Sarah J. Maas's sixth installment in the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Splintered Harmony, also known as The Valkyrie Cycle, Movement I, was published on 27 October, 2026. The reviewer, a self-described die-hard fan, finished the book in four days and shares her thoughts—with spoilers.
A Return to Prythian
The story returns to Prythian, where the Night Court deals with the aftermath of previous betrayals, fractured relationships, and the growing threat of Koschei. Unlike earlier installments, the narrative moves between several familiar characters, including Feyre, Rhysand, Azriel, Nesta, Cassian, and Mor, giving readers a broader look at the Night Court's inner workings.
While revisiting these characters has its pleasures, the reviewer found herself asking one important question throughout: why is everyone irritating me?
Azriel's Missing Moment
The reviewer addresses what she calls the elephant in the room: after years of waiting, this was supposed to be Azriel's moment. The brooding shadowsinger's mysterious nature and complicated history have made him one of the most anticipated characters in the series. Yet, she finished the book feeling as though she knew little more than before.
She notes there is so much potential in his character that leaving readers still hungry for answers feels like a missed opportunity. Perhaps Maas is deliberately keeping her cards close to her chest for the next installment, but after all the anticipation, the reviewer wanted more than another serving of unanswered questions.
Nesta, Cassian, and the Feyre-Rhysand Dynamic
Nesta remains one of the reviewer's favorite characters. She finds it refreshing to read a female protagonist who doesn't feel the need to be universally likeable. With Feyre's priorities now firmly centred around motherhood, Nesta arguably feels like the strongest female presence in the story. The reviewer would love to see Maas take Elain somewhere unexpected, even suggesting an Elain villain era.
Cassian, however, is a source of frustration. The reviewer fell in love with him during A Court of Silver Flames, but now finds herself wanting to shake some sense into him. She misses the confidence, unwavering loyalty, and energy of someone who would burn the world down for his mate.
The reviewer also found the emphasis on Feyre's motherhood a little jarring. She missed seeing Feyre as the fierce, independent woman who helped carry the earlier books. As for Rhysand, she thinks he peaked in A Court of Mist and Fury.
BookTok Drama and What's Next
Since release, BookTok has been comparing one particular chapter to Love Island. The reviewer actually loved this part, noting that sometimes fantasy needs a little chaos.
Her biggest criticism is that not an awful lot happens. Maas is expanding the world beyond Prythian, introducing readers to the wider political landscape, including Montesere, Vallahan, and Rask. With A Court of Forgotten Melody arriving on 12 January, 2027, it is clear Maas is setting the scene for something larger.
Ultimately, the reviewer says A Court of Splintered Harmony is a slightly frustrating return to a world she adores. She wanted more Azriel, more Nesta and Cassian, more of the Feyre and Rhysand dynamic, and more actual progression in the story. Still, she doesn't regret picking it up and will be counting down the days until 12 January, 2027, when the next installment arrives.
