A Court of Mist and Fury

We are back at the Spring Court, and Feyre awakens from a vivid nightmare about her time Under the Mountain. Her trauma is bad. Let’s not sugarcoat it. And understandably so. So, it’s no wonder that nightmares, followed by her throwing up, seem to be her new nightly routine. What’s new though, is that Tamlin does not seem to give a shit about it. Actually – scratch that. Thinking back to book one and all the times Tamlin chose to stand down instead of stepping up, I honestly wasn’t too surprised to see him pretend to be asleep rather than help his suffering fiancée. Even Feyre notices it, but excuses his behavior with his own trauma. Though, when he first woke up from a nightmare she actually tried to help him…

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I am in no way qualified to call myself a trauma expert. Yes, everyone deals with it differently, and obviously that is okay. But I think we can all agree that ignoring trauma, refusing to talk about it – or worse, ignoring someone else’s suffering – is not great. I also think it’s fair to feel overwhelmed by your partner’s pain and not fully know how to help. But choosing to ignore that those scars exist and instead pretending everything is fine? That’s just not something I personally would want in a relationship.

Okay. That being said, let’s move on. The next day we learn that Tamlin and his court are working on rebuilding all the small towns that Amarantha and her cronies had destroyed. Feyre wants to come and help, but Tamlin forbids her from doing so. Saying it’s not safe. Especially for her. Looks like someone has forgotten that his badass fiancée saved all of Prythian when she was just a mere human. And that said badass fiancée is now fae herself. But (and I hate to write that down) Tamlin puts his foot down and Feyre has to stay behind and plan their wedding. There’s a lot to unpack here, but knowing what’s to come, I’ll leave it at that for now.

As mentioned, Feyre is now stuck planning the wedding. I’d like to point out that the feminist in me does not like the fact that Tamlin seems to outsource that to the women. But given his track record I am once again not really surprised. With the wedding planning we also get to meet Ianthe. High Priestess and a good friend of Tamlin, who conveniently fled Prythian during Amarantha’s reign and has returned now that the waters have calmed. I am not sure if Ianthe was ever supposed to be at least somewhat likeable but honestly, I could never stand her. Don’t know if you feel different about her, my fellow Bookdragons, but for me she just never cut it. There are plenty of reasons for that. One of them might be slightly biased though: Ianthe going after my man Lucien.

Let’s be honest, you all were wondering when I would bring him up again, right?

I mean, obviously that was about to happen. How could I not mention that very attractive, fiery redhead who very sadly is fictional and therefore does not know about my existence? *Sigh* Sometimes it’s hard having a fictional crush. But who am I talking to? You, my fellow Bookdragons, will understand my pain.

At some point during the wedding planning, Feyre asks Tamlin what her title will be after the wedding—and whether she’ll be High Lady. But he just flat-out tells her that there is no such thing as a High Lady. In other words: Tamlin still has not mastered the fine art of sweet-talking and promising the world on a silver platter. Pity.

I won’t go too deep into all the wedding planning and everything that happens leading up to the ceremony. It’s basically just… planning, showing us how deep Feyre’s trauma runs, and highlighting how Tamlin lost all his charm and good manners Under the Mountain—only to come back with his toxic traits front and center.

And though it hurts my heart to say this: Even Lucien loses some karma points (at least in my eyes) for excusing Tamlin’s behavior and not stepping up. Damn. That hurt to write. But I guess even fictional crushes aren’t flawless.

So—let’s skip right to the interesting part: The wedding.

I think it’s fair to say that a lot of things were already pointing toward this wedding being a slippery slope. For one, no one – except for Ianthe – seemed particularly thrilled about planning it. And with no one I especially mean Feyre and Tamlin. The two people who should be head over heels into creating the perfect day. The next bad omen? Feyre’s wedding dress. It is so out of character and so hideous that Tamlin actually laughed when he first saw her wearing it (which btw was before the wedding). And I think it is also saying that Ianthe chose the dress and Feyre had no say in it. Which felt weird.

As for the wedding itself: Except for Lucien and Alis, none of Feyre’s friends or family are present. I mean, as far as we know, those are basically her only friends, but Tamlin not even secretly inviting Feyre’s family just felt sad. While walking down the aisle there is also the matter of the flowers. Feyre specifically said, she didn’t care about the color as long as it’s not red. She never said why out loud, but I think it’s not exactly hard to connect the dots and assume that red reminds her too much of the blood spilled Under the Mountain. So this is where we get our first real hint that Ianthe is not a girls’ girl and might care more about her own interests. Because of course there are red flowers.

