A Court of Silver Flames: The latest book in the GLOBALLY BESTSELLING, SENSATIONAL series (A Court of Thorns and Roses) Paperback – 26 May 2022

I don’t even have words!! This book completely stole my heart! Easiest five stars I’ve ever given. From the very first page, I was utterly enthralled. Nesta’s journey, her strength, her confidence and her unshakable courage had me in awe the entire time. This story had me laughing, gasping, and even tearing up and the spice.....wow!!! Cassian, Cassian, Cassian… well, let’s just say I think I may be a Cassian convert. Sorry, Rhysand, you may have been dethroned as my book boyfriend! It's a book I will be thinking about for a while! ACOMAF was by far my fave, but this definitely rivals it!

Sarah J Maas is my favourite writer and I have read every book. This is actually one of my favourite ones and worthy of a place in this fabulous series. Nesta’s character development is incredible and I can tell that Sarah really understands both depression and PTSD and also the impact of severe depression on those who love you. I love how she embraces the dark parts in her characters and I think perhaps Nesta is the darkest of all, for everyone who has to bite their tongue to stop hurting those they love best, Nesta is someone we can understand. It was very poignant for me, and Nesta reminded me of someone important in my own life who struggles every day but is worth walking over hot coals for, given her truth, humour and bravery - maybe she will remind you of someone too or even yourselves.The story is well balanced and understated and I loved it.Warning – this is much racier than any of her other books, I was delighted that she felt able to unleash her racy writing, I think she is excellent at writing about hot sex, she always has been and this is a fitting escalation for a natural talent- having read this I think she should keep at that for the next Crescent City book (hint!). What dirty dogs ;-) I enjoyed every page of it (and I read a lot of fantasy romance). The desk scene - wow!Great to see Sarah on top form, doing what she does best. Nobody brings characters to life like she does – we always feel so invested and bereft when we finish a book. She has a lifelong fan here and literally cannot WAIT to see what she writes next.ps edited to respond to some of the comments suggesting that the romance build up between Nesta and Cassian was too short - I disagree - the romance has been building during the rest of the series.

Reviewing any book from the esteemed ACOTAR series feels like a daunting task, especially when it comes to this astonishing, heart-rending, and utterly brilliant instalment. While I'm sure countless reviews have been penned on this tome, each perspective offers a unique insight, so here's mine.Let's address the elephant in the room: the star rating. This book unequivocally earns five massive and brilliant stars from me. It has swiftly ascended to join the ranks of my favourites, standing shoulder to shoulder with A Court of Mist and Fury.I'll admit, my expectations weren't sky-high for this book. The prospect of delving into the miserable and acerbic world of Nesta Archeron didn't exactly fill me with excitement. Initially, I found myself recoiling from Nesta's caustic demeanour and refusal to take accountability for her actions. In fact, I didn't want to delve into it at all, wanting to hold onto the image of Feyre and Rhysand a little bit longer. However, as Nesta's character began to evolve and unfold, my perception of her gradually softened.Nesta's journey of growth and self-discovery is depicted through a lens of unparalleled realism. The portrayal of mental health in this narrative is nothing short of exemplary. Her healing process is anything but linear, mirroring the erratic nature of real-life struggles. The story eloquently illustrates how unhealthy coping mechanisms and self-sabotage can manifest in the face of adversity, driving home the importance of empathy and understanding.As I delved deeper into Nesta's story and peeled back the layers of her character, I found myself relating to her character and loving her wholeheartedly. I realized that my aversion to Nesta may have stemmed from a recognition of my own shadow self within her—a revelation that has profoundly impacted me.One of the most poignant themes of the book is the resilience of strong female characters in the face of grief and trauma. The portrayal of female camaraderie and empowerment, particularly through Nesta's relationships with Gwyn and Emerie, struck a chord with me. These bonds serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in sisterhood.The infusion of lots of spice, increased focus on certain characters, and incorporation of contemporary themes demonstrate Maas's responsiveness to her readership.Now, let's talk romance. While the relationship between Nesta and Cassian may not fit the traditional romance mould, its intensity and passion are undeniable. The unabashed celebration of female sexuality and sensuality is a welcome departure from societal norms, and Nesta's unapologetic ownership of her desires is both refreshing and empowering.That being said, I couldn't help but feel that the abundance of steamy scenes detracted somewhat from the emotional depth of the relationship. While Cassian's unwavering support undoubtedly aids in Nesta's healing, their connection occasionally feels overshadowed by physicality.In conclusion, A Court of Silver Flames captivated me from start to finish. Its 768 pages held me rapt, and I found myself yearning for even more. This instalment is a testament to Maas's storytelling prowess, seamlessly blending steamy romance, heart-pounding action, and poignant themes of empowerment and resilience. If the next book focuses on Azriel, as I hope it does, I'll be eagerly awaiting its release. Simply put, A Court of Silver Flames delivers on every front, leaving readers craving more of this enchanting world and its captivating characters.

A great book with so many ups and downs. Definitely worth reading even if Rhys and Feyre are no longer the focus.