This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure here.
“I have to create, or it was all for nothing. I have to create, or I will crumple up with despair and never leave my bed. I have to create because I have no other way of voicing this.”
Summary
Feyre, Rhysand, and the inner circle are busy rebuilding the Night Court and the changed world beyond. Recovering from the effects of the war that changed their world. Winter Solstice is finally approaching and with it, a well-earned moment of peace.
Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows away. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those closest deepens. They have more would than she expected and scars that will have a bigger impact on the future of their court than any can possibly know.
This little novella bridges the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the events in A Court of Silver Flames.
Thoughts on the Plot
Alright, first things first, hardcore SJM Stans who think she can do no wrong, click off this article right now, please.
In my humblest of opinions, this is where the series started to go downhill for me and I really disliked the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses.
I want the 3 hours of my life it took me to read this back.
I skimmed most of it and the plot is primarily the fact that it is Winter Solstice and the inner circle is wondering and worrying about what gifts to get each other.
SO much repetition within this book it is exhausting. Especially since most of what was repeated was straight from A Court of Wings and Ruin.
With that said, let’s move on to the characters.
Thoughts on the Characters
Let’s start with some positives. I enjoyed the glimpse of what “everyday life” looks like in Velaris.
I already loved the friendship Feyre developed with Cassian but I really enjoyed getting to see her spend time with other inner circle members. Specifically Mor.
Nesta is probably at peak PTSD in this book and to be honest, I skimmed most of the chapters where it was from Mor, Nesta, or Cassian’s POV because they didn’t add anything new.
Elain was still denying my poor Lucien even the slightest niceties and I wanted to start a “Luci deserves better” movement.
I actually also think I finally felt bad for Tamlin in this book. The way he is treated by the Night Court and knowing that Lucien has left him to go to the Night Court is just cruel.
At least Feyre and Rhys can go back to the Night Court and be surrounded by loved ones, Tamlin doesn’t even have Lucien anymore.
The naughty scenes were also a bit much in this book. I wanted more substance. I wanted more holiday vibes. I wanted more healing with each other.
It is not only Winter Solstice but also Feyre’s birthday. I just wanted more, that’s the theme of this review for A Court of Frost and Starlight.
Overall Thoughts
I was initially really excited about this little novella. It is by far my least favorite part of this series and want the 3 hours of my life it took to read this book back.
There was way too much dialogue and inner thoughts that were just repeated from ACOWAR.
And way too much of this book is wasted on naughty scenes. It felt like Rhys was avoiding his feelings by slapping a sex-sized band-aid over his trauma.
The characters also kinda sucked in this book. It made Velaris feel a little less sparkly and magical.
*sighs.*
You Might Also Like: ACOTAR Review // ACOMAF Review // ACOWAR Review //ACOSF Review