All of this, combined with the people watching her, sends Feyre into a full spiral. It reminds her too much of the attention she got during her trials. She panics. In her head, she begs for someone to help her. She even stops walking down the aisle. And either Tamlin is incredibly bad at reading people, or he simply decides to continue to act like all is well. Anyway, he does not step forward to talk to her and help her. Though I’m pretty sure the panic must have shown on her face. And no – Lucien also doesn’t help. Though in this case I feel like it is at least somewhat excusable, since this would clearly be something Tamlin should handle. 

But fear not my fellow Bookdragons. Feyre’s silent cry for help does not go unnoticed. There is thunder behind her and then he appears. The most beautiful male Feyre has ever seen. The man who helped her under the mountain. The High Lord of the Night Court. Rhysand. And damn, does he make an entrance. I mean “Hello, Feyre Darling”. We all know this quote. The calm, the swagger with which he says it – while interrupting a wedding. Or maybe because he’s interrupting the wedding. Simply Iconic.

To no one’s surprise Tamlin and company are not thrilled about the intervention. And except for being snappy none of them actually do anything, when Rhys calls in his bargain with Feyre: One week with him at the Night Court. So Rhys takes her and they disappear.

Feyre is very surprised though, to find that she’s not in a place the resembles Under the Mountain. Instead, she’s in a beautiful house on a mountain with a stunning view. The House of Wind. But her temper is too high at the moment to fully appreciate the beauty. Instead she starts yelling at Rhys and we get to the legendary shoe scene. I don’t think that it’ll ever fail to make me smile. Just the thought of her in her hideous dress, throwing her fucking shoe at Rhys’ hat. Fantastic. See Bookdragons, this is why I love Sarah J. Maas so much. She perfectly manages to lighten up tension without taking away from the story.

Tempers calm down a little bit after a while though. Rhys and Feyre spend their time in the House of Wind alone. Though we briefly get to meet Mor. Rhys’ cousin and his third in command. And maybe some of us readers were as surprised as Feyre to learn that Rhysand is actually pretty nice. He manages to get her to eat again and even uses his time to teach her how to read and write. Which is yet another hilarious scene.

And while we’re on the topic of Rhys, I’d like to take a brief detour for a petition. I know this world is fictional and the characters don’t exist. But if they would I’d say we all chip and and gift poor Rhys a lint roller subscription. He’d really need it. I’m actually highly surprised that no one in Prythian has ever considered it or invented it.

Anyway. Back to the story. The time in the Night Court is not just spent eating and learning. Rhys also teaches Feyre how to shield her mind from other daemati like himself. He also tells her that he thinks Hybern will use the fragility of Prythian and might invade. He does not go full in with explanations and plans, since he understandably can’t trust Feyre fully at this point, but I still loved how he didn’t leave her in the dark. So far into this book Rhys seems to be the only character to not belittle Feyre or make excuses for not giving her information. Yet another hint, that Rhys might not be the asshole the world believes him to be.

But the week goes by and Rhys has to take Feyre back to the Spring Court. He’s smart enough though, to drop her in front of the manner and make a quick exit. Smart thinking. Given Tamlin’s anger management issues. And I am not overreacting. Since Feyre quickly learns that during her absence Tamlin trashed the study. He even admits that he destroyed half of the manor while she was gone. Which once again highlights, that this man badly needs therapy.

Another thing that left a foul taste, was his reaction to having her back. Yes, at first he was thrilled and instantly hugged her, yada, yada, yada. But then, minutes later he starts questioning her like some sort of prisoner. He wants to learn everything she learned about the Night Court, so that it can be potentially used against them. And when Feyre asks if they can’t have that conversation later, he denies it, saying the questioning must be now, that her memories are fresh. Not very romantic if you ask me…

With Feyre returned things turn back to the way they were. And no, I do not mean like they were in book one. I mean, Feyre being left out and forbidden to do certain things. Tamlin’s behavior even worsened and he gets even more controlling and man-handling. And yes – that obviously is not great. It’s not surprising either that in response to all of this, Feyre’s mental condition worsens as well.

