Hello friends! It had been a good while since I shared a book review; work has been incredibly busy and I have been attending several exhibitions, thus I could not find the time to properly prepare and schedule the posts beforehand. However, the good thing is that I am back! Well- back on October 18th I am planning to read a lot, write a lot, and enjoy my blog a lot during this time.
As promised in my previous review, I have started writing the reviews of the ACOTAR series, and here we are with the review of the second book. There will be spoilers to some extent- so if you do not feel comfortable, I will be seeing you in my next post!
The second book picks up where A Court of Thorns and Roses left off, following Feyre as she navigates life after the traumatic events Under the Mountain, becoming something else, accepting herself for who she is and quite literally: discovering herself for the first time in her life as she becomes a fae. The world build of the second book was significantly better than the first one since now we have several important characters who developed to another level; delving deeper into the politics and power dynamics of the Night Court, led by the mysterious and no other than our hot AF winged boi, Rhysand. The new settings, especially Velaris, the City of Starlight, are enchanting and serve as a stark contrast to the darker and more desperate tones of the Spring Court.
The book isn’t so much about big fights, but more about what Feyre and the rest are going through emotionally. It’s really about her trying to pick up the pieces of herself and figure out who she is after everything that happened in the first book. There is a realistic struggle with PTSD, and you can really feel how hard it is for her to heal and move forward. I still think that she is an impulsive confused little girl but that doesn’t change the fact that there was a well-balanced development space given for not only Feyre but all of the characters. You start expecting what is going to come for each and all of them.
But Mel, what about our boy?
Rhysand really steals the show let’s be fucking real for a second He’s not just this mysterious guy from the first book anymore—he’s got so much depth. He’s strong and protective, but he’s also vulnerable in a way that makes him feel real. His quick wit and those teasing smiles (AH, AH!) just add to his charm, and the fact that he’s a total winged shadow daddy doesn’t hurt! He’s deeply in love with Feyre, and you can see how much he cares for her. Honestly, he’s the kind of character that sticks with you long after you finish the book.
The side characters are also so cool. I love all of them. You’ve got Mor, Amren, Cassian, and Azriel, and they really make the Night Court feel alive. Each one of them has their own story and reasons for being the way they are, which makes them feel like real people, not just random characters in the background. ACOMAF also gets into some pretty deep stuff—like dealing with trauma, learning how to heal, and finding your strength again. It’s way more than just a fantasy romance. Feyre’s whole journey of recovering from everything she went through feels so real, and our author really nails how tough that process is. The book also makes you think about power, love, and sacrifice, and it’s all about making your own choices and fighting for what makes you happy.
It’s a long book (like, over 600 pages-), but it doesn’t drag. Sure, there are slower moments where the characters are thinking things over, but then you get hit with action and twists that totally keep you on your toes. The way Maas writes really pulls you into the story and makes you feel everything the characters are going through.
The ending? Major cliffhanger. It’s the kind that makes you want to pick up the next book right away, even though it leaves you hanging a bit.
In the end, A Court of Mist and Fury is such a great follow-up to A Court of Thorns and Roses. The story goes deeper, feels more mature, and the romance is next-level. If you’re into fantasy, love stories, or seeing characters grow, you have to read this. Maas totally nailed it with this one, and it’s no wonder so many people love it! 📖✨
Luster of Books 