#035: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re cracking open A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas with Chapters 1–9, a raw, brutal, addictive plunge into Nesta Archeron’s spiral, her silver-flame power, and the very first sparks (and snarls) of her new… let’s call it arrangement with Cassian.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

We open with a nightmare — Nesta’s memory of being forced into the Cauldron, the death-promise she made to the King of Hybern, and the moment she bit into that ancient magic and took what it didn’t want to give. From there, Part One: Novice thrusts us into the mess she’s made in Velaris: cheap wine, mediocre sex, and a whole lot of self-loathing wrapped in a male’s shirt. Feyre and Rhys finally say what everyone’s been thinking: she’s done tearing herself apart on their dime. Move into the House of Wind. Train with Cassian. Work in the library. Or go back to the human lands. Nesta, unsurprisingly, chooses violence.

Cassian steps in as trainer, babysitter, and long-suffering daddy warrior who absolutely does not have the patience for Nesta’s bullshit — but still can’t help wanting her. Their first days are pure chaos: Nesta publicly humiliating him at Windhaven, Cassian snapping back that she’s not the only one who’s suffered, Mor cutting her to pieces with one brutal line, and the House itself refusing to serve her wine like it’s staging an intervention. But cracks start to show — memories of holding Cassian as he lay dying, her first kind interactions with Emerie and Gwyn, and a bowl of soup the House basically force-feeds her like a protective auntie.

Meanwhile, a storm is brewing outside Nesta’s personal apocalypse: human queens scheming, Eris sniffing around for alliances, soldiers disappearing without a trace, Koschei the deathless stirring in his cursed lake, and Beron aligning himself with the wrong side of history. Cassian knows the danger is growing — and that Nesta, whether she likes it or not, is right in the center of it.

But the biggest spark of these early chapters? The moment Cassian quietly leans down, offers Nesta his hand, and reminds her: keep reaching out yours. A single line that shifts everything — not enough to save her, but enough to make her wonder if she wants to be saved at all.

Let's get into it, Bunchies!

Grab this month’s book: amzn.to/3Er9cuF

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#034: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re celebrating Solstice in Velaris with Chapters 15–28 of A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas — a cozy, glittering, gift-filled chapter set that gives us peak Inner Circle warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of emotional depth.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Feyre searches for the perfect gift for Rhysand while rediscovering her own creative spark, the Bat Boys head to the sauna for their annual tradition of snowball wars, steam, and brotherly chaos, and the Inner Circle exchanges gifts that are heartfelt, hilarious, and so perfectly them.

Even Nesta shows up, and Cassian can’t help himself — he walks her home, sparks flying even as tempers flare. Their moment may end with Cassian tossing the thoughtful gift he spent months finding into the Sidra, but the tension between them says everything: there’s still fire there.

But the biggest Solstice highlight? Feyre tells Rhysand she’s ready to try for a baby, turning the celebration into something truly magical. And in a surprise that softens the edges of the season, Tamlin asks Rhys a simple, powerful question — one that asks whether forgiveness might someday be possible.

A tender, glowing Solstice — full of hope, healing, and new beginnings.

Let's get into it, Bunchies!

#033: This week on A Novel Bunch, we’re kicking off A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J Maas with all the wintery vibes, Solstice prep, and Inner Circle chaos your heart could want. Feyre and the gang are easing into post-war life—and trust us, it’s every bit as sweet, messy, and magical as you’d hope.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

Feyre settles back into Velaris as snow settles over the city, reconnecting with Rhys, her sisters, and the rhythms of a world healing from war. Elaine grows steadily stronger, Lucien drifts between courts, and Nesta… keeps her distance while quietly stealing every scene she’s in. Rhys handles Illyrian drama with High Lord patience, Cassian stirs up trouble with his usual charm, and Mor pulls Feyre into a trip to the Court of Nightmares that reminds us how far she’s come.

Feyre returns to painting, pouring the truth of herself—Ouroboros and all—onto canvas. Meanwhile, Rhys visits the Spring Court, where Tamlin is a hollow echo of who he once was, offering a quiet reminder of how much has changed.

As Solstice approaches, the Inner Circle bustles with gift-giving, teasing, unexpected tenderness, and more found-family warmth than anyone can wrap in ribbon. Az and Elaine share small moments, Amren is equal parts chaos and charm, and everyone is just trying their best to make the holiday meaningful.

Let's get into it, Bunchies! 📚✨