Formerly supporting players Nesta and Cassian take center stage in the latest installment of Maas' Court of Thorns and Roses series (after A Court of Wings and Ruin, 2017). Nesta, who will be familiar to readers as series heroine Feyre's prickly sister, is in a dark place. She's angry at having been turned from human to high fae during the war with Hybern, guilt-ridden at her inability to save her father's life, and drowning her self-loathing in wine and casual sex. Feyre and Rhysand, fed up with her antics, offer an ultimatum: either she is exiled back to the human world, or she agrees to a training regimen with Cassian, Rhys' best friend, a warrior with a troubled past whom Nesta has never hesitated to verbally spar with. Nesta reluctantly agrees, and readers follow her physical and mental journey of healing, even as she faces her growing feelings for Cassian, her own untapped powers, and looming threats to the fragile, hard-won peace. Maas' many fans will no doubt be thrilled with this latest offering, which is a fast-paced, sexy, and at times surprisingly emotional ode to female empowerment.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Maas' Court of Thorns and Roses has a devoted following, so much so that this installment was kept under tight wraps until the release date--so expect fans to be all over this one.