Around comes the Tithe. A yearly event where the faeries give Tamlin gifts depending on their income in exchange for his protection. Or in modern words: taxes. Feyre is skeptical about it from the very beginning and her feelings seem to prove her right. During the Tithe a water wraith explains to Tamlin that she is unable to pay, since there are no fish left in her lake for her to give and pleads for an exception. Tamlin though doesn’t give a shit and rudely tells her that she has a week to pay or else has to face the consequences (him hunting her down). Feyre is rightfully shocked by this display. Since Feyre knows what it is like to be poor and starving, she tells Tam to let it go and that the gifts are unnecessary because they already have plenty. But Tamlin refuses to budge.

So, after the ceremony Feyre follows the wraith and gift her some of her jewelry, so that it is able to pay the Tithe. I feel like it’s unnecessary to say that Tamlin is not a fan of that strategy. His anger issues rise again, and he and Feyre get into a huge fight. He’s pissed that she undermined his authority and won’t hear any of Feyre’s reasoning.

I’m gonna be real honest with you, Bookdragons: If by that point you still defended him and were full-game for their relationship, I simply have one question: Why? All of this is so toxic. And I’m sick of excusing all of this behavior with his trauma. Let’s be honest: Most people in Prythian have trauma and most of them don’t act like a child that got their toys taken away. I completely understand that Feyre isn’t giving up on the relationship and finds excuses. Though it is sad, it’s very common that people in toxic or abusive relationships find excuses for their partner’s behavior. So I get that. But as a reader, looking at this relationship from the outside, it baffles me how one can find that excusable. But as always, I’m open for discussion. So, if at this point you still are team Tamlin, feel free to explain your reasoning to me in the comments.

Some time after their fight Tamlin tries to make it up to Feyre and gifts her some paints. And that’s the problem. For one: Feyre doesn’t paint anymore. Which once again proves that Tamlin is not really listening to or watching his fiancé. The other problem: One of the paints is bright red. The only color Feyre explicitly can’t see lately. They start talking again and Feyre tells him that he is suffocating her, but he does not seem to take that all too seriously and the next moment Feyre explodes and builds a protective bubble around herself so that Tamlin can’t touch or reach her. Turns out that the High Lords not only gifted her with a new life as a Fae but also with some of their power.

Over the next few days, Tamlin doesn’t stop apologizing and even tries to let loose a little. But Feyre seems to spiral nonetheless. Next thing we know, Rhysand is picking her up again. He is shocked to see how thin Feyre has gotten and that her fight seems to leave her. He gives her space though and mostly leaves her to herself during their visit and then drops her off at the Spring Court again.

Back at the manor Tamlin instantly shifts into full-on controlling mode. Feyre is not let out of sight and can barely walk around without a shadow. Her emotions rise and Lucien – watchful as he is – sees that Feyre struggles to control her new powers. She reveals to him that she’d like to learn how to use them and he promises to try and talk to Tamlin about it. See. There are men who listen. (But I already knew that Lucien was great). What sucks though, is that Feyre is excluded from the discussion about her training and Tamlin instead involves fucking Ianthe. And though Lucien is full-on team Feyre he can’t convince Tamlin to let her train.

The next day Tamlin and Lucien prepare to go to the border to check on Hybern’s activity. And this is where things escalate. Feyre once again begs Tamlin to let her go with them. He forbids her from doing so, and when she tries to walk out anyway, she slams into an invisible wall. Tamlin has locked her into the manor. Literally locked her in. And no this is not being overprotective, this is abuse. There is no sugarcoating it. He then just turns around and walks away. Even when Feyre screams for him, the panic clear in her voice. Lucien stays for a bit and informs her that Tamlin’s shield only affects her and that there is nothing she can do unless he lifts it.

Yes, I am grateful that he took the time to inform her. But I am furious with my bae for not actually stepping up and telling Tamlin that he’s lost his marbles and demand to instantly free Feyre. He could’ve done so much better and I am not above pointing that out.

With the men gone, Feyre gets a full-on panic attack and her powers rise. She produces a shield of fire, ice, wind and darkness around her, letting no one through and also melts off the engagement band around her finger. We don’t know how long Feyre sits like this, but then slender hands take hold of her and lift her up. Mor has come for her to take her away from the Spring Court. She tells her over and over that Feyre is now free and winnows her away. Rhys is already waiting for them. Pissed as hell. He manages to magically get Feyre to sleep and then finally frees her from the prison of the Spring Court.

