A Court of Frost and Starlight (ACOFAS) is the fourth installment and the first novella in the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas. Acting as a bridge between the first three books and setting up key character dynamics for the fifth installment, it provides a more slow and intimate look into the characters’ everyday lives. Taking place several months after the events of A Court of Wings and Ruin and the second Human and Fae War with the King of Hybern, Feyre and her companions recuperate from the trauma and exhaustion of the war and prepare for Winter Solstice festivities in Velaris. This guide offers an in-depth look at the world in ACOFAS. For a deeper exploration of the characters, please visit the Ultimate ACOFAS Character Guide.
NOTE: This post assumes you have read the previous books in the series. Major spoilers ahead for earlier installments and minor spoilers ahead for the current book.
Table of Contents
What is the world in ACOFAS?
Prythian is divided into 7 Fae courts each with its own High Lord, unique landscape, and local culture. At the center of Prythian lies the Middle, an empty territory under no one’s jurisdiction and which acts as a neutral meeting place for all the different courts. The Middle also divides the northern Solar Courts from the southern Seasonal Courts. At the bottom of Prythian lies a giant wall that separates the Fae lands from the Mortal Lands, a designated territory for mortals that keeps them safe from the Fae. Beyond Prythian’s western shores lies the continent of Hybern, a militaristic Fae kingdom steeped in old magic and under the rule of King Hybern, who seeks to once again enslave all mortals. To the east lies the Continent, a large mass of land ruled by the Mortal Queens and similarly divided with a wall to separate the Fae from the humans.
- The Spring Court is a land of eternal spring, filled with meadows and lush forests.
- The Summer Court boasts turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches.
- The Autumn Court is a fiery realm of crisp leaves and red and orange harvest colors.
- The Winter Court is a frozen land of icy white snow and blue frozen lakes.
- The Dawn Court is a place of soft light and healing, nestled high amongst the clouds.
- The Day Court features expansive golden deserts and vast libraries.
- The Night Court is a hidden gem in a beautiful mountainous region.
What does Rhysand's Town House look like in ACOFAS?
Night Court - Rhysand’s Townhouse
A townhouse located in Velaris that belongs to Rhysand, which he uses as his personal residence for his friends and family. It has a line of credit to every store in Velaris and members of the Night Court Inner Circle may live here.
Rhysand’s Town House - Foyer
The town house foyer is warm and welcoming, with polished wood floors and elegant but understated decor. It feels intimate rather than grand, more like a home than a palace.
Rhysand’s Townhouse - Dining Room
The town house has a cozy dining room with a long, sturdy table often set for friends and family rather than guests and formal banquets.
What does Velaris look like in ACOFAS?
Night Court - Velaris
The unofficial capital of the Night Court, it is also known as the City of Starlight and the Court of Dreams. It is built high atop rolling hills and flanked to the north by a large mountain range, offering protection as well as housing.
Velaris - The Sidra River
A mighty winding river that runs through Velaris and is often described as having a magical glow. There is a beautiful walkway that runs parallel to the river and provides its residents a peaceful evening stroll.
Velaris - Street
An elegant walkway within Velaris that hums with enchantment. Faelights float above cobblestones etched with starlike patterns, and every footstep seems to echo with quiet magic and music drifting from hidden terraces.
Velaris - Restaurant
A cozy dining haven in Velaris where warm lights drift like fireflies. Meals feel infused with magic, leaving visitors calm, nourished, and quietly enchanted long after they leave.
Velaris - Bridge
A graceful crossing over the shimmering Sidra river that threads through Velaris. Moonlight dances across the water below, and the bridge is strung with silver faelights that glow like captured constellations, making every crossing feel otherworldly.
Velaris - Shops
A lively cluster of artisan boutiques nestled in the heart of Velaris. Painted storefronts spill warm lamplight and color onto the streets, and the air is scented with fresh bread, ink, and exotic spices as craftsmen display marvels only magic could craft.
