I love this book! I know that it gets a bad rep in the ACOTAR series for being "all fluff," but I think it's fantastic. I like getting a glimpse into what happens to my favorite band of characters after the war with Hybern. I really enjoy the cabin chapter with Rhys & Feyre and honestly - all of the plot. It gives insight into characters we haven't gotten to see perspective from yet and how the tight knit family celebrates Solstice. It's light-hearted and I think it's a great book sandwiched in between two very heavy books in the series. Obviously, since it's part of ACOTAR, you can't skip it and shouldn't! It's great, and I'll always recommend it to anyone who will listen.
A Court of Frost and Starlight (A Court of Thorns and Roses Book 4)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars | 124,332 ratings
Price: 8.3
Last update: 08-06-2024
About this item
A tender addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and upcoming books.
Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.
Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.
Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.
Feyre, Rhysand, and their friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly altered world beyond, recovering from the war that changed everything. But Winter Solstice is finally approaching, and with it, the joy of a hard-earned reprieve.
Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, her concern for those dearest to her deepens. They have more wounds than she anticipated-scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.
Bridging the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin with the later books in the series, A Court of Frost and Starlight explores the far-reaching effects of a devastating war and the fierce love between friends.
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Top reviews from the United States
Meagan5.0 out of 5 stars
The "fluffy" novella we deserve!
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024Claire Chang4.0 out of 5 stars
If I Could just Stop Raging at 50% of the female characters....
Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2019
I gave it 4 stars because while it wasn't as bad as some of the harsher reviews I've read, it was way too short. I remember getting to the end and thinking 'what, that's all?
I get that it was an in between happenings sort of story. But it felt like nothing was resolved or anything that new added in. But let's start with what I liked.
I love Cassian and what he's doing for the girls in the Illyrian camp. I like Cassians character in general, but it was enjoyable to watch him not only order change but actually be a presence in seeing it get done. I really enjoyed getting his backstory.
I did like the scenes with Feyre walking through Velaris and getting to know the people there better. The tapestry scene also touched my heart - I am biased though being an artist myself. I enjoyed seeing her go about rediscovering her need to paint and deciding the teach classes to the children for free. I liked it because it was good character development and one of the things you actually get to see progress in this story. It was very wholesome.
What I didn't like:
I never liked Nesta, but now I'm just wishing she had died at the end the last book. The things that hurt the previous book worst was its weak ending brought on by waaaaay too much Deus ex Machina. I've lost all patience with Feyre's sisters but not nearly as much as I've lost with Feyre.
Feyre wen through this whole big arc where she pretty much decimated Tamlin's court because he was abusive - and yet, what Tamlin did to Feyre isn't nearly as bad or as drawn out as what her sisters have done to her her whole life. I agree with Rhysand 100 percent in his disdain for Nesta because it's deserved. Feyre needs to stop snapping at everyone who puts Nesta in her place and Rhysand needs to push back instead of just rolling over. Feyre is defending someone who routinely emotionally abuses her . If she is going to do that, what's the point of smearing Tamlin as a villain?
Nesta has no place resenting Feyre and Rhysand for not having pictures of her. She's the one actively cutting people out of her life and being a bitch every chance she gets. If Tamlin deserves to rot alone in his empty court over his poor treatment of the people around him, then Nesta deserves no better. She doesn't deserve Cassian. She doesn't deserve Feyre. She's done nothing, nothing at all to develop or redeem herself. The best thing they ever did was ban her from Velaris.
Elaine makes me want to throttle her. It's not Lucien's fault that her suitor turned out to be a bastard. I don't feel any chemistry between her and Az and part of me feels like she's doing it just to prove the bond false which means she's using Az. I could be reading way to much into that, but that's how it reads. I don't care how sweet, or kind or charming this character is supposed to be. She's a moron and she's selfish.
