Okay, before you yell at me about the low number of stars here, I need you to help me understand: what was exceptional here? Don't get me wrong; if you're reading the series, then go ahead and read this one. It's short, but you don't really get anything out of it other than fun.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Feyre was the lead in a Hallmark Christmas movie? If so, this is for you. In fact, stop reading this review right now and just go read it. It's so short and quick that if you're feeling the holiday spirit, you might as well.
The story takes place a few months after the events of and centers around the characters coming together to celebrate their holiday. It includes a lot of scenic, snowy streets and searching for the right gift. It's enjoyable, but it's fluffier than the snowballs I imagine the Illyrians hurling at each other.
While it briefly mentions the politics of rebuilding, it does nothing to move the overarching plot along. There is little character development other than Nesta (the saving grace of this story), who is obviously suffering the psychological fallout of war and being uprooted from her human life.
One of my friends described this to me as "a Christmas special," and there is no more accurate way to describe this read. It's fun. It's festive. But if holiday specials are not your thing I encourage you to skip this and go directly to A Court of Silver Flames.
Overall, I would only recommend reading on a snow day surrounded by your own Winter Solstice (or equivalent) decor. Had I not fallen prey to my own completion bias, I probably would have gone directly to A Court of Silver Flames.
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