Name: Renee Collins's review of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Item: A Court of Silver Flames
Rating: 5
Author: Renee Collins

Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Silver Flames

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 5

Izaac Richards

At the top of the first page, it merely said, Chapter Twenty- One. She read the first few lines beneath it, then nearly dropped the pages. "This - this is about us." 

Gwyn beamed. "I convinced Merrill to add us into the penultimate chapter. She even let me write it - with her own annotations, of course. But it's about the rebirth of the Valkyries. About what we're doing." 

Nesta had no words. Emerie's hands were once more shaking as she leafed through the pages. “You had this much to say about us?" Emerie said, choking on a laugh. 

Gwyn rubbed her hands together. "With more to come." 

Nesta read a line at random on the fifth page. Whether the sun beat hot on their brows or freezing rain turned their bones to ice, Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyneth arrived at practice each morning, ready to... 

The back of her throat ached; her eyes stung. “We're in a book." 

Gwyn's fingers slid into hers, squeezing tight. Nesta looked up to ind her holding Emerie's free hand as well. Gwyn smiled again, her eyes bright. "Our stories are worth telling,"

Nesta smirked. "If we are to be Valkyries born again," she said, "maybe we should combine the Illyrian and Valkyrie techniques." 

She'd meant it in jest, but the words rumbled through the space, as if she'd spoken some great truth, something that made fate sit up. Azriel turned to them fully this time, eyes narrowed. Like those shadows had whispered something to him. 

Jacob Edmonds

And warm and safe and home at last in Cassian’s arms, Nesta slept.

Cassian’s mouth met hers, and the world ceased to exist.

She was no longer human. This High Fae body could do it. 

My Nesta. Elain shall wed for love and beauty, but you, my cunning little queen ... You shall wed for conquest.

“But I still don't know how to fix myself.”

“There’s nothing broken to be fixed,” he said fiercely.

Lips and teeth collided with her mouth, and she screamed as the kelpie kissed her. His black tongue shoved into her mouth, tasting of foul meat.

Kelpie. This was a kelpie, and he would kill her.

Nesta said quietly to her sister, “Congratulations.”

For she’d said nothing, had only been able to stand and watch them all, their joy and closeness, as if she were looking in through a window.

Everyone watched Feyre now. But Feyre’s attention remained fixed upon Nesta. “I can’t risk it.”

Cassias snorted, but obeyed, turning his face as he backed a step away. And it was the light of victory in his eyes, the clear sense that he believed he'd somehow unnerved her and won this fight that had her grabbing the front of his leather jacket. 

Nesta told herself it was to knock that smirk off his face that she curled her fingers in the leather and hauled her mouth to his.

Oh my god, they’re both so flustered, I CAN’T!! 🥵🤭🤭

“The book,” Nesta said, a bit breathlessly, “is about . . .” Her nostrils flared and her eyes went a bit unfocused. “A book.”

“Interesting,” Cassian murmured. “Sounds great.”

“Your power is a song, and one I’ve waited a very, very long time to hear, Nesta.”

Aww, Cassian is watching her sleep! I love him so much! 🥰

Nesta slept and slept and slept, though she could have sworn that her door opened at one point. Could have sworn a familiar, beckoning scent flled her room. She reached toward it with a sleep-heavy hand, but it was already gone.

The priestess hefted the five tomes in her arms. “Are you finished for today?”

 Nesta glanced at the cart of books she’d left unsorted. “No. I was taking a break.”

Cassian’s voice dropped an octave. “Is that what those smutty books teach you? That it’s only at night?”

Nesta . . . She cares about him so much. She’s pushing him away. 💔

Let him hate her. It was better that way.

rain

Valkyrie, she whispered to herself. You are a Valkyrie, and once again, you are holding the pass. If you fall, it will be to save the friends who saved you, even when they didn’t know they were doing so.

For a heartbeat, she wondered what she might have done with Ataraxia in her hand. What she might do with this body, these skills trained into her bones. If she was worthy of the sword at last.

She’d opted for a name in the Old Language, a tongue no one had spoken in fifteen thousand years. A name Lanthys had laughed to hear.

Nesta engaged four of the Illyrians at once, then five, then six, and the males started to go down, one after another. Nesta held the line in a storm of unflinching focus and death, guarding the friends at her back.