Speaking of Lucien why is he wrong for leaving Velaris and going somewhere where he's wanted? Feyre and Mor talk about this like it's just him being idiotic when actually, it's the only sensible recourse he has. What is he supposed to do? Sit around and pine for a woman who can't even give him two words without fleeing the room? I know that Lucien has made mistakes, but he's not a bad person. You would think that Feyre could empathize with him a little bit. But oh wait: her sisters do no wrong. Also how is it not supposed to be awkward for him living at the Night Court? Rhys doesn't like him. He doesn't like Rhys. His whole world got turned upside down in a matter of months. Maybe Elaine isn't the only one who deserves time to process what's happened. He lost what was probably his best friend in Tamlin, the court that was his home and he has a block of ice for a mate. Cut the guy some slack.
As for Tamlin, even though I do agree he was a total self-absorbed ass in the second book, he has the presence of mind to want forgiveness. Which means he feels remorse. The fact the Feyre and Rhys single handedly destroyed his kingdom and feel no remorse about it does not make them strong characters it makes them scary. Not in a good way. There is a line between 'you brought this on yourself and I'm not sorry' and pure sociopathy. How many lives were uprooted and ruined when the Spring Court fell? You would swear Feyre never loved Tamlin and never knew the people in the kingdom she had lived the way she acts. And all for petty revenge? Tamlin deserved to lose Feyre after how he treated her. And entire kingdom did not deserve to fall to ruin for her and Rhys egos. I just don't know we are supposed to be fine with that. It's not only severe black and white thinking , but narcism of the highest order. It doesn't feel like the justice I think it was meant for us to feel it was. It just feels petty and callous.
I'm trying really, really hard to still respect these characters and sometimes I do. But other times, they read like they should be the villains. I know there are areas of gray, but these are supposed to be the good guys. Come on.
I honestly don't want any of the men in this novel to end up with Feyre's sisters. Not until they deal with their issues. They haven't earned them and frankly, Cassian and Lucien are way too good for them. In fact, I think the best thing that could happen is Lucien would find someone else and by the time Elaine decides to quit her pity part it's too late.
I get that it was an in between happenings sort of story. But it felt like nothing was resolved or anything that new added in. But let's start with what I liked.
I love Cassian and what he's doing for the girls in the Illyrian camp. I like Cassians character in general, but it was enjoyable to watch him not only order change but actually be a presence in seeing it get done. I really enjoyed getting his backstory.
I did like the scenes with Feyre walking through Velaris and getting to know the people there better. The tapestry scene also touched my heart - I am biased though being an artist myself. I enjoyed seeing her go about rediscovering her need to paint and deciding the teach classes to the children for free. I liked it because it was good character development and one of the things you actually get to see progress in this story. It was very wholesome.
What I didn't like:
I never liked Nesta, but now I'm just wishing she had died at the end the last book. The things that hurt the previous book worst was its weak ending brought on by waaaaay too much Deus ex Machina. I've lost all patience with Feyre's sisters but not nearly as much as I've lost with Feyre.
Feyre wen through this whole big arc where she pretty much decimated Tamlin's court because he was abusive - and yet, what Tamlin did to Feyre isn't nearly as bad or as drawn out as what her sisters have done to her her whole life. I agree with Rhysand 100 percent in his disdain for Nesta because it's deserved. Feyre needs to stop snapping at everyone who puts Nesta in her place and Rhysand needs to push back instead of just rolling over. Feyre is defending someone who routinely emotionally abuses her . If she is going to do that, what's the point of smearing Tamlin as a villain?
Nesta has no place resenting Feyre and Rhysand for not having pictures of her. She's the one actively cutting people out of her life and being a bitch every chance she gets. If Tamlin deserves to rot alone in his empty court over his poor treatment of the people around him, then Nesta deserves no better. She doesn't deserve Cassian. She doesn't deserve Feyre. She's done nothing, nothing at all to develop or redeem herself. The best thing they ever did was ban her from Velaris.
Elaine makes me want to throttle her. It's not Lucien's fault that her suitor turned out to be a bastard. I don't feel any chemistry between her and Az and part of me feels like she's doing it just to prove the bond false which means she's using Az. I could be reading way to much into that, but that's how it reads. I don't care how sweet, or kind or charming this character is supposed to be. She's a moron and she's selfish.
