimed to buy the best gifts for their found family (some more successful than others). The snowball fight scene is one that is deeply engrained in ACOTAR lore and was amusing to imagine. The ongoing tension between Nesta and literally everyone was also a main point of the book as she seems to struggle more with the effects of war than the others. The way she isolated herself from those who love her the most during her time of grief and post-trauma processing is something I personally can relate to on a deep level. In fact, the more books I read of this series, the more I like and relate to Nesta. I know many hate her and find her selfish, but I see her as a deeply hurt woman who feels everything to her bones and is terrified to let it show.
This short novel did show a lot of character growth with Elain coming out of her shell and Feyre getting back into her art. Her starting free art classes for the kids of Velaris to help them process their grief was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, there isn’t much to say about this one. A solid 3.5 out of 5 stars. Yes, it’s heartwarming. Yes, it’s fun. But does it really move the plot of the series as a whole forward? I guess we will find out once book 5 arrives on my doorstep. Until then, I must find another realm to escape into…
Trigger Warnings:
Nightmares & Panic Attacks
Death & Grief
War & References to Violence
Sexual Violence References
PTSD/Trauma
Alcohol Abuse
