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A Court of Thorns and Roses #6
A Court of Splintered Harmony
Romance, danger, and intrigue await you in the breathtaking sixth book in the #1 bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series.
What was broken will be remade.
Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.
The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day.
To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable.
But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.
What was broken will be remade.
Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.
The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day.
To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable.
But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2026
About the author
Sarah J. Maas
119 books586k followersSarah J. Maas is the #1 bestselling author of the Throne of Glass, Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City series. Her books have sold millions of copies and are published in thirty-eight languages. She lives in New York City with her family.
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Review of advance copy
BUCKLE UP BITCHES 🗣‼️ i'm here to rant
I know that this story is split into 4 parts and scattered across three books. My rating for this book might change when the others are out, but for now, I am only judging it for what it is presented as.
SPOILERS OF COURSE !!! - (dont come crying in the comments later on)
Wow - we finally got another ACOTAR book 5 years later 😭 It honestly felt surreal to have it in my hands and read it. It was only 320 pages, but it did read like an ACOTAR book - in fact, it felt like reading ACOTAR all over again 🫣 I'm settling for a 3.25 for now because of how inconsistent I felt things were.
So, lets start.
The writing - idk why, but it felt so weird 😭 I was talking to my 10/10 absolute diva of a friend (some of you might know her as buket), and she told me that the writing was already bad 😭😭, and that we're just developing our frontal lobe now, so we're noticing - and I couldn't even disagree because some of the scenes (NOT ALL) were not well written, but the book was still enjoyable. I was hooked. It had me on it for ten hours straight, like I genuinely don't know what drugs were infused in it because I couldn't put it down despite the underwhelming writing. I binged it in a span of 12-13 hours. The plot saved the book. It was well handled, and the way it's moving makes it sound very promising, especially with how things ended.
I honestly think we're at this stage with SJM where we can criticize her writing if it's lacking 😭 because she's written multiple books, she has delivered time and time again, and if there is this lingering pattern creeping up where her writing is deteriorating (first HOFAS and now this), we can say it out loud. Some of the scenes were honestly so hard to read. The second-hand embarrassment I got from those scenes. The insane 'tell not show' thing going on, it felt more like a recap of the previous four books rather than a start of a new story (had me feeling a bit iffy at the start). I really miss the days when we would actually get characters on journeys in books. It added so much character depth, it would actually flesh them out, and make us root for them. It added a lot of value to the story but now there's zero importance regarding this and its barely in books. Especially here the characters are somehow transporting near the mortal lands, then to summer court, then back to the night court in like a span of a chapter 🙄
Also, i don't understand her fixation on some particular things, she would focus so much on such irrelevant stuff and bring it up at the most critical parts of the book 😡 (for example: Feyre breastfeeding or thinking about leaking milk 😭 rhys and feyre thinking about banging each other while talking abut alliance, Cassian and Nesta having argument and Cassian getting hard and wanting to bang.)
However, as the book progressed, I think I got more used to the writing because I started to enjoy the book and look past the problems that I had initially. I hate publishing restrictions because I would have loved to just read the entire thing in one go, and I think that would have encouraged me to give this book a higher rating because there are so many things that are clouding my thoughts right now, and only more answers can get it cleared up. I do believe that she ended this book at the right moment. The entire monologue between Nesta and Amren at the end felt so cinematic - that part was well written (credit where credit is due). I also think the next book is going to fare better since it has fewer problems to tackle. The wait time is three months instead of five years, so managed expectations and recent exposure to the characters and plot would make the experience better. The plot is also shaping up to be something grand, and I am excited to see where the Valkyrie cycle goes and if it's going to live up to its name.
I liked that the tension throughout the book was high, with Koschei the Deathless having this lingering dreadful feeling without even making a single appearance, the whole court drama, the human lands being at the risk of invasion, the Bryaxis jumpscare. It's safe to say it made this book not only eventful but easy to read through. It was atmospheric and tense, and you could, UNLIKE SOME CHARACTERS 😒, feel the urgency of the situation (ik ik, it feels conflicting when I praise it like that). Her prose might be subpar for the most part here, but her ability to write about high-stakes environments, creating an eerie atmosphere, is certainly not being put to question. Idk where she is going wrong with her prose or rather the execution of it because TOG had some of her best moments. Anyways, I love that we are moving forward in terms of the world as well, exploring new areas and more magical items - I'm a sucker for a book that gives its world building and magic system equal importance.
My ratings are more so based on what I've said above, but WE HAVE TO talk about the characters AND the romance.
We get multiple perspectives, with the most going to, I think, Azriel, then Feyre, then Nesta, then Cassian, and some small chapters for Lucien, Gwyn, and Mor (1-2 max).
Lets start with Azriel. From what I had read from ACOTAR to ACOSF, going into this book, my perception of Azriel was based on that, and we didn't know much of him. He's always been a mysterious character, so naturally, given the circumstances and how those books cater to his character through other characters' perspectives, is how you make your own thoughts and expectations of him. Being in Azriel's head was a totally different experience. I got whiplash going through it 😭 I loved the prologue. I think getting a perspective from his past was what I needed, and I wish we got to see more of him and his struggles alongside his mother. BUT I also do get that he has that part buried deep and isn't ready to talk it out, but knowing that part of his character gave us some answers and made his character more fleshed out. It also gave some reasoning to his actions - to an extent, and his behavior. Azriel might be caring, loving (to his family), protective, and aloof, but um 🫣 that's not all.
He's stubborn as hell, he's reckless, immature, entitled, impulsive, self-destructive. I think most of these emotions stem from his past and some from envy or jealousy of seeing his "brothers" have mates while he does not. I liked his perspective at the beginning because there was actually something happening 😭 but oh my god, after like 30%, his character read like a child throwing a tantrum. ITS CLEAR that this guy needs a massive healing arc - like he's in desperate need of it. I'm sorry, but you cannot be horny enough to be willing to risk such an important alliance, knowing that the threat this time is so much bigger. I always thought that he was going to be smart/clever and calculated, but boy, he was the opposite of that. He and Elain hooked up for a month, and out of those hookups, Rhys found out twice and had warned him a year before all this started. SO it's not even like this bitch didn't know the severity of the situation 😭 He was full-on lipsing with Elain in the kitchen, and when Rhysand appears and is like, mind you, very civil and logical, Azriel starts throwing tantrums and, mind you, f bombs. 😭 Rhysand says I have too much on my plate and I cant handle your shit. 500-year-old Azriel proceeds to say fUcK yOu. Never have I ever wanted to slap someone so fucking hard.
Then we get to the second scene before I start my rant for this (I was the biggest Azriel fan out there 😭 but the sheer aura loss that he suffered from in this scene was so heartbreaking and icky I cant). So Azriel is fondling Elain's boobies, and Lucien steps in - Azriel isn't warned because his shadows can't stand to be with him in the same room as Elain and they, like me (😝), are repulsed. He knows what he did is wrong, he knows that the woman that he did it with is humiliated, crying, and isn't even saying anything other than that this was a misunderstanding, and he knows her mate is there and what he is feeling. And keep this in mind: Rhysand told him his experience of WHAT HE FELT when he knew that Feyre was his mate and was with Tamlin, but still goaded him on and on - KNOWING that everything, every threat, is hanging on by a thread. ALL OF HIS FAMILY are there, and this bitch is there arguing with his fucking dick out 😭😭 like at least wear some damn pants because your shadows weren't covering you either CUZ THEY REFUSED TO LISTEN. He didn't think, he just did, and he ruined everything 😭 like literally Lucien, who could have helped them with Autumn and Spring Courts AND had Jurian and Vassa alongside him. The disdain and disappointment etched in everyone's face was so damn satisfying to see because he honestly deserved it, and he needed to be called out. When Mor slapped the shit out of him, it was so peaceful.
