A Court of Frost and Starlight-Book Review

• Excellent connector novella between two series
• More magical world building
• Deeper character development
• Hilarious and touching group scenes
• Leaves you excited for the next series set in this world

A Court of Frost and Starlight is not quite like other books by Sarah J Maas, but don’t let that scare you off. Yes, it’s shorter as it’s only a  novella, and it doesn’t have the intricate plot weaving of her norm novels, but it is still rich in world building and character development. It’s a fun and quick read that will leave you aching for the next book in that world. Also, it’s important to keep in mind the intent of this book. This novella was meant to be a bridge between the ACOTAR trilogy and the next series of books in the Prythian world, and I thought it was a beautiful and strong bridge.

The characters of this series are really the selling point for me, and this novella was very character driven. The story is centered around learning more about the characters, their goals, desires, emotions after the war. It was a great opportunity to get inside the heads of other characters, like Cassian (my second fav character after Rhys) and Nesta. Also to hear more from Rhysand than we have in the past.

It must be mentioned, the love between Rhys and Feyre is beautiful and should be the example for every couple out there. Mutual respect, trust, open communication, fun flirtyness, understand, support, and on and on. (There is adult content in this book in regards to sex scenes and imagery)

And the group scenes with the inner circle are phenomenal. Sarah has done an excellent job creating very unique characters who get along well. Not perfect (cause that’s boring), but friends who are more like family and always there for each other. And I literally laughed out loud so many times at their interactions. My friend who I was with on vacation as I read the book gave me the strangest looks. The interactions of the group were the best part of this book in my opinion. They allowed for moments of light-heartedness that were touching at the same time.

This will seem strange, especially given what I said about about Rhys and Feyre, but I didn’t like how perfect their relationship was. Yes, they are a model couple to look up to, but no couple is that perfect. A small argument here and there would have made it feel more real. Plus, as I said above, perfect can be a bit boring.

I know this book was only meant to be a bridge between the series, so it wouldn’t make sense to have a bunch of action and battles and twists and turns. But I do wish there would have been more to make me excited about the next set of books. For example, a tad more focus on the possible upcoming couples would have been nice. Thank goodness the first chapter of the next book was included with this novella because THAT got me REALLY REALLY excited for what’s to come. Without it, I don’t think I would have as much anticipation.

Also, and this is totally just a writer’s thing, I didn’t like that Cassian’s point of view was the only one in third person and Rhys and Feyre’s was in first. I am sure that was intentional as a way to set up the next book, it just made it slightly awkward for me.

But overall, a truly exceptional novella that was a delight to read!