Speaking of Lucien why is he wrong for leaving Velaris and going somewhere where he's wanted? Feyre and Mor talk about this like it's just him being idiotic when actually, it's the only sensible recourse he has. What is he supposed to do? Sit around and pine for a woman who can't even give him two words without fleeing the room? I know that Lucien has made mistakes, but he's not a bad person. You would think that Feyre could empathize with him a little bit. But oh wait: her sisters do no wrong. Also how is it not supposed to be awkward for him living at the Night Court? Rhys doesn't like him. He doesn't like Rhys. His whole world got turned upside down in a matter of months. Maybe Elaine isn't the only one who deserves time to process what's happened. He lost what was probably his best friend in Tamlin, the court that was his home and he has a block of ice for a mate. Cut the guy some slack.
As for Tamlin, even though I do agree he was a total self-absorbed ass in the second book, he has the presence of mind to want forgiveness. Which means he feels remorse. The fact the Feyre and Rhys single handedly destroyed his kingdom and feel no remorse about it does not make them strong characters it makes them scary. Not in a good way. There is a line between 'you brought this on yourself and I'm not sorry' and pure sociopathy. How many lives were uprooted and ruined when the Spring Court fell? You would swear Feyre never loved Tamlin and never knew the people in the kingdom she had lived the way she acts. And all for petty revenge? Tamlin deserved to lose Feyre after how he treated her. And entire kingdom did not deserve to fall to ruin for her and Rhys egos. I just don't know we are supposed to be fine with that. It's not only severe black and white thinking , but narcism of the highest order. It doesn't feel like the justice I think it was meant for us to feel it was. It just feels petty and callous.
I'm trying really, really hard to still respect these characters and sometimes I do. But other times, they read like they should be the villains. I know there are areas of gray, but these are supposed to be the good guys. Come on.
I honestly don't want any of the men in this novel to end up with Feyre's sisters. Not until they deal with their issues. They haven't earned them and frankly, Cassian and Lucien are way too good for them. In fact, I think the best thing that could happen is Lucien would find someone else and by the time Elaine decides to quit her pity part it's too late.
Jeanette5.0 out of 5 stars
ACOFAS is worth reading & serves its purpose. My review is split into non spoiler & spoiler parts.
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2019
A Court of Frost and Starlight was exactly what it was advertised as: a fun, short, and festive novella about the Inner Circle celebrating the Winter Solstice and Feyre’s birthday. Besides the festivities, we get to see the characters rebuilding Prythian and supporting each other in the aftermath of the war. This book is everything that I was expecting and more. I specifically saved it to read during the winter, instead of when it published, like everyone else. I’m glad I made that decision because I can imagine Velaris during the holidays so vividly while experiencing the cold weather myself. ACOFAS is a lovely, sweet, and lighthearted story with holiday cheer. However, it still has a dark, melancholy feel to it because of the scars that the war left in its wake. It warms my heart to read about the Court of Dreams feeling happy, festive, relaxed, and peaceful. After the distress and heartache in ACOWAR, they deserved to have a happy holiday. Especially since every character is still dealing with the impact. It’s awesome to have new content about my favorite characters, even if it’s just a novella. I would’ve been disappointed if Feyre’s narrative finished with ACOWAR. It was a good ending but it was too open for me to be completely satisfied with it. I love ACOFAS so much and I’m so happy that Sarah J. Maas wrote this book!!
——-
Below, I mention what I love and dislike about ACOFAS, with specific spoilers and concluding thoughts. If you haven’t read ACOFAS and don’t want to be spoiled, do NOT read past this. If you want to be spoiled so you can decide to read this book, then be my guest. If you have read ACOFAS and are interested in hearing my opinions, then go ahead. Overall, thank you for reading my review!!
______
What I loved about ACOFAS:
- The Inner Circle doing normal, fun things like shopping!! This isn’t something that’s seen often in a Fantasy world.
- Multiple points of view!!! I enjoy reading books like this. Especially when there’s a large number of characters that I love. I want to know everyone’s thinking!! I think books written this way are more open minded, instead of viewing everything from one perspective.
- CHAPTER 13. Feyre goes shopping with Elain in a weaver’s shop and asks about a tapestry. The weavers response about her grief and needing to create is powerful. This scene was so emotionally moving for me. I reacted the same way as Feyre while reading the chapter!!