Feyre and Rhysand, oh my days 😭😭😭 Reading Feyre's perspective after 7ish years felt so damn weird. I enjoyed Feysand moments because they have their cute moments. I liked that beach scene a lot because I feel like it's important for relationships to have moments like that. I am also behind Rhysand on the High King thing because I DO NOT want him to be High King. We dont get Rhysand's perspective, so thankfully, we missed out on 400 mentions of my mate, but we did get a lot of Feyre's perspective. I was so scared that she was going to make Feyre only act as a mother and forget that she's super powerful and is also a High Lady, but I'm so glad that she did not do that because Feyre had that fire here, which I loved. However, some of the stuff that she did was super annoying 😭 Rhysand, I also liked. He was harsh, but he was super rational, and his decisions made sense 100%. Her, Rhys, and baby Nyx were soooo cute. I don't mind Feyre constantly mentioning breast leaking milk 😭 because she just gave birth to Nyx half a year ago, I think, and it would make sense for this to be mentioned, but it's done at the most weird times istg 😭 The smut scenes were so damn bad, like omg, I did not miss the smut chapters at all. The constant innuendo was so hard to read, and the sex scenes overall were an instant skim because I could not read borderline lactation kink pls 😭
Nesta and Cassian, GUYS 😭😭😭😭 I genuinely don't know how this happened BUT 😭😭😭 I LOVE NESTA?? Like, that's actually crazy. I was not fond of her at all. I think it's because she carried so much emotion in this book. She lowk carried the entire book on her back, so I will say thank you to her. I think I liked her so much more in this book because I agreed with her decision to give Bryce the mask. I know in the courts' eyes, it's a sign of betrayal, but it was the right choice. They knew it was the right choice, and they would have made the same choice if they had some time. Them being mad was justified, but them prolonging it was so damn stupid. Idewtt about Azriel rn because he NEEDS that desperate healing arc. Nesta did not deserve all the shit she got, especially from Cassian. Nesta single-handedly saved everyone's asses. Her scenes with Gwyn 😭 not this book living up to its name. I loved her and her bond with her sisters and her sisterhood. I loved how strong she was. Her single-handedly going against Bryaxis was so badass, and her drive to push against her abilities was so amazing to see. Also, Nesta clocking Elain at the end was so peaceful to see and was definitely needed, given how coddled she is. The next book will definitely have her as an integral part, given how it ended. Cassian is hard to hate, and I know that he's loyal to his High Lord, but some things are meant to be between you and your MATE. I think he should have the common sense to keep it that way, and also, him shutting her out for so long just pissed me off.
Amren and Mor, idc if I'm High Lord or Lady - if a 15000-year-old female comes up to me and says this wont work, and do this, I'll save my time and do that (no shade). Morrigan, the woman that you are. We got one slice of POV from her, and I ate it up. I cant wait for her book. I love her for slapping the shit out of Azriel and giving him shit because he DESERVED it. I'll be sending her prayers. Poor girl is stuck with Elain. I ALSO BETTER NOT HEAR ANY MOR IS EVIL allegations.
Gwyn, I'm super excited for where we are going with her character. There must be some importance to the highlight on the bonus chapter and her getting her own POV - I'm super excited. I don't think she's going to be evil as many think - Az calls himself a monster and a demon literally, so idt if Gwyn feels that, given how she has a traumatic past and how things are unraveling for her, is out of pocket. I think the second book's title also has to do something with her or the priestess in general. Idt SJM would use her in a villainous role, and also, isn't she based on her best friend?? Also she says she hates illyrian men but so does Az and cass 😭 and that she enjoyed killing those men in the rite but baby so did manon, lysandra, and aelin 😭 so let's not go there to justify her being a villain.
Lucien, I felt soooo bad for him, especially after I read his POV. This man has been nothing but kind and respectful, and I hate to see him being betrayed and broken like that.
Elain, omg, I hate her so much. She is the most useless character ever. I hate her with burning, raging passion, like I have not hated a character like her. She is so useless, like omg, and she says that don't coddle and don't infantilize me, and she gets herself in the worst position and then starts crying, like fucking crying. Bitch, what the fuck are you crying for?? Did you not think about the consequences at all?? Like, if she wants to sleep with Azriel, that's OKAY, she CAN, but like, have the decency to end things with your mate. Why is she stringing him around? I dOnT LiKe LuCiEn. I wAnT nOtHiNG tO dO WiTh HiM. Then break the damn bond and put both you and him out of that misery. She's actually so dumb, I can't, like she just pisses me off.
She says I can be useful and that she's a seer, but that stupid girl always talks in codes that by the time they figure things out, they would happen. I can see why no one asks her for help - also, she literally starts crying at every single thing. OMG, her victim complex is so strong, like she's also VERY much entitled and A RAGING PICK ME. Her going to Nesta and Feyre, apologizing for the plans she's destroyed because she knows they would forgive her, but when Nesta doesn't, she gets all defensive and starts backtracking, like bitch, weren't you here to apologize? ISTG SJM needs to do massive work on her character cuz I can't stand her character. ALSO, SHE'S A FUCKING SEER BUT HER DUMBASS IS CRYING 24/7 MAKING IT SO EASY FOR THE READERS TO FORGET THAT SHE HAS THINGS SHE CAN HELP WITH BUT OH NO ONE ASKS SO SHE WONT.
The romance, honestly 😭😭 this version of Azriel can stay the FUCK away from Gwyn. I don't think Elriel is endgame. If it is, I think there is a longggg way to go, LIKE a long way to go. Elain is in Vallahan, and I think her story will somehow tie up to Lucien's, while Azriel is in the House of Wind with Nesta. I think what's important here is that AZRIEL can get a proper arc and get his shit together and actually process his emotions and consider himself worthy of being loved because I'm sorry, their relationship felt super lusty. Not Azriel trying to open up, but Elain stops and says they should find a room to bang in, like hoe?? Is you fr?? Elain also needs to get her shit together. We need actual POV from her and to get inside her head and see what's going on so we can understand her. A majority of you havent read Tog and it shows 😭 sarah can easily switch up on who she wants as endgame. I do think with Azriel being in the House of Wind and his arc overlapping Gwyn's, I think that IN MY OPINION, there might be a high chance of that happening. Elucien 🫣 hopefully- idk, but hopefully.
Overall, I had fun ngl. It was messy and enjoyable.
Special mention to Areeba, Fiza and Hoda for going through this tough time with me
Special mention x2 for Shifu/Areeba for proof reading this review
___
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I know that this story is split into 4 parts and scattered across three books. My rating for this book might change when the others are out, but for now, I am only judging it for what it is presented as.
SPOILERS OF COURSE !!! - (dont come crying in the comments later on)
Wow - we finally got another ACOTAR book 5 years later 😭 It honestly felt surreal to have it in my hands and read it. It was only 320 pages, but it did read like an ACOTAR book - in fact, it felt like reading ACOTAR all over again 🫣 I'm settling for a 3.25 for now because of how inconsistent I felt things were.
So, lets start.
The writing - idk why, but it felt so weird 😭 I was talking to my 10/10 absolute diva of a friend (some of you might know her as buket), and she told me that the writing was already bad 😭😭, and that we're just developing our frontal lobe now, so we're noticing - and I couldn't even disagree because some of the scenes (NOT ALL) were not well written, but the book was still enjoyable. I was hooked. It had me on it for ten hours straight, like I genuinely don't know what drugs were infused in it because I couldn't put it down despite the underwhelming writing. I binged it in a span of 12-13 hours. The plot saved the book. It was well handled, and the way it's moving makes it sound very promising, especially with how things ended.
I honestly think we're at this stage with SJM where we can criticize her writing if it's lacking 😭 because she's written multiple books, she has delivered time and time again, and if there is this lingering pattern creeping up where her writing is deteriorating (first HOFAS and now this), we can say it out loud. Some of the scenes were honestly so hard to read. The second-hand embarrassment I got from those scenes. The insane 'tell not show' thing going on, it felt more like a recap of the previous four books rather than a start of a new story (had me feeling a bit iffy at the start). I really miss the days when we would actually get characters on journeys in books. It added so much character depth, it would actually flesh them out, and make us root for them. It added a lot of value to the story but now there's zero importance regarding this and its barely in books. Especially here the characters are somehow transporting near the mortal lands, then to summer court, then back to the night court in like a span of a chapter 🙄
Also, i don't understand her fixation on some particular things, she would focus so much on such irrelevant stuff and bring it up at the most critical parts of the book 😡 (for example: Feyre breastfeeding or thinking about leaking milk 😭 rhys and feyre thinking about banging each other while talking abut alliance, Cassian and Nesta having argument and Cassian getting hard and wanting to bang.)
However, as the book progressed, I think I got more used to the writing because I started to enjoy the book and look past the problems that I had initially. I hate publishing restrictions because I would have loved to just read the entire thing in one go, and I think that would have encouraged me to give this book a higher rating because there are so many things that are clouding my thoughts right now, and only more answers can get it cleared up. I do believe that she ended this book at the right moment. The entire monologue between Nesta and Amren at the end felt so cinematic - that part was well written (credit where credit is due). I also think the next book is going to fare better since it has fewer problems to tackle. The wait time is three months instead of five years, so managed expectations and recent exposure to the characters and plot would make the experience better. The plot is also shaping up to be something grand, and I am excited to see where the Valkyrie cycle goes and if it's going to live up to its name.
