A pretty unsubstantial summary, right? It’s hard to find the words to describe what happens in a book where there is literally no plot... and yet I absolutely loved reading this! I adored seeing the characters really interact with each other, and the lack of nail-biting action allowed me to focus on their relationships and individual personalities. It is no surprise that over the four books (two of which being over 600 pages), Maas has done an incredible job of fully fleshing out each of these main characters, developing their personal quirks and mannerisms. By this point, you really feel like you know these characters which makes this novella so wholesome.
Whilst I love myself some tension, it was nice and refreshing that noting actually went drastically wrong in this book. It makes you appreciate these characters for who they really are, rather than how they respond so powerfully when placed under pressure. I’ve read some negative reviews about this book where people feel it wasn’t really necessary - whilst I do agree to an extent that it doesn’t advance the progression of the series’ plot, it’s definitely needed after everything that went down in A Court of Wings and Ruin. Whilst the characters haven't necessarily recovered from the turmoil of the previous book, I think it's great in setting up the scene for what could potentially happen in A Court of Silver Flames, which incidentally I can't wait to read!
Whilst I did really love this book, I do wish that there was a deeper dive into the other characters as well as, or instead of, a focus on Feyre and Rhysand's relationship. We already know that they're a great couple - we saw 700 pages of them being icons in the previous book! I hope that the book(s) following A Court of Frost and Starlight begin to explore some of the side characters' challenges a little more, particularly Mor and Elain. Without spoiling anything, I think that despite their extremely in-depth character development throughout the series, there is still room to explore the issues these characters are quietly grappling with and I hope this is the case in future books.
As I patiently wait for the release of A Court of Silver Flames, my journey with this series has come to a temporary end. I will miss this world and its characters a lot, and it goes without saying that I highly recommend these books. The fact it's the only series exceeding a trilogy that I've managed to, and wanted to, keep up with speaks volumes about how obsessed I am at this point. I am now unapologetically a Sarah J Maas lover!