Ataraxia, she had named that magic sword.

“Is it living, though? To take the safe road?”

“You’re the one who’s been in a library for two years,” Emerie said.

Gwyn didn’t flinch. “I have. And I am tired of it.” She surveyed the blood-soaked leather along her thigh. “I don’t want to take the safe road.” She pointed to the mountain, to the slender path upward. “I want to take that road.” Her voice thickened. “I want to take the road that no one dares travel, and I want to travel it with you two. No matter what may befall us. Not as Illyrians, not for their titles, but as something new. To prove to them, to everyone, that something new and different might triumph over their rules and restrictions.”

“So I’m very pleased to hear of this Valkyrie business. I’m happy that Nesta finds interest in something again. And might channel all of … that into it.” That, Cassian knew, meant her rage, her fierce and unyielding loyalty to those she loved, her wolf’s instincts and ability to kill.

They moved on to far merrier subjects, but Cassian mulled it over throughout the evening. The fighting was only one part of it. The training would sustain her, funnel that rage, but there had to be more. There had to be joy.

Though she had fought back against Tomas, against the Cauldron, against the King of Hybern, they had all happened to her. She had survived, but she had been helpless and afraid.

Renee Collins

 because it absolutely wrecked me. And all the swordplay euphemisms? Cherry on top. 

Karmen 

They should’ve called this book The Breaker because it absolutely wrecked me. And all the swordplay euphemisms? Cherry on top. 

I’m a bit disappointed. The smut was more than the plot. If you leave out the smut there isn’t much going on. The events taking place could have been easily integrated to book 3. It was still a good read, I enjoyed self-development, mental health themes and the development of side characters, but the plot wasn’t that interesting. I hope the next book won’t be the same and I can get the awe as I did in the first 3 books.

ovgun

Tailor Floyd

Maddy T

It was a great story, but it was a bit boring sometimes. But what a beautiful ending to the book. 

Shauni Wuyts

i never knew i could love nesta the way i loved feyre 

Kourtnee

I’m at the end of my Velaris journey and what a journey it has been 4 Books, 2,731 pages in the space of around 3 weeks and what a series it has been, This has been on my TBR for a number of years and it feels like a huge achievement to be at the over side having meet Feyre and Rhysand and after being daunted by this series for so long I’m no longer sure why I was and when I closed the final book I just wanted more of it and for it to never end… I have loved my journey through it all & I need to thank an awesome Friend for not only getting me the series but for giving me the space to pick this one up in my own time and I’m relieved that we can still be friends now that I loved it!!

Nine months after ACOWAR, we follow Nesta as she is on a path of destruction. To try to help save her from that path, she is given an ultimatum by Feyre and Rhys. With her behaviours being troubling and out of control, she must follow certain expectations or face the consequences of being returned to the human lands. Mass does it again with making me fall in love with more characters in this universe. The way that the healing journey, action, character development, and plot all come together so painfully raw and made me fall in love with a character that I frankly hated from the very beginning was so astonishing. Never did I ever think going into this that this would happen!

This instalment is a lot more of a character driven ride as it shows Nesta’s journey of healing through friendship and falling in love, conveying the important message that we should not let trauma take over our future. Having suffered from PTSD and depression it’s always hard to break that cycle and ask for help but with the push of her sister she is able to break the cycle and see that everyone is capable of love and I loved the dynamic between Nesta and Cassian – They brought out the best in each other and where there to pick the other up when it was needed.

A Court of Silver Flames demonstrates Sarah J. Maas’s unparalleled ability to blend soul-stirring emotion with gripping fantasy. By giving readers a protagonist as multifaceted as Nesta, she offers a tale that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. The book’s themes of healing, empowerment, and redemption strike a chord, making it an unforgettable entry in Maas’s repertoire.

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, A Court of Silver Flames is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. It’s not just a book—it’s an experience, one that beckons readers to confront their own shadows and emerge stronger for it.