I liked that the tension throughout the book was high, with Koschei the Deathless having this lingering dreadful feeling without even making a single appearance, the whole court drama, the human lands being at the risk of invasion, the Bryaxis jumpscare. It's safe to say it made this book not only eventful but easy to read through. It was atmospheric and tense, and you could, UNLIKE SOME CHARACTERS 😒, feel the urgency of the situation (ik ik, it feels conflicting when I praise it like that). Her prose might be subpar for the most part here, but her ability to write about high-stakes environments, creating an eerie atmosphere, is certainly not being put to question. Idk where she is going wrong with her prose or rather the execution of it because TOG had some of her best moments. Anyways, I love that we are moving forward in terms of the world as well, exploring new areas and more magical items - I'm a sucker for a book that gives its world building and magic system equal importance.
My ratings are more so based on what I've said above, but WE HAVE TO talk about the characters AND the romance.
We get multiple perspectives, with the most going to, I think, Azriel, then Feyre, then Nesta, then Cassian, and some small chapters for Lucien, Gwyn, and Mor (1-2 max).
Lets start with Azriel. From what I had read from ACOTAR to ACOSF, going into this book, my perception of Azriel was based on that, and we didn't know much of him. He's always been a mysterious character, so naturally, given the circumstances and how those books cater to his character through other characters' perspectives, is how you make your own thoughts and expectations of him. Being in Azriel's head was a totally different experience. I got whiplash going through it 😭 I loved the prologue. I think getting a perspective from his past was what I needed, and I wish we got to see more of him and his struggles alongside his mother. BUT I also do get that he has that part buried deep and isn't ready to talk it out, but knowing that part of his character gave us some answers and made his character more fleshed out. It also gave some reasoning to his actions - to an extent, and his behavior. Azriel might be caring, loving (to his family), protective, and aloof, but um 🫣 that's not all.
He's stubborn as hell, he's reckless, immature, entitled, impulsive, self-destructive. I think most of these emotions stem from his past and some from envy or jealousy of seeing his "brothers" have mates while he does not. I liked his perspective at the beginning because there was actually something happening 😭 but oh my god, after like 30%, his character read like a child throwing a tantrum. ITS CLEAR that this guy needs a massive healing arc - like he's in desperate need of it. I'm sorry, but you cannot be horny enough to be willing to risk such an important alliance, knowing that the threat this time is so much bigger. I always thought that he was going to be smart/clever and calculated, but boy, he was the opposite of that. He and Elain hooked up for a month, and out of those hookups, Rhys found out twice and had warned him a year before all this started. SO it's not even like this bitch didn't know the severity of the situation 😭 He was full-on lipsing with Elain in the kitchen, and when Rhysand appears and is like, mind you, very civil and logical, Azriel starts throwing tantrums and, mind you, f bombs. 😭 Rhysand says I have too much on my plate and I cant handle your shit. 500-year-old Azriel proceeds to say fUcK yOu. Never have I ever wanted to slap someone so fucking hard.
Then we get to the second scene before I start my rant for this (I was the biggest Azriel fan out there 😭 but the sheer aura loss that he suffered from in this scene was so heartbreaking and icky I cant). So Azriel is fondling Elain's boobies, and Lucien steps in - Azriel isn't warned because his shadows can't stand to be with him in the same room as Elain and they, like me (😝), are repulsed. He knows what he did is wrong, he knows that the woman that he did it with is humiliated, crying, and isn't even saying anything other than that this was a misunderstanding, and he knows her mate is there and what he is feeling. And keep this in mind: Rhysand told him his experience of WHAT HE FELT when he knew that Feyre was his mate and was with Tamlin, but still goaded him on and on - KNOWING that everything, every threat, is hanging on by a thread. ALL OF HIS FAMILY are there, and this bitch is there arguing with his fucking dick out 😭😭 like at least wear some damn pants because your shadows weren't covering you either CUZ THEY REFUSED TO LISTEN. He didn't think, he just did, and he ruined everything 😭 like literally Lucien, who could have helped them with Autumn and Spring Courts AND had Jurian and Vassa alongside him. The disdain and disappointment etched in everyone's face was so damn satisfying to see because he honestly deserved it, and he needed to be called out. When Mor slapped the shit out of him, it was so peaceful.
Feyre and Rhysand, oh my days 😭😭😭 Reading Feyre's perspective after 7ish years felt so damn weird. I enjoyed Feysand moments because they have their cute moments. I liked that beach scene a lot because I feel like it's important for relationships to have moments like that. I am also behind Rhysand on the High King thing because I DO NOT want him to be High King. We dont get Rhysand's perspective, so thankfully, we missed out on 400 mentions of my mate, but we did get a lot of Feyre's perspective. I was so scared that she was going to make Feyre only act as a mother and forget that she's super powerful and is also a High Lady, but I'm so glad that she did not do that because Feyre had that fire here, which I loved. However, some of the stuff that she did was super annoying 😭 Rhysand, I also liked. He was harsh, but he was super rational, and his decisions made sense 100%. Her, Rhys, and baby Nyx were soooo cute. I don't mind Feyre constantly mentioning breast leaking milk 😭 because she just gave birth to Nyx half a year ago, I think, and it would make sense for this to be mentioned, but it's done at the most weird times istg 😭 The smut scenes were so damn bad, like omg, I did not miss the smut chapters at all. The constant innuendo was so hard to read, and the sex scenes overall were an instant skim because I could not read borderline lactation kink pls 😭
Nesta and Cassian, GUYS 😭😭😭😭 I genuinely don't know how this happened BUT 😭😭😭 I LOVE NESTA?? Like, that's actually crazy. I was not fond of her at all. I think it's because she carried so much emotion in this book. She lowk carried the entire book on her back, so I will say thank you to her. I think I liked her so much more in this book because I agreed with her decision to give Bryce the mask. I know in the courts' eyes, it's a sign of betrayal, but it was the right choice. They knew it was the right choice, and they would have made the same choice if they had some time. Them being mad was justified, but them prolonging it was so damn stupid. Idewtt about Azriel rn because he NEEDS that desperate healing arc. Nesta did not deserve all the shit she got, especially from Cassian. Nesta single-handedly saved everyone's asses. Her scenes with Gwyn 😭 not this book living up to its name. I loved her and her bond with her sisters and her sisterhood. I loved how strong she was. Her single-handedly going against Bryaxis was so badass, and her drive to push against her abilities was so amazing to see. Also, Nesta clocking Elain at the end was so peaceful to see and was definitely needed, given how coddled she is. The next book will definitely have her as an integral part, given how it ended. Cassian is hard to hate, and I know that he's loyal to his High Lord, but some things are meant to be between you and your MATE. I think he should have the common sense to keep it that way, and also, him shutting her out for so long just pissed me off.
Amren and Mor, idc if I'm High Lord or Lady - if a 15000-year-old female comes up to me and says this wont work, and do this, I'll save my time and do that (no shade). Morrigan, the woman that you are. We got one slice of POV from her, and I ate it up. I cant wait for her book. I love her for slapping the shit out of Azriel and giving him shit because he DESERVED it. I'll be sending her prayers. Poor girl is stuck with Elain. I ALSO BETTER NOT HEAR ANY MOR IS EVIL allegations.
Gwyn, I'm super excited for where we are going with her character. There must be some importance to the highlight on the bonus chapter and her getting her own POV - I'm super excited. I don't think she's going to be evil as many think - Az calls himself a monster and a demon literally, so idt if Gwyn feels that, given how she has a traumatic past and how things are unraveling for her, is out of pocket. I think the second book's title also has to do something with her or the priestess in general. Idt SJM would use her in a villainous role, and also, isn't she based on her best friend?? Also she says she hates illyrian men but so does Az and cass 😭 and that she enjoyed killing those men in the rite but baby so did manon, lysandra, and aelin 😭 so let's not go there to justify her being a villain.
Lucien, I felt soooo bad for him, especially after I read his POV. This man has been nothing but kind and respectful, and I hate to see him being betrayed and broken like that.
Elain, omg, I hate her so much. She is the most useless character ever. I hate her with burning, raging passion, like I have not hated a character like her. She is so useless, like omg, and she says that don't coddle and don't infantilize me, and she gets herself in the worst position and then starts crying, like fucking crying. Bitch, what the fuck are you crying for?? Did you not think about the consequences at all?? Like, if she wants to sleep with Azriel, that's OKAY, she CAN, but like, have the decency to end things with your mate. Why is she stringing him around? I dOnT LiKe LuCiEn. I wAnT nOtHiNG tO dO WiTh HiM. Then break the damn bond and put both you and him out of that misery. She's actually so dumb, I can't, like she just pisses me off.
