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Nothing like a late night catch up session! SJM is at her most innovative here with her strongest series opener: establishing much of the world and character dynamics alongside a rapidly paced plot, the story of Bryce begins with the horrific tragedy of that pushes her towards her journey throughout the series. As per usual, there are already SO many Maasverse connections I’m catching—loving this already!

At long last, come full circle: two years ago, I binged CC. Let’s do it again!

SO much Maasverse lore I’m catching onto now that I’m reading this with both ToG & ACOTAR fresh in my mind. HoEaB does a lot of heavy lifting as her best series opener, but man does SJM pack a punch with Bryce and Danika! Such strong characters and an immersive world. Also so much foreshadowing and symbolism here! So excited!!!

Nesta and Cassian begin to fully recognize that they are mates. Winter Solstice and Starfall occur once Nesta becomes regulated and reconciles with Amren, who reveals that she Made the House of Wind. Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn are thrust into the Blood Rite with the Illyrians as Cassian and Azriel are tricked by Koschei and Briallyn’s scheming. Feyre, Rhys, and the baby are at risk. Nesta holds the Pass of Enalius.

Followingher breakthrough, Nesta is able to scry for the Harp in the Prison. Lanthys reveals some Maasverse lore before he’s killed by Ataraxia; Rhys also adds some more worldbuilding information about the Wild Hunt and Prythian pre-High Lords. CC hints and overall Maasverse connections start to unfold as Nesta practices her dance with Eris. The House of Wind reveals itself; Nesta and Cassian visit the cottage.

Nesta and Cassian encounter Eris and Tamlin in the Spring Court. Advacements are made with training by Nesta forming the idea of shaping Valkyrie-Illyrian fighting techniques together. Nesta confronts Amren and Feyre before she finally breaks down and becomes reborn. The scene with her and Cassian by the lake where she finally voices such raw, complex truths about her trauma never fails to make me sob my eyes out.

The slow BURN just HITS! Anyways—Nesta continues to make progress with her Valkyrie training, successfully recruiting and bonding with Gwyn, Emerie, and the other priestesses. She and Cassian begin expressing their mating bond in many ways. She wields the Mask and creates a new Dread Trove with the power she stole from the Cauldron. Implications for the future—in ACOTAR and the Maasverse—are mentioned by Amren.

Nesta manages to recruit Gwyn and Emerie alongside three of the library priestesses for training with Cassian. She also attempts to scry again before she is forced to relive the memory of her going into the Cauldron—one so vivid and terrifying that it triggers her silver flames to the point of alerting Cassian, Azriel, AND Rhys. The Dread Trove is introduced and the hunt for the Mask begins.

Nesta progresses in her training and healing. She learns of the Valkyries and discovers Briallyn’s, Koschei’s, and Beron’s plans. The Dread Trove is introduced; tensions stir between the Archeron sisters. Eris implicates Mor; Cassian and Nesta start their mating process. Feyre reveals her pregnancy; Nesta recalls Mama Archeron’s manipulation and narcissism—Ironteeth witch traits. Gwyn signs up for training.

Session 1/2 for today: Nesta begins to slowly but surely take small steps towards her healing journey. Her work in the library and the Inner Circle’s support of Cassian training her helps. Emerie and Gwyn interact with Nesta; Gwyn shares some Maasverse lore courtesy of Merrill. Cassian learns from the Band of Exiles and Eris that Koschei and Briallyn plot with Beron for unknown reasons. The House is sentient.

Finally, I have begun the ACOSF reread—my favorite ACOTAR book second to ACOWAR, and the book that reintroduced me to SJM as an adult. This book is truly a journey. Nesta starts off at such a low point from her trauma throughout the entirety of the series coming to a head with her father’s death. Now, with the Inner Circle staging a crisis intervention, Nesta embarks on her healing journey—to become a Valkyrie.

Pulling an all-nighter and binging this via audiobook! So far, I really love this novella! It’s cozy, familiar, and warm. But there is also SO MUCH that I am picking up on! So many hints to Ramiel and ACOSF; hints to Elain, Azriel, Lucien, Vassa, Mor, Eris, Emerie, and more… potentially even Maasverse implications. Also catching connections between ToG & CC as well as certain nods to Norse myth. SJM—you genius!

Fell behind schedule, but I needed the break! Hybern makes advancements in the war: Feyre, Nesta, Elain, and Amren are at the center of the Cauldron. The Suriel encounters Feyre once more as Ianthe gets her karma. Feyre and Azriel rescue Elain and Briar from the Hybern war camp with aid from Tamlin. Amren has discovered the key with the Cauldron as the final battle awaits.

The High Lords meet at the Dawn Court where Thesan, Helion, Beron, Kallias, and Viviane appear. Only Autumn hasn’t agreed to strike an alliance against Hybern. Feyre realizes that Lucien is Helion’s heir; Nesta senses the Cauldron before it brings down the wall, thrusting Elain to convince Graysen and his father to make their fortress as a sanctuary. Jurian’s true intentions are revealed as Hybern moves.

Elain is a seer, setting up her future role and eventual book. Vassa is mentioned; Nesta and Feyre grow closer, as does Cassian; Hybern attacks the Summer Court and the High Lords agree to meet at the Dawn Court. Feyre selects her crown with interesting hints to the Maasverse. The Seraphim, Nephelle’s Flight, abd Mor’s sword hold clues (as do Amren and Nesta). Mask imagery abounds. War has arrived.

The priestess’ library, implications of Eris’ true role within Mor and Lucien’s story, questions pertaining to the Bone Carver and his siblings, further hints at what lies ahead for Amren, Nesta, Elain, Azriel, and Cassian… so much tension and buildup and setup that SJM established here that also makes for such a compelling, intricate, and deeply compelling narrative! I am gobbling this reread up!

Feyre and Lucien evade capture and return to the Night Court. New dynamics and tensions arise between the newcomers, particularly with Nesta and Elain. Movements and preparations are being made for the upcoming war with Hybern, while Feyre begins to train her wings. Lots of foreshadowing and symbolism that I’ve caught regarding the Archeron sisters’ futures (as well as other characters). Especially with Amren.

At long last—rereading this!!! That first part was so good: fast-paced, jammed with court intrigue and complex intricacies. Feyre’s gone into complete boss mode as she schemes to get the information from the Spring Court for the upcoming war with Hybern. I really appreciated her dynamic with Lucien in this book; I feel like this is where Lucien shines as a character. Also so many thoughts and theories I have!

The Court of Nightmares, Starfall/Nynsar, the Suriel’s reveal of Rhys being Feyre’s mate… UGH this buildup is SO GOOD! Can’t wait to finish my reread of this tomorrow!

Gosh—this book is such PEAK SJM! So much happens and is revealed: the Summer Court, the mortal queens, Miryam and Drakon. Feyre slowly healing and finding her stride through training and friendship with the Inner Circle. And seeing so many easter eggs are littered alongside heavy foreshadowing and symbolism just reminds me constantly of the sheer depth and scope of SJM’s ability to craft a fantastic story.

Feyre went to the Weaver’s cottage and then she and the Bat Boys went to the human realms to see her sisters to reach out to the six mortal queens. The pacing of this book is next level!

Picking this back up after catching up on my reread notes! Feyre meets the Inner Circle and goes to see the Bone Carver with Rhys. Gosh—SJM, you foreshadowing genius!!! SO much detail is in this book and it’s only book two 😩