- Feyre beginning to paint again!! Also, her feeling weaver’s words in her heart and soul. I always love when characters have artistic hobbies. It was really motivating to see Feyre remember the Suriel and using those last words to make a change in Velaris. Feyre and Ressina (side character) starting free art therapy classes for children and parents was so inspiring!! I really enjoyed Feyre’s character in this book. The theme of using art to express emotions/trauma and to heal is the best part of this story!!
- NESTA. I loved her character in ACOWAR and she was fabulous in that book. Although it was short, I’m glad that we got to read in her view. Nesta admitting that she feels nothing is sad, depressing, and concerning. I still love her character though. I like that Nesta has found somewhat of a friend in Amren. I strongly believe that Nesta deserves a happy ending! Yes, I’m extremely excited about the Nesta and Cassian spin-off book!!!
- AMREN. She’s hilarious and such an entertaining character. Her reactions to the gifts she received is amazing. I love what Amren said about Nesta. I share the same thoughts about her. We got to see more of Amren & Varian, which I enjoyed.
- ELAIN. She’s has a cute, kind, and gentle personality. It was nice to see her recovery from ACOWAR and busying herself with helping Nuala & Cerridwen. I can personally relate to Elain a lot in this book.
- Feyre and Rhysand are relationship goals!! It’s so endearing the way that these cuties love and support each other through everything. I think everyone deserves a relationship like Rhys & Feyre!
- The snowball fight Solstice tradition that Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel do at the cabin. This Illyrian bat trio is so adorable!!
- Rhysand, Feyre, Amren, Mor, Cassian, Azriel, Elain, even Nesta and Varian spending time together!! The Court of Dreams laughter and giving gifts. I live for the banter between them!! They are my favorite fictional group characters and ACOFAS made me love the Inner Circle even more.
———-
What I didn’t like about ACOFAS:
- The wall scene. I wasn’t excited about it and I don’t care about this scene at all. I didn’t mind these scenes in the other books because they full length. It bothered me in ACOFAS because the book is shorter than the others. I’m over Maas sex scenes now though. Honestly, I would’ve preferred Azriel or Elain to get a chapter in their point of view than a full chapter about Feyre & Rhys making love (in such a short book).
- Rhys going to the Spring Court and saying those negative things to Tamlin. I understand that Tamlin can’t be forgiven for his actions, but Rhysand’s words were unnecessary. As Lucien said: “Your mate should’ve known better than to kick a downed male” (page 165). However, I was relieved to see that Rhysand was self aware and knew he behaved poorly.
- Elain and Azriel being the only two without a chapters in their points of view. I love their characters and I personally relate to them for different reasons. I really hope Sarah writes a spin-off book or novella to make up for this!!
These dislikes are why I gave ACOFAS four stars instead of five.
———
ACOFAS didn’t really have much of a plot which I was completely fine with!! I was anticipating this because it’s just a novella to update us on the characters before the spin-off novels. For this reason, I can somewhat understand why the general consensus about ACOFAS is that it’s disappointing. Especially since most people in the book reading world read Fantasy books. ACOFAS is much more character oriented and not plot friendly. As I said above, I think this is something that’s not usually seen in a book set in a Fantasy world. I primarily read YA Contemporary books, so I’m accustomed to reading character oriented stories. ACOFAS didn’t disappoint me at all! What disappoints me is the mixed and negative comments about it. I wasn’t expecting so many low reviews for a Sarah J. Maas book because most of them well received. As usual, I have an unpopular opinion about a Sarah J. Maas book or character(s)!! In conclusion, I throughly enjoyed reading A Court of Frost of Starlight. I think it’s a wonderful, amazing, and positive story that’s worth reading, especially if you’re like me: a die hard ACOTAR fan. This book is now one of my favorites!!
——-
Below, I mention what I love and dislike about ACOFAS, with specific spoilers and concluding thoughts. If you haven’t read ACOFAS and don’t want to be spoiled, do NOT read past this. If you want to be spoiled so you can decide to read this book, then be my guest. If you have read ACOFAS and are interested in hearing my opinions, then go ahead. Overall, thank you for reading my review!!
______
What I loved about ACOFAS:
- The Inner Circle doing normal, fun things like shopping!! This isn’t something that’s seen often in a Fantasy world.