Velaris - Bar
A vibrant nighttime refuge where music and starlight mingle. The atmosphere is laced with soft spell work that loosens worries and encourages laughter, making every moment feel lighter.
Velaris - Canal
A serene waterway winding through Velaris, touched by moonlit glamour. The air here invites reflection, as if the city itself is guiding visitors toward calm and clarity.
Velaris - Docks
A bustling shoreline hub where ships kiss the water beneath protective Night Court wards. The magic in the air buzzes with possibility, urging travelers to dream bigger and venture farther.
Rita's
A popular and lively bar located in Velaris that is one of the Night Court Inner Circle’s favorite places to visit when they want to relax and unwind. It is a LGBTQ+ friendly environment.
Inside Rita's
The interior of Rita’s is warm and inviting. The atmosphere is carefree and buzzing with energy, making it one of the few places where even High Fae warriors can be seen dancing until dawn.
Wolf's Den
A seedy bar in Velaris that attracts somewhat disreputable clientele.
Amren's Apartment
A small rooftop studio within Velaris that is simple but elegant. Every object inside eels intentional, carrying a sense of history or hidden power, much like Amren herself. It has a beautiful view of the Sidra River.
Nesta's Apartment
Nesta prefers to live away from the rest of the Night Court Inner Circle and found an apartment in a seedier part of Velaris, which Rhysand is graciously paying for. It is disheveled and unkempt, which does not bother her since she does not spend much time here.
Lucien's Apartment
A simple elegant apartment in a different part of Velaris. Lucien does not feel like he fits in with the Night Court Inner Circle and feels guilty over absconding from the Spring Court and abandoning Tamlin.
What does the Rainbow of Velaris look like in ACOFAS?
The Rainbow of Velaris
The famous and beautiful artists’ district within Velaris. It is a vibrant quarter alive with color and imagination, where painters, sculptors, dancers, and musicians hone their craft beneath starlight and spell-woven lanterns. Every street hums with artistry and celebration.
The Rainbow - Woodwork Studio
A sun-splashed atelier filled with the earthy scent of cedar and sawdust, where master carvers coax graceful forms from living wood.
The Rainbow - Polina's Studio
An artist studio located in the Rainbow that once belonged to a Fae named Polina, who unfortunately passed in the attack by the King of Hybern. Her studio was badly damaged in the attack.
The Rainbow - Dancing Platform
A polished stone platform open to the public where dancers twirl beneath glittering starlight and the music of the city. Rhythms pulse through the very air, inviting anyone with a spark of joy to join the movement.
The Rainbow - Glasswork Studio
A blazing workshop where molten glass glows like captured sunfire before being coaxed into shimmering vases, baubles, and enchanted panes.
The Rainbow - Sculpture Garden
A whimsical outdoor garden filled with unique wire-knit figures, delicate knick-knack sculptures, and glittering wind chimes alike.
The Rainbow - Ceramics Studio
A clay-dusted haven lined with wheels, kilns, and shelves of beautifully glazed vessels waiting to be purchased.
The Rainbow - Jewelry Studio
A glittering workspace where delicate pieces are forged. Each jewel crafted with artistry, enchantment, and a trace of the Night Court’s star-kissed magic.
The Rainbow - Cafe
A beloved gathering spot where artists linger over steaming mugs and pastries dusted with honey and spice. Laughter, inspiration, and gossip float on the air like music.
Palace of Thread and Jewels
Located to the south of the Sidra River, the Palace of Thread and Jewels specializes in jewelry, textiles, clothing, shoes, and finely crafted ornaments.
Palace of Bone and Salt
Located to the south of the Sidra River, the Palace of Bone and Salt is a large food market that offers a wide array of prepared food such as popular street snacks, meats, confections, and spices.