When Feyre awakes, she finds Rhys sitting in her room, watching her. He explains to her how they got her out of the Spring Court without breaking any rules. He also offers her to stay in the Night Court for as long as she wants – even forever if she wishes to. Making it her choice and thus giving her back some autonomy. When he tells her she has to leave she asks him to let her come and he agrees. And this, my fellow Bookdragons is where we enter Velaris – The City of Starlight. Also known as the place most of us would give everything to live.

Rhys takes her to his town house, which is the first surprise for Feyre. Rhys could live in a mansion and instead chooses a town house, in the city, close to his people. Yet another tell that Rhys is different from how the rest of Prythian perceive him. He also gives her a first tour of the city and Feyre is stunned by its beauty and how the people of Velaris love Rhys. She also can’t quite comprehend how Velaris can still be whole when most of the spring court was destroyed. Rhys explains how he shielded it from Amarantha with his last bit of power. Saving it and thus sacrificing himself to save his people from Amarantha.

In the evening we get to another major part of the book: Feyre meets the inner circle. And I think it’s safe to say, that we’re all a bit jealous that we can’t be friends (or more *wink*) with this amazing group of people. They are unlike anything Feyre would have imagined. And the way in which they talk to Rhys – on eye level – is completely different from what she knew in the Spring Court. Which is why she finds herself unexpectedly comfortable around them. During dinner Feyre also agrees to work for Rhys and help him try preventing Hybern from invading.

Her first task is to go to a place called The Prison and talk to the Bone Carver. There is one problem though: The Prison is underground. And with Feyre’s PTSD the thought of going into another dark and confined space, paralyzes her with fear. So, her first attempt to go fails. But Amren (who escaped the prison before) visits Feyre and gives her a supposedly magic amulet that will protect her. And thus Feyre finds her bravery and manages to go with Rhys.

The Bone Carver is a mysterious and old figure that appears differently to everyone. To Feyre he looks like a young boy, which – let’s be honest – makes him creepy. He trades in secrets and truths. And together Rhys and Feyre get him to reveal that Hybern has the cauldron and to nullify it they need the Book of Breathings, which is hidden in the Summer Court.

With that knowledge Rhys and his inner circle begin to plan their next steps: how to receive the Book, and how to prevent a looming war. All the while including Feyre. Rhys also gives Feyre another task. In order to test her ability to find magical objects (thanks to her new powers) he sends her to retrieve his mother’s ring from the Weaver. A very creepy, immortal being that definitely gives “The Ring”-Vibes. Coincidence? I think not. But that’s not the point right now.

Side Story: Whilst preparing to write this review I listened to the Dramatized Audio Book and this chapter came up while I ate my breakfast. Personally, I cannot recommend. Listening to the Weavers creepy killing song and getting a full-on description of the human fat in the chimney and the roof made out of human hair and what not, was definitely something I did not need whilst eating my cereal. But maybe I’m just a wee chicken and you Bookdragons are tougher than me. Very possible.

Anyway. Whilst Rhys is sitting in the woods doing nothing Feyre manages to retrieve the ring, though not without a fight. And when she finally makes it out Rhys reveals that he gave the Ring to the weaver so that he wouldn’t waste it. Something that seems upsetting at first but will be important later on.

To prevent a war with Hybern Rhys and the inner circle plan on warning the mortal queens and asking for their alliance. To do so they need to meet on neutral ground. So they decide to ask Feyre’s sisters to host the meeting at their house.

During their meet up, Feyre’s sisters learn that she has turned Fae. Guess Feyre never found a moment to at least send them a short letter telling them that she’s still alive and has some pointy ears. Might also explain why they weren’t invited to the wedding. 

Anyways. Nesta is not a fan of the idea of being hostess for the meeting with the queens. She falls back into being her lovely self. Aka absolutely annoying and needlessly negative and snappy. Guess some things never change. Even if book one gave us the impression of character growth, when she helped Feyre go back to Tamlin. 