She says I can be useful and that she's a seer, but that stupid girl always talks in codes that by the time they figure things out, they would happen. I can see why no one asks her for help - also, she literally starts crying at every single thing. OMG, her victim complex is so strong, like she's also VERY much entitled and A RAGING PICK ME. Her going to Nesta and Feyre, apologizing for the plans she's destroyed because she knows they would forgive her, but when Nesta doesn't, she gets all defensive and starts backtracking, like bitch, weren't you here to apologize? ISTG SJM needs to do massive work on her character cuz I can't stand her character. ALSO, SHE'S A FUCKING SEER BUT HER DUMBASS IS CRYING 24/7 MAKING IT SO EASY FOR THE READERS TO FORGET THAT SHE HAS THINGS SHE CAN HELP WITH BUT OH NO ONE ASKS SO SHE WONT.
The romance, honestly 😭😭 this version of Azriel can stay the FUCK away from Gwyn. I don't think Elriel is endgame. If it is, I think there is a longggg way to go, LIKE a long way to go. Elain is in Vallahan, and I think her story will somehow tie up to Lucien's, while Azriel is in the House of Wind with Nesta. I think what's important here is that AZRIEL can get a proper arc and get his shit together and actually process his emotions and consider himself worthy of being loved because I'm sorry, their relationship felt super lusty. Not Azriel trying to open up, but Elain stops and says they should find a room to bang in, like hoe?? Is you fr?? Elain also needs to get her shit together. We need actual POV from her and to get inside her head and see what's going on so we can understand her. A majority of you havent read Tog and it shows 😭 sarah can easily switch up on who she wants as endgame. I do think with Azriel being in the House of Wind and his arc overlapping Gwyn's, I think that IN MY OPINION, there might be a high chance of that happening. Elucien 🫣 hopefully- idk, but hopefully.
Overall, I had fun ngl. It was messy and enjoyable.
Special mention to Areeba, Fiza and Hoda for going through this tough time with me
Special mention x2 for Shifu/Areeba for proof reading this review
___
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Review of advance copy
Full Review (spoiler warning): 5/5
A Court of Splintered Harmony is a fast-paced first part of one whole story, revealing some conflict and tension between political alliances and relationships throughout this movement.
There are forces at play regarding Koschei the Deathless, looming across the continent. With the way some characters were behaving in ACOSH, it leaves us wondering if Koschei is already pulling the strings within the Night Court.
While Feyre and Rhysand and the rest of the IC seek to secure alliances and find out sensitive information, Elain’s romance, particularly her relationships with Lucien Vanserra and Azriel the Shadowsinger, has become a focal point in the overarching plot.
In ACOMAF, we learn Elain is mated to Lucien Vanserra right after being thrown into the cauldron and transforming into a Made Fae. Elain emerged as an entirely different being–without a choice in the changes in her body, the choice of a mate–with powers she has yet to fully master and utilize.
We also see young Azriel and how he became a shadowsinger, born from his trauma, and throughout ACOSH, his shadows disappear from Elain because she is the bright to his dark, the person who breathes life into him.
What particularly stood out to me was when members of the Inner Circle told Elain she can reject the mating bond while simultaneously telling her how important it is for Lucien to be an ally and asset to them. This would ultimately confuse Elain. How can she reject a bond to a person the Night Court may need for the impending war? She already feels like she is not doing enough, and disappointing her friends and family would be something she does not wish to do.
For five books, Elain made it evidently clear she is not interested in Lucien Vanserra. As Elain said, "Lucien is nothing to me" in Chapter 22, ACOSH. I wish some acotar stans had more empathy for her choice and autonomy. She owes no one an explanation or reasoning for her decisions. And we know that Elain cannot make that decision yet, with all the pressure going around her.
I will admit, we need Elain’s point of view to have a full understanding of her thoughts, to explore her feelings and visions of her life and future. But I cannot help but enjoy the beginning of the relationship between Elain and Azriel, and we know what Azriel thinks of her: “He was death, and she was life. Where his soul was soiled and bloodied, hers was pristine, verdant.”
Remember that ACOSH is part one, meaning the beginning of the story.
Furthermore, the Inner Circle and potentially darker forces are shown to keep Elain and Azriel apart. Their love is forbidden, with challenges from every corner that they will have to overcome in the upcoming movements. Those who think the Inner Circle being against their relationship is a sign they won’t end up together are simply not true.
The Inner Circle is against their relationship because their political alliances are already fragile. The IC does not speak on behalf of Elain, nor do they choose for her in her love life. That is the point of her story about choosing what she wants in the end, despite all odds against them. As Azriel said, “to hell with all of them, for trying to come between him and Elain, for not grasping what was so very obvious.”
The book ends with Elain wanting to do more than stand idly, and her journey to Vallahan to help stop Koschei will show all of her potential. Azriel’s last chapter ends with him wanting to find Elain to make things work, leaving their journey open-ended to continue in ACOFM. I also believe Lucien will be the one to help break Vassa's curse, but we will see more in the next book.
Elain Archeron is the forgotten melody, and I cannot wait to read the rest of her story, her POV, along with the rest of the Inner Circle.
"His salvation–that was what Elain was, what he'd been willing to fight for."
03/21/2021
Elain Archeron is a seer, which is what the next novel needs to locate the fourth trove to stop Koschei. There are pressing matters that are going on in the courts, and there is political tension. This is a fantasy series with serious issues going on, not a contemporary NA where the main couple has the time to get to know each other. This is ACOTAR. Elain and Azriel have already established a friendship, and their interactions are entangled with Lucien due to the mating bond.
Elain and Azriel's relationship has been foreshadowed since A Court of Mist and Fury and scattered throughout the series. In the bonus POV, Azriel made it obvious that he has feelings for Elain. Rhys had only told Azriel to stay away from her because it would trigger a blood duel with Lucien and potential war between courts. But Azriel admitted it would take him no effort to win that blood duel, meaning he is willing to fight for Elain.
Azriel had given Elain a personalized rose necklace that she returned due to Rhys's interruption, which is similar to how Cassian had given Nesta a gift during her first Winter Solstice (that she rejected), but they ultimately got together. Not to mention that Azriel had looked at and thought about Elain's gift to him for an entire year until the next one, when they exchanged gifts again.
Up until now, Elain has been visibly uncomfortable around Lucien. You can find that evidence throughout the series, and she told Lucien that he had betrayed them. She had never shown interest in him, but it is evident she is interested in Azriel, which is mutual. That is a setup for the next book, which would be about CHOICE.
Those who say Elain and Azriel's relationship would be obvious and cliché are missing the fact that two mated individuals (Elain and Lucien) getting together would also be obvious, cliché, and repetitive. Reading about choice and free will, choosing what you want instead of allowing "fate" to decide feels much more liberating to read. To say that Elain should be with Lucien because he is her mate is stripping her of the choice before she even gets to make it in her novel, so that argument is invalid.
Also, notice how Azriel has heightened hearing, and Elain can see things others can't. Azriel said in ACOWAR that they needed a seer. Both have special abilities that would be used for spying on other courts and kingdoms, which is most likely the plot for the next book, in addition to the blood duel and forbidden-love aspect and miscommunication trope, finding Koschei and the fourth trove, which would be one of Sarah's finest works.
Overall, I can't see Elain with Lucien when he told Elain they were mates right away, not giving her a choice, which was a mistake because, to Elain, choice matters. Usually, two people accept the bond normally when they are unaware of it; they become friends first and then lovers. Elucien is the only mating bond that had been known right away, which means it was doomed from the start because it makes them feel equally shackled.
Therefore, Elain most likely won't end up with a man who's a reminder of what was taken from her- a choice- the same person that ignored both their feelings. However, I do believe Lucien will be the person who supports her choice and encourages it, whatever it is, and I also believe he will be getting his own love interest that may have already been suggested.
As for Azriel and Gwyn. Gwyn deserves better than potentially receiving a second-hand gift from Azriel, whether Clotho had given it to her or not. Clotho knew it wasn't meant for her when she noticed how sad the Shadow-Singer's face was. That gift was meant for Elain. It was a rose necklace, and roses symbolize love, romance, and secrecy. Azriel had then gone to the House of Wind to distract himself from Elain. He thinks he doesn't deserve her, despite Elain returning those same feelings. Please don't ignore four books of build-up; you're just ignoring canon at this point.
But we'll see more in the next book.
Now, to those who think Elain is boring, her character has not been fully fleshed out yet for a reason (because it's reserved for her own book). We will learn more about her, which is why we don't know much about her, but we know this: she's a seer, a flower-grower, a kingslayer, a hero of Prythian. That is by far impressive.