- Multiple points of view!!! I enjoy reading books like this. Especially when there’s a large number of characters that I love. I want to know everyone’s thinking!! I think books written this way are more open minded, instead of viewing everything from one perspective.
- CHAPTER 13. Feyre goes shopping with Elain in a weaver’s shop and asks about a tapestry. The weavers response about her grief and needing to create is powerful. This scene was so emotionally moving for me. I reacted the same way as Feyre while reading the chapter!!
- Feyre beginning to paint again!! Also, her feeling weaver’s words in her heart and soul. I always love when characters have artistic hobbies. It was really motivating to see Feyre remember the Suriel and using those last words to make a change in Velaris. Feyre and Ressina (side character) starting free art therapy classes for children and parents was so inspiring!! I really enjoyed Feyre’s character in this book. The theme of using art to express emotions/trauma and to heal is the best part of this story!!
- NESTA. I loved her character in ACOWAR and she was fabulous in that book. Although it was short, I’m glad that we got to read in her view. Nesta admitting that she feels nothing is sad, depressing, and concerning. I still love her character though. I like that Nesta has found somewhat of a friend in Amren. I strongly believe that Nesta deserves a happy ending! Yes, I’m extremely excited about the Nesta and Cassian spin-off book!!!
- AMREN. She’s hilarious and such an entertaining character. Her reactions to the gifts she received is amazing. I love what Amren said about Nesta. I share the same thoughts about her. We got to see more of Amren & Varian, which I enjoyed.
- ELAIN. She’s has a cute, kind, and gentle personality. It was nice to see her recovery from ACOWAR and busying herself with helping Nuala & Cerridwen. I can personally relate to Elain a lot in this book.
- Feyre and Rhysand are relationship goals!! It’s so endearing the way that these cuties love and support each other through everything. I think everyone deserves a relationship like Rhys & Feyre!
- The snowball fight Solstice tradition that Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel do at the cabin. This Illyrian bat trio is so adorable!!
- Rhysand, Feyre, Amren, Mor, Cassian, Azriel, Elain, even Nesta and Varian spending time together!! The Court of Dreams laughter and giving gifts. I live for the banter between them!! They are my favorite fictional group characters and ACOFAS made me love the Inner Circle even more.
———-
What I didn’t like about ACOFAS:
- The wall scene. I wasn’t excited about it and I don’t care about this scene at all. I didn’t mind these scenes in the other books because they full length. It bothered me in ACOFAS because the book is shorter than the others. I’m over Maas sex scenes now though. Honestly, I would’ve preferred Azriel or Elain to get a chapter in their point of view than a full chapter about Feyre & Rhys making love (in such a short book).
- Rhys going to the Spring Court and saying those negative things to Tamlin. I understand that Tamlin can’t be forgiven for his actions, but Rhysand’s words were unnecessary. As Lucien said: “Your mate should’ve known better than to kick a downed male” (page 165). However, I was relieved to see that Rhysand was self aware and knew he behaved poorly.
- Elain and Azriel being the only two without a chapters in their points of view. I love their characters and I personally relate to them for different reasons. I really hope Sarah writes a spin-off book or novella to make up for this!!
These dislikes are why I gave ACOFAS four stars instead of five.
———
ACOFAS didn’t really have much of a plot which I was completely fine with!! I was anticipating this because it’s just a novella to update us on the characters before the spin-off novels. For this reason, I can somewhat understand why the general consensus about ACOFAS is that it’s disappointing. Especially since most people in the book reading world read Fantasy books. ACOFAS is much more character oriented and not plot friendly. As I said above, I think this is something that’s not usually seen in a book set in a Fantasy world. I primarily read YA Contemporary books, so I’m accustomed to reading character oriented stories. ACOFAS didn’t disappoint me at all! What disappoints me is the mixed and negative comments about it. I wasn’t expecting so many low reviews for a Sarah J. Maas book because most of them well received. As usual, I have an unpopular opinion about a Sarah J. Maas book or character(s)!! In conclusion, I throughly enjoyed reading A Court of Frost of Starlight. I think it’s a wonderful, amazing, and positive story that’s worth reading, especially if you’re like me: a die hard ACOTAR fan. This book is now one of my favorites!!