Elain (who btw is now engaged to a dude who hates the Fae with all that’s in him) tries to be the voice of reason and supports Rhys and Feyre. Somehow they get Nesta to yield and give her allowance. They stay the night and the next day start preparing. Whilst Cassian and Az stay behind at the house Rhys helps Feyre train her new powers. Or more like dropping her off, so that she can learn on her own. 

The training session is interrupted though. The Attor shows up. Completely out of nowhere and tries to take Feyre with him. But he is unsuccessful. Rhys and Az interrupt and take it hostage. Turns out they knew the Attor was after her and used her as bait. Feyre – understandably so – is not happy about that. And not per se the being-bait part but more so the part of being left out of the plan. 

And she’s right. Giving her very recent history with Tampon (yes – this time I mean it. It’s not a typo) Rhys should have known better. So I definitely think that her rage is warranted. 

With the Attor captured, the family visit ends. Back at Velaris the inner circle (including Feyre) head out for a night out. I’m not gonna go into full detail here, so let’s just sum it up and say it’s a nice evening and Feyre starts to loosen up. 

The next chapters can also be a bit shortened. Feyre starts to feel more and more like her old self, and she grows closer with Rhys. They start to exchange what I’d like to call magical DMs that sometimes even verge on sexting. You go girl. I‘m supporting this. Even if it would just be to get over blondie. Feyre also writes a letter to Tamlin, telling him that she is safe and fine and asks him to not come after her and just give her her peace. 

Side note, if you’re a male on a dating app, please take note of this behavior. If a girl going through serious trauma can find the time to write her toxic ex a brief goodbye, I’m sure you can also manage to write the person you’ve been meeting, that it just didn’t match, instead of resorting to ghosting. Thank you very much! 

But back to the story. With Feyre officially closing the Tamlin chapter she finds new strength. Literally. She accepts Cassian’s offer to train with him and become even more of a badass than she already is. And I’m here for it. I also love how through this training the two of them start to form an amazing friendship. And once again I find myself jealous of her. I too would like to be besties with Cas. I’d also not be opposed of being friends with benefits, but that’s another story. Sorry Lucien.

During one of the training sessions Cas also manages to get Feyre to an emotional breakthrough. Yet another reason why I like him. He knew that she had to also work on some emotional baggage and found exactly the right way to get through to her. And even when Feyre is crying, and she literally burns through the training gloves he doesn’t move an inch and just lets her work it out. Damn. How these books raise my standards in men…

But we can’t forget that this book isn’t just about Feyre’s emotional journey. It’s also about preventing war. The inner circle has managed to get a meeting at the Summer Court during which they plan to take the Book of Breathings. Remember? The book they need to nullify the Cauldron. 

So now we get to know yet another court. And it sure gives holiday vibes. Tarquin – High Lord of the summer court – proves to be quite the charmer. So much so, that Rhys even starts to get jealous. Which might also be one of the first moments where we truly see that confident swagger crack just a little. This leads to a very beautiful conversation between him and Feyre, about not feeling good enough and worthy of love and also to one of our all-time favorite quotes, feel free to say it with me: “To the stars who listen – and the dreams that are answered”. Beautiful.

But back to the mission: Amren and Feyre manage to steal the Book of Breathings, though it’s a close call. They were not sneaky enough though, and Tarquin – who is not very happy with this turn of events – resorts to sending Rhys, Amren and Feyre each a blood ruby, officially declaring them enemies of the Summer Court. Sucks, I really liked Tarquin, but if I were in his shoes I’d also be pissed.

Back in Velaris we get even deeper insights into who Rhys really is. One night Feyre wakes up to Rhys having a terrible nightmare, about his time under the mountain. She manages to calm him down and their friendship – or whatever it is between them at this point – starts to deepen even further.

The book continues with a streak of Feyre training and preparing for the meeting with the mortal Queens. When said meeting finally takes place it’s safe to say that it goes down badly. The Queens refuse to help or protect their own people from an attack by Hybern. Something that utterly outrages Nesta. And for the first time in this series, I’m on Nesta’s side and completely get her anger. In the end the Queens want something to prove that Rhys and his Court can be trusted, to reconsider their standpoint.

To show the truth Rhys decides to get the Veritas from the Court of Nightmares to show the Queens Velaris. Something no one in the inner circle is particularly happy about. On their way to the Court of Nightmares Feyre has an interesting conversation with Rhys about how wing size says a lot about other parts of the male body. A bone that we as a community gladly took from Sarah and are now constantly talking about. Thanks for that.

