6 things I loved about ‘A Court of Silver Flames’
Sarah J Maas gets a whole lot of hate and scorn, and honestly, a lot of the criticisms are valid: the lack of diversity, the toxic masculinity, the unhealthy relationships. I get it, I see it, I agree with it.
But I still love these books and ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ was no exception.
This is the beginning of a new series following the end of ‘A Court of Wings and Ruin’ and follows the oldest Archeron sister, Nesta. I’m sure that if you’re here you’ll be well-acquainted with the plot, but in case you need a refresher: the ACOTAR series ended with Nesta becoming a High Fae in the war and suffering for her sacrifice. ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ is her book, shortly after Feyre gets her happy ending.
As this series (and author) gets a lot of hate, I’m going to share six things I loved about ACOSF. So there.
It’s so steamy. SO STEAMY. The final books in the ‘Throne of Glass’ series and the ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ trilogy have solid steam, but ‘A Court of Silver Flames’ takes it to a whole new level. Sarah J Maas really leaned into New Adult fantasy romance in this one.
Maas turns a character that I hated for three (long) books into a heroine I championed and cared for, and most importantly, understood. Her motivations and hang-ups were explored and explained that really highlighted her actions in the original trilogy.
Sarah J Maas really focuses on the power and necessity of strong female friendship. How it supports, empowers and comforts you and how it exists outside of and alongside the characters’ life and other needs. It’s the first time Sarah J Maas has drawn on it in such a powerful way, I just hope Gwen and Emerie don’t get killed off like Nehemiah did in ‘Throne of Glass’.
Trauma and PTSD are tackled head on. SPOILERS Nesta had her world and her identity turned upside, watched her loved ones be hurt and traumatised, lost her father and fought and survived a war. There’s no way you wouldn’t be traumatised after that, and I’m so glad it was dealt with and tackled thoroughly and without a quick fix or suddenly disappearing.
The discussion of mental health issues pleasantly surprised me and I really appreciate how the struggles of the characters were given room to breathe and be explored, and then worked on with training, focus, exercise and meditation, but acknowledged that while these can help you cope, they won’t fix the issues at the root.
The characters were allowed to have ‘negative’ emotions. They could be angry, sad, scared, ashamed, regretful or spiteful, and that was okay.
Have I convinced you yet?
Are you team yay or nay when it comes to Sarah J Maas?
Written by Sophie
