Finishing A Court of Wings and Ruin in early December, I inadvertently set myself up with perfect timing to read A Court of Frost and Starlight. It was a perfect little read to give me a little more of Feyre, Rhys, and their family in a holiday season setting.
Following the war against Hybern, the main cast from the Night Court return to Velaris to celebrate the Solstice together. Despite the festive mood, the aftereffects of the battle show themselves both physically on the city and emotionally on its residents. Feyre begins to get to know the city as High Lady and starts returning to her art by exploring the community of artists in Velaris. The enchanting cast of characters may not be completely healed but they are finding their new place with stronger bonds in the court.
As much as I love happy endings, I think I may be just as bothered by perfect endings. Even if there are trials along the way, if everything and everyone comes out favorable at the end of the story, I feel something missing. Unfortunately, I felt this way about A Court of Wings and Ruin. But fortunately, A Court of Frost and Starlight salvaged that for me. It gives readers the opportunity to see the heroes after the epic battle, and how the action and intensity from the trilogy carry over into everyday life. Feyre took on her recovery by returning to her artwork, showing her vulnerability by facing the demons of her past, I'm not quite certain I'm ready to see what emerges when I paint some of them. The Feyre who had felt a bit flat to me at the beginning of the series continued to develop over the story. The main characters also accepted the recovery of the others, at their own pace. Nesta was one that took the transition the hardest, but even she had her place with the others. One of the court said I like her because so few do. I like her because she is not easy to be around, or to understand. The family takes on others' flaws as they are, something I found quite beautiful about the story.
A Court of Frost and Starlight also gave some depth to the setting in court life. I felt that one of the greatest strengths of the series had been the setting. Each of the courts, even if readers didn't get to visit alongside any of the characters, was described with richness, depth, and uniqueness. This installment opened a window into the culture of the Night Court, by bringing readers to the celebration of their biggest holiday. In ACOTAR readers got to see celebrations in the Spring Court, and now it was time to see that in Feyre's home.
A Court of Frost and Starlight is not a required read for the series, and I feel that is one of its strengths. Maas was not tied down by the greater story arc and could explore other beautiful parts of the characters and world. I saw some criticisms of the book for this reason, so I believe the reader's enjoyment will truly depend on their take on this type of story. The one thing I did have trouble with was how the Illyrian Training camps were addressed. I felt that they should have been given their own book to properly go into how the camps would change after the war, or not been somewhat brushed by in this otherwise fairly uplifting story.
As this series will inspire readers to do, dream as wildly as you want.
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