In Feyre's bonus POV after ACOSF, Rhys says, "We haven't yet seen all that she has to offer." And if you still think Elain's "boring" or "annoying," we don't know much about her. Some readers judge her before giving her a chance. Remember that Nesta was heavily hated prior to receiving her book; therefore, what makes you think Elain would not capture an audience? No one is asking you to read the books if you don't like Elain, so move on if that's not what YOU wanted. Mind you, the author gets to write what she wants to write; Elain haters do not dictate that at all.
To be frank, I am disappointed in the ACOTAR fandom for making sexist and misogynistic jokes about Gwyn and Elain, reducing their characters and worth to a ship. I've seen people compare their reproductive systems. Pliant bones? Not being able to have children? What are y'all on about?
A Court of Splintered Harmony is a fast-paced first part of one whole story, revealing some conflict and tension between political alliances and relationships throughout this movement.
There are forces at play regarding Koschei the Deathless, looming across the continent. With the way some characters were behaving in ACOSH, it leaves us wondering if Koschei is already pulling the strings within the Night Court.
While Feyre and Rhysand and the rest of the IC seek to secure alliances and find out sensitive information, Elain’s romance, particularly her relationships with Lucien Vanserra and Azriel the Shadowsinger, has become a focal point in the overarching plot.
In ACOMAF, we learn Elain is mated to Lucien Vanserra right after being thrown into the cauldron and transforming into a Made Fae. Elain emerged as an entirely different being–without a choice in the changes in her body, the choice of a mate–with powers she has yet to fully master and utilize.
We also see young Azriel and how he became a shadowsinger, born from his trauma, and throughout ACOSH, his shadows disappear from Elain because she is the bright to his dark, the person who breathes life into him.
What particularly stood out to me was when members of the Inner Circle told Elain she can reject the mating bond while simultaneously telling her how important it is for Lucien to be an ally and asset to them. This would ultimately confuse Elain. How can she reject a bond to a person the Night Court may need for the impending war? She already feels like she is not doing enough, and disappointing her friends and family would be something she does not wish to do.
For five books, Elain made it evidently clear she is not interested in Lucien Vanserra. As Elain said, "Lucien is nothing to me" in Chapter 22, ACOSH. I wish some acotar stans had more empathy for her choice and autonomy. She owes no one an explanation or reasoning for her decisions. And we know that Elain cannot make that decision yet, with all the pressure going around her.
I will admit, we need Elain’s point of view to have a full understanding of her thoughts, to explore her feelings and visions of her life and future. But I cannot help but enjoy the beginning of the relationship between Elain and Azriel, and we know what Azriel thinks of her: “He was death, and she was life. Where his soul was soiled and bloodied, hers was pristine, verdant.”
Remember that ACOSH is part one, meaning the beginning of the story.
Furthermore, the Inner Circle and potentially darker forces are shown to keep Elain and Azriel apart. Their love is forbidden, with challenges from every corner that they will have to overcome in the upcoming movements. Those who think the Inner Circle being against their relationship is a sign they won’t end up together are simply not true.
The Inner Circle is against their relationship because their political alliances are already fragile. The IC does not speak on behalf of Elain, nor do they choose for her in her love life. That is the point of her story about choosing what she wants in the end, despite all odds against them. As Azriel said, “to hell with all of them, for trying to come between him and Elain, for not grasping what was so very obvious.”
The book ends with Elain wanting to do more than stand idly, and her journey to Vallahan to help stop Koschei will show all of her potential. Azriel’s last chapter ends with him wanting to find Elain to make things work, leaving their journey open-ended to continue in ACOFM. I also believe Lucien will be the one to help break Vassa's curse, but we will see more in the next book.
Elain Archeron is the forgotten melody, and I cannot wait to read the rest of her story, her POV, along with the rest of the Inner Circle.
"His salvation–that was what Elain was, what he'd been willing to fight for."
03/21/2021
Elain Archeron is a seer, which is what the next novel needs to locate the fourth trove to stop Koschei. There are pressing matters that are going on in the courts, and there is political tension. This is a fantasy series with serious issues going on, not a contemporary NA where the main couple has the time to get to know each other. This is ACOTAR. Elain and Azriel have already established a friendship, and their interactions are entangled with Lucien due to the mating bond.
Elain and Azriel's relationship has been foreshadowed since A Court of Mist and Fury and scattered throughout the series. In the bonus POV, Azriel made it obvious that he has feelings for Elain. Rhys had only told Azriel to stay away from her because it would trigger a blood duel with Lucien and potential war between courts. But Azriel admitted it would take him no effort to win that blood duel, meaning he is willing to fight for Elain.
Azriel had given Elain a personalized rose necklace that she returned due to Rhys's interruption, which is similar to how Cassian had given Nesta a gift during her first Winter Solstice (that she rejected), but they ultimately got together. Not to mention that Azriel had looked at and thought about Elain's gift to him for an entire year until the next one, when they exchanged gifts again.
Up until now, Elain has been visibly uncomfortable around Lucien. You can find that evidence throughout the series, and she told Lucien that he had betrayed them. She had never shown interest in him, but it is evident she is interested in Azriel, which is mutual. That is a setup for the next book, which would be about CHOICE.
Those who say Elain and Azriel's relationship would be obvious and cliché are missing the fact that two mated individuals (Elain and Lucien) getting together would also be obvious, cliché, and repetitive. Reading about choice and free will, choosing what you want instead of allowing "fate" to decide feels much more liberating to read. To say that Elain should be with Lucien because he is her mate is stripping her of the choice before she even gets to make it in her novel, so that argument is invalid.
Also, notice how Azriel has heightened hearing, and Elain can see things others can't. Azriel said in ACOWAR that they needed a seer. Both have special abilities that would be used for spying on other courts and kingdoms, which is most likely the plot for the next book, in addition to the blood duel and forbidden-love aspect and miscommunication trope, finding Koschei and the fourth trove, which would be one of Sarah's finest works.
Overall, I can't see Elain with Lucien when he told Elain they were mates right away, not giving her a choice, which was a mistake because, to Elain, choice matters. Usually, two people accept the bond normally when they are unaware of it; they become friends first and then lovers. Elucien is the only mating bond that had been known right away, which means it was doomed from the start because it makes them feel equally shackled.
Therefore, Elain most likely won't end up with a man who's a reminder of what was taken from her- a choice- the same person that ignored both their feelings. However, I do believe Lucien will be the person who supports her choice and encourages it, whatever it is, and I also believe he will be getting his own love interest that may have already been suggested.
As for Azriel and Gwyn. Gwyn deserves better than potentially receiving a second-hand gift from Azriel, whether Clotho had given it to her or not. Clotho knew it wasn't meant for her when she noticed how sad the Shadow-Singer's face was. That gift was meant for Elain. It was a rose necklace, and roses symbolize love, romance, and secrecy. Azriel had then gone to the House of Wind to distract himself from Elain. He thinks he doesn't deserve her, despite Elain returning those same feelings. Please don't ignore four books of build-up; you're just ignoring canon at this point.
But we'll see more in the next book.
Now, to those who think Elain is boring, her character has not been fully fleshed out yet for a reason (because it's reserved for her own book). We will learn more about her, which is why we don't know much about her, but we know this: she's a seer, a flower-grower, a kingslayer, a hero of Prythian. That is by far impressive.
In Feyre's bonus POV after ACOSF, Rhys says, "We haven't yet seen all that she has to offer." And if you still think Elain's "boring" or "annoying," we don't know much about her. Some readers judge her before giving her a chance. Remember that Nesta was heavily hated prior to receiving her book; therefore, what makes you think Elain would not capture an audience? No one is asking you to read the books if you don't like Elain, so move on if that's not what YOU wanted. Mind you, the author gets to write what she wants to write; Elain haters do not dictate that at all.
To be frank, I am disappointed in the ACOTAR fandom for making sexist and misogynistic jokes about Gwyn and Elain, reducing their characters and worth to a ship. I've seen people compare their reproductive systems. Pliant bones? Not being able to have children? What are y'all on about?
Want to Read
May 10, 2020I was waiting for Azriel and Elain but now I'm here for Az and Gwyn.
We got just one scene with them and I'm ready for the ship to sail!
Although, after reading HOSAB I don't even know what's going on anymore.
Also... can Eris get a bigger part in this book? I'm officially a fan.
We got just one scene with them and I'm ready for the ship to sail!
Although, after reading HOSAB I don't even know what's going on anymore.
Also... can Eris get a bigger part in this book? I'm officially a fan.
Currently Reading
March 5, 2026 Pre read:
I'M HOMEEEEEEEE
I caved and got it on Kindle, had no patience to wait for the paperback to arrive. But anyway, between Azriel's unhinged era and Rhysand being a DILF, I don't know what I'm excited to see but I'm gonna have a blast.
