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avialaeleigh's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Fucking Bryce going to Valaris and hanging out with the sass queen herself Nesta. The Asteri being intergalactic parasites that feed on people magic and all the shit that we learn about how Midgard came to be the way it is. Hel being another world and not a part of Midgard. Ruhn and Lidia being mates.
All the shit that goes one is just one roller coater after another. Honestly it's so hard to remember everything that happened it was all so crazy.
Of course it was great and I can't wait to read the next SJM book. Hopefully it's something in the ACOTAR world so we can see what Nesta goes with the starsword.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
itsme_bianca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I honestly struggled with finishing this book and it pains me to give it such a low rating, especially considering how I thought this series was going to be my favorite Sarah J. Maas’s one. However, I felt like for the majority of the book the essence of the characters was lost or changed entirely - part 2 was in fact the most difficult section to get through as I felt so distant from characters I truly came to love. The final part of the book was able to tie all together and I am satisfied enough with this ending - if it even is a true ending since there are so many questions left unanswered…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Drug use, Rape, Blood, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
poisonviolet's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
There is so so so many spoilers in this… read at your own risk!
The epic crossover in the SJM cinematic universe.
When I walked into the living room with this book in my hand my parents joked about it being bigger than the bible. Honestly, this was my bible. This is what I would swear on if sworn into office (there are so many books I could pick for that… Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Heir of Fire, ACOMAF, ACOWAR all by Sarah J Maas, etc. etc). Also, random thought, imagine the day that America loses its strange obsession with religion and people are sworn into office by putting a hand on like a bound fanfiction… okay anywhooooo back to my rant on this book….
That was INSANE, like absolutely insane! I was terrified of this book, terrified because I knew it would consume every fiber of my being. I was right with that thought. Hence why it took me so long to read. That and the fact its THICK and hella intimidating. I fear this made my craving for more Rhys and Feyre content even stronger, which is a crazy thing to say… I JUST NEED MORE OF THEM! THEY ARE JUST PRECIOUS AND MAKE ME SO GIDDY AND SDJALKSJD
I SOBBED, like full on SOBBED… not like ‘haha omg I'm sobbing’ NO I WAS/AM SOBBING! I am speechless… so I’m glad I wrote down some notes as I went, trying to put it together now is ridiculous…
Can we talk about the hurt/comfort we see between characters in this masterpiece… GIRL!!!! That was crazy, The “who hurt you? I’ll kill them” moments were SO strong and I’m a sucker for them (I’m insane, I’m very aware).
Reading about ACOTAR characters no matter how brief brought me so much joy. Even if it was Nesta, which I am still so conflicted on my feelings toward her. When reading A Court of Silver Flames I genuinely did not care, like girl, be for real… get over yourself! Sis was celebrated for doing the most obvious and right thing, whatever. But I don’tttt knowwwww!!! I’m so conflicted AHHH! But I enjoyed reading her no matter how I feel about her character because it gave me small glimpses into Feyre and Rhysands life and that's all a girl can ask for in life really.
When Az was talking Nesta down to take off The Mask *MAJOR CHEFS KISS*!!!!!! I screamed!
Not Nesta eating cake with Bryces parents, shes so me!
RHYS AND RANDALL BEING BESTIE DADS ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? IM MELTING!!!!
ALSO THE FACT THAT BRYCE IS SO POWERFUL SHE JUST TOOK THE MASK OFF, LIKE YOURE INSANE!!! YOURE SO INSANE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Random applause for Chapter 85 (before the smut) and the vulnerability Hunt and Bryce shared. Talking about how they were each others best friend, home, and Bryce goes to say that she never thought she’d have another chance at a best friend, at the kind of happiness they shared after the loss of her best friend Dankia but stops herself “After Danika I didn’t think…”. WHEN I TELL YOU THAT SH!T MADE ME CRY!!!! SARAH J MAAS YOU ARE SO CRUEL AND I ADORE YOU FOR IT!
I feel the need to go through this book and highlight my favorite bits and pieces, but I fear that project will take over my life, so maybe not until CC4.
“Through love all is possible” SDFKLHDFKDHSFID
SHE KNEW HER DEAD BESTIES WERE OKAY AND SAFE WAITING FOR HER WHEN HER TIME IS READY AND SOMEHOW THAT WAS EVERYTHING…… I WANT TO DIE!!!!!
The epic crossover in the SJM cinematic universe.
When I walked into the living room with this book in my hand my parents joked about it being bigger than the bible. Honestly, this was my bible. This is what I would swear on if sworn into office (there are so many books I could pick for that… Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young, Heir of Fire, ACOMAF, ACOWAR all by Sarah J Maas, etc. etc). Also, random thought, imagine the day that America loses its strange obsession with religion and people are sworn into office by putting a hand on like a bound fanfiction… okay anywhooooo back to my rant on this book….