The Court of Nightmares chapters also continue dismantling Feyre’s perception of Rhys. We see how carefully he balances power, performance and protection. We also learn very quickly that Keir – Mor’s father – is an absolute asshole. One thing I really appreciated during that chapter: Rhys immediately reassures Feyre that her physical reactions during the throne scene are normal and not something she has to feel ashamed about. Especially considering Rhys’ own history with abuse, this felt like a small but meaningful moment of care.

But the peace does not stay forever. Feyre and Rhys get into a bit of a fight and when Feyre says some things that hit too close to home Rhys starts ignoring her. Which feels really…male.  Feyre tries to smooth things over via magical DM but alas even in magical communication there seem to be server problems, as the letter cannot be delivered.

Around comes Starfall. One of the most beautiful and important feasts of the Night Court. And the night when Rhys finally apologizes to Feyre. She’s on the balcony and they have a moment alone together. When Starfall begins and Feyre is hit by one of spirit-stars she does something amazing: she laughs. For the first time since she left Tamlin. This awes Rhys so much that he is taken aback and simply stares at her. When another star hits Rhys Feyre goes even one step further. She paints. Something she couldn’t do since Under the Mountain. And when she smiles at Rhys, he simply asks her to do it again, before the two of them proceed to dance for the rest of the evening. My heart. This is so beautiful.

Now that Feyre and Rhys are once again on talking terms she learns about his gruesome past with Tamlin and his family. They also work on training her magical powers which she can handle better day by day. During one of the training sessions in the woods, she gets some visitors.

Lucien and some other members of the Spring Court turn up to “free her” and take her back. But Feyre doesn’t want to. She says no and even magically grows some Illyrian Wings to show Lucien where she stands. Iconic. My poor boo does not handle this too well, though. To say he’s shocked would be an understatement. And though personally I am disappointed that his page time ends so soon, he leaves.

Now, my fellow Bookdragons, we get to a Trope that at this point, we all were craving. May I present the iconic “There’s just one bed”. Oh yes. And damn was I ready for Feyre and Rhys to finally get this moment. And yes – we could all physically feel Rhys’ pain, when Feyre said she just wanted a distraction – but that aside, this chapter served! I said it. And also: Rhys can fucking dirty talk. Perfect balance, if you ask me. So wish I could’ve switched with Feyre at that moment. (Yes, I thirst after a lot of people in this book. Get over it. Also be honest, you’re there with me).

Back on their way to the Illyrian war camp – and obviously not talking about the night before, because who would ever do that – Rhys and Feyre get attacked by some Hybern soldiers. They fall through the sky and get separated. Feyre manages to escape, but Rhys isn’t so lucky. But this is not the time to play with Feyre. Our girl is PISSED. She takes down the Hybern soldiers and rescues Rhys. He is badly wounded though. So much so, that he can’t winnow or do shit. So, Feyre has to find a way to heal him. And since – much like most of us – she has no clue how to do that, she resorts to old habits and catches the Suriel.

And my how are we here for it. Our bestie doesn’t waste a second before spilling the tea: Rhys is her mate! Shocking? No. Do we still live for that revelation? Hell yes. Feyre is not so psyched about this though. Especially since Rhys knew for a while and didn’t tell her. But she still saves him, before dropping the tea on him – and then literally dropping him in the snow in front of Cas and Mor – before demanding to be taken away.

Mor gladly is a girl’s girl and takes Feyre away. She brings her to a secluded cabin in the mountains where she can be by herself and promises to not tell Rhys about her whereabouts. Feyre then has time to think things over and do some art therapy. No joke. She resorts to painting the house. Something that I am well aware of is very controversial in the fandom. While I personally believe Feyre actually can paint, I completely understand why some of you Bookdragons feel like this moment felt a bit…questionable. I personally try to tell myself that – should the inner circle deem the paintings ugly – they could just magically erase or glamour them. But yeah – I get what you mean.

Obviously, Rhys still finds Feyre in the cabin and they talk. I actually won’t go into detail here, because I feel like that would take too much space. But I loved how we finally got to learn who Rhys truly is. His history, his vulnerability, his insecurities and his love for Feyre. Very well executed Sarah.