I'M HOMEEEEEEEE
I caved and got it on Kindle, had no patience to wait for the paperback to arrive. But anyway, between Azriel's unhinged era and Rhysand being a DILF, I don't know what I'm excited to see but I'm gonna have a blast.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Imagine finding an early copy days before publication anyhow
Pre read because i got myself a copy
—-
The cover looks like the instagram logo i was hoping for a yellow or sum
Pre read because i got myself a copy
—-
The cover looks like the instagram logo i was hoping for a yellow or sum
Want to Read
January 11, 2021if Azriel and Gwyn doesn’t end up together in this book I'll set myself on fire. Along with the book.
Want to Read
February 17, 2021this book is going to piss off half the fandom no matter which couple ends up being endgame lmao
Want to Read
February 23, 2021Let me be clear: I would rather die than see Az and Elain get together.
February 25, 2021
OUR STORIES ARE WORTH TELLING. THE VALKYRIE CYCLE LETS GOOO ⚔️🩷🧚🏼♀️✨
**REVIEW COMING SOON, I NEED 5 BUSINESS DAYS TO PROCESS EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED**
**REVIEW COMING SOON, I NEED 5 BUSINESS DAYS TO PROCESS EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED**
May 4, 2017
This was a disappointment.
Everyone was annoying me for the vast majority of this book. So much of this could’ve been cut and the rest combined with the next installment.
Like many others, I was excited we were getting Azriel’s POV. Jokes on me though because he was the worst one in this book. Nesta and Cassian were the only ones I actually liked most of the time with Feyre coming in third.
I’m glad Feyre and Nesta have grown closer. Nesta and Rhys somewhat bonding was also nice. It’s disappointing that Nesta and Gwyn are on the outs though. I need their sisterhood back. That and more Emerie.
Key takeaways: My appreciation for Cassian and Nesta grew. The opposite can be said for Azriel. I don’t find myself liking him anymore. He’s selfish and short-sighted. I previously wanted him with Gwyn, but honestly she deserves better than his mess. I hope book two has less Azriel and more Lucien. More Gwyn too. I still want Gwyn and Lucien to meet. Maybe become besties. I’d love if she ended up being related to him in some way so he has a loving family member. Same for her.
All my previous theories:
Everyone was annoying me for the vast majority of this book. So much of this could’ve been cut and the rest combined with the next installment.
Like many others, I was excited we were getting Azriel’s POV. Jokes on me though because he was the worst one in this book. Nesta and Cassian were the only ones I actually liked most of the time with Feyre coming in third.
I’m glad Feyre and Nesta have grown closer. Nesta and Rhys somewhat bonding was also nice. It’s disappointing that Nesta and Gwyn are on the outs though. I need their sisterhood back. That and more Emerie.
Key takeaways: My appreciation for Cassian and Nesta grew. The opposite can be said for Azriel. I don’t find myself liking him anymore. He’s selfish and short-sighted. I previously wanted him with Gwyn, but honestly she deserves better than his mess. I hope book two has less Azriel and more Lucien. More Gwyn too. I still want Gwyn and Lucien to meet. Maybe become besties. I’d love if she ended up being related to him in some way so he has a loving family member. Same for her.
All my previous theories:
Want to Read
February 25, 2021You know what, I was just thinking and I actually feel really bad for the author. Literally no matter which ship she decides on, she’s going to get so much hate by people. Even though these are her babies and her characters, whether she decides on Elriel or Gwynriel she’s bound to disappoint some of her fans and we all know that some people transform their disappointment to hate and cyber bullying. I’m talking about this now cz I was just online and I saw some comments that were truly appalling. I, myself would love for Az to end up with Gwyn but if that doesn’t happen, then for God’s sake people that definitely does NOT give me the right to hate on the author OR on the people who would be happy with the ship that Maas decided on. Either way, please just be nice y’all😂
_____________________________
🔹Random thoughts:
〰 Although it was hinted at in ACOMAF, my soul will leave my body and never return if this turns out to be about Azriel and Elain.
〰 I hope this isn’t a love triangle situation cz I would hate it. I kind of want the book to start with Az already moving on from Elain and starting to like Gwyn.
〰 If this book doesn’t have an Azriel and Gwyn Karaoke scene I will riot 🎤
〰 I want Gwyn to be a siren and I want us to explore life under the sea (maybe she will have some kind of connection to Tharion, who knows).
〰 I am so ready for all the drama that will unfold because of that stupid necklace lool.
〰 I read a theory that said that Gwyn is Tamlin’s daughter and the only thing I could think of is that the idea of Azriel being Tamlin’s son in law brings literal tears to my eyes.
〰 As the lovely Evelin has pointed out, Az’s shadows sing when they’re around Gwyn. I personally believe that they’re silent around Elain because they’re shriveling with disgust at the thought of their host touching that garden hose. The thought makes me happy😌
〰 Will add more once I think of other things lol.
_____________________________
🔹Random thoughts:
〰 Although it was hinted at in ACOMAF, my soul will leave my body and never return if this turns out to be about Azriel and Elain.
〰 I hope this isn’t a love triangle situation cz I would hate it. I kind of want the book to start with Az already moving on from Elain and starting to like Gwyn.
〰 If this book doesn’t have an Azriel and Gwyn Karaoke scene I will riot 🎤
〰 I want Gwyn to be a siren and I want us to explore life under the sea (maybe she will have some kind of connection to Tharion, who knows).
〰 I am so ready for all the drama that will unfold because of that stupid necklace lool.
〰 I read a theory that said that Gwyn is Tamlin’s daughter and the only thing I could think of is that the idea of Azriel being Tamlin’s son in law brings literal tears to my eyes.
〰 As the lovely Evelin has pointed out, Az’s shadows sing when they’re around Gwyn. I personally believe that they’re silent around Elain because they’re shriveling with disgust at the thought of their host touching that garden hose. The thought makes me happy😌
〰 Will add more once I think of other things lol.
Want to Read
February 19, 2021 *Spoilers for A Court Of Wings and Ruin *
Do you think there could be something between Elain and Mor? I know it's stupid and I don't even know why I thought of it, honestly 😂
Please God, LET IT BE AZRIEL AND GWYN ❤
Do you think there could be something between Elain and Mor? I know it's stupid and I don't even know why I thought of it, honestly 😂
Please God, LET IT BE AZRIEL AND GWYN ❤
Review of advance copy
So I get the whole point of this particular story/title is that allies and people are splintering the harmony they'd previously had to set up the next two books...but one issue I have with this author in particular (and I say this as a lifelong fan of her work) is that sometimes she'll write characters that to ME seem OOC to further the plot. Instead of writing what narratively fits that character, she'll have the character act the way she wants to in that moment regardless of if it makes sense or not. Idk if I'm wording this well, but hopefully you get what I mean.
ALMOST. EVERY. SINGLE. CHARACTER. LOST. ALL. THEIR. GROWTH. Minus maybe Feyre?
I also didn't like how many POV's this one had...it felt unnecessary.
Now onto my biggest issue with this book....SJM has talked for years now about writing and planning for Elain's book, yes, BOOK, implying she would get her own. Only to make her share her story with like ten other POVs? She has SO much story to tell, we know next to nothing about her or her seer powers, if she has any others? Why does the cauldron favor her so much? Will she break the mating bond? Will a blood duel happen? Will she follow where her heart seems to be leading even if it's forbidden? I had such high expectations for this one and the only time we really see Elain get a chance to speak up is through Mor at the very end. Like, with Mor? Really? You couldn't make that last POV Elain to set up her story?
It just really felt like Elain is the punching bag of this fandom and author, who repeatedly made her out to be the bad guy in this book when it was NOT necessary while at the same time pandering to the boy moms of the fandom by giving Lucien and Azriel POV's to make them more sympathetic than the girl in the triangle....
I truly understand that an Elain POV is 100% probably happening in the next book, but is it really even going to be satisfying when she's sharing her story with everyone else? How much focus will she really be able to get with so much going on? I don't understand why we couldn't have made this next book all Elain and then the final one multiple POV to wrap things up? I digress.
I STILL don't care about Nesta and Cassian as a couple and maybe SJM isn't done with their story but I was just bored with their repeated problems and they still don't seem like a good fit to me. Also controversial opinion since I know so many love Nesta, but I just don't care to have more of her POV at this time, we JUST had a huge book of her and she's still getting this much focus? I don't mind her playing a part as a side, but again, can we move onto something new?
