Book Review: A Court of Splintered Harmony

The latest book in the A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Splintered Harmony and greater Sarah J. Maas universe came out at the end of October, but I didn’t start it right away because I was in the middle of a few books and I also wasn’t sure if I was emotionally ready for it. I started reading it earlier this week and although the novel is not very long, I took my time with it.

There’s a lot of debate about whether you need to read Crescent City or not before reading this book. I agree that you don’t necessarily have to read that series beforehand because SJM gives you the context you need. However, it will make so much more sense and be more impactful if you’ve read the whole SJM universe.

Moving on to this book. This novel picks up shortly after the events in Crescent City House of Flame & Shadow and a little bit in the future after A Court of Silver Flames. In this book we get POVs from Nesta, Cassian, Feyre, Azriel, Gwyn, Mor, and Lucien.The inner circle is trying to find allies to help them protect the humans from being conquered and enslaved by some of the other fae territories, but they are not having much luck.

Some noteworthy parts of this book without spoilers – Feyre and Rhys are visiting all different courts to try to convince them to fight alongside them while also balancing life as new parents to Nyx. Azriel is is still sad about Mor not loving him back after hundreds of years, and is attracted to Elain, but she’s mates with Lucien even though she doesn’t want to be. Nesta and Cassian are having some trouble in their relationship because of a choice Nesta made regarding the trove. In fact, almost everyone in the inner circle is upset with Nesta. I can see why they’re upset but I also don’t think it’s as big of a deal as they are making it out to be.

The novel essentially lives up to its title. There is so much going on and so many hurt feelings that everything and everyone seems splintered off from one another. I think this novel was the perfect set up for what I’m sure is going to be an epic book 7 and 8. I can’t wait for A Court of Forgotten Melody and I’m crossing my fingers for a release date for the 8th book to be announced sooner rather than later! Until then I’ll just keep looking at all the theories online!

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