Reviewed by Debz

This novella is set after the third book in Sarah J Maas’ A Court of Throne and Roses series and if you’ve read A Court of Wings and Ruin, you can jump right in. After the final battle against Hybren his armies and the three human queens, this books begins in the aftermath with Feyre, Rhysand and the crew picking up the pieces and rebuilding.

Especially after the attack on Vellaris, Rhysand and Feyre as the High Lord and Lady of the Night Court have their hands full, helping the people rebuild and restart their lives. They also have to make treaties with the other courts; and make sure none of the other Lords encroach on the human lands. All this to do, and it is almost time for the biggest celebration in the Night Court, Winter solstice.

The book is not just told from the POV of Feyre and Rhysand; there are chapters centered around the Morrigan, Cassian, Azriel, Elain and Nesta . All the painful memories and emotions about the horrors suffered during the battle are laid bare on the pages. Most prominent amongst them is guilt; guilt for the battle in Vellaris, a city which had previously been sheltered from the outside world for so long. Guilt for the number of Illyrian men who had to die to stop Hybren and mainly guilt that the lives of most children will never be the same. [Read more…]