Ian Brakspear

I’m at the end of my Velaris journey and what a journey it has been 4 Books, 2,731 pages in the space of around 3 weeks and what a series it has been, This has been on my TBR for a number of years and it feels like a huge achievement to be at the over side having meet Feyre and Rhysand and after being daunted by this series for so long I’m no longer sure why I was and when I closed the final book I just wanted more of it and for it to never end… I have loved my journey through it all & I need to thank an awesome Friend for not only getting me the series but for giving me the space to pick this one up in my own time and I’m relieved that we can still be friends now that I loved it!!

 

Nine months after ACOWAR, we follow Nesta as she is on a path of destruction. To try to help save her from that path, she is given an ultimatum by Feyre and Rhys. With her behaviours being troubling and out of control, she must follow certain expectations or face the consequences of being returned to the human lands. Mass does it again with making me fall in love with more characters in this universe. The way that the healing journey, action, character development, and plot all come together so painfully raw and made me fall in love with a character that I frankly hated from the very beginning was so astonishing. Never did I ever think going into this that this would happen!

 

This instalment is a lot more of a character driven ride as it shows Nesta’s journey of healing through friendship and falling in love, conveying the important message that we should not let trauma take over our future. Having suffered from PTSD and depression it’s always hard to break that cycle and ask for help but with the push of her sister she is able to break the cycle and see that everyone is capable of love and I loved the dynamic between Nesta and Cassian – They brought out the best in each other and where there to pick the other up when it was needed.

 

A Court of Silver Flames demonstrates Sarah J. Maas’s unparalleled ability to blend soul-stirring emotion with gripping fantasy. By giving readers a protagonist as multifaceted as Nesta, she offers a tale that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. The book’s themes of healing, empowerment, and redemption strike a chord, making it an unforgettable entry in Maas’s repertoire.

 

For fans of the series and newcomers alike, A Court of Silver Flames is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. It’s not just a book—it’s an experience, one that beckons readers to confront their own shadows and emerge stronger for it.

meghan malpass

Keighly carrington 

5⭐️!!!! Before this book I couldn’t stand Nesta and now I love her and her growth as a character. She is such a complex character and doesn’t deserve the hate. Their trio is so badass and empowering. The friendship bracelets were iconic. Honestly I feel like so much happened in this book! There was no point that I was bored! I would have to say that this book is up there with ACOMAF. Top two in the series for sure! 

Leah Diaz 

 long to read—because there is so much that happens in this book, I don’t even know where to 

There were so many moments where I related to Nesta, and seeing her relationship  with Cassian unfold was absolutely beautiful. (And also really f*cking hot!) Her character arc was incredible!

This book was insane, and every time I picked it up, I wondered why I ever put it down. 🤩

 had me scared, though. Sarah J. Mass, you did 

 come to play! Don’t mess with me like that again, okay? I’ve had enough trauma with Rhys almost dying. My heart could not take it. 💔

Anyway, I loved this book. I’m glad to be done with it. 💕

Climb the mountain.

Girl, this book was insane. 🤯

This took me so freaking long to read—because there is so much that happens in this book, I don’t even know where to begin!

There were so many moments where I related to Nesta, and seeing her relationship  with Cassian unfold was absolutely beautiful. (And also really f*cking hot!) Her character arc was incredible!

This book was insane, and every time I picked it up, I wondered why I ever put it down. 🤩

The ending REALLY had me scared, though. Sarah J. Mass, you did NOT come to play! Don’t mess with me like that again, okay? I’ve had enough trauma with Rhys almost dying. My heart could not take it. 💔

Anyway, I loved this book. I’m glad to be done with it. 💕

currently screaming!!!! this is easily the best book out of the entire series. the plot, character development, the relationships, everything was absolutely amazing. getting to see what was going on in nesta's head was an honor, getting to know her and relate to her struggles was a beautiful journey. i really hope sjm doesn't decide to end the story there. 💞

kaii

Nesta the woman you are! An empowering read. I adore the house & her friendships. Thank god for smut. 

Kelsey 

   Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

   The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

   Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

   Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.

A Court of Thorns and Roses #4

I still don’t love nesta. I also think I preferred acotar as a trilogy. 

However I loved the Valkyries and the steps and I do think she’s a badass. 

Kalista Dickson

I still don’t love nesta. I also think I preferred acotar as a trilogy. 

However I loved the Valkyries and the steps and I do think she’s a badass. 

