A Court of Frost and Starlight

Author: Sarah J. Maas 

Rating: 3.6/5 

Recommend: Depends on what you’re expecting of the book and your feelings towards the ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) series. ACOFAS does not have any major plot twists or even any minor ones, so if that’s what you’re looking for then do not read it. Or else, continue along the review. 

"To the stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered."

I love this quote. It is the perfect tribute to Rhys and Feyre’s relation (epic fantasy couple goals). A Court of Frost and Starlight is a short, sweet novella that gives a lot more insight into the backgrounds of the main characters throughout the series. It is set a few weeks before Feyre’s first ever Winter Solstice in the night court and more importantly, as the court’s High Lady. Throughout the story, we read what’s happening through various viewpoints ranging from Mor, Cassian, Nesta, and Feyre and Rhysand of course. Though incredibly busy in reparations and planning after the war, all of our favorite main characters come together in celebration to create quite a refreshing companion novella. 

So here were the things I liked: first of, Elain and Azriel’s delightful, gradually progressing relationship. I ADORE this (fingers crossed) to-be couple. Elain’s sweetness is the perfect balance to Azriel’s shadows, and the chemistry between them is downright heartrending. In the third book of the series, we saw their friendship gradually building; however, in ACOFAS it is clear, that these two characters are simply made for each other. Despite Elain’s mating bond with Lucien, I’m shipping this couple all the way. Being a shadowsinger, Azriel suffered through a lot of pain during his childhood. He deserves someone like Elain, far more than Lucien ever did. 

Azriel, in all his glory.

Speaking of childhood, you will all be thrilled to know that ACOFAS contains a significant portion of the back-storys behind our favorite Illyrians. We already know plenty about Rhys from the other books; Sarah J. Maas gives us a view into Cassian’s brutal background in this one. The sheer amount of pain that these winged men have gone through is devastating to say the least. Cassian’s past and his relentless persistence to train the Illyrian females at the camp as a result, is endearing. 

Not to mention that the oppression of females in the story is still not so different from the current situation today in many parts of our world. 

Unlike the refreshing take on these characters I was, to be honest, a little disappointed with Rhys and Feyre’s roles in the stories. All they do is either a) have sex b)wish they were having sex c)flirt with each other which – you guessed it – leads to them doing it. Again. There were too many references to “his dark power” and “my favorite part”, to test even the most dedicated of readers’ patience. However, despite the excessive hints and references, the scene in Chapter 22 was actually pretty great; have a sneak peak at that one before you read the rest :) 

To the stars who listen - and the dreams that are answered.

In the next book, I sincerely hope we see more of the problem with Nesta. Her character was a huge let down in ACOFAS and the attitude got annoying pretty fast. Oh, and Tamlin too – will he finally be able to let go of his anger? 

All in all, ACOFAS is an aesthetically beautiful companion to the series and is great as a light, warm read on a winter morning. It is however, pleasant for just a one-time read; fingers-crossed that the next novel will be far more entertaining to read.