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Update: 05/09/18
After further thought, I decided to give this book 3.5 stars. While there was some epic moments, ACOWAR was never a favorite of mine. Because of the hype and excitement, I initially gave ACOWAR 4 stars. I even admitted later (see below update) that I feel like this book was more of a 3.5 star book, but I wanted to re-read it to see if that's actually how I felt. Well, I read ACOFAS and was willing to give Sarah J. Maas the benefit of the doubt. I expected her writing would improve, she would actually listen to criticism, and actually care about her craft. Sure, I suppose ACOFAS was meant for her fans and to give them something nice after the fast-paced, overwhelmingness of ACOWAR... but the novella clearly didn't have an editor and so.much.was.wrong that you could argue that SJM was deliberately going backwards on any progress she may have made. If SJM had shown growth, like ANY, I would have accepted ACOWAR for what it was. But ACOFAS was a step backwards and so I'm choosing to lower my original rating.

Update: 11/27/17
I may go back and re-review this book because now I kind of think this book was sloppy. And while some felt happy for the LGBT rep, others were let down and hurt by it. I gave the book 4 stars based on my immediate feelings, but if I were to do an in-depth analysis I might actually give this book 3.5 stars. I personally felt there were accurate portrayals of real life issues that people are actually seeing as problematic. This book emphasizes consent, portrayal of PTSD, and dealing with domestic abuse. However, I think the biggest problem with ACOWAR is that it's just really, really sloppy and disjointed sometimes. My favorite book is still ACOTAR because it's the best re-telling I've ever read. Unfortunately because SJM rushed through ACOWAR, she wasn't able to sensitively tackle certain subjects. For those who were affected, I am sorry. I hope you find the right books for you in the future. You deserve it.

I deleted my original review because my thoughts weren't coherent anyway and I'm actually over the series now but you can check out on my blog.

*Some spoilers below*

DISLIKES:

- The very ending. I didn’t like that it ended mostly on the political side.
- How some parts were wrapped up too nicely that it made things less believable.
- I wanted to cry and hold this book and feel like I had awoke from a dream I didn't want to be woken from, but that didn’t happen. Don't get me wrong. I definitely teared up at some parts but for some reason, I didn't feel much at all.
- On that same note, I wanted more Rhys and Feyre in the final chapters. Not the final final one. Like, the last several. But we got more council meetings and sh*t.
- The random Rhysand POVs. The first one eventually makes sense but a later one wasn't fully necessary. But I WISH it was. Like, give me more consistent Rhysand POV.
- By the end, all the characters felt weary and tired, which made me feel like SJM was getting weary and tired by her own writing. I wish there was something to truly make us feel emotional about being back in Velaris. After everything, the ending seemed too simplified.
- This book had GLARING plot holes. Like, where the F is Alis???
- Rhysand physically hurt Feyre, break into her mind without permission, drugged her in the first book and excused as helping her, tricked her into a bond, etc.
- I think if the world building was weaker and if the characters didn't jump off the pages for me personally, all that's left is sex and making an excuse to work in Rhysand for some sort of wish-fulfillment?
- There are so many Twilight-y aspects, too. Like, in the first book Tamlin and Feyre spend a lot of time in a meadow just like Edward and Belle. Tamlin is possessive and "protective" taking away Feyre's choices, just like Edward. At the end of Book 2, SPOILER for other people who haven't read the book .... Lucien declares Elain his mate... just like Jacob imprinted on Reneesmee as some sort of cop out to keep Jacob in Belle's life regardless. It seems a similar situation is happening here. I'm not oblivious to the weirdness of this book and the flaws
- Overall, after reading ACOFAS, I have to say this series fails to leave me with long-lasting impact.

THOUGHTS/LIKES:

- How much Azriel and Cassian mean to Rhys. How much Mor and Amren mean to Feyre.
- I didn’t love Suriel’s death, but that scene made me cry.
- The ships Feyre’s father named after all his daughters made me cry.
- Lucien’s real father� WHAT. Lucien is too good for this world.
- “Be happy, Feyre.� CRYING.
- How Feyre faced herself in the mirror and faced all the bad and the good.
- Feyre's PTSD/abuse recovery journey
- I thought Jurian was an interesting and well-written “villain�.
- It was an action-packed, page turner. Surprising and eventful. I was on the edge of my seat half the time.