Ultimately, A Court of Mist and Fury is a novel about recovery, rediscovery, and empowerment. Not only that, but it is the first novel of construction. It transported readers into the faerie world; it also built up the relationship between Feyre and Tamlin. However, the second novel in the series tears everything down. After her traumatic experiences Under the Mountain, Feyre begins to fall out of love with Tamlin, and their relationship disintegrates. It is a book of deconstruction and sheds light on the negative, often toxic aspects of their relationship.
A Court of Mist and Fury picks up after the events of the first novel in the series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. Once again, the novel follows Feyre Archeron, who has been transformed into a powerful High Fae. Not only that, Feyre continues her relationship with Tamlin, whom she believes she still loves. However, Feyre is deeply traumatized by the trials she endured Under the Mountain to save Tamlin from Amarantha's tyranny, causing her tremendous guilt and nightmares. In that sense, the novel also chronicles Feyre's transformation from a traumatized Fae warrior to an emboldened warrior.
As the story unfolds, Feyre becomes increasingly suffocated by Tamlin's overprotectiveness and contemplates their future together. As a result of Tamlin's behavior, their relationship starts to deteriorate. Fearing that he will lose her if he doesn't do anything, Tamlin locks Feyre away in the Spring Court mansion. However, her situation just as quickly changes when Rhysand intervenes and brings Feyre to the Night Court.
In the Night Court, Feyre begins to discover herself and works through her traumatic past. To that end, she trains with Cassian, discovers her newfound powers, and forms deep bonds with many new people. As Feyre spends more time in the Night Court, she begins to appreciate and fall in love with Rhysand, whom she previously didn't care for. Rhysand is a foil to Feyre; his character shows how love should be supportive and liberating rather than possessive and restrictive.
At the same time, Feyre notices a grave threat from the King of Hybern, who plans to destroy the wall dividing the mortal and fae realms so that he can conquer both. To do that, he has assembled the cauldron, a powerful ancient artifact, to break the wall. Rhysand and Feyre, with their allies, work together to stop Hybren.
The Night Court is a powerful contrast to the Spring Court. On the one hand, the Spring Court is bright but deceptive and stifling; the Night Court, on the other hand, is thought to be a desolate place, but it truly is warm and full of love and freedom.