Ohhh I liked this a lot! Wasnt a big Fan of nesta in the other books but she grew on me in this one. Slightly annoyed that she also found her Mate even though its supposed to be "so very rare". Cassian is just 

... Very happy about the glimpse of rhys and feyres Story and very excited for azriels (and hopefully Mors!) I have my suspicions about lucien, elain and also eris, gwyn and emerie hehe

Marie

Ohhh I liked this a lot! Wasnt a big Fan of nesta in the other books but she grew on me in this one. Slightly annoyed that she also found her Mate even though its supposed to be "so very rare". Cassian is just Chef kiss... Very happy about the glimpse of rhys and feyres Story and very excited for azriels (and hopefully Mors!) I have my suspicions about lucien, elain and also eris, gwyn and emerie hehe

I’m literally so sad I finished this series but it was absolutely amazing. I loved reading about Nesta and Cassian but I don’t think I enjoyed the third person pov as much. Emery and Gwyn were so fun to read about and I loved their friendship. The ending was totally heartbreaking and almost had me crying. Nesta and Cassian’s relationship was so compelling to read about and I couldn’t put the book down. I need the next in the series!!

Maggie Hotmer

Nesta still isn’t my favourite, nor is Cassian. I found Feyre consistently weak, too. But this series brings an addiction factor that I can’t deny. I’m sort of sad that it’s over now. It’s an easy read, and the universe Maas created was an excellent escape for me during a stressful time. Also, this whole series is good to consume as an audiobook. All in all, “Feyre, my darling” will remain in my head as the darkest time of Rhy’s approaching to Feyre under the mountain, not this teddy bear-type weird romantic version of him.

Bilge Ince

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other

This made me like Nesta's character. Very slow burn between Nesta and Cassian. Nesta being groped by The Kelpie was very disgusting. Hearing everything that happened to the priestesses makes me see red. 

Susan

Not my favorite in the series but a goodie nonetheless. Love that this book focused on Nesta and her storyline. Felt like it dragged on in some places and went waaay too fast in others? But overall enjoyed it. 

Kaitlyn Wendler

Honestly, I believe this is the best book in the series. Sure there were times that I was rolling my eyes, but on the other hand this book had me laughing, crying, and completely pissed off at times.

Sure I was a little upset that Nesta didn’t make it to the top of Ramiel, but I also sorta like it because it wasn’t predictable. Was nest the most complex character I ever read, no, but she didn’t have to be. This book told a story. 

I believe in this book Maas finally got the pacing right unlike A court of Thorns and Roses where it seemed to drag. But this book is right under the Throne of Glass series for me now.

Bushra Yenice

Honestly, I believe this is the best book in the series. Sure there were times that I was rolling my eyes, but on the other hand this book had me laughing, crying, and completely pissed off at times.

Sure I was a little upset that Nesta didn’t make it to the top of Ramiel, but I also sorta like it because it wasn’t predictable. Was nest the most complex character I ever read, no, but she didn’t have to be. This book told a story. 

I believe in this book Maas finally got the pacing right unlike A court of Thorns and Roses where it seemed to drag. But this book is right under the Throne of Glass series for me now.

if nesta has 100 fans im one of them , if nesta has 1 fan its me, if nesta has 0 fans im dead 

Kate

minus a star because heavy smut isn't really my thing (the prev 4 books were already on the edge for me) and the way rhys was written in this one seemed very different to previously and he kinda irked me here with his territorial-ness :(

Otherwise i loved the story of the priestesses and how friendship played a big role. Character development of Nesta was also really relatable, being extremely flawed and human from start to end. 

Hill

minus a star because heavy smut isn't really my thing (the prev 4 books were already on the edge for me) and the way rhys was written in this one seemed very different to previously and he kinda irked me here with his territorial-ness :(

Otherwise i loved the story of the priestesses and how friendship played a big role. Character development of Nesta was also really relatable, being extremely flawed and human from start to end. 

my fav book of the acotar series. It felt really easy to relate to nesta in her mental journey and it really hit home heavily sometimes. Aside from nestas own journey of saving basically everyone, her love story with Cassian was so admirable in how unconditional it was. Love love loved it 

Renee Collins &
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

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Renee Collins &
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas