House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas – A Review

House of Earth and Blood: Crescent City, the story of half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan as she seeks revenge in a contemporary fantasy world of magic, danger, and searing romance.

Bound by blood. Tempted by desire. Unleashed by destiny.

This is going to be my spoiler-free review of House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas.

The Characters & World Building

This book blew me away. Wow. Honestly I went into it wondering what all the hype was over but by the end I could 100% understand it. What a book! I absolutely loved the main character, Bryce. I am absolutely nothing like her in terms of being a “party girl” but her love for her friends, her passion and her determination is such a breath of fresh air to read. Bryce’s relationship with Athalar was so satisfying to watch develop. It was the ultimate slow burner that never got boring. Which brings me onto my next point… I can’t not mention the sex scenes. I have to admit I was quite taken back at first but oof! The temperature between some of the characters rises during parts, mostly later on, but they are definitely “adult”, let’s just say that. *winky face*

as every nerve in her body exploded into starlight…

House of earth and blood: Crescent City by sarah j. maas

I never usually have much attachment to side characters but Lebabah stole my heart. Her personality shone throughout and I loved reading her relationship with Bryce. I could honestly talk all day about all the characters and what I loved about them but in an attempt to not ramble I will move on to the world building.

The way Sarah J. Maas set the tone for the world and the setting was impeccable. She has a true mastery for creating worlds and Crescent City is no exception. I could picture every curb, street and club so vividly in my mind as I listened to the audiobook. The voice acting alongside the incredibly detailed storytelling made for a gripping read that was hard to put down! Every spare second I had I wanted to pick up where I left off and find out what happened to Danika the Pack of Devils.

The Plot & Story Progression

This book is LONG. With over 800 pages of plot and story progression it would be easy to get bored in parts and admittedly thing were slower towards the middle of the book. The first 200 pages are so action packed, one shocking event or twist after another and then things mellow out in order to build characterisation, flesh out the plot and develop slowly towards those epic final chapters. The storyline is just so good, I was left absolutely gobsmacked at the final twists and turns in the plot. Some of the smaller plot lines were on the more predictable side but that didn’t take away from the main mission for Bryce. You really feel like you are there with her every step of the way.

“That’s the point of it, Bryce. Of life. To live, to love, knowing that it might all vanish tomorrow. It makes everything that much more precious”

House of earth and blood: Crescent City by Sarah j. maas

While the magic system, politics and vast array of characters does get slightly overwhelming and confusing towards the end. Author Sarah J. Maas does an excellent job of ensuring everything is explained in the dialogue which I appreciated.

The ending leaves us on a cliff hanger for the sequel which I am eager to get my hands on after finishing Crescent City. I am itching to find out what the future holds for Bryce and co following the events of House of Earth and Blood. However, something tells me we might be waiting a while for the sequel…

Final thoughts & Rating

Final thoughts? I am still reeling from this world. I feel so connected to all the characters and their intertwined relationships and how deep they are. This book really lived up to the hype and I recommend it to anyone who wants a long, thrilling, fantasy to sink their teeth into.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Want to get your hands on House of Earth and Blood: Crescent City for yourself? You can do so using my Waterstones, Book Depository or Amazon affiliate links.