By Sarah J. Maas
Book is rated 5 / 5 stars.
This series has been one of the best ones I've had the honor of reading. Up until this book, my favorite so far had been A Court of Mist and Fury. But, this one really took the cake. The last thing I was expecting was the total twist of focus on characters - and on Cassian and Nesta, of all people. That simple change up had me excited, and the plot only got better and better from there. There are spoilers ahead, so if you haven't read the book, be prepared.
Nesta
Wow. So, this book was what I would call the perfect combination of everything you want in a good story. If I could give this book a higher rating, I definitely would.
The focus on Nesta and Cassian equally made this book so incredibly enjoyable. That's one thing I missed in the others - the focus was on Feyre, and even when the focus of the character shifted, it was still the first person point of view. Seeing both of these loved characters grow together throughout this book when we only got sprinkles of them previously was so beautiful.
First, with Nesta - seeing her be so consumed by her own darkness, but now getting a first hand account of her own internal struggles and thoughts - helped align her to a personal level. Instead of just being annoyed by her actions, the monologues helped compare the reasonings. While I was still shaking the book more times than not, begging this woman to see reason, I understood that pain and self-deprecating ideology that seemed to consume her. She didn't see herself as someone capable of love for so long - her entire life - that her only choice was to push everyone away. With that, came her long span of jealousy in watching relationships blossom around her. It broke my heart to see how much she didn't love herself in the way that so many others did - Cassian included.
"She's not getting better. She's not even trying." - Elain.
I absolutely loved watching her grow into this wonderful, powerful woman who became capable of mastering her own destiny and her own emotions. That internal pain and hatred for herself carried her to a point where there had to be an intervention for her actions. The immediate link to Cassian offered her a better solution that she hadn't known yet. But, it wasn't Cassian that broke her down - not entirely. It was her own abilities that offered her the challenge into creating a small band. That other powerful trio that paralleled the Bat Boys. In the moment that she set aside to have the other woman train, it was the transition and I loved it. I loved how she kept learning, kept evolving, kept becoming this wonderful person who could love herself as the world loved her.
Cassian
The epitome of the perfect book boyfriend, Cassian only got better and better with each passing moment. His own story grew and grew, changing him into this person that could be loved, too. The bond of the Bat Boys only grew and grew, getting better and better. But, seeing it from an inside perspective rather than Feyre looking in made it all the better. The trust they had between each other, the private conversations and the emotional bonding was absolutely incredible. I just want a book of them - though I suppose we got a glimpse of that with A Court of First and Starlight. The fact that they were at each others' sides throughout every moment only made it the better.
Knew that Nesta would speak again, and when she did, he'd better be ready to weather it.
Cass's character development was incredible; we always knew he cared about Nesta, but to see him grow as his love for her grew made it all the better. He was trying so hard to understand her, to make her see reason that it ultimately lead him straight to solutions and it was beautiful. He wanted to do his best, and keep trying and guide her towards something better.
His energy throughout was unrelenting; his focus and drive was everything you want in a boyfriend. I loved seeing his emotional side - the breakdowns and the anger. He isn't perfect, and it was obvious. But, he tried so hard to keep pushing and keep pushing people around him. Cass encouraged the girls, guided them and was patient with them. Nesta knew that he would be the best trainer and it only heightened his desire to create that small band of future Valkyries.
Last Thoughts
Seeing characters break down, show anger and pain, react in very human ways made this book so much better. Cassian respecting Nesta's privacy and need to be alone, but pushing when needed only amplified their bond. His nickname for her that stuck almost immediately was evident of their relationship growing.
I loved that this storyline focused on them finding each other and themselves while still relaying it back to the overarching storyline we knew previously. Seeing them have private moments throughout that went beyond just sex was so beautiful. It helps that the spice in this book was just a whole other level and really outdid itself.
There were so many heartbreaking and gut wrenching moments that I found myself close to tears. I screamed loud at a lot of the moments, and couldn't stop reading no matter how much I tried. This is absolutely my favorite in the series now and I know that my re-read will be just as exciting!
What did you all think? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments!
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