This is book 4 in the 5-book A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas.
I’d categorize this one as more of a novella than a full book, and it definitely helps to have read books 1-3 to understand what’s going on and who the characters are.
Synopsis (From Books a Million): Narrated by Feyre and Rhysand, this story bridges the events in A Court of Wings and Ruin and the final novel in the series.
Feyre, Rhys, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can’t keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated–scars that will have far-reaching impact on the future of their Court.
Obviously I’m invested in this series and I love the characters, so a book that’s basically character-driven with little plot? I’m still in. I wanted to have more interaction between Cassian and Nesta than their prickly, antagonistic relationship that’s gone on before but I can wait. This book is a filler, albeit an enjoyable one, and I was ready for a little bit of a palate cleanser without bloody wars and intrigue, and this filled that gap. I enjoyed reading more about Velaris, and Feyre and Rhys’s relationship and Feyre getting settled into her new home and finding some peace in her role as High Lady. I was also pleased to see Elain have a slightly larger role in this one. I hope we get to read more about her and her powers in the next book in the series, and I’m looking forward to reading that one shortly.
I kinda wish I had read this book over the winter since it’s set at the Winter Solstice, and as usual Maas creates a world I want to step into, especially to see all the festivities in Velaris. This might need to be a re-read at the end of the year for that very reason.
I did get distracted by a new book I received in the mail, so I’ve opted to put this series on hold for a bit while I read Witches Steeped in Gold next. Another YA/fantasy but with an intriguing location and plot line, so I started that one first. I’ll be back to finish up the ACOTAR series shortly!
Star rating: 4/5
Knit One, Spin Too 