That was INSANE, like absolutely insane! I was terrified of this book, terrified because I knew it would consume every fiber of my being. I was right with that thought. Hence why it took me so long to read. That and the fact its THICK and hella intimidating. I fear this made my craving for more Rhys and Feyre content even stronger, which is a crazy thing to say… I JUST NEED MORE OF THEM! THEY ARE JUST PRECIOUS AND MAKE ME SO GIDDY AND SDJALKSJD
I SOBBED, like full on SOBBED… not like ‘haha omg I'm sobbing’ NO I WAS/AM SOBBING! I am speechless… so I’m glad I wrote down some notes as I went, trying to put it together now is ridiculous…
Can we talk about the hurt/comfort we see between characters in this masterpiece… GIRL!!!! That was crazy, The “who hurt you? I’ll kill them” moments were SO strong and I’m a sucker for them (I’m insane, I’m very aware).
Reading about ACOTAR characters no matter how brief brought me so much joy. Even if it was Nesta, which I am still so conflicted on my feelings toward her. When reading A Court of Silver Flames I genuinely did not care, like girl, be for real… get over yourself! Sis was celebrated for doing the most obvious and right thing, whatever. But I don’tttt knowwwww!!! I’m so conflicted AHHH! But I enjoyed reading her no matter how I feel about her character because it gave me small glimpses into Feyre and Rhysands life and that's all a girl can ask for in life really.
When Az was talking Nesta down to take off The Mask *MAJOR CHEFS KISS*!!!!!! I screamed!
Not Nesta eating cake with Bryces parents, shes so me!
RHYS AND RANDALL BEING BESTIE DADS ARE YOU KIDDING?!?!? IM MELTING!!!!
ALSO THE FACT THAT BRYCE IS SO POWERFUL SHE JUST TOOK THE MASK OFF, LIKE YOURE INSANE!!! YOURE SO INSANE!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
Random applause for Chapter 85 (before the smut) and the vulnerability Hunt and Bryce shared. Talking about how they were each others best friend, home, and Bryce goes to say that she never thought she’d have another chance at a best friend, at the kind of happiness they shared after the loss of her best friend Dankia but stops herself “After Danika I didn’t think…”. WHEN I TELL YOU THAT SH!T MADE ME CRY!!!! SARAH J MAAS YOU ARE SO CRUEL AND I ADORE YOU FOR IT!
I feel the need to go through this book and highlight my favorite bits and pieces, but I fear that project will take over my life, so maybe not until CC4.
“Through love all is possible” SDFKLHDFKDHSFID
SHE KNEW HER DEAD BESTIES WERE OKAY AND SAFE WAITING FOR HER WHEN HER TIME IS READY AND SOMEHOW THAT WAS EVERYTHING…… I WANT TO DIE!!!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
_verena_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
chapters_and_pages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was huge but it was honestly worth every single word!
As this is book three in the series, I’m not going to delve into the plot much because spoilers, but oh my fucking god, this book, and series, is absolutely insane!
I love Maas’s characters, I can safely say that I am attached to each and every one of them and will defend them with my life.
Spoiler, but honestly, if you don’t know about it yet, I don’t know what to say, but Velaris! Nesta and Az! Cassian and Rhys and Amren! I don’t think I’ll recover.
I will admit, I would’ve liked a little more for the inner circle, especially the missing characters such as Feyre, Mor and Elain. Also, Feyre and Rhysand with little Nyx but I can wait…
Also, I want a book that is just Bryce’s parents, Ember and Randall, in Velaris with the Inner Circle. Honestly, I need it…
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be rocking back and forth in a dark corner should anyone need me…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
jess_thefacts's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
House of Flame and Shadow took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn’t fully prepared for, but absolutely loved. Sarah J. Maas has a gift for creating worlds and characters that feel so real, and in this third installment of the Crescent City series, she truly outdid herself.
From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times.
The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face.
House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.
From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.
What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times.
The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face.