I did enjoy seeing Feyre as a mom and how she didn't lose her ambition and worth and focus as a character just because she suddenly became a mom, that was probably the highlight of the book to me. I had missed being in her head and to see a leading lady being a mom in a romantasy series is something we almost NEVER see or touch upon, I found all that very touching.
Idk, I just feel let down with the direction of this series going forward and I worry that her best writing may be behind her. I hope SJM proves me wrong.
ALMOST. EVERY. SINGLE. CHARACTER. LOST. ALL. THEIR. GROWTH. Minus maybe Feyre?
I also didn't like how many POV's this one had...it felt unnecessary.
Now onto my biggest issue with this book....SJM has talked for years now about writing and planning for Elain's book, yes, BOOK, implying she would get her own. Only to make her share her story with like ten other POVs? She has SO much story to tell, we know next to nothing about her or her seer powers, if she has any others? Why does the cauldron favor her so much? Will she break the mating bond? Will a blood duel happen? Will she follow where her heart seems to be leading even if it's forbidden? I had such high expectations for this one and the only time we really see Elain get a chance to speak up is through Mor at the very end. Like, with Mor? Really? You couldn't make that last POV Elain to set up her story?
It just really felt like Elain is the punching bag of this fandom and author, who repeatedly made her out to be the bad guy in this book when it was NOT necessary while at the same time pandering to the boy moms of the fandom by giving Lucien and Azriel POV's to make them more sympathetic than the girl in the triangle....
I truly understand that an Elain POV is 100% probably happening in the next book, but is it really even going to be satisfying when she's sharing her story with everyone else? How much focus will she really be able to get with so much going on? I don't understand why we couldn't have made this next book all Elain and then the final one multiple POV to wrap things up? I digress.
I STILL don't care about Nesta and Cassian as a couple and maybe SJM isn't done with their story but I was just bored with their repeated problems and they still don't seem like a good fit to me. Also controversial opinion since I know so many love Nesta, but I just don't care to have more of her POV at this time, we JUST had a huge book of her and she's still getting this much focus? I don't mind her playing a part as a side, but again, can we move onto something new?
I did enjoy seeing Feyre as a mom and how she didn't lose her ambition and worth and focus as a character just because she suddenly became a mom, that was probably the highlight of the book to me. I had missed being in her head and to see a leading lady being a mom in a romantasy series is something we almost NEVER see or touch upon, I found all that very touching.
Idk, I just feel let down with the direction of this series going forward and I worry that her best writing may be behind her. I hope SJM proves me wrong.
Want to Read
February 18, 2021The wait might kill me...worth it.
Want to Read
August 20, 2026Wait a gosh dang minute. A title? A cover? A PUBLICATION DATE?
IS THIS FINALLY HAPPENING?!?
Ps. I might be in the minority BUT bring back the old covers! When was corporate logos with white text ever the aesthetic?
UPDATE: FOR ALL THOSE WHO HATE THE NEW COVERS:
The same artist StarsThatDreamShop who redid the A Court of Silvered Flames cover to match the old style has let me know that she's going to redo these covers as well. Hallelujah.
Her previous work:
IS THIS FINALLY HAPPENING?!?
Ps. I might be in the minority BUT bring back the old covers! When was corporate logos with white text ever the aesthetic?
UPDATE: FOR ALL THOSE WHO HATE THE NEW COVERS:
The same artist StarsThatDreamShop who redid the A Court of Silvered Flames cover to match the old style has let me know that she's going to redo these covers as well. Hallelujah.
Her previous work:
Want to Read
July 14, 2018MOTHER ABOVE!
BY THE WYRD!
CAULDRON SAVE ME!
MORE MAAS BOOKS!!
BY THE WYRD!
CAULDRON SAVE ME!
MORE MAAS BOOKS!!
Want to Read
February 12, 2021this better be elriel
October 27, 2026
Here is some chicken scratch, I’ll come back and edit later
Holy f , what an incredible lead up to Acotar 7. I didn’t expect to get this much out of this book and I have a lot of thoughts and highlighted about 700 things.
I also don’t think I would interpret this book the same way if I hadn’t read Crescent City 3.
It makes me sad if you haven’t read CC3 and only have the Inner Circle’s unreliable narration to base their opinions of Nesta on.
There are so many Easter eggs woven into this book. A storm is brewing.
I think this series is taking a big turn away from romantasy into high fantasy and we are about to set the stakes higher
SPOILERS
If it couldn’t more obvious that Azriel and Gwyn are endgame… his shadows trying to get to her and running in the hallway from Elaine. And if you think for one second that they’re going to be together after we don’t even get to experience their first kiss or any romance arc .. now way. Also his internal dialogue saying Mor is hot while with elain???! Ewwww He was an absolute annoying fuck boy in this book.
I think Cassian and Nesta are going to have a MAJOR blowup in the next book. They are terrible communicators. It made me so sad to see Nesta and her depression and him just completely icing her out. He continues to choose Rhys, time and time again, and I feel like we finally got a much clearer look at what that actually means for Nesta .
After they make up… The fact that Nesta had confesses something that to Cassian in confidence, and he then tells Rhys OMG
Holy f , what an incredible lead up to Acotar 7. I didn’t expect to get this much out of this book and I have a lot of thoughts and highlighted about 700 things.
I also don’t think I would interpret this book the same way if I hadn’t read Crescent City 3.
It makes me sad if you haven’t read CC3 and only have the Inner Circle’s unreliable narration to base their opinions of Nesta on.
There are so many Easter eggs woven into this book. A storm is brewing.
I think this series is taking a big turn away from romantasy into high fantasy and we are about to set the stakes higher
SPOILERS
If it couldn’t more obvious that Azriel and Gwyn are endgame… his shadows trying to get to her and running in the hallway from Elaine. And if you think for one second that they’re going to be together after we don’t even get to experience their first kiss or any romance arc .. now way. Also his internal dialogue saying Mor is hot while with elain???! Ewwww He was an absolute annoying fuck boy in this book.
I think Cassian and Nesta are going to have a MAJOR blowup in the next book. They are terrible communicators. It made me so sad to see Nesta and her depression and him just completely icing her out. He continues to choose Rhys, time and time again, and I feel like we finally got a much clearer look at what that actually means for Nesta .
After they make up… The fact that Nesta had confesses something that to Cassian in confidence, and he then tells Rhys OMG
October 27, 2026
I don’t want to spoil anything at all, so all I’m going to say is:
1. I’m happy to be back in Prythian.
2. Sarah loves the drama.
3. I was reminded at the end that this was one book that had to be cut in half because it was too long.
4. I’m ready for January already.
1. I’m happy to be back in Prythian.
2. Sarah loves the drama.
3. I was reminded at the end that this was one book that had to be cut in half because it was too long.
4. I’m ready for January already.
Want to Read
March 5, 2021ACOSF SPOILERS
March 5th: ⇢ Gwyn and Azriel, that's all I'm asking for. They are perfect 😌
⇢ Elain is extremely boring, I'm not interested in her story at all. Let her die or something.
⇢ I demand Tamlin’s redemption and Rhysand’s last name (stop playing with us, SJM).
⇢ Eris seems nice, I want to know his background story with Mor.
⇢ Are you telling me that Emerie and Mor could be mates? Are you seriously telling me that SJM could write their story? That’s definitely a plot twist 🧐
March 5th: ⇢ Gwyn and Azriel, that's all I'm asking for. They are perfect 😌
⇢ Elain is extremely boring, I'm not interested in her story at all. Let her die or something.
⇢ I demand Tamlin’s redemption and Rhysand’s last name (stop playing with us, SJM).
⇢ Eris seems nice, I want to know his background story with Mor.
⇢ Are you telling me that Emerie and Mor could be mates? Are you seriously telling me that SJM could write their story? That’s definitely a plot twist 🧐
breathlessly-anticipating
August 22, 2026Give me elriel fucking or fucking give me elriel I need them one way or another sjm I’ve been waiting too damn long
Currently Reading
December 30, 2020Gwynriel is coming home to ME 🥹
October 25, 2026
SJM just wants us to have a stroke…my mind is officially splintered.
I have so much to say! FULL REVIEW TOMORROW!
People will be hating on Az after this book for sure but that man is BROKEN and I can’t wait for him to really get the happiness he seriously deserves and I think this will come in Movement 2-4! I’m still team Azriel. (He is like Chaol in my mind and SJM knows EXACTLY how to throttle us..so I’m trusting the process)
Rhys??? I just love his unwavering devotion. Him and Feyre are everything.
ERIS?? Ok I seriously have a crush on him now. I need his romantic ARC and why does it feel like he knows more than he is letting on about the political situation?? I love this intrigue.
