Why the Lowest-Rated Court of Thorns & Roses Book Outshines the Rest of the Series in One Key Aspect

A Court of Frost & Starlight stands as the lowest-rated entry in the highly acclaimed A Court of Thorns & Roses (ACOTAR) series, yet it accomplishes one significant task more effectively than its counterparts. Unlike its full-length predecessors, this novella—while the briefest installment—serves as a crucial link between the story arcs of Feyre and Rhysand explored in the initial three books and the narratives of other pivotal characters that emerge in A Court of Silver Flames and anticipated future sequels within the ACOTAR universe.

Reflecting its transitional role, it is perhaps unsurprising that A Court of Frost & Starlight has garnered the lowest rating, currently holding an average score of 3.74 on Goodreads. While this score is not detrimental, it does starkly contrast with the other four main books in the series, whose ratings range from 4.18 to 4.65, highlighting their widespread adoration among fans. The tepid reception of this novella can be attributed to various factors; however, one quality stands out as an improvement within the series.

ACOTAR Books	Average Goodreads Rating
A Court of Thorns & Roses (2015)	4.18
A Court of Mist & Fury (2016)	4.65
A Court of Wings & Ruin (2017)	4.47
A Court of Frost & Starlight (2018)	3.74
A Court of Silver Flames (2021)	4.46

A Court Of Frost & Starlight Excels in Perspective Handling

Captivating Multiple Perspectives

While A Court of Frost & Starlight has its detractors, it notably excels in its narrative structure through its use of multiple points of view (POVs). In contrast to the original trilogy, which predominantly follows Feyre’s journey, this novella incorporates the perspectives of key characters, including Rhysand, Cassian, Nesta, and Morrigan. This shift highlights the missed potential of the earlier books in not including Rhysand’s viewpoint, which could have enriched the narrative even further.

This approach not only diversifies the storytelling but also underscores the broader scope of character development that could have been explored in the series. In particular, Maas demonstrated her capability to handle multi-POV narratives in her Throne of Glass series. While A Court of Silver Flames adopts a mix of first-person and third-person narratives, it doesn’t embrace the ambitious POV shifts seen in A Court of Frost & Starlight, which makes this novella distinct.

Reasons Behind the Low Rating of A Court Of Frost & Starlight

A Subdued Stakes Narrative

Despite the positive aspects of its multi-POV format, the overall reception of A Court of Frost & Starlight remains lukewarm. As a shorter addition to the ACOTAR series, it features a plot that is significantly lower in stakes, primarily functioning as an extended epilogue to the original trilogy. This tonal shift is a major point of contention among readers, contributing to its comparatively harsh ratings.

Readers have also expressed dissatisfaction regarding how Feyre and Rhysand are portrayed, particularly in their roles as supporters of those around them. Their actions in the novella contradict prior decisions established in A Court of Wings & Ruin, creating a sense of dissonance for some longtime fans. This inconsistency in character development has led to mixed reviews, with certain readers finding the shifts jarring.

Future Installments Should Take Note From A Court Of Frost & Starlight

Upcoming Court of Thorns & Roses book — Promotional Image by Yailin Chacon

The identity of the sixth book in the Court of Thorns & Roses series remains uncertain, though it has been confirmed as a forthcoming installment. Whatever direction it takes, it would be beneficial for the new release to adopt the multi-POV approach exemplified in A Court of Frost & Starlight. If the story centers on Elain, incorporating other characters such as Lucien and Tamlin could provide valuable context and depth. The narrative may even extend to revisit Feyre or Nesta’s arcs, keeping readers engaged in characters whose destinies seem to have reached a conclusion.

Although a release date has yet to be announced, Maas has indicated to TODAY.com that this project is her current focus.

Source: Goodreads, TODAY.com

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