Palace of Hoof and Leaf
Located to the north of the Sidra River, the Palace of Hoof and Leaf is the northern twin market to the Palace of Bone and Salt and sells similar items such as prepared foods, baked goods, spices, and livestock.
What does the Night Court look like in ACOFAS?
Night Court
One of the 7 High Fae Courts and one of the 3 Solar Courts in Prythian. It is a mountainous territory in the northernmost region of Prythian. It has a reputation of terror and darkness and many outsiders view it with fear and suspicion.
Illyria
The northernmost territory of the Night Court, a harsh and remote land of jagged mountains and wind-swept steppes, and home to the Illyrians. The landscape is unforgiving, shaped by brutal weather and rigid traditions that prize strength and endurance. At its heart rises Mount Ramiel, a sacred peak that serves as both a physical trial and a symbol of Illyrian culture.
Windhaven
An Illyrian War Camp led by Lord Devlon, Windhaven is harsh and cold, nestled deep in the Night Court mountains and forests. Rhysand, Cassian, and Azriel trained here in their youth.
House of Wind
Built directly into a mountain range that overlooks Velaris, the House of Wind is the Night Court's official head quarters and the base of operations for the Night Court Inner Circle. It was Rhysand’s childhood home.
Night Court - Library
Located below the House of the Wind and built into the same mountain, it is a sacred, silent sanctuary run by priestesses who have found refuge from past trauma. With endless levels of ancient texts and knowledge, it is both a place of healing and a well of power, protected by wards and shadows.
Emerie's Store
A clothing shop located in Windhaven that supplies all manner of outdoor and training garments. It was inherited by Emerie after her father's disappearance, much to the consternation of her conservative and narrow-minded Illyrian relatives.
Athelwood
A sprawling estate to the northwest of Velaris, it belongs to Mor and she visits occasionally when she wants time alone.
Mr. Archeron's Gravesite
After his death at the hands of the King of Hybern, Feyre creates a small tombstone for her father on a wildflower hill on the outskirts of Velaris.
Hewn City
Located under the mountains in the Night Court, Hewn City is the counterpart to Velaris and is a dark, oppressive underground city, often referred to as the Court of Nightmares. It use to be the seat of the Night Court before Rhysand moved his court to Velaris. The inhabitants dislike Rhysand for his Illyrian heritage.
What do the Sacred Mountains of Prythian look like in ACOFAS?
The Middle - Sacred Mountain
One of the 3 sacred mountains of Prythian, it is located in a region called the Middle, that does not belong to a Court. The Mountain is believed to be the origin of the world. When the Mother dumped the Great Cauldron onto the land this mountain was the first item to be created.
Under the Mountain
A dark and oppressive underground lair previously occupied by Amarantha and her improvised court. She used her brute power and dark magic to trap all the High Fae from across Prythian in her court. She had built it under the Sacred Mountain in the Middle.
Mount Ramiel - Sacred Mountain
Another of the 3 sacred mountains of Prythian, Mount Ramiel is located in the Night Court and is part of the official Night Court insignia. It is also a holy site to the Illyrians and home to the Blood Rite, the Illyrian’s final test for young warriors to become true warriors.
What do the Mortal Lands look like in ACOFAS?
Band of Exiles Manor
A manor gifted by Lord Graysen to Jurian and Vassa in gratitude for their help defeating the King of Hybern. It is located in the Mortal Lands in Prythian.
The Wall
A great Wall that divides the Fae Lands from the Mortal Lands in Prythian and on the Continent. It was erected after the Human Fae War 500 years ago and with the signing of the Treaty that ended human slavery. The King of Hybern destroyed it with the Cauldron.
What does the Spring Court look like in ACOFAS?
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Spring Court - Tamlin’s Manor
Once a grand, enchanted estate in the Spring Court and Tamlin's main residence. It use to be a place of beauty, with perpetually blooming flowers and lush green rolling meadows, but has fallen into a state of dereliction.
Where to buy A Court of Frost and Starlight
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