Elain?? GIRL. Speak up before you get us on your bad side. Where are you standing with Lucien? Can you PLEASE accept OR reject the bond!
Nesta? Bad, bad bitch. She is the GOAT. Cassian is SO weak for her, I just can’t 😭
_________________________________
Azriel finally *enters* mate male group chat.
its here, im in love, see you next week!
I have so much to say! FULL REVIEW TOMORROW!
People will be hating on Az after this book for sure but that man is BROKEN and I can’t wait for him to really get the happiness he seriously deserves and I think this will come in Movement 2-4! I’m still team Azriel. (He is like Chaol in my mind and SJM knows EXACTLY how to throttle us..so I’m trusting the process)
Rhys??? I just love his unwavering devotion. Him and Feyre are everything.
ERIS?? Ok I seriously have a crush on him now. I need his romantic ARC and why does it feel like he knows more than he is letting on about the political situation?? I love this intrigue.
Elain?? GIRL. Speak up before you get us on your bad side. Where are you standing with Lucien? Can you PLEASE accept OR reject the bond!
Nesta? Bad, bad bitch. She is the GOAT. Cassian is SO weak for her, I just can’t 😭
_________________________________
Azriel finally *enters* mate male group chat.
its here, im in love, see you next week!
Want to Read
February 17, 2021azriel’s bonus scene has got me on my knees🧎🏽♀️
February 21, 2021
Since there seems to be a lot of hate going around when it comes to the Azriel/Elain ship, let me throw them some love here - I would LOVE to read about Azriel and Elain's relationship!
Is it kind of cheesy if all three sisters get together with the three 'brothers' of the Night Court? Sure. Do I care? Hell no. Give me some pining and forbidden love and Elain becoming a badass seer and Azriel opening up to her and also everyone else minding their own business when it comes to their relationship. That would be so nice.
P.S. no hate to Gwyn, I really like the girl. But for me, it's kind of...odd with everything she went through, to have her entire purpose in a book potentially be just about a guy. But that's just me.
Alright, I'm going to go wait (not so) patiently for this book to come out. For the love of God, please let it be in a year and not three. <3
Is it kind of cheesy if all three sisters get together with the three 'brothers' of the Night Court? Sure. Do I care? Hell no. Give me some pining and forbidden love and Elain becoming a badass seer and Azriel opening up to her and also everyone else minding their own business when it comes to their relationship. That would be so nice.
P.S. no hate to Gwyn, I really like the girl. But for me, it's kind of...odd with everything she went through, to have her entire purpose in a book potentially be just about a guy. But that's just me.
Alright, I'm going to go wait (not so) patiently for this book to come out. For the love of God, please let it be in a year and not three. <3
Currently Reading
October 26, 2026Pre-read:
If I'm basic for reading this on release day then so be it, basic book baddies assemble 💅🏻🩷
If I'm basic for reading this on release day then so be it, basic book baddies assemble 💅🏻🩷
Want to Read
February 21, 2021Give me elriel or give me death
Review of advance copy
a book about fucking nothing. i was unaware it was possible to write this many pages about absolutely fucking nothing. and not nothing in the literary, contemplative sense. i mean NOTHING. no substantial plot, barely any character development, and an extraordinary commitment to making every conversation feel like we’re on the verge of something important happening and yet we never are. and what the fuck are they even planning? they sit around deliberating like the founding fathers drafting the declaration of independence😭✌️
azriel continues to benefit from the widespread misconception that being emotionally constipated constitutes a personality. you are NOT the guy pal, you are SO NOT the guy. rhys and feyre need to die already. preferably together, so we can finally explore what prythian looks like without the narrative constantly insisting that these two are the moral and intellectual pinnacle of civilisation. and elain, jesus fucking christ. can this wimpy child grow some balls? her perpetual helplessness would be considerably more interesting if the narrative actually interrogated it instead of treating her inability to stand up for herself as some admirable feminine virtue.
nesta carried, as always, but even her subplot was asscheeks boring. she’s one of the few characters with enough contradictions to sustain genuine psychological complexity, yet somehow even that potential gets buried beneath an astonishing amount of nothing.
and the prose. good fucking lord. sjm was never exactly a master of the written word to begin with, but this is particularly atrocious. every emotion is explained, repeated, rephrased and explained again in case the reader suffered a traumatic brain injury between paragraphs. there’s no subtlety, no trust in the audience, and very little distinction between genuine emotional depth and simply describing feelings at exhausting length. the characters aren’t allowed to be complicated so much as they’re allowed to repeatedly announce that they are. the book has so little to say about the characters it’s supposedly exploring. there is a difference between allowing a story to breathe and having absolutely no idea where it’s going.
an honourable mention to feyre’s breasts and breastfeeding, which i counted thirteen references to.
azriel continues to benefit from the widespread misconception that being emotionally constipated constitutes a personality. you are NOT the guy pal, you are SO NOT the guy. rhys and feyre need to die already. preferably together, so we can finally explore what prythian looks like without the narrative constantly insisting that these two are the moral and intellectual pinnacle of civilisation. and elain, jesus fucking christ. can this wimpy child grow some balls? her perpetual helplessness would be considerably more interesting if the narrative actually interrogated it instead of treating her inability to stand up for herself as some admirable feminine virtue.
nesta carried, as always, but even her subplot was asscheeks boring. she’s one of the few characters with enough contradictions to sustain genuine psychological complexity, yet somehow even that potential gets buried beneath an astonishing amount of nothing.
and the prose. good fucking lord. sjm was never exactly a master of the written word to begin with, but this is particularly atrocious. every emotion is explained, repeated, rephrased and explained again in case the reader suffered a traumatic brain injury between paragraphs. there’s no subtlety, no trust in the audience, and very little distinction between genuine emotional depth and simply describing feelings at exhausting length. the characters aren’t allowed to be complicated so much as they’re allowed to repeatedly announce that they are. the book has so little to say about the characters it’s supposedly exploring. there is a difference between allowing a story to breathe and having absolutely no idea where it’s going.
an honourable mention to feyre’s breasts and breastfeeding, which i counted thirteen references to.
Currently Reading
March 5, 2026|𝐏𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 ࣪⌇ ִֶ𖡼›
Can't believe I can finally start this 😭😭 My excitement is 100000000000%
I've seen mixed reviews so now I have mixed expectations but I'll still hope it won't disappoint 🙏🏻.
Can't believe I can finally start this 😭😭 My excitement is 100000000000%
I've seen mixed reviews so now I have mixed expectations but I'll still hope it won't disappoint 🙏🏻.
Currently Reading
March 5, 2026𝄞⨾𓍢ִ໋ 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ִֶָ. ..𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ🪽་༘࿐
GUESS WHO COULDN'T WAIT FOR HER COPY 💖💗🥰💞
CULT READ WITH MY BADDIES lumpy, laila, maddi, ujwala and bunch of other bitches that haven't finished acowar yet (*cough cough* pri, merkenzie, parnika) ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
⁀➴༯ 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 💖
HAPPY ACOSH DAY MY ACOTAR BADDIES JSKLDJFSDJFJKDSKFLJSF
⁀➴༯ 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 💖
y'all want a lucien & elain romance so bad but deep down we know sarah j maas is gonna edge us
IM SO SAT FOR THE FEYSAND & CASSIAN BONUS CHAPTERS AKXJKSKAKCFLSKALCSSJKDLALSDKDANKDKDKAKDKDKKWKAKSKSKDLSKSKDKSKSDJALALSL
SPOILER QUOTES LSDJFLKDSLJF
thank you lumpy mama for these 💖
✨ 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 ✨
GUESS WHO PREORDERED THE HARDCOVER WITH A GIFT CARD
GUESS WHO COULDN'T WAIT FOR HER COPY 💖💗🥰💞
CULT READ WITH MY BADDIES lumpy, laila, maddi, ujwala and bunch of other bitches that haven't finished acowar yet (*cough cough* pri, merkenzie, parnika) ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
⁀➴༯ 𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 💖
HAPPY ACOSH DAY MY ACOTAR BADDIES JSKLDJFSDJFJKDSKFLJSF
⁀➴༯ 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓭𝓪𝔂 💖
y'all want a lucien & elain romance so bad but deep down we know sarah j maas is gonna edge us
IM SO SAT FOR THE FEYSAND & CASSIAN BONUS CHAPTERS AKXJKSKAKCFLSKALCSSJKDLALSDKDANKDKDKAKDKDKKWKAKSKSKDLSKSKDKSKSDJALALSL
SPOILER QUOTES LSDJFLKDSLJF
thank you lumpy mama for these 💖
✨ 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 ✨
GUESS WHO PREORDERED THE HARDCOVER WITH A GIFT CARD
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