I’ve been a fan of fantasy books for the longest time, but my obsession with them – and books in general – was curbed for a while. I started getting back into reading in high school, but I’ve been super inconsistent due to all my extracurriculars and school work. I read the first book in the ACOTAR series in 2022 and loved it, so I’m not really sure why I never continued through the series. If I had to guess, I’d say it was a mixture of a lack of time and a lack of patience for a series.
Regardless, I picked back up on ACOMAF in early November and finished ACOSF in late December. I am well aware that this would be virtually nothing to many book-tok creators, but four somewhat-lengthy books in one month (during school!!) is a lot for me. Needless to say, I absolutely loved this series and wish I could live in Prythian forever…
One of my friends convinced me to get back into the series, then we teamed up on another friend to start her on it. Although I now have two people to discuss it with, I need more. If you’ve read the series and want to chat more feel free to reach out via Instagram (linked above or below)!
Okay so truthfully, my memory is atrocious and I 100% should have gone back to read ACOTAR a second time before starting ACOMAF. However, like I said, I am painfully impatient and therefore did not. As I go through the books, I’m going to start with ACOMAF and end on ACOTAR because that reflects my reading experience the best!
I would also like to acknowledge that I am well aware my star ratings are ridiculous – they are based solely on the way I felt when reading and I will take absolutely no criticism on them.
A Court of Mist and Fury
This is 100% my favourite book of the series and possibly one of my favourite books ever. I love fantasy books with a main romance plot, so this was everything me. This also had two of my favourite tropes ever: found family and enemies to lovers. Although, since it had been two years since I read the first book, my understanding of the courts and of the storyline in general was a little messed up.
The Night Court sounds beautiful and I’m so glad the main setting shifted to that court. I absolutely loved getting to know Rhys’ family and seeing Feyre get more comfortable with them. The found family trope played out so well and I love that it continues throughout the entire series.
Scene highlight: Starfall of course! The imagery was so stunning and the scene was adorable.
Quote highlight: “You are my salvation, Feyre” OR “And so Tamlin unwittingly led the High Lady of the Night Court into the heart of his territory”
A Court of Wings and Ruin
This book was full of so much drama and suspense. Feyre’s deception is unmatched!! I also loved that Nesta and Elain were brought back into the plot.
I really liked getting to know the other High Lords and seeing some new relationships bloom/old relationships surface. The meeting between them all was so tense but so captivating.
The battle wrecked me. I couldn’t take my eyes off the page when Rhys died… I had to keep reading!
Scene highlight: The moments before the group steps into battle… Cassian said, “I’ll see you on the other side” when they all knew “he didn’t mean the battlefield”
Quote highlight: “And if I could have painted that moment, I would have named it A Portrait in Snares and Baiting” OR “I have no regrets in my life, but this. That we did not have time”
A Court of Frost and Starlight
This book was adorable. It wasn’t overly memorable, but I recognize that it definitely added to the story by giving readers more time with the characters.
The winter/Christmas vibes were amazing and fit perfectly with the time I was reading it! The snowball fight tradition is so funny and I really enjoyed hearing about Rhys’ history with his friends.
I was so heartbroken for Cassian when Nesta threw his gift into the river… but I am glad I can understand why after reading ACOSF.
Scene highlight: The snowball fight
Quote highlight: “To the stars who listen, Feyre. [ . . . ] To the dreams that are answered, Rhys”
A Court of Silver Flames
SJM knows how to write an enemies-to-lovers plotline!!! I think most people start this book a little wary of Nesta and unsure about an entire book from her POV (as did I), but this ended up being my second favourite of the series. I actually loved getting to know different characters a little more. It also made me have more empathy for Nesta and helped me understand where she is coming from. PLUS she is just so badass.
An additional note – I think my heart stopped for a moment when I realized Nesta, Gwyn, and Emerie were suddenly in the Blood Rite.
Scene highlight: When Nesta takes up Gwyn’s offer to attend the evening service and becomes overwhelmed due to the music!
Quote highlight: “You cannot resent my decision to lead a small, quiet life while also refusing to let me do anything greater”
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Like I said, I did have to go back and re-read this after finishing the series. After re-reading it, I almost felt like it was a little bit fast-paced, which is so so rare considering I have never thought that about a book before. Although, this may have just been because I knew the general plot already.
I will say that I enjoyed the Spring Court setting just as much as the Night Court. I think it is so so beautiful!
I was constantly impressed with Feyre’s resilience and her ability to withstand the conditions of her trials. I also think that the tension between Rhys and Feyre is SO good towards the end.
Scene highlight: When Tamlin takes Feyre to the glen – I think I’d like to live in that moment forever.
Quote highlight: “Don’t feel bad for one moment about doing what brings you joy”
Like I said, this is one of my favourite series I’ve ever read. I loved getting back into fantasy and it reminded me how amazing it is to have a full escape from my everyday life. I would recommend this series to anyone!
All the love,
Grace
all the love 
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