House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, Medical content, and War
Minor: Addiction, Sexual violence, and Abandonment
House of Flame and Shadow took me on an emotional rollercoaster that I wasn’t fully prepared for, but absolutely loved. Sarah J. Maas has a gift for creating worlds and characters that feel so real, and in this third installment of the Crescent City series, she truly outdid herself. From the very beginning, I was drawn back into the lives of Bryce, Hunt, and the rest of the crew. The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the plot twists more jaw-dropping than ever before. There were moments that hit me so hard, I had to put the book down and just let the tears flow. Maas doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff, and it shows in the way she handles themes of love, loss, and sacrifice. What I loved most was how Maas continues to develop her characters. Bryce’s journey is one of resilience and strength, but also of vulnerability. Her struggles felt incredibly raw and relatable, and it was impossible not to feel every bit of her pain and triumph. Hunt, too, is a character who brings so much depth to the story, and their relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at times. The world-building, as always with Maas, is impeccable. The city of Lunathion feels alive, and the lore and magic that weave through the narrative are both intricate and fascinating. But it’s the emotional depth that really sets this book apart. There were multiple times when the intensity of the characters' experiences brought me to tears—whether it was from the heartache of loss, the beauty of love, or the sheer weight of the challenges they face. House of Flame and Shadow is a powerful continuation of the Crescent City series, blending high-stakes action with deeply emotional moments. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I know I’ll return to when I need to feel all the feels again. If you’re ready for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and hold your breath, this is the one.pagesbycaroline's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
950 pages is a lot. And I mean a lot. But it was so worth it. There were many elements to this book that I have much appreciation for. First and foremost, I liked the variety in narrators. We got to experience the story from at least six perspectives, many of whom were new to this book. We also got to see the choices of each character from at least one other's perspective. Next, the crossover was *chef's kiss*. I was a bit worried it would feel overpowering but Crescent City and its characters remained at the forefront. My little Maas-loving heart was overjoyed with confirmation that not one but BOTH series connected to CC. Thirdly, the worldbuilding of this series is just incredible and leaves me reeling each time I read it. Not only does it have my favorite elements of both ToG and ACOTAR, but it also had the blend of technology and magic AND the Ultra Powerful Bad Guys who seem like they can't be topped in SJM's series, but she somehow STILL does it. Each detail is crafted so well that nothing can be overlooked and always ends up being vital to the story. The details that this author crafts in each one of her books continue to astonish me. Next, I just adore these characters. It took some time for them to grow on me, but I would say now that Bryce is one of my favorite protagonists and Hunt is definitely my favorite mate. They both feel so real to me, in more ways than I can describe. I love Bryce's resilience, stubbornness, resourcefulness, and more than that her love for others. She cares so deeply about her world and the people in it, more so than I've seen in other characters. I can't exactly explain what it is that I love so much about her, but she is a character I hold dear.
Some of my favorite things from this one:
-Ithan. Just Ithan.
-Bryce and Nesta's pseudo-alliance
-the fact that AZRIEL is with them the whole time
-Danika mentions!
-And Baxian!! Danika's mate!!
-Hunt going through capital T Trauma with his friends and them being buddies after (don't get me wrong, the actual torture was not good and I HATE the Asteri for it, but I love that Hunt is just constantly reminded how good of friends he has now)
-The Asteri were IN Prythian??
-Silene's story and all the connections
-Rhysand and Bryce and Ruhn have the same bloodline!
-Bryce totally outsmarting the Autumn King
-Lidia POV!!
‐Lidia to the rescue
-Lidia has sons??
-Jesiba backstory
-Bryce outsmarting King Morven
-Ruhn to the rescue
-Lidia backstory
-Hel to the rescue
-Isaiah and Naomi as allies
-Celestina as an ally
-Hypaxia doing Science
-Ithan is Prime!!
-Hypaxia is Head of HoFaS?
-The Fallen, coming back to fight with Hunt! Finishing what they started
-Bryce killed one of them!
-Everyone now has magic powers?! Yes, please
-Lidia! From Brannon's bloodline! With magic
-Shahar helping to rescue Hunt's mate
-Jesiba's sacrifice
-Paradise after death, and everyone is there! Danica included!
-Bryce leaving the Starsword with Nesta
-Everyone at peace, even if they have to build a new world
I just loved this book, and this series. It took some time to adjust to them in the beginning, but now I am so sad to leave the world of Lunathion behind. However, I will happily return, whenever that may be.
-Ithan. Just Ithan.
-Bryce and Nesta's pseudo-alliance
-the fact that AZRIEL is with them the whole time
-Danika mentions!
-And Baxian!! Danika's mate!!
-Hunt going through capital T Trauma with his friends and them being buddies after (don't get me wrong, the actual torture was not good and I HATE the Asteri for it, but I love that Hunt is just constantly reminded how good of friends he has now)
-The Asteri were IN Prythian??
-Silene's story and all the connections
-Rhysand and Bryce and Ruhn have the same bloodline!
-Bryce totally outsmarting the Autumn King
-Lidia POV!!
‐Lidia to the rescue
-Lidia has sons??
-Jesiba backstory
-Bryce outsmarting King Morven
-Ruhn to the rescue
-Lidia backstory
-Hel to the rescue
-Isaiah and Naomi as allies
-Celestina as an ally
-Hypaxia doing Science
-Ithan is Prime!!
-Hypaxia is Head of HoFaS?
-The Fallen, coming back to fight with Hunt! Finishing what they started
-Bryce killed one of them!
-Everyone now has magic powers?! Yes, please
-Lidia! From Brannon's bloodline! With magic
-Shahar helping to rescue Hunt's mate
-Jesiba's sacrifice
-Paradise after death, and everyone is there! Danica included!
-Bryce leaving the Starsword with Nesta
-Everyone at peace, even if they have to build a new world
I just loved this book, and this series. It took some time to adjust to them in the beginning, but now I am so sad to leave the world of Lunathion behind. However, I will happily return, whenever that may be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Torture, Blood, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
kshertz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It was captivating and once you start reading it, you never want to stop! I enjoyed the ride and was happy I had the time to invest in this world. It’s incredible to think an 800+ page book would leave some things unwrapped but it did! Most of it was amazing but the lackluster smut and overall feeling of wait, that’s it?! Made it not 5 stars. But pretty close! It’s worth a read and it’s a much better universe to get lost in than our current one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
kat1105's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
ladyrambo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Suicide
Minor: Sexual violence and Kidnapping