“Maas’s curated writing is why readers come back for more. A Court of Silver Flames is an engrossing continuation of the A Court of Thorns and Roses series.”
The Story
Nesta Archeron is not known for being even tempered or easily forgiving. And after being forced to become High Fae and living a life she despises, hating everyone, except perhaps her sisters, she is on the brink of self-destruction. When her youngest sister steps in and makes Nesta recognize her problems, she must battle her demons and find a way to live in this new world. With the help of unexpected friends and a battle-scarred warrior, Nesta will find her way to redemption, and discover a way to be whole and loved.
My Review: A Court of Silver Flames
Sarah J. Maas knows how to write an epic fantasy. Ensnaring her readers in a tight grip, painting a story they are unable to look away from.
Her stories, though gripping in their action and adventure, this one felt a bit too similar to her other works. And, yes, this is a continuation of the overall series, but I had hoped that Nesta’s story would be different from her sisters.
Given that Maas is more than capable of crafting legendary world-building and appealing characters, Maas dove in the deep end of the SMUT pool in her writing. In ACOSF, honestly, I felt she could have edited out a huge chunk of the sex scenes. It felt redundant. Over and over and over (and over, does this feel a bit much?) of explicit details that I was good with after the first few times. Like, yes, I want Nesta and Cassian to finally realize they are made for each other, but, do we have to have this much featured page time of sex? It adds nothing to the end goal: Nesta dealing with her perpetual state of being difficult, constantly irritated, and overly proud, while also healing from the trauma of well, her life.
My Thoughts
Further, I know Nesta isn’t the most likeable character out of the Archeron sisters, but I will say Maas made her more palatable and empathetic once her backstory, her inner feelings, and internal struggles began to pour out on the page like musical notes to a song that is familiar, but somehow new. A melody that didn’t make sense at first, or felt off, like a record player skipping a beat, but now, once fixed, shows something close to a masterpiece.
It’s undeniable that Maas is a driving force in New Adult fantasy fiction. That her books sell. And I think as a reader I’ve come to the conclusion that yes, she’s good at writing, but it sometimes feels over the top, but not always in a way that makes for an exceptional read. Yes, she captured my attention, I literally read this 700+ page in two days, but it didn’t blow me away. I didn’t get swept away into a state of overwhelming bliss. Or that feeling of pure joy when you’ve read something exceptional.
Last Thoughts
Another Blogger, Ren Strange, wrote an interesting article about Maas and her writing that I highly recommend you check out and take a moment to process. Because I think it’s important to understand the many views we as readers have on the authors we choose to read. I know Maas is not for everyone. That she has die-hard fans who will defend her no matter what anyone else says. Even after reading A Court of Silver Flames, I may end up getting a copy from the library for the next two novels.
Sarah J. Maas could have edited this book down a good two hundred pages and left readers in a state of satisfaction, yet ready for more. There was too much dialogue during heated battle scenes, or prior to them, that jars the reader from the action and sex scenes that weren’t needed. However, it’s a story with layers of possibility for novels to come, although, hopefully, Maas tries to make Elain’s romance and story not identical to her other two sisters.
Happy Reading ̴ Cece
RATING: 
– Satisfyingly Inked
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: February, 2021
Pages: 768
ISBN-10: 168119628X
ISBN-13: 978-1681196282
Audience: 18 and up
Jacket Design: Patti Ratchford
Jacket Illustration: HappyPets
You can find A Court of Silver Flames at Bloomsbury Publishing
Similar Books to A Court of Silver Flames Recommended by Sheaf and Ink
Kingdom of the Wicked, Kerri Maniscalco
The Queen of Nothing, Holly Black
Need More Book Recommendations?
Sheaf & Ink has reviewed a number of Young Adult novels in fantasy like A Court of Silver Flames. Read Kingdom of the Wicked and The Queen of Nothing reviews to find your next favorite book and join the conversation. We love hearing from you.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
The Queen of Nothing and Tomorrow by Holly Black
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THE WORDS THAT BUILT THE STORY: A STUDY OF SARAH J. MAAS’ WRITING STYLE by Ren Strange
