Last year, I read through the ACOTAR series, which consists of A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury and A Court of Wings and Ruin. Although the series has it’s highs and lows, I have to say that they are guilty pleasures of mine. The mix of fantasy and romance was well done on author Sarah J. Maas‘ part. A follow up novella, called A Court of Frost and Starlight, just released at the beginning of May. After finishing the novella, I have some thoughts to vent.
Disclaimer: This article has many spoilers and some naughty words. But rest assured, all naughty words in this article also appear in ACOFAS; so my guess is that you won’t be offended if you choose to read on.
A Court of Frost and Starlight is designed to bridge the gap between the main trilogy and the next official novel in the series. If I read correctly, the next novel will be told from the perspective of new characters. ACOFAS however, is still mostly told from the perspective of Feyre Archeron. But it must be said that there are a number of chapters told from the perspective of her mate Rhysand, and some supporting characters.
If the series is to move onto new characters, then it’s indeed a great idea to give us somewhat of a send off to the characters we’ve come to built a rapport with. But my main criticism comes from the fact that not much really happens. And the little things that do happen are cringe-worthy.
It can be argued that Maas didn’t intend for this novella to be another grand story with high stakes. So perhaps expectations were too high. But my argument is that the story given to us shows no growth of these characters. In fact, It feels as if they’re less mature than they were at the end of ACOWAR.
The premise is that Winter Solstice (their version of Christmas) is coming. Feyre begins fussing over what she will give her mate for Solstice, despite the fact that there’s still tons of rebuilding to be done in Velaris. Throughout most of this book, Feyre and Rhysand —who are already living together— are fantasizing about having sex with one another.
There’s even a scene early in the story where Rhysand is speaking with his friend Cassian while making mental notes of every part of the house that he’s fucked his mate. Not only is this cringy, but considering how long these characters have already been together, it makes no sense for them to be this obsessive.
This type of nymphomaniac narration eventually grows tired. I soon came to the conclusion that this novella would fit better in the Erotica category than the “New Adult” one. I should also note that many New Adult books end up in the Young Adult category by default.
I suppose the biggest letdown for me is that this book didn’t give us a satisfying sendoff for these characters like ACOWAR did. A Court of Frost and Starlight did nothing to advance its main characters. The only character arc I really enjoyed reading is Feyre’s sister, Nesta’s. Her progression was by far the most interesting in the book, and she perhaps makes up a good 5% of this story.
Basically, A Court of Frost and Starlight was the least fulfilling piece of fan service I’ve ever experienced. But I can’t deny that there’s likely some out there who’ll be satisfied with it. If you are one of those people then I would love to hear about what you enjoyed from the Novella in the comment section. Because all I thought upon finishing is that it was the longest 200 pages I’ve ever read.
To end this on a positive note. I can say with every ounce of honesty that I will be reading more from Sarah J. Maas. Something about her writing makes me eager to keep reading her work, and I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. ACOFAS may have been a letdown for me, but I still see the true potential that lies in the fingertips of Mrs. Maas.
