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A Court of Scars and Shadows
"In her mind, she knew those very hands could be capable of wielding gentle pleasure, just as they wielded the sharp edge of a blade. Masterful and to a rare skill of something altogether Godly."
Gwyn was spiralling.
So fast and hard she barely could keep her grip on the world she had clawed up Ramiel for.
Azriel was burning.
So fierce and wild, he couldn’t help the long-forged walls that he had built going ablaze.
Some scars, no matter how different, look the same in the dark.
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, both spinning and flaming to the depths of the past? What happens when hidden scars are revealed, and we step into the shadows of our hearts?
Gwyn was spiralling.
So fast and hard she barely could keep her grip on the world she had clawed up Ramiel for.
Azriel was burning.
So fierce and wild, he couldn’t help the long-forged walls that he had built going ablaze.
Some scars, no matter how different, look the same in the dark.
What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, both spinning and flaming to the depths of the past? What happens when hidden scars are revealed, and we step into the shadows of our hearts?
723 pages, AO3 story
Published February 26, 2023
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 15, 2025
This is one of the most well rounded romances I’ve ever read, and I am so happy the author is going to have a traditionally published book, I think in 2026. I’ve reread ACOSAS through a few rough times over the past year and fall in love with the story and writing all over again. I’ve read some recommend ACOTAR fanfic, nothing compares to this.
A Court of Scars and Shadows is set a few months after ACOSF and is Azriel and Gwynn’s love story. It is a slow burn, respectful of Gwynn’s past trauma and also deals with Azriel’s past ordeals. These are two people who have palpable tension for each other, but need to heal before they can truly open up and move on their feelings. But once the romance begins, mercy is it hot! The banter between these two is too tier and believable. Gwyn lives to rile Azriel up but also is fiercely protective of him. Azriel is proud of, besotted with, and bewildered by Gwyn. And Azriel shadows are delightful, and clearly more aware of Azriel’s feelings for Gwyn than he is. Their conversations with Az are hilarious and they are active participants in the story.
Beyond the romance there is a proper plot. Gwynn’s training as a Valkyrie alters to prepare her for a role as a spy. Azriel is her reluctant trainer, torn between pride in Gwynn’s abilities and concern for her safety. She has struggles and setbacks, and her PTSD is handled in an original manner. I appreciate the respectful approach to how both characters overcome past obstacles.
Through their espionage work we travel to other courts, and spend time with other High Lords and other favorite characters from the series. Lou fleshes out characters while staying true to canon. And of course we get a lot of time with Nesta, Cassian, Emerie, and the Inner Circle. The sisterhood of the Valkyries and the brotherhood of Az, Cass, and Rhys is top notch.
I am so in love with this story, I worry that I may be disappointed if ACOTAR 6 doesn’t live up to ACOSAS. But I will always have this story and keep it close to my heart.
A Court of Scars and Shadows is set a few months after ACOSF and is Azriel and Gwynn’s love story. It is a slow burn, respectful of Gwynn’s past trauma and also deals with Azriel’s past ordeals. These are two people who have palpable tension for each other, but need to heal before they can truly open up and move on their feelings. But once the romance begins, mercy is it hot! The banter between these two is too tier and believable. Gwyn lives to rile Azriel up but also is fiercely protective of him. Azriel is proud of, besotted with, and bewildered by Gwyn. And Azriel shadows are delightful, and clearly more aware of Azriel’s feelings for Gwyn than he is. Their conversations with Az are hilarious and they are active participants in the story.
Beyond the romance there is a proper plot. Gwynn’s training as a Valkyrie alters to prepare her for a role as a spy. Azriel is her reluctant trainer, torn between pride in Gwynn’s abilities and concern for her safety. She has struggles and setbacks, and her PTSD is handled in an original manner. I appreciate the respectful approach to how both characters overcome past obstacles.
Through their espionage work we travel to other courts, and spend time with other High Lords and other favorite characters from the series. Lou fleshes out characters while staying true to canon. And of course we get a lot of time with Nesta, Cassian, Emerie, and the Inner Circle. The sisterhood of the Valkyries and the brotherhood of Az, Cass, and Rhys is top notch.
I am so in love with this story, I worry that I may be disappointed if ACOTAR 6 doesn’t live up to ACOSAS. But I will always have this story and keep it close to my heart.
Displaying 1 of 1 review