And with that we get to the legendary chapter 55. Need I say more? I’m pretty sure I don’t need to go into detail how I feel about this. You probably have a good picture. Yes, I’m jealous. Feyre is living the dream. This is the only kind of manhandling I’m willing to accept. Thank you very much! And don’t act like you’re not feeling the same way about this chapter. All of our toes curled up during this one. There is no shame in admitting it. Not here. This is always a safe place.

With the two of them finally having had sex, the mating bond fully snapped into place. Which also results in Rhys being – lightly put – a bit on edge around other males. So, Cassian has to take the edge off in starting a fight with him. Something another very beloved Sarah J. Maas character would have labeled as Rhys being a “territorial fae bastard”.

Sadly, this book is not just about love, and we do have some more plot to get back to. The next meeting with the mortal Queens is happening. Rhys uses the Veritas to show them Velaris. Sadly, it doesn’t change a thing. They still prove to be massively misplaced in positions of power. Bring back democracy, people! So, to sum it up, they refuse to help and piss off. But at least the youngest of the Queens has some common sense. She secretly left Rhys and Co. their part of the Book of Breathings to potentially stop Hybern.

The other Queens though go only after their own interest. With Velaris revealed they give the information to Hybern which promptly results in an attack on the city. Feyre protects the people, kills the Attor and also casually produces some badass water wolves. Yet another iconic moment.

With the attack it seems that time to form a plan and stop Hybern is running out. So, the inner circle decides to directly go to Hybern and destroy the cauldron there. A plan that just screamed “impending doom” at us readers, whilst reading it. But sadly, we had to go through with it.

Needless to say, they ran into a trap and things turn to shit. Not only do they get captured and hurt it also turns out that Tamlin – the delusional fucking idiot – chose to work with Hybern in order to get Feyre back. Because that’s exactly how love works. Dumbfuck. I’m also very sorry to report that Lucien is with him. I expected much better. But of course, things aren’t complicated enough already. To top things off Ianthe went behind Tamlin’s back and sold-out Feyre’s sisters to the King of Hybern. And of course – as previously stated- the mortal Queens also work with him. So, not a good situation to start from.

And since they are outnumbered and hurt Feyre can only watch as her sisters are thrown into the cauldron and turned into Fae. Now – Lucien at least tries to help – which gives him back some karma points. He also has the decency to give Elain his cloak when she returns from the cauldron, and everyone can basically see her naked. Very good. But then, he really loses his cool. Elain just went through a very traumatic experience and the first thing he does (after also being part of their betrayal) is to almost yell at her “You’re my mate”. Dude. You serious? Where is all of the swagger you had in book one? Also, read the room. But I’m losing myself.

Nesta – who also gets turned into a Fae – manages to scare the King of Hybern before being pushed in. Which was also a great moment. But sadly, things don’t end here, because Tamlin still thinks he somehow owns Feyre and still demands her back. Honestly – the audacity.

And then something happens, that I’m sure left a lot of us readers aghast. Feyre pleads with the King of Hybern to break her bond with Rhys. Saying he glamoured her and she just wants to go back to Tamlin. Like what? For one horrifying second Sarah actually convinces us Feyre might mean it. But gladly we can read between the lines and quickly discover that she’s acting to get her mate, her circle and her sisters to safety. Anxiety ridden people pleaser still aboard. Apparently, she is a great actress because the King of Hybern believes her and breaks the bond. Rhys and company disappear and Tamlin, Lucien and Feyre go back to the spring court.

We then get a switch to Rhys’ POV. And it is revealed that he and Feyre married and she is now High Lady of the Night Court – on an undercover mission to destroy the Spring Court. A plot twist and an ending that left us wanting more. And at this point I was very happy that the third book was already available when I read it. Because, of course, I immediately had to pick it up.

And this is where we come to an end my fellow Bookdragons. A Review of one of my favorite books. 5 stars. Period. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Truthfully? I could’ve talked about this book for another ten pages. Probably twenty. But at some point, even I have to stop talking and let you all enter the comment section. But I’m curious: do you want more details, maybe a deep dive, a live discussion, or something else? I’m very open to ideas and feedback. But until then: tell me your thoughts, your theories, your favorite moments and your hot takes. I’ll meet you in the comments, Bookdragons.